Paper recycling and environmental impact in Germany

In Germany, consumers use up to 19 kilograms of hygiene paper per person annually, resulting in approximately 1.5 million tons of paper napkins, tissues, and toilet paper being disposed of in trash or sewage systems each year. Experts from Verbraucherzentrale NRW warn that if these products are made from primary fibers, it contributes to deforestation.

Recycling paper offers significant environmental benefits, including saving an average of 78 percent water, 68 percent energy, and 15 percent CO2 emissions compared to virgin fiber production. To ensure sustainability, experts recommend looking for reliable seals like the ‘Blauer Engel’, which guarantees products are made from 100 percent recycled paper.

Proper waste separation is essential for the recycling process. Clean, dry paper and cardboard—such as newspapers, magazines, and egg cartons—should be placed in paper recycling bins. However, items like used kitchen rolls, tissues, thermal paper receipts, and heavily soiled or greasy cardboard must be disposed of in residual waste to avoid contaminating the recycling pulp.