Phil Riebel

By integrating Two Sides materials into the school's curriculum, the faculty educates Digital Media students on the importance of the paper and print industry and the unique sustainable features of paper products.

Large companies are turning to paper as an alternative to plastic packaging and more packaging suppliers are investing in research to make paper as practical as plastic. Here are some reasons why paper fits into the circular economy model.

According to a recent campaign from the Canada Revenue Agency, stressing the environmental benefits of going paperless has little impact on the consumer’s choice for switching from paper to online options.

Environmental concerns have caused an increasing number of companies to seek alternatives to plastic.

FedEx Office recently released the results of a survey of consumers and small business owners showing that they prefer to use printed materials over digital. Ninety percent preferred reading materials on paper versus on a screen.

Leading Fortune 500 companies have been collaborating with Two Sides for the past five years, and more than 105 North American corporations have now removed misleading claims related to print and paper. Comcast continues to ignore consumer preferences and use unsubstantiated "green" marketing slogans about print and paper.

It should come as no surprise to most of us that the massive consumption of digital media begets a host of health issues. What is surprising, though, is that digital natives actually feel guilty about it. When surveyed, 65% of 18-24-year-olds felt they spent too much time on devices; that rose to 81% in the 25 to 34-year-old age group.

Corporations should realize that digital is not welcomed by many customers. Print and paper have key benefits.

Understanding your carbon footprint can show opportunities for decreasing your consumption of energy and materials, and in turn, reducing your production of carbon emissions. But, where might paper and print consumption fit in?

The recent Toluna consumer survey, “Print and Paper in a Digital World,” commissioned by Two Sides, reveals interesting trends.