One of the most common misconceptions is that the paper industry is responsible for decimating forests. And while it is true that paper-based products require cellulose pulp and fibres from trees, behind every cardboard box lies a story of sustainable forest management.
Sustainably managed forests operate on a simple but powerful principle: for every tree harvested, another three are planted. This means that forests can keep growing and thriving, while also providing a renewable source of materials for a range of products, including cardboard. In Europe, where much of the UK’s cardboard is sourced, forests are growing by an area equivalent to 1,500 football pitches every day.
Busting the myth
Most of the wood used in cardboard production comes from sustainably managed forests. And what many people don’t understand is that trees are commonly cut down for furniture and construction purposes, and the fibre for paper is typically from forest thinnings and sawmill waste. Which means that even when we use virgin fibre, it is the waste product of another industry.
And yet despite these facts and stats, the perception in pop culture is that the paper industry is responsible for deforestation. It’s easy to see why – headlines about deforestation, especially in vulnerable regions, often associate tree harvesting with forest loss, fuelling misconceptions that industries like paper are to blame. Throw in social media’s power to spread such views regardless of misinformation, and it’s no wonder these outdated perceptions refuse to fade away.
In reality, sustainable forestry practices are designed to prevent deforestation. Logging is actually driven by land clearing for agriculture, rather than by sustainable forestry practices used for paper and cardboard production,
Deforestation occurs when trees are cut down without plans for replanting, damaging ecosystems and contributing to climate change. On the other hand, sustainable forestry ensures that forests are continually replenished and maintained. In fact, well-managed forests play a key role in absorbing CO2, helping to combat climate change.
Forestry and the circular economy
Sustainable forest management is just one part of cardboard’s environmental story. The material is also highly recyclable, making it a core component of the circular economy, which aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible.
With cardboard, this means that once a box has served its purpose, it can be recycled and made into new packaging, reducing the need for virgin materials. Combined with sustainable forest management, this creates a closed loop where trees are harvested responsibly, while cardboard is produced, used, recycled, and then reused over and over again.
But what can you do?
Everyone can play an important part in this process by recycling cardboard responsibly. When cardboard is recycled correctly, it can be turned back into packaging, conserving natural resources and energy in the process. It’s a small action that makes a big difference.
Next time you’re unpacking a delivery or discarding a box, remember the forests behind your cardboard packaging. By recycling responsibly, you’re not only reducing waste, but also supporting the sustainable management of forests that keep our planet healthy.