Paper Products - Recycled

Paper-based products have received widespread attention with respect to their impact on the environment, namely the harvesting of paper-fibre from virgin or unsustainably managed forest resources and the air and water emissions associated with their production and disposal. Ironically, the versatility of paper means that paper-based products have and will continually to remain commonplace. These products include paper carton-board (i.e. cereal boxes), cases, cartons and wrapping paper; solid fibre products including picture backing, game boards and book covers; macerated paper products such as thermal insulation and padded envelopes; and finally a host of general everyday items.

Fortunately, advances in recycling technologies and product innovation have seen environmentally preferable recycled paper products increase in popularity. These products solve issues associated with the sourcing of virgin paper-fibre, employ the use of a major waste resources otherwise destined for landfill and most importantly, match and if not surpass virgin paper-based products for functionality and performance. Depending on the type of product, the key attributes of an environmentally preferable paper-based product are as follows:

• Paperboard Products – Must contain sustainable paper-fibre only; made of at least 70% recycled paper by weight of which at least 25% must be post-consumer fibre; made using biodegradable surfactants (cleaning agents) and no chlorine-based bleaches; must be readily recyclable.
• General Products – Must contain sustainable paper-fibre only; made entirely of recycled paper of which at least 50% by weight is post-consumer fibre; made using biodegradable surfactants (cleaning agents) and no chlorine-based bleaches; must be readily recyclable.
• Macerated Paper Products - Must contain sustainable paper-fibre only; the product and all packaging must be made entirely of recycled paper of which at least 80% by weight is post-consumer fibre; insulation products must not contain organohalides; outer liners must be at least 20% recycled paper (10% post-consumer); must be readily recyclable.
• Moulded Paper Products - made entirely of recycled paper of which at least 75% by weight is post-consumer fibre.

Consumer Behaviour Tips

• The higher the recycled content the better;
• Select products made from sustainable paper-fibre, and avoid virgin paper-fibre products or those that do not state the source of the fibre;
• Make sure the product can be easily recycled at end of life - avoid plastic coated or laminated products.
• Opt for products made without hazardous substances, ozone-depleting emissions and chlorine-based bleaches.

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Recycled Paper Products: www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm