Paper's Green Dilemma: Balancing Environmental Impact with Industry Demands: Episode 2

In a recent episode of "Unlocking Potential," host Gabrielle Bejarano engages in a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts on the pressing issues of the impact of the recent worldwide paper shortage and sustainability in the paper industry.

Sponsored by Baldwin Technologies, this episode gathers valuable insights from a distinguished panel consisting of Toni McQuilken, Senior Editor at PRINTING United; Kent Tucker, Vice President of Tucker Castleberry; and Julie Brannen, Director of Regional Sales and Sustainable Solutions at Monadnock Paper Mills.

Environmental impact standards and sustainability challenges

In this second episode of the three-part podcast series, host Gabrielle Bejarano opens the discussion by addressing the importance of environmental responsibility in the paper industry. Julie Brannen highlights some of the sustainability challenges. She emphasizes that Monadnock operates with a focus on 100% post-consumer recycled, FSC certified fiber, and carefully selects pulp that aligns with high-performance packaging attributes.

Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the availability of recycled fibers, Brannen notes that there's an unprecedented surge in demand for sustainable substrates, driven by concerns about global warming, extreme weather events and supply chain disruptions.

The economics of recycled paper

One common perception is that recycled paper options tend to be more expensive. Brannen explains that while this was true historically due to limited competition among mills capable of producing recycled paper, the situation is changing.

Now, with increased competition worldwide, the actual recycled content doesn't necessarily entail higher costs. However, Brannen emphasizes that in some cases, the higher cost of recycled paper may result from the demand for high-performance attributes that customers expect, especially for packaging materials. She notes that the prices for recycled fiber have remained high due to the significant demand and limited supply.

Demand for sustainable substrates

Toni McQuilken adds a perspective from a recent event, noting that brands are increasingly willing to pay extra for sustainable paper options. They also demand full chain of custody, wanting to trace the paper's journey from the source to recycling. This shift is partly driven by financial institutions like Wall Street, which are tying sustainability metrics to business profitability. Brands are now under pressure to improve their sustainability efforts and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Challenges of using cotton as a fiber source

The conversation then shifts to the challenges associated with using cotton as a paper fiber source. Events like the 2021 Texas Freeze disrupted cotton supply chains significantly. Cotton, a crucial ingredient in paper production, experienced shortages due to weather-related events and even a fire in a major cotton field. The result was supply shortages and surcharges for cotton-based products.

The role of LED technology in sustainability

The panel also discusses the role of LED technology in sustainability efforts. Kent Tucker shares that their presses are equipped with LED technology, which offers several advantages. LED UV inks dry faster, reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and eliminate the need for high-temperature drying, making them more environmentally friendly. This technology contributes to a reduced carbon footprint in the printing process.

In conclusion, this episode of "Unlocking Potential" offers valuable insights into the challenges of paper shortages and the growing demand for sustainable substrates in the paper industry. The discussion underscores the critical role of sustainability and transparency in the modern business landscape, with brands and financial institutions placing increased importance on environmental responsibility. Additionally, the adoption of innovative technologies like LED UV inks demonstrates the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

For more information and in-depth insights, listeners are encouraged to explore the podcast further at baldwintech.com or their preferred podcast platform.

See Episode 1 here.