At PDI, we are often told that printed training manuals aren’t eco-friendly and that eliminating printed materials could “save the planet.” However, organizations like ‘Two Sides’ and ‘Love Paper’ aim to change this misconception. With tech giants like Google and Amazon constructing their own power facilities to support the energy demands of AI and the internet, we look at the MYTHS around paper versus electronic training
MYTH 1 - Paper products create deforestation
TRUTH - Trees used for paper making are most often grown specifically for that purpose - much like a crop. Trees are planted, grown and cropped and then replanned.
Sustainably managed forests offer more than just timber; they support biodiversity, employment, and ecosystem services. Approximately 33 million people globally are employed directly or indirectly in the forest sector, which contributes to natural carbon capture, flood control, erosion reduction, and water purification.
One genuine criticism of ‘farmed’ forests is that it contains a single species of tree and whilst there will be other flora and wildlife – it is not as biodiverse as a natural forest.
MYTH 2 - Paper leads to the destruction of the rainforests
TRUTH – The rain forests contain a high percentage of hard woods which are not suitable for paper making. The tree most common for paper is Eucalyptus. Over 90% of the wood fibre used in European paper production is sourced from Europe, where forests grow at a rate equivalent to 1,500 football pitches daily. Between 2005 and 2020, European forests expanded by over 58,390 km²—an area larger than Switzerland—marking a 9% growth in forest area over the past 30 years.
Between 2005 and 2020, European forests grew by an area bigger than Switzerland and amounts to 1,500 football pitches every day!
Two Sides Analysis of FAO data, 2005-2020
MYTH 3 - Paper is a single use material
TRUTH - The paper recycling rate in Europe was 70.5% in 2022, keeping fibres in the loop longer and extending the benefits of their renewable origin, moving closer to the practical maximum of around 78%. While some paper products—like books, archived documents, or items contaminated through use—cannot be recycled, most paper in Europe gets recycled an average of 3.5 times annually. Since fibres can’t be recycled indefinitely, fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests is essential to keep this renewable cycle ongoing.
71% of paper and 83% of paper-based packaging in Europe is recycled into new products
Cepi Key Statistics, 2022 + Eurostat, 202
The Value of Recycled and Virgin Fibres
Recycled and virgin fibres are essential for sustainable paper production, each with unique environmental benefits. Recycled pulp production consumes less energy and releases fewer emissions, while virgin fibre production uses more renewable energy and generates less waste. Sustainable forestry is necessary for this balance, as recycled fibre depends on the initial supply of fresh, virgin fibre. Because virgin and recycled fibres are interdependent, it is very difficult to reliably compare their environmental attributes. Thus, the paper industry depends on sustainably managed forests to ensure a continuous, renewable cycle.
MYTH 4 - Digital Media is better for the Environment than paper
TRUTH – For the training industry we hear the statement that sending PDFs or using on-line training is better for the environment. Because the printed training manual is visible and tangible it can appear less environmentally friendly. However, ICT waste is becoming a significant issue and growing, with 62 million tonnes of e-waste being generated in 2022 (worldwide).
In addition, the IT industry accounts for an estimated 4-6 % of global electricity contributing 2% to global greenhouse gas emissions – figures set to increase with AI.
Between 2010 and 2021, the European paper industry reduced its energy consumption by 8.7%, and it remains one of the lowest greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for just 0.9% of European emissions.
Switching to paper-based products is a proactive way to address climate change as well.. Forests—home to paper’s primary raw material—are critical to carbon sequestration. From 2010 to 2020, European forests captured an annual average of 155 million tonnes of carbon. In the EU and UK, forest carbon sequestration offsets approximately 10% of gross greenhouse gas emissions.
CONCLUSION
Environmental arguments are inevitably a set of pro and cons with vested interests having strong opinions. The truth of course lies in a balance of arguments. This article was not written purely to defend paper – PDI has an electronic book solution as well. Rather it was meant to show the issue is complex and that different solutions have different benefits
AUTHOR: David Platt, BSC, BA, MBA. Dip. M
David has been involved in print production and file management for 30 years, as Executive Director of PDI – he has experience of the issues that training companies face trying to be environmentally responsible whilst not adding additional costs.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-platt-a84b12b8/