At WEPA, we bundle all our raw materials from responsible sources under the term "Fair Fibre".
We distinguish between recycled fibres from waste paper and recycled cardboard, alternative virgin fibres, e.g. from miscanthus, and wood-based virgin fibres.
The choice of raw material has a significant impact on the environmental footprint of our products. Articles made from 100% recycled paper perform best here and are therefore rated by us as the most useful raw material for disposable products such as hygiene paper.
...from recycled paper and recycled cardboard:
Recycled fibres are the most sustainable raw material for tissue paper. These are obtained from waste paper and recycled cardboard. Being a recycling specialist, a cascade use of raw materials is enormously important for WEPA. That is why we mainly use recycled fibres for our products.
...from miscanthus:
This cellulose-rich raw material is grown locally without fertilisation, irrigation or use of pesticides. Due to its very high yield rate, the grass species miscanthus has a smaller ecological footprint than wood-based virgin fibres.
...from sustainable forestry:
For wood-based virgin fibres, we make sure to use responsible sources. In addition to the requirements set by the PEFC and FSC® (FSC-C016151) certifications, we also use our own criteria as a benchmark for our fibres and check these in internal audits of our suppliers. In addition to the requirements laid down by the PEFC and FSC certifications (FSC-016151), we also apply our own criteria as a benchmark and check these in internal audits of our suppliers. We work in partnership with them on projects aiming to preserve biodiversity, such as the renaturation of peatlands.
A fey years ago, we developed our "hybrid products" combining fresh wood-based fibres and recycled fibres. With a share of 30% recycled fibres, the ecological footprint already improves by 20%. We are also working on further "hybrid products", using alternative fresh fibres such as miscanthus instead of or in addition to recycled fibres.
