October 29, 2024 The Problem of Paper Waste: When Recycling Isn’t Enough Despite the digital age reducing some of our reliance on paper, the problem of paper waste is still a growing concern. In Europe alone, around 130 million tonnes of pulp and paper are produced yearly, resulting in 11 million tonnes of waste.[1] Paper production contributes to deforestation and carbon emissions, and a staggering amount of paper waste ends up in landfills. The pulp and paper industry plays a big role in the circular economy. Finding new ways to use this specific type of waste is crucial for advancing sustainability. With our new partner ALTED Materials, we look at the environmental impact of paper waste in this article and offer a solution in the form of Paper Waste Panels. Paper waste recycling Paper production consumes vast amounts of natural resources, including water and energy, and depending on the type of paper, trees, cotton plants or other vegetation sources. But have you ever considered the issues arising with paper waste? Even with recycling efforts, a significant challenge persists: paper can only be recycled a finite number of times. Each cycle weakens the cellulose fibres (the main structural component of plant cell walls), making them too short to be used again in traditional paper products. When this happens, the remaining cellulose residue (‘paper pulp’ or ‘paper sludge’) typically ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and releasing greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. In Europe alone, over 70% (about 8 million tonnes[2]) of all paper waste originates from the production of deinked recycled paper, which cannot be recycled into new paper again. The electronic revolution predicted lessened paper usage, but that didn’t happen. In fact, from 2010 to 2060, the global consumption of pulp and paper is expected to double[3]. This means the amount of paper waste will also double. Time for a solution to this growing problem! Paper Waste Panels: Stripe (Terracotta) Paper Waste Panels Paper Waste Panels offer a second life to this unusable paper waste using boards that repurpose the cellulose residue from paper mills and post-consumer corrugated cardboard waste. Mixed with water and enzymes, the bond between the short cellulose fibres is strengthened. Paper Waste Panels are pressed with three distinct patterns, and are now available in five colours. These fully recyclable construction-ready panels are perfect for interior partitioning and cladding. They are strong, lightweight and completely non-toxic, making them a healthier choice for the built environment. In addition, the panels are demountable and fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Once they have served their purpose, they can be reintegrated into the production process, allowing the material to be reused in new panels. This creates a closed-loop system, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry. Learn more Paper Waste Panels offer a balance of aesthetics, performance and the lowest ecological impact. Circular, reusable, and sustainable. Order your samples here Paper Waste Panels: Line, Drop & Stripe (Graphite) Paper Waste Panels: Stripe (Olive) The construction industry is known for its high environmental impact, but solutions like Paper Waste Panels can help shift the industry toward more sustainable practices, proving that building materials don’t have to come at the planet’s expense. Click here to find out how it’s made. Sources: [1] cordis.europa.eu / cepi.org [2] sciencedirect.com / scopus.com [3] theworldcounts.com
Paper waste recycling Paper production consumes vast amounts of natural resources, including water and energy, and depending on the type of paper, trees, cotton plants or other vegetation sources. But have you ever considered the issues arising with paper waste? Even with recycling efforts, a significant challenge persists: paper can only be recycled a finite number of times. Each cycle weakens the cellulose fibres (the main structural component of plant cell walls), making them too short to be used again in traditional paper products. When this happens, the remaining cellulose residue (‘paper pulp’ or ‘paper sludge’) typically ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and releasing greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. In Europe alone, over 70% (about 8 million tonnes[2]) of all paper waste originates from the production of deinked recycled paper, which cannot be recycled into new paper again. The electronic revolution predicted lessened paper usage, but that didn’t happen. In fact, from 2010 to 2060, the global consumption of pulp and paper is expected to double[3]. This means the amount of paper waste will also double. Time for a solution to this growing problem! Paper Waste Panels: Stripe (Terracotta) Paper Waste Panels Paper Waste Panels offer a second life to this unusable paper waste using boards that repurpose the cellulose residue from paper mills and post-consumer corrugated cardboard waste. Mixed with water and enzymes, the bond between the short cellulose fibres is strengthened. Paper Waste Panels are pressed with three distinct patterns, and are now available in five colours. These fully recyclable construction-ready panels are perfect for interior partitioning and cladding. They are strong, lightweight and completely non-toxic, making them a healthier choice for the built environment. In addition, the panels are demountable and fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Once they have served their purpose, they can be reintegrated into the production process, allowing the material to be reused in new panels. This creates a closed-loop system, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry. Learn more Paper Waste Panels offer a balance of aesthetics, performance and the lowest ecological impact. Circular, reusable, and sustainable. Order your samples here Paper Waste Panels: Line, Drop & Stripe (Graphite) Paper Waste Panels: Stripe (Olive) The construction industry is known for its high environmental impact, but solutions like Paper Waste Panels can help shift the industry toward more sustainable practices, proving that building materials don’t have to come at the planet’s expense. Click here to find out how it’s made. Sources: [1] cordis.europa.eu / cepi.org [2] sciencedirect.com / scopus.com [3] theworldcounts.com