The recycling cycle depends on fresh fibre
Every recycled paper product begins with fresh fibre. With each recycling cycle, fibres become shorter and weaker. Without a steady input of new fibre, the recycling loop would eventually collapse, making it impossible to maintain both the quality and volume of recycled paper and paperboard.
How many times can paper products be recycled?
A common question is how many times paper and paperboard can be recycled. The answer is typically between four and seven times, depending on the fibre and product type. After that, the fibres lose their strength and usability. This natural limit means that fresh fibre isn’t just helpful, it’s essential to keep the system going.
When paper products made from fresh fibre are recycled, they contribute long, durable fibres back into the loop. These strong fibres help maintain the quality of recycled products. Fresh and recycled fibres don’t compete; they work together to close the loop.
Why fresh fibre matters for performance
Fresh fibre paperboard offers consistent quality throughout production and conversion. It behaves predictably, allowing for smoother printing and packaging processes. In contrast, recycled fibre often requires a heavier grammage, up to 40 per cent more, to achieve the same stiffness and protection, leading to less efficient transport and production.
Fresh fibre also ensures a higher level of purity. Recycled material can contain traces of inks and adhesives, resulting in a stained appearance and increasing the risk of contamination. This is why fresh fibre paperboard is preferred for food and pharma packaging, where hygiene and safety are critical.
Fresh fibre and energy efficiency
Fresh fibre production at Holmen’s mills is designed for energy efficiency. Bioenergy from wood by-products powers much of the process, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The result is a cleaner, more sustainable energy profile.
Recycled fibre, on the other hand, requires extensive collection, sorting, and cleaning before it can be reused. These steps can increase overall energy consumption, depending on the system and power source.
Life Cycle Analysis reveals the full picture
To understand the true environmental impact, Holmen commissioned an independent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) from the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL). The study compared fresh fibre paper produced in Sweden with recycled paper made in Germany to evaluate climate impact, resource use, and emissions.
A method based on EU standards
The study used the Circular Footprint Formula, developed within the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) programme. It assessed the impact of one kilogram of direct mail flyers made from Holmen’s fresh fibre papers versus flyers made from recycled paper. The analysis included raw material sourcing, production, transportation, and end-of-life. The study was third-party reviewed to ensure objectivity and transparency.
Fresh fibre paper shows lower impact
The results were clear: paper made from fresh fibres in Sweden had a lower environmental impact in several key areas, including climate impact (CO₂ equivalents), eutrophication, and acidification. When produced with renewable energy and sustainable forestry, fresh fibre paper outperformed recycled paper made using fossil-based energy.
Responsible forestry and resource use
Holmen’s fresh fibre originates from sustainably managed forests. The wood used is a byproduct of sawmill timber production, ensuring that no trees are harvested solely for the making of paper and paperboard. The Swedish Forestry Act requires that every harvested area be replanted, ensuring ongoing forest growth and biodiversity.
Holmen’s fresh fibre is renewable, traceable, and responsibly sourced. It forms the foundation that keeps the recycling process strong and the circular economy thriving.