May 25, 2011

A voluntary scheme aimed at promoting paper as a renewable and responsible choice had just been launched by the New Zealand Paper Forum (NZPF). The scheme also aims to minimise paper’s impact on the environment at each stage in its product lifecycle.

The NZPF is the industry body for organisations operating in the paper sector. All members of the NZPF are signatories to the scheme. The membership includes major manufacturers and distributors of paper and paper products, print companies and associated groups.

The Scheme consolidates a number of existing industry initiatives and sets a framework for the future. It comprises three parts:
1. Measuring and benchmarking recovery and recycle rates each year
2. Developing a best practice guide for the paper sector
3. Developing an education strategy for the buyers and users of paper.

In order to communicate the scheme to the wider community, the NZPF has produced ‘The Paper Story’. This publication also informs people about the real environmental impact of paper, which is much less than many people believe.

NZPF Chairman, Charles Miller, says:

“I’m really proud of the work the industry, suppliers, customers and the community are doing to ensure paper is the truly sustainable product it’s designed to be. 65% of all paper and paperboard products in New Zealand are recovered and reused by the industry. A large proportion of the remaining 35% are reused by customers. By ensuring good information is available to those involved at all stages of the product lifecycle, we can ensure that paper and paperboard products are managed with the least environmental impact. We can also ensure recovery and reuse rates remain at world’s best practice levels.”

PrintNZ Chief Executive, Joan Grace, believes there are a number of misconceptions about the environmental impact of paper. The Paper Story shares the facts.

“Many people compare the environmental credentials of paper with those of online and may have been persuaded, wrongly, that online is better for the environment” she says. “As well as providing an insight into how paper actually compares with online communications, The Paper Story publication highlights paper’s environmental credentials and sets out what businesses and consumers can do to help recover and reuse even more paper that is otherwise thrown away.”

The NZPF’s voluntary Paper Stewardship Scheme supports the Government’s intent of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, which encourages a reduction in the amount of waste we generate and dispose of in New Zealand and aims to lessen the environmental harm of waste. The Act also encourages manufacturing sectors to develop product stewardship schemes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media