The first advantage in using waste paper is certainly the reduction of trees for the production of pulps. In order to produce one tonne of paper, it takes about 2,0 – 2,5 tonnes of wood, that are equivalent to the weight of 20 trees of medium size.

Another positive aspect in using waste paper is that the quantity of material brought to dump is substantially reduced, with a consequent advantage for the waste disposal. It is important to know that cellulose materials are between the 25 and 30% of the urban solid waste.

Moreover, the recycling process contributes in a significant way to reduce the emissions of  carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, that are the principal responsible of the greenhouse effect. According to an authoritative study about the environmental impact of the differentiated waste disposal systems, the recycling of one tonne of paper and paperboard determines a saving of about 210 Kg CO2 eq. This estimate is the result of the difference between the emissions generated from the production of paper and paperboard using the waste paper as raw material and the ones that should be generated using virgin fibres. 

The non waste disposal produces a notable saving of emissions of carbon dioxide as well, and this value is equal to 1.098 Kg Co2 eq.

It means that for each tonne of cellulose products that will be recycled, the emissions of carbon dioxide will be reduced of 1.308 kg CO2 eq.

Another important advantage in using waste papers is for example the reduction of the energy and water consumptions. It has been calculated that for some paper grades, if you use 100% of waste paper, rather than cellulose, you can obtain the same quantity of paper, saving a considerable quantity of water (up to 80%) and energy (up to 50%).