a single-use product which typically goes to waste after use. Tissue products nevertheless fit neatly into existing waste management schemes and can in many cases provide a benefit such as incineration with energy recovery or composting.
Driving circularity up and down the
value chain Many tissue paper producers are supporting the development of new, circular business models using innovation to create closed-loop products and processes. This will serve to increase product recovery and minimise waste. There is a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transferring to renewable energy and decreasing water use. Some 58% of Europe’s pulp and paper industry’s energy consumption already comes from renewable biomass, and it is proud to be the largest single user and producer of bio-energy in Europe.
The sector also continues to work on reducing its impact on water consumption and is an active partner in the development of water stewardship. Paper making machines have reduced water consumption by 30% over the past 10 years as a result of more efficient water circulation, and the amount of water needed to produce one ton of pulp has fallen five-fold since 1970.
Many individual producers are promoting zero waste to landfill, eliminating waste, reducing packaging weight and fostering recyclable packaging and the use of recycled content. They are also exploring innovation in product design and development. In the area of ‘reduce’, the industry is seeing the emergence of new products that use less material for the same functionality. It is also witnessing new sustainable products that use fresh wood-based fibre, recycled fibres and alternative fibres.
It's important to promote circularity in this regard in order to increase the availability of paper for recycling as a secondary raw material. Recycling plays an important role in the sustainability of the paper cycle. Paper recycling rates rise every year and currently stand at 71% in Europe.
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Tissue paper producers are working together with their packaging suppliers to turn waste into a resource through collection, sorting and recycling.
Placing the customer at the centre
Key to driving a more sustainable and circular tissue paper industry is placing customers at the centre and ensuring that they are kept informed. Many tissue paper producers provide easy-to-understand information about sustainable production and consumption, proper waste disposal and anti-littering. It is provided to both consumers and professional customers to keep them up-to-speed and encourage them to play their part in driving circularity.
Sustainability is often described as having three pillars – environmental, economic and societal. Tissue paper products play an essential role here too. Tissue is a material that makes our world better. Tissue products are essential for people’s health and hygiene, and reduce the risk of infection while upholding cleanliness.
Tissue paper products, from toilet tissue and handkerchiefs to paper towels and kitchen roll, will continue to offer a sustainable, hygienic and practical solution both inside and outside the home in the years to come.
www.europeantissue.com TOMORROW'S CLEANING | 39
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