How many grams of CO2 are emitted to produce one paper napkin?

Question

Does using paper napkins have a high carbon impact?

Answer 1

I found a few different references for this:

• 10 g CO₂e per paper towel (from the Guardian, 2010)
• 10 g CO₂ per paper napkin (from Treehugger, 2009)
• 7.3 g CO₂e per virgin paper towel (from MIT/Dyson study, 2011)
• 7.4 g CO₂e per recycled paper towel (same study)

While several of these studies are looking at hand drying (for which I wrote an earlier answer), the Treehugger article looked specifically at napkins used during a meal, considering the manufacture as well as washing and drying.

Looking at linen, cotton, and paper napkins, the study found that paper napkins are best in a restaurant setting where cotton or linen napkins would likely be washed in hot water with chemicals after each meal.

For home use, linen napkins are preferable to cotton napkins (112 g CO₂e vs 1 kg, respectively, for production), and both are better than paper if washed only when needed. Additionally, washing in cold water with a natural detergent and line drying will further reduce impact.