How we did this
A radical decision: we moved our production.
For paper, the amount of CO2 produced is mainly influenced by 2 factors. The transport (both from raw materials to paper mill and then to the end user) and the energy needed to produce the paper itself. We were able to reduce both factors significantly by moving our production. Not a simple challenge, but one that offers so much added value. After all:
- This new mill is much closer to the forests where the raw materials come from. Only 140 km away, which means savings in transport.
- What's more, this mill is also closer to our own storage and distribution centres. That, in turn, saves CO2 in transport.
- This new mill produces 95.6% of its energy on site, of which 89.3% comes from biomass. As a result, the amount of CO2 generated is less than 5% of that of conventional paper mills that run on energy from coal.
A result to be proud of: Only 993 g CO2 per ream
Sustainable choices
A sustainable product should be sustainable in all its aspects, which was the starting point. For example, the new Lyreco FSC CO2 neutral paper is produced using 100% local wood from sustainable forestry.
We invested in fully recyclable packaging for our product: both the paper that bundles each belt of paper and the cardboard of the boxes in which the belts are packed, and the wrapping around each pallet is fully recyclable and free of PVC and PVDC.
Even for the residue left at the end of the production process, a good solution was found by using it as a fertiliser for nearby agriculture.
CO2 REDUCED AND FULLY OFFSET
All our efforts were rewarded with a final result of only 993g CO2 generated for the production of 1 ream of Lyreco FSC CO2 neutral paper, compared to a market average of 4.99kg CO2 per ream of A4 80g paper. We then offset that 993g of CO2 released with some carefully selected offset projects. The CO2 from transport to our distribution centres and then to our end-user is also offset, as for all our deliveries, using sustainable projects.
Consciously selected compensation projects
After optimising every single element in the production process of our paper, we then looked at offsetting the remaining CO2 produced. We chose a project that offers Microenergy Credits (MECs) to small businesses in India, making water filters and solar-powered lamps affordable for families. These are more energy efficient than wood fires and paraffin lamps.
The project supports local entrepreneurship and directly reduces emissions. Families also save money on fuel and are less exposed to harmful smoke. Among other things, this financing project prevents the annual emission of 406,846 tonnes of CO2.
Certification and recognition
For all these efforts we have been recognised by various authorities in the field of sustainable and correct paper production. Lyreco Standard CO2 was awarded the following certifications, among others:
| FSC stewardship | ISO9001:2000 – Quality Systems | Quality & Environmental Policy | |
| EU Ecoflower | ISO 18001 – OSHAS – Health & Safety | ECF bleached pulp | |
| NEN-EN 12281 | ISO 14001 – Environmental | Paper profile |