Bumpercards has been looking into creating an eco-friendly stationery line for about 2 years now. There is so much information out there and many different levels of eco-friendliness.
While researching paper, printing and the environment we found out we have always been "eco-friendly", yet there is more we can do. Most of our papers come from the bigger paper brands and these companies are in the forefront of creating greener options.
There are many different standards to call your company eco-friendly and I will give a summary of a few of the main ingredients to look for:
(Information below has been directly taken from http://www.neenahpaper.com, http://www.wausaupapers.com, http://www.mohawkpaper.com/ , http://www.legionpaper.com/Eco-Friendly.htm)
1.FSC CERTIFIED:
Ensures that the paper meets the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) standards for responsible forest management.
2. GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED:
Signifies that all of our recycled papers are made with a minimum of 30% post consumer fiber and that mill processes, including packaging, are environmentally preferable.
Green Seal Certified is awarded by a nonprofit that rigorously evaluates paper production with standards set for PCW content as well as inking, bleaching and other processes.
Founded in 1989, Green Seal is a non-profit standard-setting organization that awards the Green Seal of Approval to products that cause less harm to the environment than other similar products as defined by their certification standards. Green Seal both develops environmental standards and carries out the actual certification.
This certification insures the delivery of premium papers that are manufactured free of chlorine chemistry and from sustainable raw materials.
Processed chlorine-free or PCF indicates that no dioxin-releasing chlorinated compounds were used to bleach the product.
Additionally, the PCF-labeled product must be 30 percent PCW. Less desirable is "Totally chlorine-free," or TCF, which is made from virgin fiber. This label is regulated by the Chlorine Free Products Association.
Green-e identifies products made with certified renewable energy, including but not limited to wind power, solar power, low impact hydropower, and biomass.
As stated by Green-e, “Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products.”
5.CARBON NEUTRAL:
A voluntary and legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction and trading system. As a member, Neenah Paper has committed to reduce its carbon footprint, or net greenhouse gas emissions,
6. 100% POST CONSUMER FIBER:
Post Consumer Fiber describes paper that has reached its intended end-user and then discarded. This paper, recovered from curbside collections, is considered to be post consumer.
Post-consumer waste or PCW means that the product's pulp was made from paper once used by consumers;
100 percent PCW is most desirable, but rare. No independent certifier regulates its use.
Labels: Environment/Eco Friendly, Stationery, Tips