Astonishing Truths Behind a Few Paper Myths

Posted by evelynwilliams on January 23rd, 2018

Astonishing Truths Behind a Few Paper Myths  

Paper was acknowledged nearly two thousand years ago to meet the basic needs of documentation. Today, it is an integral part of our daily life. As a print medium to communicate information, or as a wrapping material, from medical filters to banknotes, paper is extensively used in each field. Throughout the day, you are in permanent contact with this natural, renewable and recyclable material. However, despite the longevity it has been known for, people are still unaware of the facts associated with it. Environmental issues related to paper are a source of numerous misconceptions and untruths. Our experts of Online Dissertation Writing have jotted down those myths that you might be considering reality. We have also briefed the truth behind these misconceptions in following mentioned points. Take a look!

Myth 1: Making paper destroys forests

Truth: From all the wood extracted around the world’s forests, 53% is used for energy production, 28% is used by sawmills, and only around 11% is used directly by the paper industry. The paper industry depends on trees and needs thriving forests. Paper manufacturers encourage forest sustainability. They purchase and use certified wood fiber and promote sustainable forest management policies and practices. The paper industry encourages landowners to manage their forestland instead of selling it for development or other non forest uses. So, in short, paper industry is expanding the forest land not reducing it.
 
Myth 2: Paper production uses too much water

Truth: According to a study, 60% of paper’s water footprint is the water that is evaporated by trees as part of the natural water cycle. Water required for the paper production is circulated within the manufacturing unit. The water that is released is purified in wastewater treatment facilities. In fact, water coming out of a paper production mill is cleaner than when it goes in!
 
Myth 3: Making paper consumes a lot of energy  

Truth: Yes, but most of it is renewable energy. The pulp industry has been remarkably reducing its energy requirements. This is one of the biggest renewable energy users and with low levels of carbon emissions. In Europe, more than half of the energy used in production of paper comes from renewable sources. Statistics show that 52% of the energy used by paper industry is based on biomass. On factual basis, paper and pulp industry are responsible for 27% of the total biomass production in the European Union.
 
Myth 4: Paper has a high carbon footprint

Truth: Trees are the primary raw material for paper; they serve as a vast carbon store and absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than anything else. So, the reason paper has a high carbon footprint is that it’s manufactured from a renewable resource that stores carbon, it’s made using mostly renewable energy, and it’s recyclable.
 
Myth 5: Recycled paper is better for the environment

Truth: The truth is that virgin fiber which is harvested using sustainable forestry practices is as environment-friendly as the use of recycled paper.  
 
Hope this article briefed you well on the common misconceptions regarding the paper industry.