Paper Production Is A Major Cause Of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The paper, pulp and print sector is one of the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases, accounting for 0.8% of European emissions.[1]

The paper industry’s carbon emissions have reduced by 48% per tonne of product from 1990 to 2019.[2] The European pulp and paper industry is also the biggest single user and producer of renewable energy in Europe, with 62% of its primary energy consumption coming from renewable sources.[3]

The industry’s primary on-site energy source (not including bought-in electricity) is biomass at 55%, followed by gas at 28%. The remaining 17% are other fossil fuels and net bought electricity.[4]

The industry has consistently increased its use of biomass since 1991, rising by 83% to 754,185 tonnes in 2019.

Cepi, Key Statistics, 2020

The print and paper industry is one of the lowest industrial greenhouse gas emitters in Europe, accounting for just 0.8% of emissions. This is low compared to non-metallic mineral products industries (5.6%) and basic metal industries (4.8%).

European Environment Agency, Annual European Union Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2018, 2020

Between 2010 and 2018, the European paper industry reduced its total primary energy consumption by 11.6% and it is now lower than it was at the beginning of this century. The European paper industry produces 54.3% of its electricity onsite, of which more than 96% is generated through highly efficient CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plants.[4]

The environmental impact of our personal paper consumption may not be as high as you think. In Europe, we each use an average of 119kg of paper every year.[5] This amount of paper produces 73kg of CO2[6], which is equal to driving about 600 kilometres in an average European car.[7]

By using paper from sustainably managed forests and always recycling, we really do not have to feel guilty about using this natural and renewable product.

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