To Carbon Balance or Not to Carbon Balance, That is the Question

Posted by Hartgraph 5th June 2024

---

Recently, topic of conversation in our office was the difference between "carbon captured paper" and "carbon balanced paper", what we realised was that although the scientific distinction between these terms is very different, it’s use within the paper industry is not very clear. We found that in the paper industry, they are sometimes used interchangeably.

Understanding the Science

"Carbon capture" and "carbon balance" refer to different strategies for addressing carbon emissions, but they operate in distinct ways. Here’s an overview:

Carbon Capture

• Definition: Carbon capture involves trapping carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at their source, such as power plants or industrial facilities, before they enter the atmosphere.
• Application: This is primarily a technological solution for large-scale industrial and energy operations, involving physical and chemical processes to capture and store CO₂.

Carbon Balancing

• Definition: Carbon balancing refers to offsetting the carbon emissions associated with a product’s production through various environmental projects.
• Application: This approach focuses on the product lifecycle, involving calculating emissions and supporting projects to offset these emissions, thereby neutralising the carbon footprint of the product.

In Summary

Carbon capture is a direct technological intervention to reduce emissions at an industrial level, while carbon balancing is an offsetting strategy to mitigate the carbon impact of products. Both contribute to reducing atmospheric CO₂ but operate differently.

Why the Confusion in the Paper Industry?

"Carbon balanced paper" and related initiatives have become well-known in the industry. Emissions from business operations and paper production are calculated, and investments are made in projects that are implemented worldwide, supporting global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO₂.

However, some initiatives are labelled as “carbon captured paper” are designed to offset emissions similarly to "carbon balanced paper." Despite the scientific difference of these two terms outside of the paper industry, these initiatives aim to offset emissions by planting trees and supporting native forests within the UK.

Conclusion

In the world of paper and board, "balancing" and "capturing" emissions are viewed similarly: emissions are offset, and investments are made to capture CO₂. It is important however to understand the scheme that you are buying into. 

In addition to carbon balancing your paper or board, Hartgraph is also a carbon balanced business. We measure and balance the annual impacts of our fossil fuel usage, transportation, and electricity consumption, this is then verified by a third party, and offset through the World Land Trust (WLT). A carbon balanced print project can display the carbon balanced print or carton logo on your final piece to indicate your environmental commitment.

If you would like to find out more or request a quote, please contact us at 01628 810523 or email sales@hartgraph.co.uk.

www.hartgraph.co.uk/carbon-balanced-printer