Sustainable Copy Paper Supply: A Closer Look at the Business and Environmental Impacts
As the third largest industrial polluter in the world1, it is time we re-examined the paper industry. Essential to numerous industries from printing to packaging, sourcing a sustainable copy paper supply is crucial for a greener tomorrow. But how do we evaluate paper production companies to ensure this? In this article we take a closer look at the business and environmental impacts of paper production and ways the paper industry is working towards a more sustainable future.
What criticisms do paper production companies face?
Environmental Impact: Deforestation, Habitat Destruction and Carbon Emissions
As the demand for paper continues to grow2, the paper industry has become the subject of significant scrutiny due to its impact on the environment and on local communities. Deforestation and the clearing of land for tree plantations are major sustainability concerns. These activities have contributed to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, as they often involve the removal of natural forests and other ecosystems. This can have negative impacts on the animals and plants that depend on these habitats and can also contribute to climate change through the release of carbon stored in vegetation and soils.
Health Impact: Air Pollution and Human Health Risk
Pollution and the release of chemicals are also issues of concern. The paper production process generates a range of waste products, including solid waste, effluent, and emissions. If not properly managed, these by-products can have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. In addition, the use of chemicals in the production process can also pose risks to workers and communities in the vicinity of paper mills.
Social Impact: Land Grab and Forced Labor
The paper industry has also been linked to social issues, such as land grabs and forced labor3. Land grabbing is the seizing of land in an opportunistic or, in worse case, in an unlawful manner. In some cases, communities have had their land taken away to make way for tree plantations and have not been adequately compensated or consulted. There have also been reports of labor abuses, including the use of forced labor and human rights violations, in the industry. These issues highlight the importance of ensuring that the industry operates in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Is restricting the copy paper supply from certain regions the answer to sustainability?
In reaction to media coverage on the abovementioned sustainability concerns, there has been a growing movement to ban or restrict the use of paper products from certain regions e.g Indonesia. This decision carries significant implications for businesses, as it could impact their supply chains and the availability of certain products.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Businesses publicly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing By divesting from suppliers that engage in environmentally or socially irresponsible practices, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. It can also help to drive change in the industry, as companies that are the subject of boycotts may be more likely to adopt more sustainable practices. |
The economic impact on local communities in that region that depend on the paper industry However, there are also potential downsides to boycotting paper products from a particular region. One concern is that it could lead to job losses and economic impacts on local communities that depend on the industry. In addition, it may not be effective in driving change, as it could simply shift demand to other suppliers that may not have the same sustainability standards. |
What is FUJIFILM BI’s approach to this copy paper supply dilemma?
We have temporarily suspended sourcing paper from some paper mills in Indonesia since 2013. That was also when Greenpeace, WWF-Indonesia and Rainforest Action Network, openly denounced several companies in Indonesia of on-going large-scale deforestation activities.
In our Sustainable Value Plan 2030, Fujifilm has committed to becoming a corporation that promotes social revolution through innovation and action on social issues from a long-term perspective. For example, the decision to suspend Indonesian copy paper supply aligns with the goal of reducing the negative impact of its business activities and solving social issues through its business activities. The suspension supports the Group’s vision to develop a sustainable supply chain, by taking into consideration factors of the environment, ethics, and human rights. As a public commitment, it also helps to further disseminate our corporate image as an open, fair, and clear company.
Learn more about FUJIFILM BI HK’s range of high-quality, sustainably sourced paper.
1 https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/paper-waste-facts