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  The Evil of Recycled Paper: Dioxins?

  Hi there,
  In my endless search for the best type of paper to use (both as sketchpad paper and in the printing of books/brochures etc. in my design practise) , I've been told many conflicting reports on the danger of falling for the current spin on recycled paper. There seems to be 3 distinct 'opinion groups' on this.

  Group 1:
  100% in favour of recycled paper  - say its better than FSC certified virgin paper (wood sourced in sustainably-managed forests). Creating recycled paper saves forests, reduces water consumption, reduces energy consumption, saves native wildlife, reduces CO2 emissions.

  Group 2:
  These people say that recycled paper causes a huge amount of toxic waste - dioxins - to be created and, like nuclear waste, this waste must simply be 'stored' once its created eg in large lead-pits placed in the earth (to me - this sounds much worse than going for the FSC option). Recycled paper also doesn't last as long, as the fibres are shorter, so it's no good if you want a document to live longer than, say, 70 years+. This group, therefore,  chooses FSC paper over recycled.

  Group 3:
  The third group recommend steering clear of both of these and choosing a paper which is made from an entirely different fibre eg Sugar Cane, Hemp, Organic Cotton (which has the highest archival quality). There has been some evidence, however, that making paper from these materials may require greater water and energy consumption. Like recycled paper, however, it does save more trees from being cut down.

  I'm simply at the stage where I don't know what the most ethical and environmentally-friendly solution is to the problem.

  Is it better to start off by choosing an option which is preferably 'home grown' thereby reducing transport and CO2 emissions? Then going for Recycled - FSC certified - alternative fibre in that order?

  I'd be hugely grateful if you could shed some light on this issue!

  Cheers,

  SinéadOn Umbra on organic mattresses posted 1 year, 11 months ago 7 Responses