Reduced Water and Energy Consumption
Water is used in all the major processes involved in paper manufacturing, from growing the trees to making the pulp, vast amounts of water are needed to produce brand new paper stocks. So much so that a piece of A4 pulp paper can use up to 20 litres of water during its production. Hand in hand with water, energy is also a major factor in paper manufacturing. It takes 70% less energy and water to recycle paper than it does to create new paper from trees. By opting for recycled stocks, you and your customers can be safe in the knowledge that less water and energy is going to waste.
Reduced Landfill Waste
Burying waste paper as landfill releases methane gas, which is 23 time higher and more harmful to the environment than CO2. Purchasing print that comes on recycled paper stocks helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up at landfill as paper can be recycled up to incredible 5 times. If your business is conscious about their impact on the environment, a recycled stock is a step in the right direction.
Reduced Pollution
Bleaching is a process that new paper is put through as a pulp when it is being manufactured. Bleaching is used to help to prevent discolouration during storage, stop yellowing during exposure to sunlight, and to help maintain the strength of the material during the rest of the manufacturing process. Bleaching is an essential part of any new papers manufacturing process but isn't the case for recycled papers. Recycled paper is never usually re-bleached which is great news for the environment as the bleaching process releases a range of nasty pollutants. With no need for bleaching, it also means that recycled paper has no need for additional water and chemical consumption.
Reduced Environmental Impact
As well as saving on water and energy, opting for recycled papers helps to protect against harvesting and logging, preserving a selection of natural habitats and wildlife that live in trees.
Around 35% of all trees cut down are used to make paper – that's 160,000km² of forest chopped down every year. Opting for recycled paper helps to reduce logging, the process of cutting, processing, and moving trees to a location for transport. A reduction in the number of trees being cut down also helps wildlife! Having more trees around means that we can protect the natural habitats of our wonderful birds, insects and a wide variety of wildlife that live in trees as well as provide the earth with more oxygen whilst removing carbon dioxide.
If you want to discover the options for sustainable printing, visit our printing and design services page.
At The Unique Enterprises we work with your business and support you, from logo creation to business stationery printing, uniform embroidery and website design.
Like to know more? Contact us today to find out how we can help you!