Paper production is causing a large ecological footprint on forests, as around 40% of the world’s commercially cut timber is processed for paper.
Impacts of the pulp and paper sector on forests
While some of this timber is grown in well-managed forests, too much of it is the result of illegal logging and the irresponsible destruction of old-growth and high conservation value forests.
Some proposed new pulpwood plantations and mills threaten natural habitats in many places with high conservation values.
For example, the remaining natural forests in Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, Russian Far East, Southern Chile and the Atlantic forest region in Brazil are endangered because of growing demand for pulpwood, among other threats.
Forests also maintain the world’s abundant biodiversity, essential for life on Earth. The activities of the pulp and paper sector in these places threaten the habitats of several rare wildlife species such as Asian big cats (including tigers), Asian elephant, Asian rhinos, and orangutans.
Some proposed new pulpwood plantations and mills threaten natural habitats in many places with high conservation values.
For example, the remaining natural forests in Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, Russian Far East, Southern Chile and the Atlantic forest region in Brazil are endangered because of growing demand for pulpwood, among other threats.
Forests also maintain the world’s abundant biodiversity, essential for life on Earth. The activities of the pulp and paper sector in these places threaten the habitats of several rare wildlife species such as Asian big cats (including tigers), Asian elephant, Asian rhinos, and orangutans.
Sumatran orang utan (Pongo abelii) female 'Suma' swinging through the trees with male baby 'Forester' (part of baby snatching story) Gunung Leuser NP, Sumatra, Indonesia
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