Dispelling Recycled Paper Myths To Push Benefits

The demand for recycled content paper is set to increase over the next year, says the Recycled Paper Advocacy Team at WRAP (the UK Waste and Resources Action Programme).

The demand for recycled content paper is set to increase over the next year, says the Recycled Paper Advocacy Team at WRAP (the UK Waste and Resources Action Programme).

WRAP said that is due to increased awareness of the issue of landfill and the variety and quality of recycled content papers that are now available.

All too often, the collection of waste paper for reprocessing has been the beginning and the end of the recycling effort for many organisations, with the need to build markets for the recycled material being overlooked, according to WRAP.

Misconceptions about the cost and quality of recycled content papers have stifled demand, but according to David Adams, WRAP's product manager for paper, things are set to change.

WRAP has set up a Recycled Paper Advocacy Team to dispel the myths, raise awareness of the benefits of recycled paper and boost its consumption across the country.

"Switching to paper with some recycled content is an obvious starting point for many organisations seeking to deliver on sustainability, and it really should be a straight forward decision.

However, outdated concerns about quality and cost, coupled with a lack of information about the benefits from reducing landfill and the variety of papers available, has held many organisations back," explained David Adams.

He continued: "The new team will be highlighting the benefits of making the transition.

Quality recycled content papers are now available that compare favourably in all aspects of performance.

Procuring recycled content paper not only demonstrates a commitment to improving the environmental impact of products and processes, but perhaps more importantly, enables organisations to directly help their customers to do the same - generating a competitive edge." He explained that as more organisations realise that the benefits of recycled content paper are worthwhile, a significant increase in demand will be seen.

The Recycled Paper Advocacy Team will work with businesses, local authorities and central government providing free advice and support to those considering a move to more sustainable procurement policies.

The team will explain the need for recycled content paper and raise awareness of its benefits, as well as providing advice on products, helping to source trial material and providing technical support where appropriate.

Details about recycled content paper and on how the team at WRAP can help are available on the organisation's website.

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