88 PRT GROUP /SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021 6.3.2. Some details of the paper recycling process The use of paper and its recycling modes have always been at the core of the debate at an international level, especially when it comes to reforestation. Paper recycling is a wider and more complex issue than one could ever imagine. As reported by Two Sides20, a trustworthy website, Europe is the world leader in paper recycling. In 2020, 74% of the total used paper was actually recycled; it is a remarkable figure as it represents the growing commitment by European companies. However, paper is not recyclable to infinity; it is calculated that used paper fiber can be reused up to three times. That is why, when reconstructing recycled paper, some virgin fibers are included, coming from sustainable forests. It is estimated that, in 2020, recycled paper was made as of 56% from recycled paper and as of 44% from virgin fibers. So, including virgin fiber is a fundamental step in order to keep the recycled paper cycle alive and well. If this did not happen, used fibers – that can be used up to three times – would finish earlier, while more and more virgin fibers would be needed. Also, the latter are necessary in order to ensure a minimum degree of paper firmness and performance. Since many years, PRT Group disposes of the total amount of its paper scraps by recycling them; but it uses a little amount of recycled paper, when compared to its total production, and there are several reasons behind that. First, it is necessary to consider the real availability of recycled paper. The latter is mostly used in packaging, which is characterized by disposable materials, and recycled paper is the ideal solution. Also, in the packaging field, demand for recycled paper exceeds offer. That is why, in the graphic printing sector, recycled paper is more expensive than paper containing virgin fibers. The second aspect to consider is about the paper’s final quality. If compared to paper containing virgin fibers, recycled paper is less robust and could result less suitable for high-volume printing systems and envelope packaging. Also, a possible darker color than the natural white characterizing virgin fibers could heavily influence a customer’s choice. As recently reported in a study by Two Sides, all these elements combined, make the supply of recycled paper equal to 13% of the total available paper. 20 International communication project aimed at providing true and documented information about the sustainability of paper and printing. The site’s link is: www.twosides.info.
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