Learn the Facts About Recycled Paper

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Southern Indiana, the average American uses 85,000,000 tons of paper a year, which is the equivalent of about seven trees per year. With a growing concern amongst the public for recycling and an increasing drive to lightening our carbon footprint, the paper has become the most recycled product in the U.S. today. The United States recycles over 47 million tons of paper each year. Recycling a ton of paper saves 17 trees, 380 gallons of oils, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kW of energy and 7,000 gallons of water. Recycling paper helps preserve our resources.

We now have the technological advancements and intelligence to use recycled paper and paper products to create high-quality products that adhere to the same standards and technical specifications as virgin paper. Over the years, the quality of recycled paper has dramatically improved however many myths still exist. In an effort to educate the public about the quality and advancements of recycled paper and recycled paper products, we decided to debunk the leading myths once and for all.

Leading Recycled Paper Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Recycled paper doesn't look or feel as professional as virgin paper

This is simply untrue. As we stated earlier, technology has advanced the recycling process and facilities over the years. Now high-quality recycled paper and paper products match the quality of the virgin paper. Business cardstock, letterheads, brochure paper, tissues, and paper towels are all available using high-quality recycle paper products.

Myth 2: Recycled paper products cost more than virgin paper

Recycled paper products and virgin paper products are typically comparable in cost. In the instances where recycled paper costs more, the different is as low as 10- 20%. In the end, however, recycled paper product’s benefits our environment and continually outweigh this cost difference.

Myth 3: All paper is recycled now

At its height of success, recycled paper products only make up 10% of the printing and paper industry. Besides, a significant portion of those "recycled paper products" sold were made using high amounts of virgin materials. The demand for the recycled paper product has actually been declining due to this misconception amongst buyers that they no longer have to ask for recycled paper.

Myth 4: Recycled paper causes paper jams in printers and copiers

The recycled paper should cause no issues for printing or copying equipment. Just like with virgin paper, the key is to use the correct paper for the job.

Myth 5: The fibers in recycled paper create excess dust which can damage machinery.

This is a potential issue for virgin paper as well. In order to reduce the incidence of dust, be sure to use high-quality virgin or recycled paper.

Myth 6: Tree-free and chlorine-free recycled paper are the best.

Tree-free and chlorine-free paper are much different than recycled paper. Tree-free paper is made from alternative fiber sources such as cotton or hemp. The chlorine-free paper refers to the bleaching process of paper. Neither of these terms relates to the recycling process of the source materials. However, a vast majority of recycled paper products are also classified as processed chlorine free or PCF, which makes them environmentally friendly in an additional way.

Myth 7: Burning paper for energy is more efficient and environmentally friendly than recycling it.

While there may be truth in the statement, you can only burn paper for energy once. Whereas paper can be recycled over and over again, therefore there is much more value over time by recycling paper.

Myth 8: The process of producing recycled paper actually damages the environment.

During the production process for both recycled and virgin paper a sludge is created. This sludge typically tests non-toxic. However, when it does prove toxic, the sludge can be disposed of appropriately. With that being said, the recycled paper helps protect the environment by reducing the need to cut down trees and decreasing the amount of water and energy used in the production process.

Myth 9: Using recycled paper doesn't actually make that big of a difference to the environment.

This is definitely the biggest myth of all! According to the EPA, the decomposition of virgin paper in a landfill is one of the most significant sources of methane gas, which is a major contributor to global warming. Not only does recycled paper eliminate the amount of paper in landfills but it also saves on energy, water, pollution, and trees.

Make the Switch to Recycled Paper Products Today

Help protect our environment and our resources by making the switch from virgin paper to recycled paper products. At Greenline Paper, we carry a wide variety of the highest quality recycled paper products at the lowest cost. Shop with us today!