New Fact Sheet: What’s Really Causing Deforestation?

Two Sides has launched a new fact sheet, What’s Really Causing Deforestation?, designed to support informed, evidence-based conversations about deforestation and the role of print, paper and paper-based packaging.

Deforestation is a complex global issue, often misunderstood in public debate. This new resource brings together credible data and research to clarify the real drivers of forest loss and degradation.

Key points from the new fact sheet include:

• Agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, responsible for around 80% of global forest loss, driven by commodities such as cattle, soy and palm oil. Infrastructure development, mining and illegal logging also play a significant role.
• Paper is not a cause of deforestation. The fact sheet explains that paper typically comes from responsibly managed forests, plantations or recycled materials, with over 90% of the European paper industry’s wood fibre sourced within Europe.
• Europe’s forests are growing, not shrinking. Forests now cover around 40% of European territory and continue to expand in both area and volume, growing by more than 600 million cubic metres each year, even after harvesting.
• Forest certification provides assurance. Schemes such as FSC and PEFC ensure wood fibre is sourced from responsibly managed forests, with strong chain-of-custody systems in place throughout the supply chain.
• Paper plays a key role in the circular economy. Paper is one of the most recycled materials in the world, with a European recycling rate of 75% and fibres reused an average of four times.

The fact sheet also highlights how climate change is compounding forest pressures through increased wildfires, droughts and pest outbreaks, and outlines how upcoming legislation such as the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) will further strengthen protections against global deforestation.

This new resource is ideal for anyone looking to better understand deforestation, counter misinformation and communicate the positive environmental story of print, paper and paper-based packaging.

Download the new fact sheet here: What’s Really Causing Deforestation?