Recycled newsprint hits record percentage

Kentucky newspapers used a record 96.54 percent recycled newsprint in 2000, according to a KPA report to be filed with the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Cabinet.

The 96.54 percent surpasses the previous high of 96.209 percent in 1996 and reflects a substantial increase over 1998 and 1999. The report excludes four Kentucky newspapers printed out of state.

The report on newsprint and recycled newsprint consumption by Kentucky newspapers is required to be filed annually with the cabinet, following passage of House Bill 228 in 1994. That law required newspaper publishers to file the report but KPA has been collecting the information and filing the report each year.

The report will show that the 42 printing plants in Kentucky used 85,705.290 tons of newsprint in 2000, with 82,739.060 containing some level of recycled fiber.
The total newsprint used in 2000 was 7000 tons less than in 1999 and is almost identical to the 1993 consumption, the first calendar year for which the report was required.

Although 1999’s 92,539 tons of newsprint is the highest in the eight years, only 78,382 tons of recycled newsprint were used by Kentucky newspapers that year.

“Since we began filing the report,” said KPA Executive Director David T. Thompson, “we told the cabinet and the legislature that Kentucky newspapers have long done all they can to use recycled newsprint. I think that’s reflected in the 96 percent use for 2000. Few states have ever topped that percentage but Kentucky has been fairly consistent.

From 1994 through 1997, our newspapers used 93 to 96 percent recycled newsprint. I doubt few, if any states, have that consistency.”

On an aggregate basis, the total amount of fiber contained in the newsprint consumption, Kentucky newspapers had 26,392.518 tons for 31.90 percent. That’s an increase over 1999 but below the 32 to 34 percent for 1996 through 1998.

“In the mid-1990s, recycled newsprint was the buzz word,” said Thompson. “The legislature was looking for all industries to use as much recycled products as possible and newsprint was part of that.

“We fought off attempts to mandate levels of recycled newsprint, assuring the legislature Kentucky newspapers were committed to recycled newsprint and we would file annual reports.

“The emphasis has changed in the past couple of legislative sessions,” he added. “The emphasis remains on the environment but it’s more toward roadside trash and landfill space than on using recycled products. For the last four to five years, the cabinet has not acknowledged receiving the reports and the legislature has not asked KPA to testify before any committees.”

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