According to the International Day of Forests, forests are home to about 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, including 60,000 tree species. Unfortunately, forests and their wealth of biodiversity are under threat from deforestation (which is responsible for roughly 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions).
Rolland is proud that its paper products and materials come from responsible sources. We source raw materials from recovered post-consumer paper to make 100 percent recycled, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper products, which are then recyclable again. Today, let’s take a moment to reflect on what that means for the health of the planet.
Right to the source
At Rolland, our main source of raw materials is recovered paper, from recycling facilities across North America. This includes sorted office paper (SOP), cups, cartons and other materials containing fibers which can be extracted for reuse and recycling. This is key to Rolland’s success in limiting our impact on world forests, and central to our Sustainability Strategy of protecting the planet, while supporting people and optimizing our products.
Two state-of-the-art recycled fiber facilities transform these recovered fiber materials into premium recycled fiber that feeds our paper mill. Our total control over the recycled fiber production, papermaking and converting processes makes for Rolland’s superior quality paper.
Beyond Rolland’s commitment to the environment through our sustainable manufacturing processes, our recycled fiber facilities “close the loop.” Residues generated in our manufacturing processes are sold to farmers and re-used to feed their soil, which makes us part of the circular economy.
How do recycled paper products limit impact on forests?
The environmental impact of manufacturing products from recycled materials is less than that of manufacturing from virgin materials. Using recycled materials also reduces the amount of trees harvested and limits emissions created when cutting down trees.
According to a 2018 study by the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, paper manufacturing from virgin materials requires more energy than manufacturing from recycled materials. Carbon emissions created to produce virgin paper contribute to climate change – and affect human health – at a level far greater than those created when manufacturing using recycled materials.
Rolland’s own Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) measured the impact of our 100 percent post-consumer recycled papers against that of virgin paper manufactured in North America and confirmed a smaller environmental footprint. Rolland’s Enviro line of products contributes to 62 percent fewer GHG emissions compared to virgin products, 76 percent less freshwater usage and had zero percent impact on endangered species and biodiversity.
Furthermore, our recycled paper products contribute to reducing landfills by repurposing paper which may have otherwise been landfilled.
How FSC certification limits impact on forests
Every day at Rolland, we are committed to ecological leadership in the pulp and paper industry and to working closely with our suppliers and partners to promote responsible environmental practices.
As a manufacturer of recycled paper with up to 100 percent post-consumer content, Rolland is proud to say our products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Rolland’s paper products include one of two FSC labels: either FSC Recycled (100 percent recycled) or FSC Mix, reinforcing that all materials used in production support responsible forest management.
The FSC certification process traces product origins from forest to shelf. Every company that strives for this certification must follow requirements for how to verify, track and mix forest fiber types and sources. Furthermore, every FSC label has a specific number, giving it the ability to be tracked right back to the source. Third-party organizations also verify these operations to ensure we’re meeting the standard.
It’s time to face the facts
When managed and produced responsibly, paper materials are less harmful to forests and the environment than other materials used in our day-to-day lives.
Integrating Rolland’s sustainable paper into a supply chain is a gateway for businesses to reduce their impact on forests and biodiversity. To take your first steps in reducing your impact on the environment, order your samples now.
