{"id":5656,"date":"2025-01-21T14:19:19","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T13:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/arbos-en\/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-how-paper-recycling-works\/"},"modified":"2025-01-27T14:19:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T13:19:03","slug":"5-things-you-might-not-know-about-how-paper-recycling-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/arbos-en\/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-how-paper-recycling-works\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Might Not Know About How Paper Recycling Works"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Our planet is under pressure<\/strong>. Forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, and deforestation is one of the leading causes. In Italy alone, according to A2A<\/a>, the average person consumes 200 kg of paper per year (equivalent to 80 reams of A4 sheets). This means that every day, we use hundreds of thousands of trees<\/strong> to meet our demand for paper and its derivatives. However, there\u2019s a way to reduce our impact on the environment: choosing recycled paper.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/disboscamento.jpg” alt=”how paper recycling works” title_text=”deforestation” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/disboscamento-produzione-legno.jpg” title_text=”deforestation wood production” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Paper recycling is not just a small daily gesture; it\u2019s a conscious choice that can make a real difference. Let\u2019s discover how paper recycling <\/strong>works, why it\u2019s so important, and how at Arbos we\u2019ve integrated this process into our production since our founding in 1988<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/processo-riciclo-carta.jpg” alt=”how paper recycling works” title_text=”paper recycling process” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balle-carta-da-riciclare.jpg” alt=”how paper recycling works” title_text=”Detail of paper stack at the recycling center, indoor” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

How Is Paper Made?<\/h2>\n

To understand the value of recycling, it\u2019s helpful to know how traditional paper<\/strong> is made. The process begins with cutting down trees, whose fibers are the raw material. The logs are turned into chips, and the cellulose fibers are extracted through chemical or mechanical processes. The resulting pulp is bleached and treated with additives, which may include chemicals to enhance the paper\u2019s texture and appearance. Finally, the pulp is spread, pressed, and dried to create sheets of paper. According to Focus<\/a>, a single tree can produce approximately 79,000 sheets of A4 paper<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

This process is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and energy, while deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss and increased CO2 emissions.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/processo-produzione-carta.webp” alt=”how paper recycling works” title_text=”paper production process” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

How Is Recycled Paper Made?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Recycled paper production is a far more sustainable<\/strong> process compared to traditional methods. Used paper is collected and sorted to remove impurities like plastic, glue, or other non-recyclable materials. It is then pulped, meaning it\u2019s broken down into fibers. During this phase, the paper is washed to remove inks and other unwanted substances.
Once cleaned, the pulp is treated to improve its consistency and quality and then transformed into new sheets of paper through pressing and drying, similar to the traditional process. Unlike the original method, however, paper recycling doesn\u2019t require cutting down new trees and consumes significantly less water and energy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sfridi-di-carta-da-riciclare-.jpg” alt=”how paper recycling works” title_text=”Bundle of shredded papers in printing press.” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Differences Between Traditional and Recycled Paper<\/h2>\n

The main difference between traditional and recycled paper lies in the raw material<\/strong>. Traditional paper is made from virgin fibers extracted from trees, while recycled paper is produced by reusing previously used fibers. This has a significant impact on the sustainability of the final product. <\/p>\n

Another major difference is the bleaching process<\/strong>. Traditional paper is often bleached using chlorine, a pollutant harmful to the environment. Recycled paper, on the other hand, is usually bleached with more eco-friendly methods, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide<\/strong>, reducing its environmental impact. <\/p>\n

Modern recycled paper is comparable in quality to virgin paper and can be used for a wide range of applications<\/strong>. Despite lingering prejudices that recycled paper might be less \u201cbeautiful\u201d or durable, modern production technologies have achieved excellent results, creating high-quality products perfect for artistic or creative use\u2014for example, our iconic Cartapaglia Notebooks<\/strong>, first introduced in 1994 as a contemporary art project. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pacchi-di-cellulosa-per-produrre-carta.jpg” title_text=”cellulose packs to produce paper” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balle-carta-da-riciclare-stoccate.jpg” title_text=”Stack of balessorted office papers in raw materials yard” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Choosing Recycled Paper<\/h2>\n

Choosing recycled paper offers numerous benefits:
– Reduced demand for virgin raw materials: this helps decrease deforestation and tree cutting<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

– Lower resource consumption: producing recycled paper uses about 40% less energy<\/strong> and up to 50% less water<\/strong> than traditional paper production.<\/p>\n

– Fewer greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong>: making recycled paper reduces CO2<\/strong> and other harmful gases, contributing to mitigating climate change. <\/p>\n

– Less waste in landfills: choosing recycled paper gives waste materials a new life, limiting the amount of trash that ends up in dumps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/element-R.svg” title_text=”element-R” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”40%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_last_edited=”off|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Arbos’ Commitment to Recycled Materials Since 1988<\/h2>\n

Arbos has been a pioneer in Italy, believing in the potential of recycled paper and sustainable materials<\/a>. Since 1988, our company has built its philosophy around the principle of the 3 Rs<\/strong>: Respect for people, Respect for the environment, and Research for beauty. Arbos doesn\u2019t just produce notebooks and stationery\u2014it creates products with a story<\/strong>, a connection<\/strong> to the land and the people<\/strong> who craft them. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Our notebooks, made with materials<\/a> like Cartapaglia, Ricuoio\u00ae, and Ristoffa\u00ae, demonstrate how sustainable design can be beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly. Our mission is to prove that stationery products can be innovative and creative<\/strong> without compromising on sustainability. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/quadernino-orto-botanico-conf-20-pezzi.jpg” title_text=”quadernino-orto-botanico-conf-20-pezzi” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/taccuino-leaves-conf-4-pezzi.jpg” title_text=”taccuino-leaves-conf-4-pezzi” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/notes-ristoffa-conf-10-pezzi.jpg” title_text=”notes-ristoffa-conf-10-pezzi” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

5 Facts You Might Not Know About Recycled Paper<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Not all paper can be recycled<\/strong>: Certain types, like waxed paper or paper heavily contaminated with food residues (e.g., pizza boxes), can\u2019t be recycled efficiently. These should go in the general waste bin to avoid disrupting the recycling process. <\/li>\n
  2. Paper can only be recycled a limited number of times<\/strong>: Cellulose fibers degrade with each recycling cycle, becoming shorter and weaker. On average, paper can be recycled 5\u20137 times before the fibers are no longer usable. <\/li>\n
  3. Recycled paper is versatile<\/strong>: Beyond notebooks and notepads, recycled paper is used for packaging, boxes, napkins, and even construction materials like soundproofing panels and thermal insulation\u2014demonstrating its enormous reuse potential. <\/li>\n
  4. Recycled paper as art<\/strong>: In various parts of the world, recycled paper is used not only to create new products but also extraordinary artworks. For example, artist El Anatsui<\/a> uses recycled materials, including paper, to craft installations that explore themes of ecology and consumption. <\/li>\n
  5. Paper recycling has been around for centuries<\/strong>: It\u2019s not a recent practice! In the Middle Ages, recycling paper was common because new paper was a luxury, and old manuscripts were reused to create new ones. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

    The Success of Paper Recycling in Italy<\/h2>\n

    According to an article in Corriere della Sera<\/a>, Italy has achieved record levels in paper recycling<\/strong>, currently recycling about 79% of the paper placed on the market\u2014one of the highest rates in Europe<\/strong>. The country excels not only in collecting wastepaper but also exports high-quality recycled cellulose abroad. This success stems from a well-organized waste collection and management system<\/strong>, along with cooperation among citizens, institutions, and industry. <\/p>\n

    Educational campaigns<\/strong>, such as Comieco\u2019s Riciclo Aperto<\/a> initiative, involve thousands of students each year, offering guided tours of recycling plants to help young people understand the process and its importance. These practices are fostering a new, sustainability-conscious generation. <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/paper-week-comieco-relife-raccolta-defferenziata-carta.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”paper-week-comieco-relife-raccolta-defferenziata-carta” force_fullwidth=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

    Conclusion: Choosing Arbos Means Choosing Sustainability<\/h2>\n

    By choosing Arbos, you\u2019re opting for products that respect the environment and celebrate craftsmanship. Whether you run a stationery shop or a bookstore<\/strong>, Arbos notebooks and stationery items are the perfect choice<\/strong> for offering your customers high-quality, beautifully designed, and sustainable products. For decades, Arbos has been committed to sustainability, offering collections that blend aesthetic research with respect for the planet. Visit our online shop<\/a> or contact us<\/a> to learn how to become an Arbos retailer and make a difference\u2014one notebook at a time.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Our planet is under pressure. Forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, and deforestation is one of the leading causes. In Italy alone, according to A2A, the average person consumes 200 kg of paper per year (equivalent to 80 reams of A4 sheets). This means that every day, we use hundreds of thousands of trees to meet our demand for paper and its derivatives. However, there\u2019s a way to reduce our impact on the environment: choosing recycled paper. Paper recycling is not just a small daily gesture; it\u2019s a conscious choice that can make a real difference. Let\u2019s discover how paper recycling works, why it\u2019s so important, and how at Arbos we\u2019ve integrated this process into our production since our founding in 1988. How Is Paper Made? To understand the value of recycling, it\u2019s helpful to know how traditional paper is made. The process begins with cutting down trees, whose fibers are the raw material. The logs are turned into chips, and the cellulose fibers are extracted through chemical or mechanical processes. The resulting pulp is bleached and treated with additives, which may include chemicals to enhance the paper\u2019s texture and appearance. Finally, the pulp is spread, pressed, and dried […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arbos-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5656"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5737,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5656\/revisions\/5737"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arbos.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}