Sustainable paper: Good for the environment, and your project

There are hundred upon hundreds of paper brands, sub-brands, textures and styles to choose from. Gloss versus matte is just one of the decisions that can affect your brand, your design, and virtually every decision that has been made with your project’s success in mind. Laid or feltweave, cream or bright white, there is one essential question that can make your choice a little less complicated:

How can you choose a paper that will support the integrity of your project and the environment?

FSC 101

The Real Weight of Your Paper Choice

Good Work Group recommends using paper that is FSC-approved. The Forrest Stewardship Council advocates for fair-practice economically, socially, and environmentally, and it is the only globally-valid standard.  FSC’s certification system is also recognized by ISEAL, an agricultural social auditing organization and leader in setting new standards for best-practices.

FSC stewardship includes (among many others):

• best-practices and responsibility in forest management
• worker and human rights
• community relations and assurance that basic needs are met
• replenishment of seed trees in logging areas
• conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered species
• biodiversity (maintaining all living species)
• watershed protection and erosion prevention

The FSC advocates for the prevention of:

• toxic chemicals
• illegal harvesting of timber

Use the FSC Logo

In order to sport the FCS logo on your print and marketing materials, you must be approved by the FSC, and have met the following guidelines:

• Use FSC-approved paper
• Use an FSC-approved printer

Read more about using the FSC trademark.

*The* Sustainable Paper List

Good Work Group’s top brand picks for FSC-approved paper manufacturers*:
*Not all papers created by these companies are FSC-approved. Check the certification list below for the full list of FSC-approved papers.

Domtar
Finch Paper
Fraser Papers
Mohawk
Neenah
New Leaf
Smart Papers
Wausau

Full List of FSC-approved papers:
January, 2010 (PDF)

Printing With a Conscience

Affordable Online Printing

48 Hour Print is an affordable online printer that is now FSC-approved.
www.48hourprint.com

Buying Sustainable Paper

You can purchase your own FSC-approved paper for printing at your home or office, or to bring to your local low-volume printer. Oftentimes, your print cost will be reduced, in some cases up to .70 cents per print! Purchase FSC-approved papers at your local paper warehouse, or online. Here are a few options (note that not all papers available are FSC-approved; you can use the Sustainable Paper List outlined above as a starting point.):

Xpedx
www.xpedx.com

Paper Papers
www.paper-papers.com

Quality Paper for Any Budget, Sustainability Included

Good Work Group’s Quality Eco-friendly Paper Picks

Neenah Environment®

Though one would never be able to tell by its sophisticated appearance, Neenah Envioronment® is a 100% recycled paper (30% post consumer). This beautiful archival paper is made with 100% green energy and certified by the Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC). A clear choice for any organization or company that aligns with sustainable or green initiatives.

Press: Offset or Digital
Recommended for: Stationary and business cards, brochures, booklets, posters, fliers, direct mail

Domtar Cougar® DigitalChoice™ Super Smooth

(part of Domtar’s EarthChoice® family)

If you’re looking to maintain high-quality standards and get the job done on low-end budget, Cougar® DigitalChoice™ Super Smooth  is your paper. This archival paper is certified by Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and it’s recycled content uses 10% post consumer.

Press: Digital
Recommended for: Stationary and business cards, brochures, booklets, direct mail

Tags: conservation, eco-friendly, forest, FSC, management, paper, stewardship, sustainable