Paper making has an effect on the environment both upstream (where raw materials are acquired and processed) and downstream (waste-disposal impacts). Recycling is the reprocessing of used materials into new products, with the purpose of preventing the waste of potentially useful materials, reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials and reducing energy usage, and thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling is a key concept of modern waste management.

The Conqueror Recycled range

The entire conqueror range is FSC certified. The Forest Stewardship council is an independent organisation that monitors the responsible management of the world's forests via a system of certification and chain of custofy accreditations.

Conqueror is also carbon neutral in the uk and germany which means that CO2 emissions have been measured; reductions identified; remaing have been offset through highquality carbon projects around the world and thought has been invested into branding and communication of climate change action.

Conqueror also offers a selection of recycled papers. Product furnish includes a minimum of 25% post consumer recycled fibre.The source of these recycled fibres has been independently verified as 100% post consumer waste.

Conqueror works to continually reduce the environmental impact of paper manufacture. Only elemental chlorine free pulp is used, made from trees grown in sustainable forests. All Conqueror mills have achieved the international environmental management standard (ISO14001) accreditation.

Sustainable Development

This is the main focus of the industry.

This was initiated in 1992 when the UN Environmental Conference in Rio determined that true sustainable development had three elements:

Economic

To provide continuous investment to improve the quality of life.

Environment

To ensure that natural resources are not consumed faster than they are replenished.

Social

To respect stakeholders rights when producing products.

Since Rio world leaders have endeavoured to produce agreements which turn good intentions into reality. The 2002 Johanannesburg Earth Summit has continued this process. Most practical effort has centred on reduction of greenhouse gases (principally CO2). However, the equitable use of the Earth's resources between the third world and the developed nations is proving to be the main challenge to global sustainable development. The paper industry is particularly interseting in operating substainability since it depends on the third world for much of its raw material.

Recycled Fibres: what are the green benefits ?

Research by the Alliance for Environmental Innovation has shown that each ton of recycled fibre that displaces a ton of virgin fibre used in coated groundwood paper (stock used in magazines):

. Reduces total energy consumption by 27%

. Reduces net greenhouse gas emission by 47% and reduces particulate emissions by 28%

. Reduces wastewater by 33%, reduces solid waste by 54%, and reduces wood use by 100%