Unpacking Continuously High Paper Recycling Rates

America Recycles Day was established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize the importance and impact of recycling. While we still have a lot of work to do in our country to improve the recycling infrastructure and to educate citizens on best practices, the EPA reports that the recycling rate has increased from less than 7% in 1960 to the current rate of 32%. That is both exciting and encouraging! This is a day to remind ourselves and others that recycling is important, that it makes a real difference, and to encourage proper recycling practices. Let’s check in on these and explore the concept of wishcycling while we’re at it. You can always check the EPA website for an up-to-date land comprehensive resource about recycling, including all the great benefits it brings and how to contribute.

As Christmas is coming closer, magnificent Christmas trees are lighting up city centres and spreading seasonal splendour. Again this year, several European cities have chosen PEFC-certified firs and spruces. A PEFC-certified Christmas tree takes centre stage at Trafalgar Square in London. The 23 metre Norwegian Spruce tree is around 80 years old and was sourced from a PEFC-certified forest in Maridalen, Oslo. The tree is a gift from the people of Norway to the people of London to thank them for their support in World War II. It stands as a symbol of long-standing friendship and international cooperation between the two countries.

Tetra Pak has been recognised for leadership in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious ‘A List’ for the third year running for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect forests – two of the three environmental themes covered by CDP. With this accolade, Tetra Pak cements its position as the only company in the carton packaging sector to be included in the CDP leadership band for six years in a row. CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognised as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. In 2021, over 590 investors with over US$110 trillion in assets and 200 major purchasers with US$5.5 trillion in procurement spend requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform. A record-breaking 13,000+ companies responded.