Blog: Why Choose Recycled?

“The best motto… is not to waste things.”
— Sir David Attenborough, Seven Worlds, One Planet

At Northwood, that principle is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every choice, from the fibres we source to the products we deliver, should make a positive impact on the planet.

A Smarter, More Sustainable Choice

Paper is one of the few materials that can be both renewable and recyclable when responsibly sourced and produced. While virgin paper has its place in many applications, recycled tissue offers a sustainable, high-quality alternative that meets the needs of today’s environmentally conscious users without compromise.

Choosing recycled tissue means:

• Promoting circularity: Recycled paper keeps valuable fibres in use for longer, reducing waste and supporting a more circular economy.
• Supporting recycling infrastructure: Demand for recycled products strengthens local recycling systems and helps businesses meet their sustainability and recycling targets.
• Reducing environmental impact: Using recycled fibres prevents valuable raw materials from ending up in landfill or being lost to energy recovery.
• Local manufacturing: Recycled tissue can be produced entirely in the UK, cutting down on transport miles and supporting local industry.

Leading the Way in Recycled Tissue

At Northwood Hygiene, over 75% of our tissue production is made from recycled fibres. All recycled base sheet produced across our four paper mills is FSC® certified, ensuring every roll and sheet comes from responsibly managed, sustainable sources

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certification guarantees high environmental and social standards and includes robust criteria for products made from recycled materials.

Sustainability Beyond the Tissue

Our commitment to recycled content goes far beyond the paper itself. Across our entire product range, we integrate recycled materials wherever possible:

• Cartons and coreboard: 100% recycled fibres
• Paper wraps: 100% recycled fibres
• Plastic packaging: Up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content across all LDPEs
• Plastic inserts: 100% recycled ABS plastic
• Dispensers: Between 30% and 100% recycled plastics
• Tapes: Recycled kraft paper fibres

Choosing Recycled — Choosing Responsibility

By choosing recycled tissue and packaging, you’re not only supporting sustainable manufacturing, you’re helping to close the loop on paper waste, reduce your environmental footprint, and contribute to a more circular economy.

At Northwood, we’re proud to lead by example, showing that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.