Library switches to 100% recycled paper

The Monash University Library is switching its paper supplies for printers and copiers to 100% recycled paper.

"This is something we have been keen to do for some time for environmental reasons but until recently we had been unable to source a good quality recycled paper," explained facilities manager, Mr Ross Harrison.

The switch to 100% recycled paper in all machines would take place gradually as the library used up existing stocks, Mr Harrison explained.

In 2004, 9.6 million sheets of paper were used in the library, approximately one third of which were recycled paper.

"We are pleased to be able to contribute to the university's environmental policy while still providing users with quality, functional printing and copying facilities."

Mr Harrison said the library worked with the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Unit to choose paper that met high standards of environment friendliness.

"Older recycled paper had a high dust content which caused maintenance problems in machines and recent recycled paper is still darker in colour and much of Australian recycled paper still has virgin forest material from old forest growth and uses chlorine to bleach it."  

"All recycled paper has a small content of virgin paper for fibre strength but the one we are now using has the virgin content from tree farms, it does not use chlorine and is brighter than other recycled products that we assessed," Mr Harrison said.

30 May 2005

current news : 2008 : 2007 : 2006 : 2005 : 2004 : 2003 : 2002 : pre-2002

Ask a question Phone +61 3 9905 5054 or use our enquiry services ask.monash for Monash students and staff | ask.monash for visitors, or online chat.
Your opinion Feedback form for Monash staff and students | Feedback form for visitors

Ross Harrison, library facilities manager, with the first delivery of the new type of 100% recycled paper to be used in the library.