recycling
recycling
Recycled Paper: Exploding the Myths
Paper and paper products are the largest single component of society’s
waste stream. The movement to recycle paper and manufacture products
is primarily an effort to reduce the amount of costly, disposable
waste. When we choose to use recycled paper for our businesses and
homes, we don't have to sacrifice quality. Recycled paper is readily
available in many high quality grades meeting the same technical
specifications as virgin (tree) paper. The quality of recycled paper
has improved significantly over the years, so that it performs well in
office copiers, fax machines, printers and printing machines.
The First Paper Mill in the U.S. Recycled
Believe it or not, the very first paper mill originated in the U.S.
colonies in 1690 close to Philadelphia, and operated as a recycling
mill. The paper mill created paper from recycled cotton and rags. It
wasn't until the 1800s that papermakers learned to make paper from
trees. Back then papermakers thought the resources of the forest were
limitless and capable of constantly renewing itself. Today we realize
that our natural resources do have limits and sustainable alternatives
must be implemented to protect the world's environment.
recycle
Just the Facts
Recycled paper is widely used in products today. Newspapers,
magazines, books catalogs, direct mail, tissue and towel products,
packaging products and more use recycled paper. Still, there are many
myths surrounding recycling and recycled paper.
Myth 1: Recycled paper doesn't have a professional appearance.
You can easily find a variety of quality and grades available. You'll
find paper made just for business cards, letterhead, and brochures,
tissue and towel papers and more just as easily in recycled paper
products. Recycled paper is often cost-comparative to virgin paper.
Myth 2: It doesn't make sense to buy recycled products because they
cost more. In the instances where recycled paper does cost more than
virgin paper, the average cost difference is generally around 10 to
20-percent. The tremendous benefits to the environment outweigh this
cost difference in the end.
Myth 3: You compromise quality when you go with recycled paper products.
When recycled paper was first introduced, it was known for being
discolored and uneven in texture and appearance. Today’s recycled
paper products with even 100-percent post consumer content are
comparable in quality to virgin paper products.
Myth 4: All paper is recycled now anyway.
Actually post-consumer recycled paper comprises only about 10-percent
of the printing and stationary market. 90-percent of these industries
still use virgin paper.
Myth 5: The poor quality of recycled paper creates paper jams in machines.
You should have no problem finding quality, recycled paper to use in
printers, fax machines copiers and other equipment. Whether you are
using recycled paper or virgin paper the key is to pick the right paper
for the task (e.g. copier paper for the copier).
Myth 6: The fibers in recycled paper create excess dust which can damage machinery.
This is not just a recycled paper issue. Whether you choose recycled
paper or virgin paper, make sure to use high quality paper to reduce
the incidence of dust.
Myth 7: Tree-free and chlorine-free recycled paper is the best.
This is an example of misused definitions. "Tree-free" refers to an
alternative fiber source such as hemp, kenaf or cotton which is used to
make the paper. "Chlorine-free" refers to the bleaching process.
These terms are not directly related to the recycling process. Most
recycled papers however, are classified as processed chlorine-free
(PCF) which makes them environmentally friendly in this additional way.
Myth 8: Burning paper for energy is much better than recycling.
Paper can be recycled over and over multiple times. This saves trees,
water, energy and reduces pollution, increasing the value of recycling.
Myth 9: Recycling paper damages the environment.
Ultimately, recycling conserves the environment by saving trees, water
and energy. However, there is a sludge produced from recycling as in
virgin paper production. Most sludge tests non-toxic, but toxic sludge
can be properly disposed of.