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Q: What is the Paper Calculator?
A: The Paper Calculator is a free, web-based tool that helps you measure and reduce the environmental impacts of paper. Using a methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA), it estimates impacts across the full life cycle for a variety of different grades of paper.
Q: Who manages the Paper Calculator?
A: The Environmental Paper Network (EPN), a coalition of more than 350 nonprofit organizations, manages and maintains the Paper Calculator with support from an independent consultant with decades of global experience in life cycle assessment and sustainability standards.
Q: How has the Paper Calculator evolved?
A: Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund in 2005, the Paper Calculator has been managed by EPN since 2011. Updates — including the current v4.1 — keep it accurate, up to date, and aligned with how organizations use it today.
Q: What makes the Paper Calculator different from other tools?
A: The Paper Calculator is free, independent, transparent, and science-based. It is not tied to any supplier and does not promote one brand of paper over another. Covering the full life cycle of paper, it is widely recognized for its credibility by both NGOs and leading companies.
Q: Can I use it to measure the benefits of using less paper?
A: Yes! In this case, simply enter the paper you avoided using, just like the paper you actually used. The Paper Calculator will show the environmental savings, including energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions, solid waste, and other impacts. This helps organizations track reductions, report progress, and plan sustainability initiatives.
Q: Can I use the Paper Calculator for sustainability reporting or marketing?
A: Absolutely. As long as you properly cite the Calculator (e.g., “Environmental impacts estimated using Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator v4.1”), the data can support reporting, internal tracking, and independent claims about reduced environmental impact.
Q: What does the Paper Calculator measure?
A: The Paper Calculator measures 23 environmental impacts across the paper life cycle. Primary impacts include wood use, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and solid waste. It also tracks air and water pollutants, forest and wildlife impacts, and other indicators such as ocean acidification and mercury emissions.
Q: What are the boundaries of the analysis?
A: The Paper Calculator is a “cradle-to-grave” tool, covering the full life cycle of paper — from sourcing to end-of-life.
Q: Is recycled paper better for the environment?
A: Yes. Using recycled paper reduces demand for virgin wood, saves energy and water, lowers manufacturing pollution, and reduces solid waste. The higher the recycled content, the greater the environmental benefit.
Q: How does recycled paper benefit forests?
A: By substituting used fiber for virgin trees, recycled paper reduces pressure on forests, protects biodiversity, and helps preserve carbon storage. Even when trees are replanted, natural ecosystems are not fully replaced, so maximizing recycled content is critical.
Q: How does recycled paper reduce pollution?
A: Making paper from used paper is generally cleaner and more efficient than making paper from trees, since much of the work of extracting and bleaching the fibers has already been done. This typically results in lower energy, water, and chemical use, reduced air and water pollution, and increased carbon storage.
Q: What’s the difference between post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content?
A: Post-consumer materials have been used and discarded by consumers, while pre-consumer materials are industrial scraps from production. The Paper Calculator treats both types equally in its impact estimates, as both reduce environmental impacts. Post-consumer fiber has the added benefit of supporting municipal recycling systems and keeping paper out of landfills.
Q: Where can I learn about the Paper Calculator’s methodology?
A: Detailed documentation for Paper Calculator v4.1 is available under the “RESOURCES” tab of this website. It explains the data sources, methodology, assumptions, and how impacts are calculated.
Q: Why use the Paper Calculator over other calculators?
A: The Paper Calculator is independent, transparent, regularly updated, and grounded in science. Other calculators may reflect vested interests or use incomplete methodologies. EPN’s Calculator is reviewed by independent experts to ensure credible, scientifically robust results.
Q: How often is the Calculator updated?
A: Regular updates incorporate new data, research, and industry information. Updates like v4.1 improve accuracy and reflect new ways organizations are using the tool.
Q: What else can I do to reduce paper impacts?
A: Avoiding unnecessary paper is the most impactful choice. Go digital, print double-sided, and streamline communications. Pairing these steps with recycled or alternative fiber papers maximizes environmental benefits.
