SANITARY PAPER PRODUCTS

Sanitary paper products include toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels and table napkins.

Paper manufacturing places a significant strain upon the environment. Process effluents can contain high concentrations of natural organic materials which deplete oxygen from receiving waters (eutrophication), adversely impacting plant and animal life. Sulphur and hazardous materials discharged in effluents, particularly halogenated organics (used to clean equipment), can bio-accumulate in plant and animals tissues. Non-biodegradable detergents (surfactants) may also accumulate and be toxic or otherwise harmful in the environment if discharged, and so only readily biodegradable surfactants should be used.

Chlorine-based bleaches, if used, can result in the discharge of organo-chlorines into the environment. Organo-chlorines can be persistent, toxic and bio-accumulate in the environment (increase in concentration in plant and animal tissue over time - like mercury in fish, for example).

The use of wood fibre for the production of paper from unsustainably managed native forests is a concern for most Australians. It is therefore important that wood fibre is not sourced from Australian native ecosystems but from plantation timber of exotic or domestic species.

For more specific information on these products use the Good Environmental Choice Standard for Sanitary Paper Products in Australia. This standard is used to assess the environmental performance of products of this type, and determine if they deserve the Australian 'Good Environmental Choice' Label.

GECA 13-2005 - SANITARY PAPER PRODUCTS

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES

• Opt for products made without chlorine-based substances

• Choose products with a higher recycled paper content

• Choose products that contain recycled fibre

• Avoid products made using fibre from virgin timber/ecosystems

• Replace paper hand towel a linen towel

• Use re-usable towels to mop up spills rather than disposable products