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CONTACT US

PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5063
Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 6708
Email: Info

PAMSA DOES NOT SELL, SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTE PAPER PRODUCTS. PLEASE CONTACT OUR MEMBERS DIRECTLY FOR SUPPLY, QUOTATIONS OR SALES ENQUIRIES BY CLICKING HERE: Members

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Unit 4, Woodview Office Park
1 Humber Road
Woodmead, Sandton

POSTAL ADDRESS:
PO Box 1553
Rivonia 2128

PAMSA-StoryTeller
carbon footprint, dark energy, data, digital communication, Don Carli, green, grey energy, lifecycle, Paper, renewable, sustainable forests
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Latest News & Features

Use paper to reduce your carbon footprint.

No, that is not a typo in the headline. It is a fact.

In the current age of digital communication, it is important to consider how our choice of media and communications impacts on our carbon footprints. 

“While there is no doubt that technology offers immediacy and convenience, we need to take a careful look at the lifecycles of both digital and paper. Too often there are claims – many of which are unsubstantiated – that market digital as ‘greener’ than print,” says Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA).

Save the planet and go digital. Go green, read it on screen. Consider the environment before printing this email.  “Many of us have inherited a mindset that paper is bad for the environment, that its production kills trees,” states Molony. “But few would believe that responsible paper manufacturing, consumption and recycling is ‘green’.”

We need to start considering both sides of the story.

The paper story
South African paper producers source wood from sustainably farmed plantation trees, as well as recycled paper and sugar cane fibre. To sustain production, less than 10% of the plantations are harvested annually.  The timber is chipped, pulped and paper is made. In the same year, saplings are planted – an average of 262,000 new trees per day.

Mitigating impact

Just like most industries, paper manufacturing has an impact on the environment, but this mitigated in a number of ways. Perhaps the most significant is the carbon sequestration of plantations from where the wood is sourced. The 762,000 hectares of South Africa’s commercial timber plantations absorb 20 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually.  Similarly, these trees release some 15 million tonnes of life-giving oxygen per year.

The paper industry invests heavily in biomass-based renewable energy, emission reduction and water recycling initiatives, biodiversity conservation at plantation level as well as the promotion of paper recovery and recycling.

Once paper is produced, the carbon is locked up and kept out of the atmosphere – in copier paper, books, printed documents, cardboard boxes – to name a few.

By recycling paper, we keep this carbon locked up. Destined for landfill – a compact, anaerobic environment – paper (mixed with other waste) will degrade and release gases such as methane which is 25 times more potent than CO2.

The digital (dark) side

Computers, servers and digital devices are made from, in most cases, non-renewable materials and require electricity to function. Many components are imported too. Electronic documents are stored in data centres and server rooms which generate heat and further require air-conditioning to regulate temperature.

Researchers are only beginning to study the environmental effects of e-mail, digital data storage, internet searches and social networking. “We don’t know the environmental impact of saving a document on a server for 10 years or more. And we have no idea of the impact of extracting finite resources to make electronic devices that cannot easily be recycled safely and practically,” says Hans Wegner, chief sustainability officer of the National Geographic Society[i].

Consider the unseen

In his report Print vs Digital Media: False Dilemmas and Forced Choices, Don Carli, a senior researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Communication, says: “[The] invisible ‘grey energy’ used to manufacture digital technologies and the toxic ‘e-waste’ associated with electronics are largely out of sight and out of mind. ‘Dark data’ is also exchanged between computers but never seen by human eyes.”

According to a study by the Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications at University of Melbourne, by 2015 wireless ‘cloud’ infrastructure will consume as much as 43 terawatt-hours of electricity worldwide while generating 30 megatons of CO2 – the equivalent of 4.9 million vehicles worth of carbon emissions. 

Be responsible users of both

“Digital is here to stay and we have nothing against that,” assures Molony. “But paper has its benefits too. Both have their place and fulfill different needs. We must use our chosen means of communication responsibly.”

Paper is a renewable resource and we should look at its entire lifecycle when calculating its carbon footprint. “It is important to source paper from certified producers. In South Africa, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) mark of certification is one that businesses and consumers should look for,” explains Molony. “Educate your colleagues about the importance of responsible paper consumption and recycling, especially those overseeing procurement and waste management.”

[i]eQ Journal, Issue 004

Paper recycling – why you should care Global forest and paper industry highlights benefits of bio-based packaging at Interpack Trade Fair
International-Day-of-Forests
Latest News & Features

Celebrating Forestry’s Role in Driving a Green Recovery

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Latest News & Features

World Water Day: What does water mean to you?

Picture1
Latest News & Features

Forest Restoration – everyone has a role to play

Recent News

  • If you’re looking for renewables, look no further than wood
  • Celebrating Forestry’s Role in Driving a Green Recovery

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Paper Assoc. of South Africa
WORLD ART DAY | @tomasqmorin, in his article 'How WORLD ART DAY | @tomasqmorin, in his article 'How I Learned to Love Cardboard During the Pandemic', shares how he made a championship belt out of cardboard as a wrestling-loving young kid. 

"I dug through neighboUrhood dumpsters, looking for a cardboard box that seemed clean, bendable and easy to cut with scissors." The pandemic saw him making up toys for his toddler. 

Cardboard toys rock. For young and old.

Photo illustration by Derek Brahney from @nytmag 

#cardboard #cardboardmakesthebesttoys #paperart #worldartday
Happy Unicorn Day 🦄. This day was created to ce Happy Unicorn Day 🦄. This day was created to celebrate these mythical and majestic creatures and help adults remember how much more fun life can be when we let a little magic in sometimes. 

#unicorn #unicornday #origami #thepaperstory #paper
#WorldHealthDay is a time for us to give thanks fo #WorldHealthDay is a time for us to give thanks for our health, while also paying tribute to the millions of health workers around the globe. Thank you for your service.

#thepaperstory #health #hygiene #healthcareworker #healthcare #southafrica
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou

#mayangelou #hope #change #easter #paper
#paper

Photo by @devinlesterstudios
Beverage cartons are recyclable! A special pulping Beverage cartons are recyclable! A special pulping process is used to separate the paper fibres from the plastic and foil layers.

#recycle #recycleyourcartons #juice #milk #recycling #packaging #thepaperstory #paper #paperrecycling 
#renewable #sustainable

Pic by @devinlesterstudios
Weekend plans? We hope it involves lots of downtim Weekend plans? We hope it involves lots of downtime! 💛

#paper #selfcare #thepaperstory #books #booklove #autumn #unplug  #readingtime  #slowdown #escape #southafrica 

Pic @[17841409080079263:@devinlesterstudios]
Captain Infinity takes his energy from sustainably Captain Infinity takes his energy from sustainably grown trees that soak up that extra evil carbon dioxide that is causing global warming. 

Ts&cs Apply. 

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #paperpackaging #sustainablepackaging
Levi’s have chosen paperboard liquid cartons to Levi’s have chosen paperboard liquid cartons to promote their good water journey because they are 100% recyclable in South Africa and 73% renewable. 

👖 You can enjoy a free eco-friendly boxed water in-store and learn about their Water<Less™ wins. 

👖 Available at the following @Levis_southafrica stores from 16 March: Canal Walk; Cavendish; Clearwater; Eastgate; Gateway; Mall of Africa; Menlyn; Sandton; Tyger Valley and the V&A Waterfront. While stocks last. 
 
#worldwaterday💧 #worldwaterday #cartons #recycle #sustainablefashion #sustainablepackaging #paperpackaging #water
Are you worried about wood and paper products caus Are you worried about wood and paper products causing deforestation? Well, be assured that trees in commercial forestry are much like any other crop – specific species are planted, harvested and replanted in sustainable rotation, so that there are always trees at various stages of growth and maturity, ready to harvest for generations to come. The sector is even responsible for maintaining and protecting some of South Africa’s indigenous forests.

#IntlForestDay #intlforestday2021 #renewable #renewability #restoringforests #trees #forestrylife #forests 

Credit: Sappi
This #internationaldayofforests, look up. Whether This #internationaldayofforests, look up. Whether you find yourself in an indigenous forest or a timber plantation, thank these giants for everything they do. They give us oxygen, store carbon and cool our planet. Farmed trees provide us with everyday products. By replanting harvested trees, wood and paper are renewable, enriching our lives, making our jobs easier and our world more sustainable.

#trees #wood #forestry #intlforestday2021 #forestrestoration #renewable #sustainable
Who remembers learning about photosynthesis 🌞 i Who remembers learning about photosynthesis 🌞 in primary school? 

Just like other plants, trees absorb carbon dioxide. The entire wood and wood products cycle stores carbon. While they’re growing, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They’re so efficient at this that about half the dry weight of wood is carbon. And that carbon stays locked up in the wood – even when it’s turned into construction materials, furniture or even paper.

#intlforestday #intlforestday2021 #forests #forestry #carbon #climatechange #sustainability #trees 

Photo credit: Mondi
Did you know that only 70% of forestry-owned land Did you know that only 70% of forestry-owned land is managed for production? 

South African forestry companies leave a large proportion in its natural state, helping to form ecological networks of wetlands, grasslands and indigenous flora throughout the forestry landscape, providing habitat for countless animal, bird and fish species.

It's what makes our sector remarkable. 

Renewable. Recyclable. Remarkable

#IntlForestDay #forestry #forestryexplained #forests #sustainableforestry #paper #thepaperstory

Photo credit: Mondi South Africa
By separating your paper recyclables from your was By separating your paper recyclables from your waste, you can ensure that they get a second life - a cardboard box, an egg box, or even toilet paper. 

#globalrecyclingday #globalrecyclingday2021 #paper #paperrecycling #sustainablity #cardboardbox 

Photo by @devinlesterstudios
Did you know that all of these paper products are Did you know that all of these paper products are recyclable in South Africa? Which of these are you not recycling at the moment? 

#globalrecyclingday #globalrecyclingday2021 #paperrecycling #recycle #paperpackaging #sustainableliving #waste #wastestopswithme
It's Global Recycling Day today, 18 March. Do you It's Global Recycling Day today, 18 March. Do you recycle? If you do, comment with a ♻️, and maybe tag a friend who you think should be recycling. 

If you don't and need help, check out recyclepaper.co.za or drop us a question in the comments section.
Meet our planet-saving Super Carton friends! Learn Meet our planet-saving Super Carton friends! Learn more about Captain Infinity, Dr Renewable and Super Transformer, answer an easy question and stand in line to win one of 10 cash prizes worth R1 000! 
{Link in bio}

Ts&cs Apply. 

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #paper #packaging
Today, in partnership with Fibre Circle, we launch Today, in partnership with Fibre Circle, we launched the Super Cartons campaign to raise awareness that food and beverage cartons are recyclable in South Africa. {Link in bio}

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #sustainability #packaging #recyclablepackaging #paper #paperboard #paperrecycling
Here's to women around the world, wherever you are Here's to women around the world, wherever you are and whatever you do. You're awesome. #InternationalWomensDay
It’s official. You’ve inspired us, inspired ot It’s official. You’ve inspired us, inspired others, and shared  positivity with our fellow South Africans. Thank you, your contributions have been truly inspirational!

We have selected a winner. If you entered our #2021PositivityChallenge, check your inbox! You could just be the lucky winner.
Did you feel the chill in the air this morning? Did you feel the chill in the air this morning? 

Well, March 1 typically signifies the start of Autumn in South Africa, and other southern hemisphere countries. Take time to admire and observe the changing colours around you.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Jim Bishop

#autumn
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