‘Paper’, derived from ‘Papyrus’ is largely made from trees. Different kinds of trees are used for giving different attributes to paper as they provide different types of fibers. Per say; coniferous softwood trees like fir and spruce produce long fibers and they give high strength property to papers whereas; hardwood trees like birch produce short fibers and are used to make bulky papers. In spite of technological advancements in processes of manufacturing paper, there still remains a big challenge to make its production process environmentally sound.

Paper industries grow trees for commercial purpose which are replaced by new trees after they are cut. Paper producers use all parts of trees in various processes unlike other industries like construction and furniture making. It is assumed that wood being a natural renewable resource, paper industry can manage a sustainable development in this area. But, sustainability is no longer limited to resource management but also needs to take into account alternative energy generation and combating.

With the increase in demand of paper and wood pulp, old forests have been replaced by trees that could be used for making paper. This has led to a growing concern over biodiversity of forests due to lack of tree species which has invariably led to loss of wildlife and ecosystems. It is important to highlight the importance of biodiversity here as humans depend for their health and sustenance on these ecosystems. Various biodiversity elements provide resources like food, medicines, and industrial products to humans. They also have social and economic values attached to them as tourism, health and other industries are dependent on the diversity of our biological environment.

Paper production is extremely energy intensive and is a considerable part of the manufacturing cost. Hence, even the industry is keen at looking at energy alternatives that would prove to be more efficient. The paper industry is responsible for release of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides etc. in the combustion process. These compounds are harmful for nature and lead to acid rains which have many negative effects like corrosion of metals, damage to building and plants etc. These emissions also cause respiratory problems. Thus, it is a matter of concern for the industry to reduce these emissions. The adoption of new control process techniques and replacement of fuel by natural gas has led to a considerable drop in these emissions. But there is a need to develop better technology for production in order to reduce these harmful emissions. Using biofuels can help to a large extent as well.

Water is used in various stages of manufacture of paper and collects various effluents during the entire process. These effluents deplete oxygen from water which does not remain fit for drinking and can cause various health related problems. Hence, to reduce this impact paper industries these days are involved in treating this water to clean it and reduce the volume of effluents before it is discharged back to surface waters.

Bleaching treatment is used to give the brightness to the paper. Chlorine treatment was a common practice earlier as it provided best results without any damage to the fibers. But, its harmful byproducts like dioxins and furans were an issue of concern. Hydrogen peroxide was not so environmentally harmful but had high energy demands and was expensive. This led to Total Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching and Elementary Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching. But people are still divided over both these processes.

Hence, a consistent approach towards better technology and alternatives by the paper industry can prove beneficial not just to them but for a sustainable environment as well and adoption of better techniques in order to do away with the harmful emissions.