To kick start the year, we’re super excited to share that we have become members of Two Sides, a not-for-profit, global initiative with a mission to dispel common environmental misconceptions. Two Side’s goal is to inspire and inform businesses and consumers around the world with engaging, fact-based information about the sustainability and attractiveness of print, paper and paper packaging.
By uniting in common purpose with members of the print, paper and paper packaging industries, Two Sides aspires to ensure that, in a world of scarce resources, our renewable, recyclable and sustainable products can be enjoyed for generations to come, which completely aligns with Birch’s sustainably focused ethos.
Love Paper Week 2025
In addition, Two Sides runs a campaign called Love Paper, a global consumer focused campaign launched in 2012 to improve perceptions and raise awareness of the sustainable benefits of print, paper, and paper-based packaging.
Running from the 3rd-7th Feb, Love Paper Week is an annual event dedicated to encouraging all printers, paper merchants, packaging manufacturers and all those who operate in the sector to support the campaign by promoting the reasons why paper is such a sustainable, effective and attractive medium.
The Power of Paper
The digital revolution has brought enormous benefits and reshaped the way we live, the way we work, the way we access information, and the way we connect. Consequently, many brands and consumers are deciding to go paperless believing that it’s better for the environment.
Despite many misconceptions, paper is renewable, recyclable and a natural supporter of new ideas and creativity.
The Stats!
- 79% of paper and 83% of paper-based packaging is recycled into new products. Paper is highly recycled in Europe with a paper recycling rate of 79% in 2023, keeping fibres in the loop longer and extending the benefits of their renewable origin.
- Paper is fundamental to a circular economy and has the benefit that it is based on wood fibres which are renewable, recyclable and sustainable. 62% of European pulp and paper mills’ energy consumption comes from renewable sources and 96% of on-site electricity production is through efficient combined heat and power (CHP) units.
- Between 2010 and 2022, the European paper industry reduced its total primary energy consumption by 16% and it is now lower than it was at the beginning of this century.
- The paper, pulp and print sector is one of the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases, accounting for just 8% of CO2 emissions in 2022.
There aren’t many industries that can aspire to become genuinely sustainable. The paper industry, however, is one of them.
