Why Does Recycled Paper Cost More Than Brand New Paper?

As consumers, many people are aware that it often costs more to buy renewable or recycled products vs. conventionally produced products, and paper is no exception to that rule.

The cost of the paper that you choose to print on is an important factor to take into consideration when it comes to the overall cost of your print job.  Many people come to face the tough decision between whether they should use recycled paper or brand new – aka 'virgin' paper - to produce their high quality print item.   

Cost Of Recycled Paper

Because a product is more environmentally friendly, does not mean it is going to be cheap. Think about the additional processes that it takes to recycle and to reproduce a product with that recycled material in comparison to creating a new product without the recycling process. 

At Anderberg Innovative Print Solutions, we often receive the question from our clients – “Why does recycled paper cost more than brand new (virgin) paper?”  

Here are a few facts to consider that may answer that question:

  • Recycled paper has a more complex production process than brand new (virgin) paper, and those extra steps equate to more costs:

  • With brand new paper, there are only 3 steps in the production process: logging, milling and distribution

  • Producing recycled paper requires many more additional steps which include:

  • Used paper collection and recovery process: Sorting and preparation to remove adhesives or staples that may be attached to the paper which must be removed before it can be processed 

  • Once that’s complete, recycled paper must then go through pulping, and then to a de-inking facility (as most printing inks are not water soluble) to remove the ink and prevent the finished product from looking 'dirty.'

  • Finally, the de-inked pulp is ready to go to a mill to be made into recycled paper.

 

Recycled Paper Is More Expensive Than New Paper

These additional steps each involve costs, and explain why recycled paper is more expensive than brand new paper.

Although recycled paper is more expensive, many advocates of recycled paper point out the benefits of using non-virgin paper:

  • Less water, energy, bleach, and chemicals are used during paper production. 

  • Keeps paper out of landfills

  • Prevents methane production

  • Prevents cutting down new trees

 

Should You Use New Paper Or Recycled For Printing?

Should you use recycled paper in your print jobs? At Anderberg, we work with our clients to choose virgin paper or recycled paper, based upon their needs, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Always talk with your print professional about which paper will be best suited for your particular print job as you are in the planning stages of your project to ensure the best results.  

At Anderberg we do not have a preference when it comes to virgin paper or recycled content – we leave it up to our clients to make the decision with given feedback if asked for. Whether you’re looking to print envelopes, greeting cards, calendars, or anything else, the decision is all up to you whether it is: preference, quality, environmental impact or cost.

Peter Olson