Forests, fiber, and the environment - In view of the fiber supply to the pulp and paper industry

Forests play a vital role in the social, economic, and environmental develo pment of any country. Paper, composed principally of wood fiber, is an esse ntial commodity in promoting literacy, communication, documentation, and pa ckaging. However, there is much concern about the world's forests being ove r-utilized. This has led to serious repercussions, not only to humanity, bu t also to the earth's biodiversity as a whole. It is now time that forests be used in a mole responsible and ethical manner. Because of reduced forest area, increasing pulpwood costs, and an increasing demand for pulp and pap er products, it might be expected that the focus would shift to high yield pulping processes or to the use of cellulosic non-wood raw materials. Non-w oods are available in good supply all over the world, but are currently und er-utilized. It is estimated that replacing 5-10% of wood pulp with non-woo d pulp would have an important impact on the conservation of forests and th e environment. This replacement of wood pulp by non-wood pulp could be envi ronmentally and economically acceptable even in developed countries. By doi ng so, pulp and paper mills would have a lead role in reducing their depend ency on forests for fiber. This determination and commitment would enhance the long-term sustainability of forests and the pulp and paper industry. Ab ove all, it would be a sustainable step towards "our common future."