Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world and continues to absorb carbon over the course of its lifetime.
It has been calculated that one tonne of recycled paper saves 7000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill, 2 barrels of crude oil and 4100kw of energy. So why aren’t more businesses using recycled paper?
There is a common perception that paper is bad for the environment, but the truth is that paper is one of the few truly sustainable products. Paper production is not a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the energy used in paper manufacturing is renewable and the carbon intensity is relatively low. Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world and continues to absorb carbon over the course of its lifetime. The virgin fibres that are added to the paper stream nowadays almost entirely come from sustainable forestry sources.
What started, as a grassroots initiative in South Africa, is today an industry leader in sustainable fiberboard, partnering with businesses in Canada and the USA. In 2006, Xanita started as just a dream of James Beattie, who had come out of the print and graphic sector. The original idea was to produce a material that was lightweight, sustainable, structural and 3-dimensional.
The business caught the attention of angel investor, Marco van Embden who says, “Xanita is a business which cherishes the environment. Our product does not land up in a landfill. Our product does not cause trees to be chopped down needlessly; our product is reusable, light and easy to transport. A true game changer for the industry”. Albert Einstein once said “We shall need a substantially new way of thinking if humanity it to survive,” and Xanita has done just that.
Businesses are now thinking about sustainability and the effect on the environment when it comes to packaging, in-store displays and shop fittings. The inner core of all Xanita boards is 100% repulpable, ultra lightweight, significantly stronger than traditional honeycomb fibreboard and non-toxic. MyBaguse, an eco-conscious business that makes colourful, reusable shopping totes, has
turned to sustainable options for their in-store displays and packaging. Jade du Toit, founder of the concept says “MyBaguse products are designed to eliminate material waste, and we hold our packaging to the same standards! As part of this effort, all our packaging is made from recycled materials. We all have a responsibility to the environment and there is no excuse to not look at the green, eco-friendly options.”
Xanita’s board is made from post-consumer repulped paper waste and their virgin fibre supply isForest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited. Xanita Board is 100% repulpable and recyclable.
Xanita board is entirely Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) free and they do not use fossil fuels in the origin of their raw materials. Their Cradle-to-Cradle approach to their systems and product design is a business model that aims to be sustainable and considerate of life and future generations.
