The University of Siegen Is Among Germany's Most Recycling-Paper-Friendly Universities
The University of Siegen is one of the most recycling-paper-friendly universities in Germany—as confirmed by the results of the “Papieratlas” university competition organized by the Initiative Pro Recyclingpapier (IPR). Out of a total of 61 participating universities, the University of Siegen ranked tenth.
The extent of its contribution to climate and environmental protection is evident in the administration: there, the university already consistently uses 100 percent Blue Angel-certified paper. This consistent procurement policy contributes to resource conservation and climate protection: Compared to virgin-fiber paper, the University of Siegen saved over 492,000 liters of water and more than 111,000 kilowatt-hours of energy last year. The amount of water saved is equivalent to the daily needs of more than 4,000 people, while the energy savings correspond to the annual electricity consumption of 31 three-person households. By comparison, the 61 participating universities achieved an average recycled paper rate of 76 percent.
Marc Gebauer, spokesperson for the IPR, praised the achievement: “The University of Siegen plays a pioneering role in sustainable paper procurement. The use of Blue Angel-certified paper achieves tangible environmental benefits and serves as an inspiring best-practice example for the entire higher education sector.”
Since 2008, the Paper Atlas has documented the paper consumption and recycled paper rates of German cities annually; since 2016, it has also included universities, and since 2018, it has additionally included counties. Cooperation partners include the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Federal Environment Agency, the German Association of Cities, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, the German County Association, and the German Association of Universities and Colleges. In 2026, the Paper Atlas recorded both increased recycled paper rates and a new record for participation: a total of 269 municipalities and universities took part.
