Not only does recycling paper improve the health of our planet, it also benefits our economy! 

‍

Although the industry mostly works behind the scenes in the eye of the general public, the scale of operations is massive. Behind each step of the paper recycling process, there is a role.

‍

From those who make connections with buyers and suppliers, take care of categorising and sorting material, organises the paper loading and unloading point, drive the haulier trucks to their destination, to those who fill out the required legal documents for export and import regulation. There is a huge variety of jobs that are required to keep the industry moving. By 2023, the paper recycling industry provided almost 200,000 jobs in the EU. 

‍

Furthermore, although the paper recycling industry was impacted negatively by the pandemic in 2020, as many industries were, it still pushed through and made a remarkable recovery by making over 100 billion euros in revenue between 2022 and 2023. But the profits of the industry isn’t the only economic advantage that paper recycling produces.

‍

With environmental benefits, comes financial benefits. It is estimated that over 7 billion is needed annually to restore and maintain natural habitats within the EU. With the paper recycling industry reducing the demand for virgin wood pulp, more trees, and subsequently, habitats and ecosystems are saved.

‍

Meaning, with reduced environmental damage caused by the industry, less is spent on environmental restoration, creating long term positive impact for future generations.