Paper and Cardboard emission factors
Paper and cardboard production involves pulping, pressing, and drying wood fibres, all of which require significant energy. Virgin paper typically has an emission factor of 0.8 to 1.2 kg CO₂e per kilogram, while recycled paper ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 kg CO₂e per kilogram. The carbon footprint depends heavily on the energy source used in the mill, the fibre source, and the recycled content.
Why it matters for carbon reporting
Paper and cardboard are among the most widely used materials in packaging, office supplies, and print. For e-commerce and retail businesses, cardboard packaging is often a significant Scope 3 emission source. Specifying recycled content and lightweight designs offers practical, immediate carbon reductions.
Practical example
An online retailer uses 200 tonnes of corrugated cardboard per year for shipping boxes. Switching from virgin board (1.1 kg CO₂e/kg) to 100% recycled board (0.5 kg CO₂e/kg) reduces packaging emissions from 220 to 100 tCO₂e, a 55% improvement.
How to reduce paper and cardboard emissions
- 1Specify 100% recycled content for cardboard packaging
- 2Right-size packaging to reduce material use per shipment
- 3Choose FSC-certified suppliers for virgin fibre requirements
- 4Eliminate unnecessary paper use in office environments
Sample emission factors
View allPaper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
Paper and paper products
EXIOBASE Multi-Regional Input-Output
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