Plastic Free July – Four reasons why recycled content matters

1. Recycling conserves resources

Using recycled content in manufacturing products reduces reliance on virgin resources.

The European Recycling Council³ says, “Paper recycling is perceived by the public as being the most effective way to reduce environmental impacts of using paper. For the industry, recycled fibres are an indispensable source of raw materials, supporting industry’s resource efficiency.”

Recycling one tonne of paper can save around 17 trees.

2. Recycling saves energy

Recycling paper can save around 60% of the energy required to manufacture from virgin raw materials⁴.

Not only does the process of procuring virgin resources require significant energy and labour, it can also result in other negative impacts like water or air pollution, and localised impacts on communities and ecosystems⁵.

Recycling one ton of paper can result in 4,100KWh of energy savings⁶.

3. Recycling is better for our economy

Increased recycling rates can create more jobs than what would be required if the same waste was all sent to landfills and incinerators.

The employment increase is both direct an indirect, with jobs created not only in sorting centres or reprocessing facilities, but also up the supply chain with other activities attributable to the recycling process⁷.

The recycling sector is of significant economic importance, providing materials to a range of industries, without relying on or diminishing natural resources, and creating more jobs per tonne of materials recycled than waste sent to landfill⁸.

4. Social benefits

The recycling sector also provides important social and community benefits.

In creating jobs, and creating a sense of pride and satisfaction through participation in recycling and in turn ensuring a better base for natural resources for future generations – recycling can have significant social benefits.