Public still prefers print
CHICAGO — The results of a new survey commissioned by Two Sides reveal a telling insight into the public’s perceptions and attitudes towards print and paper.
Carried out by independent research company Toluna, consumers from across the U.S. and Canada were surveyed on environmental topics and preferences relating to paper and print.
It’s clear from the survey consumers are concerned about the environment, but there are some obvious gaps between consumer environmental perceptions and the real facts. This is particularly evident for questions related to forest management and recycling.
58 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed believe U.S. forests have been decreasing in size since the year 2000. In fact, U.S. forests had a net growth of more than 1,500 NFL football fields per day since 2000.
Only 15 percent of Americans and 21 percent of Canadians think the paper recovery rate exceeds 60 percent when it’s more than 68 percent in the U.S and 70 percent in Canada.
Out of 6 choices, Americans and Canadians rank urban development (first), construction (second) and pulp and paper (third) as having the most impact on global deforestation. Agriculture was ranked as having the least impact. However, agriculture is the top cause of global deforestation and, in most developed countries such as the U.S. and Canada, pulp and paper isn’t a cause of forest loss due to government regulations, sustainable forestry practices and forest certification programs.
When it comes to paper purchasing behavior, 70 percent of Americans and Canadians believe it’s important to use paper products from sustainably managed forests. However, only 22-27 percent pay attention to forest certification labels when purchasing paper.
Out of 8 common materials and products, wood is considered the most environmentally friendly material, followed by paper and glass. Plastic and electronic devices are considered the least environmentally friendly.
Preferences: When it comes to reading books, magazines and newspapers, print is preferred over digital.
68 percent of Americans and Canadians believe print is the most enjoyable way to read books
65 percent of Americans and 59 percent of Canadians prefer to read magazines in print
53 percent of Americans and 49 percent of Canadians prefer to read newspapers in print
Further to print being the preferred medium for reading, the digital push by many corporate service providers (ex: banks, telecoms, utilities, insurance) appears to be unpopular with many consumers. 82 percent of Canadians and 86 percent of Americans believe they should have the right to choose how they receive their communications (electronically or printed) and a further 66 percent (Canada) to 74 percent (U.S.) agree they should not be charged to receive paper statements.
“It is great to see that print as a communications medium is still preferred by many consumers. Clearly, people also recognize the sustainable features of paper when compared to many other products, especially electronics and plastic. However, there is a need to educate consumers on sustainable forestry practices, the real causes of deforestation and the great recycling story of print and paper,” states Phil Riebel, President of Two Sides North America. Other Key Findings from the Reports: Reading Preferences: 71percent of Americans and 68 percent of Canadians believe in the importance of “switching off” their digital devices and reading more in print.
49 percent of U.S. And 46 percent of Canadian consumers believe they spend too much time on electronic devices, and more than half (53 percent and 52 percent) are concerned the overuse of electronic devices could be damaging to their health.
Consumer Choice: 85 percent of U.S. and 80percent of Canadian consumers believe they should have the right to revert to paper-based communications even after switching to digital.
Recycling: 54 percent of U.S. And 56 percent of Canadian consumers believe only recycled paper should be used to make paper products. In fact, wood fiber from well-managed forests is essential to papermaking because recycled fiber breaks down after each use and can only be re-used 5-7 times.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 29 pecent of U.S. And 26 percent of Canadian consumers believe paper production is a major cause of global GHG emissions. In fact, the pulp, paper and print industries are a low contributor to the global greenhouse gas inventory with 1 percent of total global GHG emissions.
Two Sides is an independent, nonprofit organization created to promote the responsible production, use, and sustainability of print and paper. Two Sides is active globally in North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa and Brazil. Our members span the entire print and paper value chain, including forestry, pulp, paper, inks and chemicals, pre-press, press, finishing, publishing, printing, envelopes, and postal operators. For more information about Two Sides North America, please contact us at 1-855-896-7433 or info@twosidesna.org. Visit the Two Sides website at www.twosidesna.org and follow Two Sides on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.