New life cycle assessment praises recycled paper
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In an updated life cycle assessment for graphic papers, the Federal Environment Agency once again comes to the conclusion that recycled papers perform better than virgin fibre paper with regard to clearly defined parameters. If the mix of virgin fibre papers from integrated and non-integrated production commonly used on the market is taken as a basis, savings of 78 per cent water, 68 per cent energy and 15 per cent CO2 equ. emissions are achieved and make a clear case for recycled paper.
The decisive factor is the environmental impact of the production process, including the upstream chains up to the provision of the finished product at the exit of the mill (cradle-to-gate). In practice, these are particularly efficient at Steinbeis Papier's plant in Glückstadt: recycled paper is subject to the principle of closed-loop recycling from procurement and production to use and re-procurement. Furthermore, the small amount of wastewater that is produced despite the largely closed water cycle is treated in the mill's own fully biological wastewater treatment plant. Thanks to state-of-the-art fluidised bed technology and cogeneration, the Steinbeis power plant covers 100 percent of the thermal and 50 percent of the electrical energy demand.
In the new study, the Federal Environment Agency has added further qualitative aspects such as biodiversity, land use change and carbon storage in forests. The following applies to recycled paper from Steinbeis Papier: not a single new tree is felled, as 100 percent recovered paper is used for production. In this respect, users of recycled paper know that their decision contributes to the well-being of biodiversity, to a reduction of negative land use conditions and ultimately to climate protection.
And Steinbeis Paper achieves savings potentials that even exceed the general life cycle assessment values of the Federal Environment Agency: By switching to ReThinkingPaper, customers save 73 percent energy,79 percent water and 42 percent CO2 equ. emissions compared to conventional paper. Steinbeis Papier thus links its products with a clear message for a consistent rethink on the subject of resource conservation. "With one of the most modern paper mills in Europe, we guarantee that high-quality products are manufactured under particularly energy-efficient, low-emission and resource-saving conditions. The new life cycle assessment confirms our commitment with valid data and shows that we at Steinbeis Papier are consistently taking the path towards more climate, environmental and resource protection," says Ulrich Feuersinger, Managing Director at Steinbeis Papier.
