Fifth Third Bank's Switch to Greener Paper Reduces Environmental Impacts

Fifth Third Bank made a company-wide switch to a new office paper product in January 2022. The new product includes 30% post-consumer recycled content and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the mark of responsible forestry.

Paper is one of the largest sources of office waste for Fifth Third. In 2021, the Bank used more than 500,000 pounds of office paper. According to the Environmental Paper Network’s Paper Calculator™ tool, Fifth Third’s switch to the new 30% recycled content product will save:

• 1,940 trees.
• 840,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
• 160,000 gallons of water.

“By thoughtful planning and taking action to both reduce their paper consumption and transitioning to using paper that contains recycled content and is FSC certified, as well as measuring and tracking their impact and savings using the Paper Calculator, Fifth Third Bank is making an investment in the sustainability of our planet,” said Kim Porter, of the Environmental Paper Network (EPN). "It’s a responsible decision that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to natural resources, and is one that we encourage more companies to make for a healthy, just and sustainable future.”

This switch to a more environmentally friendly paper product is part of an ongoing program at Fifth Third to reduce its environmental footprint and support the environment. Since 2014, the Bank has reduced its annual office paper usage by more than 900,000 pounds. After use, paper is routinely recycled as part of the Bank’s paper recycling program.

“These types of actions, especially around something we use every day, support our overall commitment to sustainable operations,” said Thomas Neltner, director of Enterprise Workplace Services, Fifth Third Bank. “We must continually look for ways to make a positive impact.”