Print and printing processes have been a target of misleading and inaccurate characterizations regarding the “greenness” of its products and processes for years. In large part this reflects the short-term use and discarding of printed products. However, in 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that paper accounted for more than one-third of all recyclables collected in the US, with a recycling rate of more than 60%, higher than any other waste component. On the other hand, used packaging makes up 75%–80% of global waste, and this is an assortment of paper, plastics, etc., and we are only recycling about 9% of the plastics. The recycling of waste print and packaging has been happening for centuries. To address misleading perceptions, the recycling of post-consumer waste and its addition to usable raw materials for new paper production has become a focus for many.

The UN World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainability presumes that resources are finite and should be used conservatively and wisely with a view to long-term priorities and the consequences of resource use. They go on to say that “sustainable practices support ecological, human and economic health and vitality environmentally and socially sustainable materials and processes for environmentally and socially sustainable products and services.” It is what is known as a circular economy, which creates and produces products that design out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems. 

The slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is not just a catch phrase it is the order of preference for waste management options.