PAPER AND THE CARBON CYCLE

Forests and forest products, such as paper, form part of an integrated carbon cycle based on photosynthetic conversions of water, carbon dioxide, nutrients and solar energy into a renewable woody biomass. Most paper products, when separately collected after use, can begin a new life as a secondary raw material. They can also be used as a biofuel if they are not fit for recycling. This continuous process means that the forest provides a renewable source of raw material and that the eco-cycle is balanced.