While people are spot on with their concern about the ruthless cutting down of trees, they should know that, by using the right kind of paper, they’re actually contributing to responsible tree farming, forest conservation and the mitigation of climate change.
This may seem like a contradiction in terms but, when one considers the facts, it is indeed the paper industry that ensures more trees are planted each year than are harvested.
Along with recycling, the intelligent use of paper is one of the ways to support a sustainable future – but it’s all about making an ethical choice. Consider that cardboard box in your office, the paper in your printer, the pages of your favourite book or the cover of that glossy magazine you love to read. Do you know where and how the wood is harvested from which those products are manufactured? This is an important question, as trees and forests are essential to a healthy environment. They sustain vital plants and wildlife, filter water and air and reduce greenhouse gases by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their irresponsible demolition has a devastating effect on the ecosystem and on climate change.
‘Paper manufacturers don’t seem to care’
Still, some paper manufacturers don’t seem to care. A recent investigation by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) found that paper from tropical forests was used in as many as 19 out of 51 children’s books in Germany, many of which are well known titles. This highlights the fact that printers, publishers, consumers – anyone using paper – should ensure that the products they use are derived from sustainable wood sources in well-managed plantations, as opposed to tropical forests.
The products from global pulp and paper manufacturer, Sappi, which goes to great lengths to ensure sustainable practices in all areas of its business, are an example of this. Sappi’s pulp, paper and board are all 100% renewable, recyclable products that are processed from wood using bio-based energy. Once used, they can be recycled up to six times. ‘We don’t procure wood fibre from endangered forests anywhere in the world,’ says Sappi Fine Paper marketing director, Bernhard Riegler. ‘We source our wood fibre from forests that are constantly replanted and sustainably managed without leaving an environmental legacy of pollution, indestructible litter, ocean pollution or a high use of fossil fuel energy.’
In every region where it operates, Sappi has strict procurement policies related to a wide variety of issues, including the management of plantation forests and harvesting. In southern Africa, wood is sourced from the company’s own plantations and other growers in the region. No indigenous wood is used in this region. In North America or Europe, where Sappi does not have its own plantations, wood is procured from certified and controlled sources.
‘Certified, wellmanaged forests are crucial’
Certification gives the consumer the assurance that the products they buy have been legally logged in accordance with sound environmental practices. A certified wood source firstly assures that forests and plantations producing wood products are run according to criteria aimed at responsible management. Secondly, Chain of Custody (CoC) certification tracks and assures that wood products originate from certified forests and plantations. Sappi has achieved certification by the three most internationally recognised forest products certification programmes - the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
‘Consumers help to mitigate the effects of climate change.’
Sustainably managed forests are also effective sequesters of carbon. So, by buying paper sourced from such forests, consumers are in fact helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Sappi is also taking a prominent stand in this area by measuring its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). This has been ongoing for almost ten years and last year the company was recognised internationally, with a fifth place in the South African Disclosure Project Leadership Index. Sappi was also included in the top performers’ list of 16 companies in terms of its actual performance with regards to climate mitigation and adaptation actions.
If you’re really concerned about ‘green’ issues and a sustainable future, there are many good reasons why you should buy paper, but always consider the source. Is that product ruining a natural forest, or supporting a sustainably-managed plantation that benefits the environment in a myriad of ways? Your choice makes a difference.
The paper and pulp industry is the only viable industry in the world which has the ability to take carbon out of the atmosphere. Others can reduce their footprint and emissions, but will always emit. So, the more paper people demand, the more trees will have to be grown to supply in the future demand and in turn more carbon is taken out of the atmosphere.
For more information on Sappi Fine Paper go to the Buyers Guide
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