Phil Riebel is a senior sustainability advisor to the forest, paper and print sector. He has 23 years of international experience in the sector including senior management positions in industry and consulting. Phil also owns and manages 200 acres of sustainable forest. He can be reached at philriebel@bellaliant.net
Paper manufacturing is a key part of the environmental life-cycle of papermaking because it uses raw materials and resources including fiber, energy, and water, and also generates emissions to air, water and landfills. The operational “eco-efficiency” of pulp and paper mills varies from one site to the next, based on local regulations and how mills have used best-available-techniques. The age of the mill and the amount of investments made to upgrade technology and equipment will often drive environmental performance. For example, final mill effluent quality and chemical use can be influenced by bleaching method used
The environmental impacts of forestry and pulp and paper operations have been extensively investigated, reported and in certain cases exaggerated and dramatized for maximum impact, including images of clear-cut areas of forest, mill sites emitting wastewater and air emissions. But, there is a positive side to communicate as well. More paper buyers are now evaluating the environmental and social responsibility of their paper suppliers to minimize risks and develop business relationships with producers who are engaged in sustainability. Below are some basic tips that help define “sustainable paper” based on procurement policies I have had the opportunity to review and key guidance documents such as the WBCSD / WRI Guide on Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-based Products.
Guess what? Being “green” and being “sustainable” are not the same thing. Sustainability includes three elements, or three “pillars”: environmental responsibility, social responsibility and financial responsibility. Sustainability takes into account the realities of our economy and our society. In other words, it means that organizations or individuals should operate in a financially sound framework but…
