Papier & Recyclingpapier – Zahlen, Fakten & Praxis

Paper & Recycled Paper – Numbers, Facts & Practice

by Anna Ullmann on Jan 08, 2026

Did you know that in Germany in 2023, around 175.6 kg of paper, cardboard, and paperboard per capita were consumed? Despite digital tools, paper remains a central component of everyday work – from printing & notes to packaging and hygiene.

At the same time, demands for sustainable procurement are increasing. This article bundles the most important facts & figures, explains the paper cycle clearly, and provides concrete purchasing recommendations – practical, neutral, and scientifically sound.

In a nutshell

Germany consumed around 175.6 kg of paper per capita in 2023, with a recycling rate of 75.1% in Europe. Recycled paper is now technically equivalent to virgin fiber and, according to the Federal Environment Agency, saves up to 78% water and 68% energy in production.

Paper Consumption at a Glance



  • Germany (2023): 175.6 kg PPC per capita – total approx. 14.9 million t.
  • Private households: approx. 105 kg/person.
  • Europe (2024): 75.1% recycling rate (EPRC/CEPI).
  • World (2023): 401 million t paper & cardboard (FAO) – -3% vs. previous year.

"What is being destroyed by this?" – a sober assessment



Paper needs fibers – but deforestation is primarily caused by agriculture, not by copier paper. In Europe, fibers mainly come from recycling loops and managed forests.

  • ≈ 90% of global deforestation caused by agriculture (FAO).
  • 20% of global timber harvest goes into paper/pulp.
  • ≈ 54% of global fibers come from waste paper (FAO).
  • Recycling share: -78% water, -68% energy, -15% CO₂ (UBA).
  • Fibers can be recycled 5–7 times – after that, virgin fiber is needed.

Recycling in Numbers



Germany (2023)

  • 83% waste paper content in paper production
  • 12.7 million t waste paper collected (UBA).

Europe (2024)

  • 75.1% recycling rate (EPRC/CEPI).

World (2023)

  • 234 million t waste paper (AFoA).

Terms Made Simple

  • Utilization Rate: Share of waste paper in production (Germany).
  • Return Rate: Share of collected waste paper.
  • Recycling Rate: EU definition incl. net trade.

How Paper Recycling Works



The cycle consists of six steps:

  1. Collection & Sorting according to EN 643
  2. Pulping: Paper is dissolved in water.
  3. Cleaning: Removal of foils, sand, adhesives.
  4. Deinking: Ink removal via flotation & washing processes.
  5. Paper Machine: Sieving → Pressing → Drying → Smoothing.
  6. Side Streams: energy recovery & closed loops.

Difficult to recycle: Wet-strength papers, composites, UV inks, strong adhesives.

Recycled Paper – Quality, Whiteness, & Runnability



Recycled paper is now technically equivalent to virgin fiber – standards are crucial.

How to recognize good paper

  • EN 12281: Standard for copier/printer papers.
  • CIE Whiteness: visual whiteness effect.
  • Opacity: important for duplex printing.
  • DIN 6738: Archival permanence.

Alternative Fibers – Bagasse, Grass, Straw



Alternative raw materials complement recycled paper but do not replace it.

  • Bagasse: Residue from sugarcane – good eco-balance.
  • Grass/Silphie: regional production, mixed papers.
  • Straw: suitable as an additive.
  • Stone paper: not recycled paper, not recyclable.

Practical guide for purchasing



Checklists

  • EN 12281 for office papers.
  • DIN 6738 for archiving purposes
  • 100% recycled or alternative fibers with proof.
  • Labels: Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel, FSC Recycled.
  • Duplex printing & pull-printing to reduce consumption.

Product overview – Office, Hygiene, Shipping



Office

  • Copy paper (100% recycled)
  • Notebooks, exercise books, sticky notes
  • Address labels, envelopes

Hygiene

  • Toilet paper & hand towels (100% recycled)
  • Kitchen rolls & cosmetic tissues

Shipping

  • Corrugated cardboard boxes
  • Shipping bags with paper padding
  • Paper adhesive tapes

Myths & Facts



  • "Recycled paper is grey" – not true: all shades of white are available
  • "Jams more often" – EN-12281-compliant recycled paper runs smoothly.
  • "Paper recycles endlessly" – 5–7 cycles, then fresh fibers are needed.
  • "Alternative fibers are automatically better" – depends on the process.
  • "Stone paper belongs in the paper bin" – false, not recyclable.

Conclusion: Sustainable procurement – practical & economical



Recycled paper is now technically equivalent, economically attractive, and clearly superior ecologically. In addition, alternative fibers such as bagasse or grass can be used effectively. Decisive factors are reliable standards, transparent evidence, and conscious handling of paper.

Your next step

Use our Eco-shelf directly on the search bar: Filter for environmentally friendly items – simple, fast, and transparent

Frequently Asked Questions


Is recycled paper worse for printers?

No, EN-12281 compliant recycled paper runs just as smoothly as virgin fiber paper and does not cause a higher paper jam rate.

How often can paper be recycled?

Fibers can be recycled 5 to 7 times, after which fresh fibers are needed to maintain paper quality.

Which seal guarantees genuine recycled paper?

The Blue Angel is the most reliable label for 100% recycled paper content in Germany.

Sources

Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency)
FAO – Forestry

Further Wiepa Guides

Recycled paper in the office: When is it worth switching?
Buying guide for office papers and copy papers

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