Austropaper

With a recycling rate of 86 % and a waste rate of <1 %, the Austrian paper industry plays a pioneering role in the circular economy. Almost 70% of the energy required for paper production comes from renewable sources and industrial waste heat is also utilised efficiently. The industry thus produces more electricity and heat than it needs itself and supplies around 100,000 households. Of the water used in production, 93 % is completely purified and recycled.

Martin Zahlbruckner, CEO of one of Austria's largest paper companies and President of Austropapier, discusses the paper industry's progress in the circular economy in an interview with Gregor Gluttig, Member of the Board of the Circular Economy Forum Austria. For example, paper can be recycled up to 25 times through the cascading use of natural fibres. Looking at the USA, Martin Zahlbruckner explains how customer pressure can promote sustainable practices and calls on Austrian politicians to take measures that enable sustainable business practices.

Website: https://austropapier.at/