About half of the paper and board recovered in the UK is used in the UK while the rest of it is exported overseas,
as shown in Figure 47. However the picture changes according to the paper grade; whilst over 80% of mixed
paper is exported, only 20% of high grade papers are sent abroad (WRAP, 2007 (a)). Among the paper and
cardboard recycled in the UK, news and magazines are used for the production of newsprint while cardboard and
mixed grade are used in packaging manufacture. High grade papers are mainly used in tissue manufacture
(WRAP, 2007 (a)).
Figure 47 Utilisation of different paper grades in the UK (WRAP, 2007 (a))Prior to the analysis of the findings in the UK context, it should first be noted that the study has highlighted that
there is a need for new studies that would give a better insight into the influence of key parameters and evaluate
the potential of other technologies such as composting or pyrolysis.
The outputs of the comparison between the various possible end-of-life alternatives for paper and card are
summed up in Table 89. The indicators that have been chosen to be displayed in this table are those
corresponding to the main environmental issues the UK is facing. Eutrophication has not been included because
only one of the selected studies assessed this indicator which does not allow for any conclusions to be drawn.
The results of the study have highlighted that paper should not end up in landfills since landfill appeared as the
worst option for all indicators except eutrophication. This is in line with the EU Landfill Directive which aims to
ban the landfill of biodegradable waste. The most promising options among those assessed for paper and card
are incineration and recycling, both of which are preferable to landfill.
Table 89 Overview of the best and worst end-of-life options for managing paper waste based on the results of the study^Paper^ waste^ management^
Indicator Best option Worst option
Number of
studies
Climate change Recycling/Incineration Landfill 5
Depletion of natural resources No clear preferred option 2
Energy demand Recycling Landfill 4
Acidification Recycling Landfill 2
Recycling and material quality
The UK has set up objectives for recycling paper packaging (see section 4.1.3) and is thus encouraging this end-
of-life management. Virgin paper production is energy intensive because of the pulping stage thus significant
savings can be reached with recycling that only requires energy for repulping, mixing and drying.