Paper Industry Challenges Assumption Digital Is More Sustainable Than Paper

Paper has gotten a bad rap in recent years. Detractors claim paper manufacturing leads to mass deforestation and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. While paper supply chains could certainly use an overhaul, some of the arguments against using paper are just plain wrong.

"What people often don't realize is that the paper-making process is sustainable, and claims to the contrary are misleading to the consumer," said Mark Pitts, executive director of printing-writing, at the American Forest And Paper Association (AFANDPA).

According to the organization, more than 65 percent of paper in the United States was recycled in 2012, making paper the