The most significant measurement of these is chemical oxygen demand (COD) - that is the amount of oxygen taken out of the water to break down the chemical emissions - and biological oxygen demand (BOD) - the amount of oxygen taken up microbes in the effluent. Both result in a depletion in the oxygen content of water supplied, with potentially adverse affect on plant and water life is safe limits are exceeded. The lower the COD or BOD figures, the less polluting. Both are usually covered by legislation or local ‘consent’ levels set by Water Authorities.
The efficiency with which water is recycled within the paper-making process is of concern where supplies are not abundant. Paper-making is a water intensive process, but efficient recycling with modern recovery systems naturally reduces demand both for water and additives.
Printing - Areas of environmental impact.
Summary
The subject of the environmental impact of paper and its production has been under the spotlight recently. And quite rightly too. Within the paper industry, we have always prided ourselves on how environmentally positive paper is. It is one of the few industrial goods manufactured from natural, sustainable materials. It is biodegradable, and it’s recycled. Paper plays such a beneficial role in our civilized society that its intrinsic merit should not in any way be damaged by production processes which fall short of the best available technology that does not involve excessive costs. Those manufacturers who have reinvested profits prudently to ensure that their production meets high environmental standards should be highlighted and supported and those whose production has a greater adverse impact on the environment should be highlighted too.
As mentioned earlier, individual aspects of pollution can be combined into a ‘cradle to grave’ assessment, to allow comparison between competing products.
In the case of paper, the five key areas highlighted in the Eco-Check system perform this function. This system - proposed by Brand Paper - covers the same areas of concern highlighted by the Nordic Swan assessment and the proposals for the European Community Eco Label assessment. Whereas today such a comprehensive assessment is unusual, there is no doubt that this will become normal practice for all paper products in order to reassure paper and print buyers of the merits of the products they are using. It is virtually important for printers to understand the issues and select papers which can prove their merit through independent assessment. This is the only way for printers to reassure their clients, we believe.
Ideally, what is needed is as single, internationally- agreed system which could assess all products. Unfortunately this is still some distance away, although the European Community Eco Label could be an important step in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Eco-Check system offers an independent, environmental life-cycle assessment system for graphical and office papers and boards. Taking the five generally-accepted key areas of concern and setting targets for each. The standards are generally in line with internationally agreed targets for each, Eco-Check rates products up to a top standard of Eco-Check 5 star. The standards are generally in line with internationally agreed targets, so Eco-Check is pioneering a realistic assessment of the environmental credentials in a way that sets the trend for the future.
Consumers will increasingly be influenced by environmental issues. If they believe paper is having an adverse impact, they will cut down on their paper and print consumption- indeed, some are already doing so.
So leaflet printers beware! Ignore environmental issues at your peril!
The efficiency with which water is recycled within the paper-making process is of concern where supplies are not abundant. Paper-making is a water intensive process, but efficient recycling with modern recovery systems naturally reduces demand both for water and additives.
Printing - Areas of environmental impact.
Summary
The subject of the environmental impact of paper and its production has been under the spotlight recently. And quite rightly too. Within the paper industry, we have always prided ourselves on how environmentally positive paper is. It is one of the few industrial goods manufactured from natural, sustainable materials. It is biodegradable, and it’s recycled. Paper plays such a beneficial role in our civilized society that its intrinsic merit should not in any way be damaged by production processes which fall short of the best available technology that does not involve excessive costs. Those manufacturers who have reinvested profits prudently to ensure that their production meets high environmental standards should be highlighted and supported and those whose production has a greater adverse impact on the environment should be highlighted too.
As mentioned earlier, individual aspects of pollution can be combined into a ‘cradle to grave’ assessment, to allow comparison between competing products.
In the case of paper, the five key areas highlighted in the Eco-Check system perform this function. This system - proposed by Brand Paper - covers the same areas of concern highlighted by the Nordic Swan assessment and the proposals for the European Community Eco Label assessment. Whereas today such a comprehensive assessment is unusual, there is no doubt that this will become normal practice for all paper products in order to reassure paper and print buyers of the merits of the products they are using. It is virtually important for printers to understand the issues and select papers which can prove their merit through independent assessment. This is the only way for printers to reassure their clients, we believe.
Ideally, what is needed is as single, internationally- agreed system which could assess all products. Unfortunately this is still some distance away, although the European Community Eco Label could be an important step in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Eco-Check system offers an independent, environmental life-cycle assessment system for graphical and office papers and boards. Taking the five generally-accepted key areas of concern and setting targets for each. The standards are generally in line with internationally agreed targets for each, Eco-Check rates products up to a top standard of Eco-Check 5 star. The standards are generally in line with internationally agreed targets, so Eco-Check is pioneering a realistic assessment of the environmental credentials in a way that sets the trend for the future.
Consumers will increasingly be influenced by environmental issues. If they believe paper is having an adverse impact, they will cut down on their paper and print consumption- indeed, some are already doing so.
So leaflet printers beware! Ignore environmental issues at your peril!
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