Paper is everywhere in our lives. From school notebooks to giant manufacturing and packaging plants, from the packaging that protects our online orders to the A4-size paper in all offices, it is EVERYWHERE!
But where does paper come from?
And what are recycled paper and virgin paper? What would happen if we choose one over another?
In this blog, we will discuss every aspect of Virgin Paper vs Recycled Paper. Let’s see which one is better for you, environment, and sustainability.
What Is Virgin Paper?
We all know that papers are made of wood fibres. Virgin paper is completely made up of fresh never-before-used wood fibres. These come directly from the trees.
Normally, these papers are resourced from the harvested trees, usually softwood or hardwood.
But do we call it virgin?
The term ‘Virgin’ means the Fibre is directly resourced from the trees and they are not used in any previous paper product.
Benefits of Virgin Paper:
- The fresh fibres look more attractive and provide a smoother texture and a glossier finish.
- Virgin paper tends to last longer and resist damage.
- These are generally used in official documents, archival storage, luxury packaging, and high-quality printing.
Environmental Concerns of Virgin Paper:
- Virgin paper comes directly from fresh trees. Industries cut thousands of trees each day causing deforestation and heavy losses of wildlife habitats.
- The process uses a lot of water and energy. This releases more greenhouse gases and leads to a more heated environment.
- It also creates more solid waste and pollution that impact land and water bodies.
What Is Recycled Paper?
As the name suggests, Recycled Paper is made up of previous paper products that we have already used. In this process, the industry collects & processes old paper products and turns them into new ones such as note book, newspapers and office papers. This method also uses pre-consumer waste like scraps from paper manufacturing.
Benefits of Recycled Paper:
Here are some of the top advantages of recycled paper. Check them all:
- Every ton of recycled paper saves about 24 trees from being cut.
- Recycling paper takes up to 60% less energy and about 50% less water consumption than virgin paper.
- It reduces the release of carbon dioxide and methane gases in the atmosphere.
- Recycled papers reduce the need for new landfill sites.
- Using the available existing materials, recycled paper saves forests and wildlife.
Which Paper Is More Eco-Friendly?
When it comes to virgin paper vs recycled paper for environmental concerns, recycled paper is the clear winner. They require less water & energy and help reduce the pollution.
Here is a quick comparison. Check it out!
| Feature | Virgin Paper | Recycled Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Trees Used (per ton) | 24 | 0 |
| Energy Used | 33 million BTUs | 22 million BTUs |
| Greenhouse Gas Emitted | 5,601 lbs CO₂ | 3,533 lbs CO₂ |
| Water Used | 22,853 gallons | 11,635 gallons |
| Solid Waste Produced | 1,922 lbs | 1,171 lbs |
Environmental Benefits of Recycled Paper over Virgin Paper:
Recycling papers don’t look fresh for sure, but they are super eco-friendly. But there is more than just reducing the waste and clearing the landfills.
1. Saves Trees and Forests
Each ton of recycled paper saves up to 24 trees. This prevents the continuous forest cutting and the biodiversity living there.
2. Reduces Waste and Landfill Impact
Recycling paper uses pre-paper products so it helps clear the paper waste from landfills. This also helps reduce methane emissions and saves valuable space.
3. Uses Less Water and Energy
Recycling paper requires 33% less energy and nearly 50% less water than virgin paper processing.
4. Lowers Carbon Footprint
Recycling paper releases 37% less greenhouse gas than virgin paper. Most notably, some studies show that recycled paper has less than 1% of the climate impact of virgin paper.
5. Promotes Recycling Culture and Conscious Consumption
Recycling paper supports a circular economy. This reuses the materials instead of simply making them a waste. Not to forget that recycling promotes a concise culture of saving the environment and eco-responsibility in people.
Myths About Recycled Paper We Need to Debunk:
Till here, we have discussed virgin paper vs recycling paper and the benefits of using recycled paper. But we admit that there are so many myths around the papers as well! Here are some of the most common myths about them and what you need to know.
1. “It’s poor quality.”
No! Modern recycled papers are suitable for all kinds of official work as like:
- Printing
- Writing
- Packaging, etc.
You can barely tell the differences for most uses anymore.
2. “It’s not really helping the environment.”
The truth is it does help the environment. We have already discussed the numbers above. Recycled papers save trees, use less water and energy, release less methane gas, and reduce pollution & landfill waste.
3. “It costs more.”
It’s true that recycled paper used to be expensive earlier. But it’s very comparable in pricing with virgin paper. The environmental savings make it more cost-effective in the long run.
When to Choose Recycled Paper over Virgin Paper:
Recycling paper is a great eco-friendly alternative. But is that all? Nope! There are many real-life implications of recycling paper, and it is a smart choice for everyday needs.
Everyday Printing and Office Use:
Recycled A4 paper reams are perfect for everyday office work, such as:
- School assignments
- Office printouts, and
- Daily paperwork.
School, Home, and Packaging Needs:
Students can use recycled paper notebooks and eco-friendly stationery etc., for their home & school projects.
Eco-Conscious Business Branding:
Our new generation is very concerned about environmental safety. They connect well with brands showing commitment to eco-friendly practices. Being a new-age business brand, you can do the same for your packaging, marketing materials, and internal uses.
Conclusion
While virgin papers look beautiful and offer a glossier look, it is causing a heavy environmental impact on our earth. Choosing between recycled paper and virgin paper is not about money or print quality anymore.
Your choices impact forests, water, land, and energy.
In this blog, we have discussed virgin paper vs recycled paper and shared how choosing recycling paper would help the earth live longer & healthier. Now it’s your will to become a more responsible consumer. Next time you buy a notebook, go for recycled paper.
Interested in using recycled paper for your official work?
Connect with team Packmate and get a wide array of recycled paper products from notebooks to paper bags. We have everything for you.
