At the recently concluded Sustainable Brands’ New Metrics Conference held in Boston, Massachusetts, New Leaf Paper released a new Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) revealing significant environmental benefits of its Reincarnation (100% PCW recycled coated paper) over alternatives made with virgin wood fibre. The study, conducted by SCS Global Services, is the first in the paper industry to use a new LCA standard designed to improve the accuracy, transparency and comparability of LCA analyses.
“Though all paper production has an environmental impact, this study clearly shows that recycled papers are better for forests, species, freshwater systems and the climate,” said Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of international environmental organization Canopy. “This Life Cycle Analysis equips customer companies with all they need to be able to choose the best eco-papers to meet their sustainability goals.” The LCA revealed significant differences in the impact of 2,500 tons of New Leaf Reincarnation paper versus virgin coated paper. Key findings determined that Reincarnation paper:
- Has less than 1% of the impact in terms of global climate change and ocean acidification
- Avoids impacts from logging on more than 100 endangered species
- Uses one quarter of the water used to manufacture virgin coated paper
- Has no impact on rivers or wetlands from recurring logging of large forest tracts
- Avoids the harvesting of at least 12,000 acres of multiple forest types
“Having waited a lot time for a rigorous, holistic LCA standard, we immediately requested a full LCA for New Leaf Reincarnation, our 100% post-consumer recycled coated paper, along with LCAs for comparable virgin coated papers produced at three North American mills,” said Jeff Mendelsohn, founder of New Leaf Paper. “New Leaf is proud to be driving transparency in the paper supply chain by commissioning this study featuring new methodology,” added Mendelsohn. “This study considers the full range of impacts and benefits, including incorporating the latest findings in climate science. It’s a comprehensive and fair comparative analysis that sets a new baseline for future LCAs.”