In recent years much effort has gone into addressing the pollution problems in the pulp and paper industry around the world. Increasingly strict Government regulations and public pressure, as well as a need to achieve greater production efficiencies, have been the driving forces behind the change. Improved technology, more systematic management and a re-evaluation of the entire paper cycle have yielded tools that can help the industry address the sometimes severe problems experienced in the past.The UNEP Technical Report Environmental Management in the Pulp and Paper Industry, produced with the assistance of the Swedish Government, outlines the potential to improve environmental performance in both large and small mills throughout the world.Environmental issues covered in the report include water and air emissions, over-use of resources, solid waste management, and chemical safety.Within companies these issues are addressed through a variety of action programmes including cleaner production, waste management, chemical safety and occupational health. The report suggests that many technical and operational measures are more effectively applied when placed in the framework of a formal environmental management system. Such a system also addresses improved efficiency in using basic resources such as energy, water and raw materials.Many of the technical operational measures result in cost savings through greater production efficiency. This means that not all environmental programmes require significant investments.This technical report is intended for three kinds of readers:

• those with responsibility for day-to-day plant operations
• general managers responsible for overall supervision
• government regulators and industry associations and public bodies.

UNEP hopes that the report will contribute to the growing amount of information that is now available to guide the industry to a more sustainable future.