Kate Prince, of global hygiene and health company Essity, looks at some of the myths – and realities – of paper production in the UK.
The mounting evidence of climate change underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions across all industries.
In paper production, one area where we can help to address environmental challenges is through technological advancements that minimise waste, optimise resource use, and enhance recycling processes. Paper production facilities can leverage technological advancements and innovation to drive sustainability across operations and the wider industry securing a more resilient future in the face of climate change.
Understanding the realities of paper production
A common misconception is that trees are felled for the specific purpose of making paper products. In reality, much of the pulp used in manufacturing is derived from by-products of the timber industry.
Softwood pulp comes from trees primarily harvested for their timber which are used for construction, furniture and other industries. If the tree itself or the offcuts are not big enough to be used for timber, then they are processed into woodchips for other industries including paper production.
Similarly, hardwood pulp is often sourced from managed plantations cultivated for pulp production, ensuring a sustainable cycle of resource renewal.
100% of Essity’s fresh fibre comes from responsibly managed forests and we are one of the UK’s biggest users of recycled fibre. Advancing technology is essential to improving efficiency, reducing fibre loss, and maximising resource recovery. This includes refining fibre recovery processes, optimising pulp production efficiency, and developing closed-loop recycling systems to minimise overall environmental impact.
Innovations in recycling and waste reduction
Tork PaperCircle
One of our key innovations at Essity is Tork PaperCircle, the world’s first recycling service for paper hand towels used in commercial settings. This initiative enables us to collect used hand towels, which are then reused as a raw material at Essity paper mills.
Recovered fibres are blended with virgin and recycled pulp, depending on the required product specifications, to create new tissue products. This system has demonstrated tangible environmental benefits, reducing waste by up to 20% and lowering carbon footprints by 40%.
In the UK, with more than 60 organisations now utilising≠, we recycled over 100 million used hand towels in 2024 highlighting the potential of circular systems in reducing industrial waste.
Advanced recycling facilities
At our Prudhoe paper mill in Northumberland, Essity has invested £30 million in a state-of-the-art recycled fibre facility, supplying pulp to the paper mill and other Essity sites in the North of England and Wales.
By processing lower-grade paper and board, this facility reduces dependence on virgin pulp and enhances recycling capabilities. It also integrates advanced technology for segregating plastic and metal contaminants, improving material recovery rates and decreasing landfill waste.
At our Stubbins mill in Lancashire, we have developed the capability to recycle paper cups—such as take-away coffee cups—into new paper products. Usually made from composite materials, we can separate them out and reuse the paper element.
By converting used cups into valuable raw materials, significant volumes of waste are diverted from landfill and, simultaneously, the demand for virgin fibres is reduced. This approach not only supports waste reduction but also demonstrates the potential for repurposing everyday disposable items into high-quality paper products.
Transparency in sustainability claims
In the competitive landscape of sustainable products, misleading environmental claims—often referred to as greenwashing—can obscure genuine progress by confusing consumers.
Some brands promote alternative fibre toilet rolls as a solution to deforestation without disclosing the broader environmental impact of their production processes. At Essity, we advocate for data-driven transparency in all of our sustainability claims and measures so that we can provide consumers with comprehensive environmental data that enables more informed decisions that genuinely contribute to sustainability.
Our net zero goals have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring accountability in our emissions reduction strategies. We emphasise a holistic approach, considering material sourcing locations, our production processes, transportation emissions, and overall lifecycle impact.
In an age where sustainability is increasingly at risk of being deprioritised, maintaining a steadfast commitment to environmental goals is critical. Essity is dedicated to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2050.
Driving the future of sustainable paper production
Continuous innovation in recycling, resource efficiency, and transparent environmental strategies can drive substantial progress in paper manufacturing. Essity remains at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrated through responsible sourcing, advanced technological solutions, and a commitment to transparency, the industry can achieve meaningful environmental impact reductions.
In prioritising these advancements, we are not only addressing today’s environmental challenges but also setting new industry standards, proving that sustainable paper production is a feasible achievement and one that is imperative for the future of our planet.
