The latest Newsprint Recycling report shows Australia continues to lead the way in recycling of newsprint with 61.8% of newsprint recycled. Source: Mediaweek
ThinkNewsBrands has shared the findings of a report on newsprint recycling.
The 2021-2022 Newsprint Recovery & Recycling report, prepared by IndustryEdge, highlights the sustained and ongoing efforts of Australian publishers to minimise their impact on the environment.
In 2021-2022, the recycling rate only fell marginally, by 3.8 percentage points, compared with the previous report conducted in 2020. Additionally, the report found the decline in newsprint consumption was below expectations having fallen by only 7.8% on an annualised basis, well below the level of previous years which averaged a 13.2% decline.
“Given the overall difficulties in the recycling market, this is a great result and positions Australia as a leader in the efforts to recycle newsprint,” ThinkNewsBrands Executive Director Environment Dr Tony Wilkins said.
Globally, the newsprint recovery rate is often included in wider paper recycling figures however the latest data from the US shows recycling sits at 60%.
In 1989, only 28% of newspapers were recycled with 3% of all newspapers going to landfill. Today, only 0.3% of newspapers end up in landfill with an incredible 62% having a second life. Key uses of recycled newsprint include moulded fibre, pet care, composting and insulation.
The report follows a partnership forged by ThinkNewsBrands with REDcycle, a recovery initiative for post-consumer soft plastic that sees the plastic wrap from magazines and newspaper turned into products such as furniture or parks and schools. As part of the partnership, ThinkNewsBrands members dedicated $500,000 worth of advertising inventory to a national advertising campaign designed to educate the Australian public about the benefits of recycling.
“Australia retains its position among the world leaders in newspaper recycling and we expect this to continue, in line with the sustainability commitments of our industry. More on that soon,” Dr Wilkins said.
Read the report at https://thinknewsbrands.com.au/trending/australian-newsprint-recycling-remains-world-class/
