During 2009, sustainability became more significant following the effects of the global economic downturn and whilst the paper industry is still viewed by some as innately unsustainable, this misconception is constantly being challenged.In September 2009, a UK initiative by the print and paper industry named Two Sides was launched. It’s objective is to challenge perceptions surrounding the production and use of paper and also support its continued presence in the future media mix.
The initiative is intended to alert people to the fact that, as well as being a powerful eco-friendly media, paper is also one of the few sustainable industries. For instance, did you know that more trees are planted every year than are cut down? And, more importantly, producing and reading a traditional newspaper consumes 20% less energy than firing up your computer and reading online for more than 30 minutes.
Together with initiatives such as Two Sides, other organisations, such as the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) are dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Founded in 1993, the FSC offers a solution which certifies that any paper products used by businesses come from well managed sources and provide a guarantee of the sustainability of the resources that led to their production.
Looking ahead, it is clear that these guarantees are becoming more crucial within the print and paper industries and that only those committed in the long term to sustainability, can truly prosper during the next 12 months.
