Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is once again among Germany’s most recycling-paper-friendly universities this year. The university consistently uses paper bearing the Blue Angel label and was ranked 8th in the 2019 Paper Atlas published by the Pro Recyclingpapier initiative.
With the 2019 Paper Atlas, the IPR, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Federal Environment Agency and the German Association of University Institutions, has compiled data on paper consumption and recycled paper rates at German universities for the fourth year running. This year, 45 universities took part, setting a new record with an average recycled paper rate of 70 per cent. “We are delighted with this strong result. It not only recognises our commitment but also demonstrates how important this issue is to us in the context of a university operating sustainably,” said President Dr Oliver-Locker-Grütjen, commenting on the university’s performance.
Paper bearing the Blue Angel label is a mark of sustainable practices. Compared with virgin fibre paper, its production saves at least 60 per cent in water and energy and generates significantly fewer CO₂ emissions. In 2018, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences saved more than 428,000 litres of water and over 88,000 kilowatt-hours of energy through the use of recycled paper.
The Paper Atlas was launched in 2008 by the IPR to promote the use of Blue Angel-certified recycled paper in towns and cities through healthy competition. Since 2016, universities have been able to take part in their own competitions, and since 2018, districts have also been able to do so. Partners include the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Federal Environment Agency, the German Association of Cities, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, the German Association of Districts and the German Association of Universities and Colleges.
