The pulp, paper and print industry is one of the lowest contributing industrial sectors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at only 1% of emissions worldwide,[1] but consumers don’t know it.
A recent consumer survey commissioned by Two Sides showed a disconnect between consumer perceptions and the facts about the industry’s impact on global GHG emissions.[2] The survey showed that 29% of Americans believe that paper production is a major contributor to global GHG emissions. However, the U.S. pulp and paper sector is one of the lowest emitters of GHG emissions among major U.S. industrial sectors at 1.2% of total U.S. industrial GHG emissions (Figure 1).[3]
Figure 1: U.S. industrial greenhouse gas emissions in 2017 (million metric tons of CO2e)(3)
One of the reasons for the relatively low GHG emissions of the forest products industry is its use of renewable fuels. For example, bioenergy use by paper and wood product mills in the U.S. prevents the emission of 181 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents, by merely using waste wood from manufacturing operations. This practice produces the same reduction in GHG emissions as removing about 35 million cars from the road.[4]
In Canada, the forest products industry has made great strides to reduce GHG emissions in production, by cutting the use of coal and cutting oil use by over 90% since the year 2000.[5] In fact, 57% of the industry’s energy use in 2015 was generated by bioenergy.[6]
Forest products also play a key role in global carbon sequestration (absorption) and the mitigation of GHG emissions. As they grow, trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere and they release oxygen, allowing us to breathe and sustain life on the planet. By managing our forests sustainably for the long-term, we can ensure that they continue to provide economic, social and environmental benefits, including climate change mitigation. For example, forests in Canada removed 150-160 million tonnes of CO2e from the atmosphere annually (between 2005 and 2016).[7]
A recent scientific paper has shown that the regeneration of forests through sustainable practices in the paper industry may lead to more carbon sequestration. Globally, younger forests (those growing for less than 140 years) store 1.17-1.66 billion metric tons of carbon per year while old-growth forests sequester 950 million-1.11 billion metric tons.[8]
Forest products like paper continue storing carbon even as a finished product and beyond their life in the forest. It is only if paper is landfilled, burned or left to decay that it begins to release CO2 again. In 2016, forests and wood products in the U.S. captured and stored roughly 10% of all carbon dioxide equivalents emitted by the U.S.[17]
But then why do people assume that going digital is greener? The “hidden” life cycle of our massive electronic infra-structure may be one reason. The fact is that many of us don’t think much about what goes into the manufacture and operation of our computers, smartphones, the energy needed to operate server farms, store massive amounts of digital information, and send emails. It is significant, but largely out of sight and out of mind.
The digital revolution is having a growing impact globally. Let’s explore a few key facts.
The energy consumption required for digital technologies is increasing by 9% each year.[13] In fact, the share of digital technology in global GHG emissions could reach 8% by 2025, i.e. the current share of car emissions.[14] [15] [16]. This is roughly 8 times the current share of the pulp, paper and print industries.
The ICT industry and infrastructure still rely heavily on fossil fuels and although it seems harmless to send an email, the world’s emails generate close to 300 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the CO2 emissions of over 63 million cars.[17]
This growing environmental impact of “going digital” is not going unnoticed by consumers who were specifically asked to rank several materials and products based on how environmentally-friendly they are (Figure 2). Wood and paper ranked at the top and electronics and plastics at the bottom (i.e. having the most environmental impact).
Last year, PEFC revolutionized forest certification by moving it out of the forest. Now, people and organizations owning or managing trees growing outside of forests can achieve PEFC certification of their sustainable management practices. This is a big leap forward. But what does it really mean on the ground? Trees outside forests are immensely important for rural communities around the world. Millions of people rely on this resource to provide them with food, materials and their livelihoods. If managed sustainably, they can contribute to rural development, food security and reduced poverty – vital Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We find these trees throughout landscapes, from scattered on farms and settlement land, to growing in hedgerows and alongside fields. Often, trees are just one of many crops grown by a farmer or a community.
Metsä Fibre, Metsä Group’s pulp and sawn timber industry, has been awarded for the company’s sustainability work by the EFQM Global Excellence Award. The company won the Outstanding Achievement for Sustainability Award and reached the EFQM rating Recognised for Excellence 6 Stars. EFQM organisation gave the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Award to Metsä Fibre for the excellent work the company has done in promoting and continuously developing sustainability. Metsä Fibre received special thanks for the ways it takes sustainability into account in its investments and action plans, and for the way sustainability is reflected in the corporate culture at all levels of the organisation. ”We are delighted and proud for this recognition,” says Ismo Nousiainen, CEO of Metsä Fibre. “At Metsä Fibre, our key principle is continuous improvement, and sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of everything we do.
The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased with the landmark global climate deal reached in Paris including its recognition of the fundamental role played by the world’s forests.
Nearly 200 countries, including Canada, have agreed to hold the increase in global temperature to 2°C above pre-industrial levels to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. The agreement calls on countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while recognizing the role of conservation and the sustainable management of forests.
Canada has more than 9% of the world’s forests which absorb tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide to the benefit of our entire planet. Unlike many other forest nations, all harvested trees are regrown largely ensuring the maintenance of our carbon stocks. More to the point, Canada has virtually zero deforestation, just 0.02% per year.
