Water

​As our business is dependent on this natural resource, both water availability and the impact of our water usage are of paramount importance to us.

The paper industry predominantly borrows water in contrast to consuming it. Significant volumes of water are processed, but after treatment in modern water treatment plants, over 90% of the water intake is returned to the water systems from which it was extracted.

Long-term commitment

• Reduce the organic content discharged in our process water (COD) by one third by 2020 compared to 2010.

    The reduction is relative to the organic discharge and also measured by COD, expressed per
    tonne of paper produced.

Achievements to date

• Between 2005 and 2011, we invested over €29 million in upgrading existing installations or building new water treatment plants in both Europe and Latin America.
• Although our COD discharges increased in 2011 compared to 2010, overall we have achieved a decrease of 21% by the end of 2011 compared to 2005.

We support initiatives to develop ‘water footprints’ and water stewardship standards. Early in 2011, we joined the Water Footprint Network, which is a frontrunner in developing such standards. We also contribute to, and are an active participant in, the development of sustainable methodology applicable to our industry.