SUSTAINABILITY
Paper Myths & Facts

It’s amazing how many widely held perceptions regarding paper and paper-based communications come from something other than fact. There’s abundant proof that paper is a highly sustainable—and still highly effective—medium for reaching people.

Thanks to Two Sides North America, Inc. for the Paper Myths & Facts content in this section. For more detail, go to twosidesna.org.

  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: E-communication is greener.
    Not true. From natural resource consumption and carbon footprint of electronic device manufacturing and cloud data storage to disposal of old devices, the environmental impact of e-communication is significant.
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  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: Paper is bad for the environment.
    Not true. Paper is one of the world’s few truly sustainable products—it’s made from wood, which is renewable, recyclable and can be managed sustainably.
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  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: Going paperless saves trees.
    Not true. Each year, U.S. and Canadian forests grow significantly more wood than is harvested. On average, U.S. forest area has expanded by more than 600,000 acres per year since 1990.
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  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: Paper makers are big greenhouse gas emitters.
    Not true. Paper manufacturing’s carbon intensity is surprisingly low, and meets the majority of its energy needs through renewable sources.
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  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: Digital communications are always preferred.
    Not true. Multiple studies show high percentages of people who still prefer print in a variety of applications, from financial statements to books and magazines.
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  • Paper Myths & Facts
    Myth: Packaging is wasteful and unneeded.
    Not true. Packaging protects products, reduces spoilage and informs consumers. Paper packaging is recyclable and, unlike plastic, actually decomposes in landfills.
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