The European Environmental Paper Network (EEPN) is deeply concerned about the Nordic Swan’s proposal for a new emissions allowance for AOX (organic halogens such as dioxin), signalling Nordic Swan’s retreat on this issue in face of industry pressure. This proposal takes Nordic Swan another step away from being a reliable consumer tool to determine sustainability of paper products and threatens to put the label in the category of ‘greenwash.’

Dioxin causes cancer in humans and there is no safe level of emissions for these compounds. Therefore, long-term target emissions of AOX should be zero, the EEPN argues. In the medium term, however, Nordic Swan must drive best and better practices in the paper industry instead of endorsing emission levels that are above the current average of existing mills. The EEPN has sent a letter to the Nordic ecolabelling comittees making the case for lower AOX levels.

You can download the letter here.