Often we hear and think that every grade of paper should contain recycled fiber. That this is the most environmentally approach. This may not be the case when we look at the science which is what Sappi Fine Paper did.
There is more to using recycled fiber than the amount of paper being recycled. To use recycled fiber in paper products different processing techniques such as de-inking and bleaching need to be done to the fiber. These techniques have an impact on the enviroment. To create a “higher quality” product there is more processing required for using the recycled fiber.
For example, to use fiber in coated graphics applications the fiber must be deinked and bleached, which requires high levels of electrical energy as well as bleaching chemicals and results in a lower yield (more waste).
On the other hand, recycled fiber can be used in applications like egg cartons, paper board packaging (e.g., cereal boxes) or paper towels typically without requiring deinking or bleaching—a better use for recycled fiber.
Read the full report at http://www.na.sappi.com/eQ/insights.html
