Large companies are turning to paper as an alternative to plastic packaging and more packaging suppliers are investing in research to make paper as practical as plastic. Here are some reasons why paper fits into the circular economy model.
Keeping it Green
Tom Tozier has more than 30 years of experience in the printing industry, having managed and directed both commercial and in-plant printing operations. Most recently, he served as director of Imaging Services for the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Tom recently ventured out on his own and is now president of TNT Sustainable Business Solutions, a consulting firm that promotes and provides services for creating sustainable business practices, measuring and improving print shop effectiveness, and sustainability marketing. He is currently enrolled in the University of Colorado’s Professional Studies program and is working towards earning certification in Sustainability Management.
Phil has over 28 years of international experience related to sustainability and the forest products industry. He currently leads Two Sides North America, a non-profit that promotes the unique sustainable features of print and paper, as well as their responsible production and use. Two Sides operates globally in five continents with members that span the entire graphic communication value chain. Phil has written extensively on sustainability and environmental topics related to the forest products sector. He received his Bachelor and Master’s of Science degrees from McGill University in Montreal. He is a private forest owner and sustainably manages over 200 acres of forestland for both recreational and economic benefits.
According to a recent campaign from the Canada Revenue Agency, stressing the environmental benefits of going paperless has little impact on the consumer’s choice for switching from paper to online options.
Environmental concerns have caused an increasing number of companies to seek alternatives to plastic.
FedEx Office recently released the results of a survey of consumers and small business owners showing that they prefer to use printed materials over digital. Ninety percent preferred reading materials on paper versus on a screen.
Leading Fortune 500 companies have been collaborating with Two Sides for the past five years, and more than 105 North American corporations have now removed misleading claims related to print and paper. Comcast continues to ignore consumer preferences and use unsubstantiated "green" marketing slogans about print and paper.
It should come as no surprise to most of us that the massive consumption of digital media begets a host of health issues. What is surprising, though, is that digital natives actually feel guilty about it. When surveyed, 65% of 18-24-year-olds felt they spent too much time on devices; that rose to 81% in the 25 to 34-year-old age group.
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