A network of organizations providing information and guidance on various aspects of paper. Information and guidance is based on a common framework (common vision) for environmental and social sustainability in the production and consumption of pulp and paper products. The Network maintains and promotes various internet-based applications where its environmental and social goals are evaluated, and where guidance and practical tools for paper purchasers are provided. EPN manages the Paper Calculator, an online tool to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of 13 paper choices based on the use of recycled content and source reduction.
Geographical Areas of Interest
Global, but primarily U.S.and Canada
Supply Chain Focus
Forest production
Processing/Manufacturing
Retail/Use
Trade
Related Chapters
Contact Details
Environmental Paper Network
+1 828 251 8558 info@environmentalpaper.org www.environmentalpaper.orgTraceability
Promotes the use of credible chain of custody tracking systems to identify the origin of fiber sources, as well as mechanisms to report results. Provides tracking forms.
Information Accuracy
Promotes fiber that comes from FSC certified forest operations and accurate carbon footprint accounting.
Legality
Rates compliance of paper-making facilities with international labor, human and health conventions.Rates compliance of paper-making facilities with international labor, human and health conventions.
SFM
Seeks to end the clearing of natural forest ecosystems and the conversion of these forests into plantations for paper fiber. Seeks to reduce geographically disproportionate and wasteful consumption of paper. Discourages the use of GMOs, and promotes sourcing from FSC certified forest operations.
Unique Forest Values
Seeks to end the use of wood fiber from endangered forests. Provides a definition of endangered forests and an overview.
Social Aspects
Provides information and examples of social impacts on aspects such as land claims, FPIC, emissions of pollutants and economic impacts. Provides guidance and recommendations, and showcases best and worst practices.
Pollution
Seeks to minimize impacts on water and air throughout the entire paper supply chain; promotes the use of chlorine-free paper and provides information about different bleaching processes. EPN’s Paper Calculator estimates emissions of various air and water pollutants depending on the paper grade and percentage of recycled content per ton, as entered by the user.
Fresh and Recycled Fiber
Seeks to eliminate the production of papers manufactured solely using virgin fiber and maximize post-consumer fiber content in all paper types. Provides information about the benefits of using recycled fiber. EPN’s Paper Calculator estimates environmental impacts and changes in wood usage based on the paper grade and percentage of recycled content used. Provides detail guidance about impacts and implications of using recycled content.
Climate
Addresses climate change through promoting sustainable forest management, shifting sourcing from endangered forests, reducing use of natural resources in general, and supporting paper recycling. Promotes accurate carbon footprint accounting. EPN’s Paper Calculator estimates CO2 emissions depending on the paper grade and percentage of recycled content per ton. It also estimates methane emissions for end-of-life.