Sustainable Marketing: What does it Mean?

Companies' interest in environmental protection is increasingly vibrant. Among these is certainly the paper and packaging industry, which is becoming ever more attentive to the health of our planet. Recycled paper and recyclable paper: the differences between the two processes. The theme of sustainability is now close to the heart of most industrial activities. Paper, for example, is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and this is why, to reduce the environmental impact of its production, the use of recycled paper and recyclable paper is chosen with increasing frequency. However, there is still a great deal of confusion regarding the two products, given that they derive from two separate processes. In this article, we will explore precisely these differences.   Find out more: “Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable: what are the differences?”   What is recycled paper Recycled paper is produced from the waste of already used paper and not from plant cellulose. And since paper recycling leverages separate waste collection, it consequently does not cause the cutting down of additional trees. In fact, the production of recycled paper is based on the collection, processing, and recycling of paper items that have reached the end of their product life cycle. Just think that producing one ton of paper requires about 15 trees and the consumption of more than 400,000 liters of water and 7,600 kWh. Conversely, starting from the fiber of paper waste, about 95% is transformed into new paper; therefore, compared to other productions, using waste paper entails great savings in energy, water, and timber. The production process of recycled paper involves repeated phases of de-inking, grinding, and drying, during which the mechanical and chemical properties of the fibers, the degree of cellulose polymerization, and the structure of the components in general are altered. Overall, the process consists of several stages: separate collection by consumers and businesses and storage in recycling centers; selection of the waste paper and elimination of impure paper materials that are unsuitable for processing or of poor quality; pressing of the waste and binding into bales; shredding into paper micro-fragments; bleaching with chemical decolorization; removal of the ink printed on the waste paper; pulping of the semi-finished product by adding hot water; refining and elimination of impurities from the mixture;   The final result is clean paper that is transformed into new paper using a process similar to that of producing virgin cellulose paper, which can be used to manufacture a wide range of paper products, such as printing paper and cardboard.   What is recyclable paper Recyclable paper is paper that can be recycled up to 7 times, beyond which the yield decreases because the fibers shorten and weaken. Specifically, recyclable material refers to all those waste items that can be reused to produce new objects identical to the waste, or new materials. Recycling an object means converting waste into a new object or a new material of the same value. In this regard, the raw materials that are recyclable today include paper and cardboard, wood, glass, aluminum, steel, fabrics, tires, and plastic. Recyclable paper is produced using virgin cellulose from trees that are grown specifically for paper production. Furthermore, recyclable paper must be produced using processes that minimize environmental impact so that it can be recycled repeatedly. The production process of recyclable paper follows these steps: harvesting of virgin cellulose, which is obtained from trees through deforestation; once harvested, the cellulose is shredded and transformed into a cellulose pulp; the cellulose pulp is then mixed with water and other chemical substances to improve the strength and quality of the paper; the mixture is then transferred into a machine, where it is separated into sheets and pressed to remove excess water; the paper sheets are then dried and cut into the desired dimensions.   It is important to note that the production process of recyclable paper requires a greater environmental impact compared to the production of recycled paper, as it involves deforestation to obtain the virgin cellulose. However, the use of sustainable processes can certainly reduce the environmental impact of recyclable paper production.   Differences between recycled paper and recyclable paper Often, recycled paper and recyclable paper are erroneously used as synonyms. However, they represent two different processes. Let us assume that, until recently, white paper created from cellulose fiber and obtained from tree wood was the only type of paper available on the market. Today, fortunately, companies give more and more space to the use of recycled paper, obtained from waste paper, which in turn is derived from separate waste collection. The main difference between recycled paper and recyclable paper is, in fact, the production process: recycled paper uses used paper and is produced using less water and energy compared to virgin cellulose paper, making it a more sustainable choice. Furthermore, the production of recycled paper reduces the amount of paper destined for landfills. recyclable paper uses virgin cellulose. It has the advantage of being able to be recycled more times compared to recycled paper. The production process begins with the harvesting of virgin cellulose, which is obtained from trees through deforestation. Once harvested, the cellulose is shredded and transformed into a cellulose pulp.   In general, the use of recycled and recyclable paper is undoubtedly an important step toward reducing the environmental impact of paper production.   Cart-One has always been a creator and promoter of the circular economy, pursuing the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, so that production waste becomes a reel and a box again thanks to the use of clean and innovative technologies, and an ecodesign aimed at saving raw materials and preventing waste. Indeed, Cart-One is committed every day to decreasing impacts on water, air, and soil, ensuring a high-quality, efficient, and eco-sustainable service. Discover all our products and contact us for more information or to receive a free quote for your business.   Read also: “Paper packaging in the digital era and the circular economy”

Certifications are crucial to establish compliance with specific standards that allow a company to gain greater prestige in terms of market presence. Today, we will delve into the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, which defines the standard and requirements for an “Environmental Management System”. This type of certification can be implemented within any type of organization. What is the purpose of the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification? Achieving this certification significantly reduces the liability of any type of organization with respect to environmental legislation. In detail, if the company or organization meets the necessary requirements, the certification serves to attest to the commitment shown, both in terms of achieving environmental performance and from the perspective of the virtuous goals that will shape the future of the company itself. Holding an Environmental Management System certification, therefore, publicly certifies a corporate path dedicated to environmental protection. This grants organizations access to various types of advantages, such as the possibility of obtaining specific authorizations or recognitions that allow for tax benefits. This certification sometimes constitutes a prerequisite that allows the certified organization or company to participate in tenders or public procurement procedures. How is compliance with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System declared? As mentioned, UNI EN ISO 14001 gathers standards with which companies and organizations must comply in order to be awarded this recognition. In this sense, the first step to follow is to establish the environmental impact that one's business has on the territory and the community it affects. To do this, it is necessary to carry out an Environmental Analysis.  During this analysis, several aspects will be examined, including: the use of resources, emissions resulting from one's activity, and so on. Not only that, but the company must also demonstrate a flexible organization capable of managing, within the current regulatory framework, the requirements applicable to that specific type of business, thereby significantly influencing its impact. Companies and organizations wishing to apply for this certification must specify their Corporate Policy, which must be consistent with the commitments and goals to be achieved regarding environmental protection and the reduction of impacts strictly related to their business type. Within the process to become a UNI EN ISO 14001 certified company, specific environmental responsibilities are also established. Once awarded, the certification seals the commitment made to define, implement, and maintain active the conditions that enabled the achievement of this milestone. This means the company is called upon to continuously respect the imposed standards and requirements. The advantages of the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification: what do they consist of? Achieving the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification is advantageous from multiple points of view.  The advantage is for the Environment: implementing an Environmental Management System means a conscious use of resources. The ability to recognize one's environmental impact allows for the application of coherent strategies to reduce the pollution of soil, air, and water.  The advantage is for the company: in fact, there are several benefits to achieving this certification. Beyond the increase in prestige that this recognition brings, the company also acquires greater authority regarding market positioning. In this sense, we can recognize a competitive advantage for certified companies. As mentioned at the beginning, the certification grants access to tenders where it is explicitly stated as an essential requirement for participation. The certification also allows for the reduction of direct and indirect environmental costs. Last but not least, greater efficiency is achieved at both operational and managerial levels. The advantage is for potential partners: relying on a certified company for one's partnerships allows for the maximization of efforts in the area of environmental protection. In the field of corrugated cardboard packaging production, CART-ONE stands out as a company, not only for having achieved the prestigious UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, but also for putting into practice a corporate policy aimed at reducing environmental impact, in addition to being at the forefront of combating waste, directing production waste to the recycling supply chain to eliminate waste while generating new raw materials. Are you looking for a serious and reliable partner for the production of corrugated cardboard packaging and displays? Contact us. We can assist you in creating your customized, ecological, and sustainable packaging.

Environment Italian Minister Sergio Costa has signed the regulation that marks the End of Waste regarding the life cycle of paper and cardboard. The minister himself stated that "the End of Waste is an indispensable element for enhancing the potential of waste and can make a strong contribution to developing the potential of the recycling sector". This material, in fact, is less and less assimilated to a waste, and more and more to a real resource to be recovered for the production of new paper and corrugated cardboard. The measure was developed following numerous technical meetings. Before the regulation was issued, in fact, consultations were held with ISPRA, the technical body of the Ministry of the Environment, and sector operators. The meetings were also held with the ISS representatives for the assessment of the impacts on the environment and human health. What does the regulation establish? The regulation establishes the methods and criteria in which the planned actions must be taken to ensure that paper and cardboard cease to be waste and become resources for the creation of new material. The regulation is divided into seven articles which have the task of defining the areas of application and three annexes. In Annex 1 you can read the general criteria for the termination of the qualification of paper and cardboard waste. The content contains an explicit reference to the UNI EN 643 standard. Annex 2, on the other hand, identifies the specific purposes according to which the recovered paper and cardboard can be used. Finally, Annex 3 shows the model of the declaration of conformity (DDC), which has been prepared in the form of a declaration in lieu of affidavit. The latter must bear the manufacturer's personal data in addition to the declarations, always by the manufacturer, on the characteristics of the recovered paper and cardboard. What is the importance of paper recovery? Waste paper can be reused as a raw material, either in the manufacture of paper and corrugated cardboard, or for the paper industry, and for industries that use the UNI EN 643 standard as a reference. All this involves an important step forward in the responsible management of resources, in extending the life of the materials which are released into the environment and in creating an additional source from which to obtain the raw material. We must remember that the paper recovery and restarting sector in the production environment, acts as a driving force for circularity processes. In our country, in fact, the recovery of recycled fiber accounts for 60% of paper production. In the packaging sector, the recycling rate has reached the considerable percentage of 80%, placing the country ahead of the European directives, which require by 2030 to reach the 85% recovery threshold. In addition, the recycling of paper allows to drastically reduce the waste that is then sent to landfills. The experience of CART-ONE, which has always been committed to making its production processes of paper and corrugated cardboard boxes increasingly virtuous and environmentally friendly, fits into this framework, so as to confirm itself as a leading player in area of ​​the circular economy.