November 17th, 2025

Many people assume that 100% recycled boxes are the most sustainable option. But when you look at the full picture, a balanced fiber approach - one that blends recycled and virgin fiber - often delivers better environmental and performance outcomes.

Recycled Doesn't Always Mean Better
While recycling is important, using only recycled fiber can actually increase your carbon footprint.

  • Lower Emissions: Blended fiber boxes can produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than 100% recycled ones.
  • Cleaner Energy: Traditional mills often use up to 80% renewable, carbon-neutral biomass energy, while recycled production tends to rely on energy purchased from the grid which is often fossil fuel-based. Creating paper from recycled content can also be more energy- and chemical-intensive.

Virgin Fiber Helps Forests Thrive
Using new fiber can support forest health and sustainability.

  • Carbon Capture: Actively managed forests absorb carbon and help fight climate change. While older forests have accumulated more carbon, younger forests grow rapidly, remove more CO2 than mature forests covering the same area. Managing forests to avoid large emissions from the loss of old trees while young forest growth can rapidly store carbon can provide both storage and sequestration benefits.
  • Economic Incentives: Demand for virgin fiber encourages landowners to regrow and maintain forestlands, protecting long-term forest ecosystems.
Balanced Fiber

Stronger Boxes Use Less Material
Blended fiber improves packaging strength and efficiency.

  • Material Savings: Virgin fiber adds strength, so boxes often require less material to perform well.
  • Shipping Efficiency: Stronger boxes reduce box failure that can lead to waste and can improve logistics. Additionally, when supply chains are not constrained by recycled content requirements, we can ensure that boxes get to the customer using the most direct path available.

Recycling Has Its Limits
Tree fiber cannot be recycled infinitely, so fresh fiber must come into the system. If we relied only on recycled content, we would run out of boxes in 8 months.

At International Paper, we focus on science-backed solutions, not just labels. Our packaging combines recycled content and responsibly sourced virgin fiber to:

  • Reduce emissions
  • Extend fiber life
  • Support healthy forests and long-term supply

Our approach has earned recognition, including the 2024 Innovation in GIS Award, and meets sustainability criteria verified by Preferred by Nature’s Due Diligence and System Requirements Standards.

Sustainability is about smart choices. We’re here to help you make them.