Epson using 100 per cent recycled paper

Epson Australia has become the first printer supplier in the country to use Planet Ark’s 100 per cent recycled paper for its own printing.

The recycled paper is manufactured by Australian Paper at its Latrobe Valley site. Planet Ark Paper is a joint initiative between the two organisations.

Garry Pearce, human resources and environment manager, Epson Australia says, “Reducing the company’s impact on the environment is a priority, and there are several key factors which influenced its decision.”

“It is important to Epson that people get the most out of their Epson products, and can still use recycled paper, thus contributing to a good environmental outcome. Before we chose to use Planet Ark Paper we conducted a number of tests to ensure it met high industry standards,”

“With Planet Ark Paper, you can get bright white copy paper that is 100 per cent recycled, Australian made, carbon neutral and made with local FSC certified material. From our viewpoint using Planet Ark Paper does all of the above.”

[Related: Energy costs threaten paper: report]

Reese Malcolm, recycled paper programs manager, Planet Ark says, “We consider Epson’s decision a strong endorsement for the high quality of Planet Ark Paper. We hope Epson’s decision will encourage other Australian businesses and households to close the recycling loop by adopting 100 per cent recycled paper too.”

Since the launch of Planet Ark Paper in November 2016 more than 165,000 reams have been purchased, with the organisation saying this has saved 1,280 tonnes of carbon emissions and 475 tonnes of waste from landfill.

Australian Paper owns Australia’s only wastepaper recycling and de-inking plant, in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. The $90m facility takes up to 80,000 tonnes of wastepaper out of Australia’s landfill each year, saving up to 200,000 tonnes of carbon emissions which is equal to taking more than 70,000 cars off Australia’s roads.

Planet Ark Paper is 100 per cent recycled, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, carbon neutral and Australian made.