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Paper Packaging Helps To Tackle Climate Change
Paper Packaging Helps To Tackle Climate Change
Through its contribution to the bioeconomy, the forest products industry plays a critical role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration and improved resource efficiency.
Between 2010 and 2020, the average annual sequestration of carbon in forest biomass reached 155 million tonnes in the European region. In the EU-28, sequestration corresponds to around 10% of gross greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon is sequestered in biomass through tree growth. As a result, forests contain large stocks of carbon in biomass, dead organic matter and soil, which can either increase or decrease, depending on forest management practices and the frequency and severity of natural disturbances.
Demand for responsibly produced wood products, such as timber, paper, and paper packaging, ensures the long-term growth of forests. Carbon stock in forest biomass in Europe is increasing, representing a significant sink of CO2 emissions.[1]
When a tree is harvested, the carbon is no longer stored in the forest but remains in the products produced from the wood, such as paper, paperboard and timber.
Paper recycling helps to extend the period during which the carbon is locked away. The wood fibres contained within paper packaging can be used throughout multiple product life cycles. When the fibres cannot be processed anymore, they can be used as a biofuel in the creation of green energy.
Forests play a critical role in mitigating CO2 levels, but reducing emissions from manufacturing processes is just as essential as protecting forest resources.
The European paper industry hasreduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2005.
The European paper industry has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2005 and increased the share of renewable energy consumption to 62%.[2]
The corrugated board sector, in just three years between 2015 and 2018, reduced the carbon emissions of one tonne of product by 11%.[3]
At a product level, the European kraft paper and paper sack industry has put further efforts into improving its carbon footprint. Between 2015 and 2018, the carbon intensity of a single paper sack was reduced by 8%.[4]
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