Busting myths about paper

The Federation of Paper Traders Association of India will approach the State government to get various methods of paper making included in the school syllabus.

The initiative by the association’s public awareness committee seeks to educate school and college students about how paper is manufactured and remove misconceptions surrounding it. The committee will propagate the message that paper is not just made by clearing forests.

“We want to create awareness that for every tree that is cut, four more are planted by the paper industry. Besides, wood is not the only raw material. We use paddy straw, wheat straw, bagasse and bamboo too,” says Venkat Annamalai, member of the committee.

He was speaking to the

The Hindu on the sidelines of Paper + 2014 – a three-day international exhibition on Paper, Pulp and allied industries inaugurated at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam on Friday. Over 600 exhibitors from over 30 countries, including China and Taiwan, have set up stalls at the venue.

Members of the committee said there is a misconception that paper manufacturing is not eco-friendly. “The wood for the paper is taken from plantations. We give saplings to the farmers and once they grow, they sell the timber for a good price,” says B.R. Rao, convener of the committee.

As of now, the committee members are conducting awareness programmes in schools and colleges. “These days, only 30 per cent of paper is made from wood. Nearly 20 per cent is made from agro-based raw materials, and the remaining from recycled paper,” he adds.

However, many schools are yet to use recycled paper. “They prefer paper made from wood pulp. With advancements in technology, better quality of recycled paper can be manufactured to encourage institutions to purchase them,” says Mr. Annamalai.