Pulp and Paper

The pulp and paper industry requires large amounts of process water and facilities typically have an on-site water treatment facility. Chemicals are used to remove lignin from the raw product and for bleaching. Pulp and paper pollution prevention opportunities include reducing waste in the wood yard, reducing water and energy usage, and using an alternative process to chlorine bleaching.

These links contain information on pollution prevention opportunities:

Alliance for Environmental Technology

Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)

Pollution Prevention Opportunities for Pulp and Paper

EPA, Paper Products Industry

Make a paper log for your fireplace to replace the chemically treated starter logs you buy in stores. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.

Using double-sided coping, reusing single-sided paper, using electronic mail, and circulating documents with routing slips, an organization can save a significant amount of energy and natural resources. One ton of waste paper saves enough energy to power an average home for 6 months not to mention the monetary savings from purchasing less paper.

One ton of recycled paper uses: 64% less energy, 50% less water, 74% less air pollution, saves 17 trees and creates 5 times more jobs than one ton of paper products from virgin wood pulp.

Purchase paper products containing post-consumer recycled paper.

Innovation

Pulp and Paper