Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke honored the winners of the 2022 paper atlas competition in Berlin. The city Nuremberg, the district of Unstrut-Hainich and the University of Vechta prevailed as the most paper-recycling-friendly city, district and university. The city of Arnsberg, the district of Northeim and Zeppelin University won in the “Rising Star of the Year” category. The University of Economics and the Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen received a special award as “multiple winner” for its many years of efforts.
In its 15th anniversary year, the paper atlas achieved new record results with 227 participants and an increase in recycled paper shares. 102 large and medium-sized cities took part in the city competition which, with more than 93% of the Blue Angel card, exceeded the previous year’s maximum level once again. For the first time, 75 districts submitted their data for the district competition and increased their recycled paper percentage to approximately 85%. In the university competition, the 50 universities achieved a new record with over 79%. By using the Blue Angel card, municipalities and universities have saved more than 8 billion liters of water and more than 1,800 gigawatt hours of energy since the inception of the paper atlas.
“The record results impressively show that the paper atlas has become a strong brand for sustainable paper sourcing. As a trend report, it has been providing momentum for the shift to recycled paper with the Blue Angel for 15 years,” he says Ulrich Feuersinger, spokesperson for the Pro Recyclingpapier initiative.
