Is it better to buy recycled or virgin paper?

Always buy recycled paper.

Virgin paper is usually from pulped wood. Recycled paper is partly or wholly from re-used paper products.

Recycled paper production:

• reduces the amount of waste going to landfill
• uses less timber
• uses much less energy than virgin paper 

Both jobs and the economy would benefit from increased paper recycling.

Try to:

• Reduce - use e-mail when possible 
• Reuse - print on both sides
• Recycle - use local recycling facilities

For the facts and figures about recycled paper, see our briefing - Exposing the Myths.

WRAP has more information on recycled materials

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