Twenty years of posting still reveal stories like this 2024 Reuters special report showing globally, that vested interests must be exposed to stop their significant negative impacts… ‘Sustainable’ logging operations are clear-cutting Canada’s climate-fighting forests. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/canada-forests-climate/

Eco Paper in Australia & New Zealand 2010+ (2024 update in progress)

World Paper usage continues to rise increasing pressure on valuable forest resources even though standards are improving across the paper industry worldwide. While there are many issues related to forest degradation, one area we can make a difference is ensuring all paper has high post consumer recycled content. This means reduced carbon emitted in the manufacture, reduced logging, less waste and more forests. Some products may appear to have good green credentials. To increase transparency and help track through the maze of marketing claims, The REAP guide v2.5+ continues to lead + evolve, some older data remains in this guide but it is being progressively updated. Your input is welcome. Explore it’s content and visit again. SRD Members may contact REAP directly for current information via: srd [at] srd.org.au Also see Greener Print Procurement Guide & review #CoP26 current issues The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Logging Loophole at the Heart of Glasgow Declaration. (source: environmentalpaper.org) & see the SRD Responsible Design Thinking conference paper & presentation to explain the best way forward.

For all paper, always first check post and pre-consumer content, then FSC certification, manufacture processes, finish, awards and source. As most are now certified in Oz, ensure you select high recycled content.
____________

We can greatly reduce our carbon and environmental footprint by better understanding the processes and all environmental costs of all products we use. In paper, by maintaining the demand for greater Post Consumer content (PC), we can all assist to ease the pressure on our natural resources. We will benefit from the multiple flow-on effects of reducing the demand for virgin pulp, increasing demand for more and better recycled paper while reducing the associated pollution that creates carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions from production and transport. The Paper industry is keen to show they are improving many processes and it’s only through a combined effort from industry, designers, specifiers and consumer demand that will ensure best practice is ultimately achieved. (paper usage figures from world paper forecasts) We know there are many opinions out there, so do your own research, thinking and become a greener designer as well … see also the Greener Print Procurement guide.

The REAP Guide – Recommended Environmentally Accountable Paper (for Australia + New Zealand) proudly the first substantive greener paper guide for Australasia, created in 1997, online since 2004 :: public Launch 7 Feb 05 :: v2.0.73 update 23nov10 (notes + updates Mar21) : These stocks have been recommended by the Suppliers as their most environmentally positive in each category of paper. Compare specifications as they vary widely. Listed order shows environmental and carbon footprint assessment, the higher position, the smaller the footprint, in each section. This is our own best estimate from information supplied and for usage in Australasia. NB. A ~ denotes details are unclear or to be confirmed : As specifications change over time, please confirm all data with your supplier. If a paper has minimal PC fibre content, ask WHY and request more be included, 30% should be considered an absolute minimum. Be very wary of oversimplification or mistruths in marketing. :: PC + PRE = Total Recycled content :: [#] no. of weights :: A1-A2 coated grade :: PC Post-Consumer fibre :: PRE Pre-Consumer fibre :: FSC Forest Stewardship Council (look for a papers % FSC recycled content) :: Brightness/Whiteness :: Bleaching : PCF Process Chlorine Free : TCF Totally Chlorine Free : ECF Elemental Chlorine Free :: ISO International Standards Organisation :: Find SUPPLIERS Key below … (much has recently changed here) Please also check table data below with Suppliers. This is a general guide only and All usage must be based on your own decisions for suitability.

UNCOATED PAPER : recycled PC % /PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bright/Whtn Bleach C02 Neutral? Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards, Extras SUPPLIERS
Revive Laser 80-350gsm[10] 100%pc/ pre 0% 0% Whtn. 120 PCF Certified NCOS Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSCmill+42%renEnergy+ 135-350gsm other mills, FSC Supplier S
Tudor RP 100% Recyc. 80-210gsm[5] 100%pc/ pre 0% 0% Whtn. 122 PCF ~ Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSC cert., Landcare Supplier S
Impact 80-350gsm[10]+env. 100 %pc / pre 0 % 0% Whtn. high tba PCF Mill Manuf+trans EU Austria(Lenzing) 14001/ FSC cert. mill+86%renEnergy Supplier kwD
ecoStar 80-350gsm[9] 100 %pc / pre 0 % 0% Whtn. high tba PCF Mill Manufacture France(Besse-sur-Braye) 14001/ inc.~ FSC cert. Recycled Supplier B
Cyclus offset 80-300gsm [5] 100~%pc / pre 0~% 0% Whtn. 93-95 PCF ~ Denmark(Dalum)14001/ Swan,EMAS,BlueAngel Supplier B
Resa Offset Recyc. 75-350gsm[10] 100%pc / pre 0% 0% Whtn. tba PCF ~ Denmark(Dalum)14001/ Swan,EMAS,BlueAngel Supplier B
Envirocare 70-250gsm [8] +env. 65%pc / pre35~% 0~% Whtn. 94 PCF / ECF ~ EU Austria(Lenzing)14001/ special fibre+no optical brighteners Supplier kwD
RePrint Recyc.Offset 70-130[6] 60+%/preUnspecified 0-40% varies ISO Bright. 72 PCF ~ Japan(NichinanOji)14001/EcoMark,FSCmill+51%renEnergy Supplier A
UNCOATED : part recycled PC % / PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bright/Whtn Bleach CO2 Neutral? Made(Mill) Mill ISO / Awards + Extras SUPPLIERS
Revive Laser Cover 300gsm[1] 70%pc/ pre0% 30% virgin Whtn. 120 PCF / ECF Certified NCOS Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSCmill+42%renEnergy Supplier S
ENVI 50 / 50 80-300gsm[8] 35%pc/ pre 15% tbc 50% virgin Whtn. tba ECF Mill Manufacture Australia(Burnie)14001/ +42%renEnergy Supplier S
Tudor RP 70% Recyc. 300gsm[1] 42%pc / pre 28% 30% inc.plantn. Whtn. 122 PCF / ECF ~ Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSC cert. Mixed Sources Supplier S
COATED PAPER PC % / PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bleach Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards + Extras SUPPLIERS
ReArt 100% Recyc.Gloss 80-260[7] A2 90+%pc / pre 10% 0-10% varies PCF / ECF Japan(Kasugai/FujiOji)14001/EcoMark,FSCmill+51%renEnergy Supplier B
Ecostar gloss+silk 130-350[7] A2 100~%pc / pre ~0% ~0% PCF France(Besse-sur-Braye) 14001/ inc.~ FSC cert. Recycled Supplier B
Cyclus print 115-350gsm [4] A2 100~%pc / pre 0~% 0% PCF Denmark(Dalum)14001/ Swan,EMAS,BlueAngel Supplier B
9 Lives 80 silk 115-350gsm[6] A2 80 %pc / pre 0 % 20% virgin TCF Italy(Burgo-Saego) ISO 14001/ ~FSC mixed source Supplier S
Monza Gloss 90-350gsm[11] A2 25%pc / pre 30% 45% inc. plantn. ECF Italy(Burgo) ISO 14001/ Supplier S
Envi Recyc (ex-Revive Silk) 100-170gsm [5] A2 ~35 %pc / pre ~15 % tbc ~50% tbc TCF / ECF Australia(Wesleyvale)14001 / renewable energy Supplier S
Mega recycled 115-350[8] A2+ 50%pc / pre ~0% ~50% inc. FSC ECF Germany(Zanders) ISO 14001/ Supplier kwD
SPECIALTY PAPER PC % / PRE%  fibre Virgin fibre% Bleach Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards + Extras SUPPLIERS
Aus. Brown 115,300gsm [2] (Botany) 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF Australia(Visy)14001/ … brown only Supplier Ec
Revive Fleck 110-220gsm [2] +env. 100%pc / pre 0 % 0% PCF Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSCmill+42%renEnergy Supplier S
Options PC 104-352gsm [5] 100%pc / pre 0 % 0% PCF USA(Mohawk)14001/ GreenSeal + FSC 100% Recycled Supplier B
Environment 104-324gsm [5] 100%pc / pre 0 % 0% PCF USA(Neenah)ISO 9001/ GreenSeal+FSC100%Recycled Supplier S
Neenah Columns 90-324gsm [4]+env. 100%pc / pre 0 % 0% PCF USA(Neenah)ISO 9001/ GreenSeal+FSC100%Recycled Supplier S
Concept Vellum 90-257gsm[4] check, all vary 100%pc / pre 0% (for 6 in range) 0% (nb 3 are 100%virgin) PCF / ECF USA(Mohawk)14001/ FSC 100% Recycled + Windpower Supplier kwD
Conqueror Recycled 100+250gsm[2]+env. 100%pc / pre 0% 0% TCF UK(man. ArjoWiggins)14001/ FSC Supplier kwD
Onyx smooth 100-170gsm [3]+env. 40 %pc / pre 60% 0~% ECF Australia(Shoalhaven)14001/ FSC Supplier B
Curious Particles 100+250 [2] 40%pc / pre 35% 25% ECF UK(man. ArjoWiggins)14001/ Supplier A
Starbright 104-270gsm[4] 20 %pc / pre 30% 50% inc. plantn. ECF USA(Fox River) EMS / good water + energy Supplier S
Ever 90-300gsm [4] 25~%pc / pre 10~% tbc 65% TCF Australia(tbc)14001/ ~FSC Cert. Mixed Sources Supplier C
SPECIAL BOARDS for display + POS PC % / PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bleach Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards + Extras SUPPLIERS
X-Board (Brown XBX) 10 – 16 mm [2] ~100%pc / pre 0% ~0% PCF South Africa(Xanita)14001/ Ecospecifier / VOC free Xanita
X-Board (White XBP) 6 – 32 mm [5] ~97%pc / pre 0% ~3% PCF / ECF South Africa(Xanita)14001/ Ecospecifier / VOC free Xanita
Re-Board (Basic) Std: 10 – 16 mm [2] avail. 8-35mm ~100%pc / pre 0% ~0% PCF / ECF Europe(Norrköping, Sweden) FSC / 14001/ VOC free Brand Print in Au and Re-Board Tech. in EU
Re-Board (Premium) Std: 10 – 16 mm [2] avail. 8-35mm ~90%pc / pre 0% ~10% PCF / ECF Europe(Norrköping, Sweden) FSC / 14001/ VOC free Brand Print in Au and Re-Board Tech. in EU
OFFICE COPY PAPER PC % / PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bleach Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards + Extras SUPPLIERS
Planet Ark 80gsm : A4 100% pc /pre 0% 0% PCF Maryvale, Vic. FSC certified Au.Post, Staples & many others
Evolve Office 80gsm + tints: A4, A3 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF UK(New Thames)14001/ Swan,BlueAngel call C,kwD,Ec
Vision – Pure White + tints: A4, A3 ~100%pc / pre ~0 % tbc 0% PCF Germany(Steinbeis)9001/Swan, BlueAngel, G’peace Supplier listings
Recycled Pure+ tints: A4, A3 80gsm 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF Europe(tbc)14001, EMAS/ BlueAngel, WildernessSoc. FujiXerox 1800 028 962
Officeworks Recycled: A4, A3 80gsm 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF Germany(tbc)?/ Greenpeace Germany endorsed Officeworks1300 OFFICE
OfficeMax 100% Recycled White A4 80gsm 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF EU Austria(Neusiedler)14001/ EMAS, Swan, Supplier OfficeMax AuPost
Nautilus/Canon100 80 gsm 65%pc / pre ~35% 0~% ECF EU Austria(Lenzing)14001/ uses special fibre Supplier F
Australian 80% Recycled 80gsm ~20%pc / pre ~60% 20% ECF Australia (Maryvale)14001 / inc FSC Specifications
GreenWrap FujiXerox A4 80-200 A3 80gsm 60%pc / pre 0% 40% PCF / ECF Australia (Shoalhaven+Maryvale)14001 Supplier FujiXerox+other
Recycled Supreme : A4, A3 80gsm 80%pc / pre 0% 20% TCF / ECF Europe(tbc)?/ 14001, FujiXerox 1800 028 962
Postspeed Recycled A4 only 80-100gsm[3] 0%pc / 60% 40% tbc Australia (Maryvale) / 14001 Supplier Aust Paper
Double A premium A4, A3 80gsm 0%pc / 0% 100% farm plantn ECF Asia (thailand)14001/ recyc. water + fuel Officeworks 1300 OFFICE
IQ Triotec unique 80gsm 30%pc / pre 0% 70% inc. plantn. ECF EU Austria(Neusiedler)14001/ inc FSC Supplier OfficeMax
OFFICE PAPER PRODUCTS PC % / PRE% fibre Virgin fibre% Bleach Made(Mill) Mill ISO/Awards + SUPPLIERS
Envelopes+ Aus. Brown 105gsm [8] 100%pc / pre 0% 0% PCF Australia(Visy)14001/ … brown only Supplier Ec
Mailing Labels + Folders ~100%pc / pre ~0 % tbc 0% ~PCF Australia(tbc)~/ watersoluble glues Supplier Avery
Many more office products with high post-consumer content are now available ~ ~ ~ Ask your Suppliers

KEY

SUPPLIERS  contact phone  email address web address HQ Serving
A : ArjoWiggins + 61 2 9417 3888 info.au@antalis-asiapacific.com arjowigginsgraphic.com Anglo-French Aust + other countries
B : BJ Ball NZ 0800 106 606 sales@bjball.co.nz BJ Ball  https://www.bjball.co.nz Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, NZ  All Au & NZ
C : CPI  (Now thru Ball & Doggett)
Ec : Ecocern Michael Perroux 02 9337 2737 ecocern@ecocern.com ecocern.com Sydney, NSW NSW
FXS : FujiXerox Paper 13 14 11 fxaorders@aus.fujixerox.com FujiXerox Paper NSW Au: NSW, Qld, SA, Vic, WA
kwD : K.W. Doggett sales 03 8794 3500 vicorders@ballanddoggett.com.au Ball & Doggett Owned by Japan Pulp & Paper VIC,NSW,QLD,SA,WA,Tas
P : Planet Ark  02 8484 7200 planetark.org/paper/stockists Sydney Australia
R : Raleigh Now thru Ball & Doggett
S : Spicers Paper Sales 03 9768 8400 spicers.com.au Melbourne, VIC All Aust, NZ, +

Articles and useful reference:
* Great interactive website tracking global deforestation. Multiple methods to view and respond. Forest change. Land Cover. Land Use. Conservation. People. (data available for last 18years). http://www.globalforestwatch.org
* 05feb2013 article highlights the good and the bad. Confirms need for more than words… environment/2013/feb/05/paper-firm-indonesian-deforestation?
*10mar2021 article: Is this the end of forests as we’ve known them?  theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/10/is-this-the-end-of-forests-as-weve-known-them
 

P R I N T ideas   

Wherever possible, select an uncoated paper as first preference : CTP (computer to plate, now common) processes avoids film and uses less chemicals. : Water based varnishes are likely to be safer than petro-chemical based. Request inks with low toxicity and vege based inks that have minimal VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). For short run printing some digital printers may be the better option whilst for runs over 1,000 the WATERLESS OFFSET and Alchohol Free print methods has several advantages including NOT being solvent based, prints cleaner colours and superior results especially on Uncoated stocks. Always check print details with your graphic designer. Continue to SPREAD THE GREENER MESSAGE; Print paper name, enviro qualities by percentage content and print process specifications on each job to promote your greener choices and better practice. See srd.org.au/graphic/ and srd.org.au/gppg for more.  

P A P E R guides   

Many guides exist across the world, some are particularly worthy of note. The Canopy paper database from North America is certainly one of substance and depth with a good range of parameters and a substantive list of stocks. Canopy’s #EcoPaperDatabase is a go-to resource for companies looking to make the most sustainable paper and packaging decisions, and is now updated, expanded and improved for North America for 2020. @Canopyplanet @whatsnyourpapr https://canopyplanet.org/canopys-ecopaper-database-updated-and-expanded-for-2020/ #sustainability #forests #paperfutures #pack4good   

P A P E R myths  

Too many false paper myths continue to be peddled, usually by those with a commercial interest in the old destructive ways. Sadly many of them can only see any value in timber after it has been cut down and see no value in standing or long-term growing forests. Here’s a short run-down on a few Paper Myths courtesy of the Environmental Paper Network.

P A P E R calculators  

A fairly simple Paper Calculator from WWF France and Arjowiggins. 

One of the best comparative “life cycle” analysis of Energy Usage, Atmospheric Emissions, Solid Wastes, Waterborne Wastes, Effluent Flow and Wood consumption for multiple grades and types of paper. An amazing number cruncher that itemises major environmental savings when selecting more Post Consumer Fibre (pcf) over your current choice. Though figures are non-metric, the message is still clear that higher “pc” paper gives the greatest environmental benefit by far. Links to the awesome Paper Calculator created by the US based Environmental Paper Network… the new 2018 Paper calculator  

You can use the numerous Neenah Paper Calculator tools to help with a multitude of useful things including prices…
Paper Math Calculator : Weight Conversion Calculator : Environmental Calculator : Folding Board Calculator : Hang Tags Calculator : Label Calculator : Paper Bags Calculator : Setup Boxes Calculator : Wide Format Calculator conversions.

F O R E S T certification +

The relatively recent formation of forest product certification schemes and their standards plus their financing supporters makes for some very interesting reading. FERN has been reviewing these and related areas in depth for some time and while finding issues with all schemes has put FSC well ahead of the others, noting that out of eight schemes reviewed only “the FSC national standards are all performance-based.” See reports from Footprints in the Forests Review of current practice and future challenges in forest certification. www.fern.org :: Ecolabel Index. Data and guidance to power sound Ecolabel Choices www.ecolabelindex.com Recent developments include FSC new global branding, “Forests For All Forever” https://au.fsc.org/newsroom.257.205.htm

C A R B O N credit issues 

It is not appropriate to have a section for Carbon Neutral? without addressing some of the many concerns within this practice and would refer all interested to CarbonWatch and this PDF. ‘The Carbon Neutral Myth: Indulgences for your climate sins’. http://www.carbontradewatch.org/pubs/carbon_neutral_myth.pdf An overview of offsets schemes and carbon trading :: Additionally, it should be noted that having a paper with NO recycled content and only carbon offsets is either simply not in the genuine interests of the environment or at best a practice that is highly questionable. Please reduce the environmental impact as a first priority.

 

Notes:  This page, while incomplete, encourages further review and comparisons. Feel free to promote this guide and it’s concepts to allow greater appreciation of natural resources beyond commercial values while also requesting more sustainable, responsibly produced products. Currently only European papers have Award ratings such as EMAS, Nordic Swan and Blue Angel. ISO14001 and more recently ISO14024 are other main global benchmarks for Environmental Standards. Suggestions / comments to creator, Greg Campbell : DesignOz[at]iinet.net.au : DesignOz © 2004-2021. Usage for study purposes is encouraged and all commercial usage must include copyright notice with credit and Disclaimer : all information supplied as suggestions only with suitability to be confirmed independently for each job, see other site disclaimers and end of SRD home page. E&OE. Further input from all leading paper suppliers is welcome. Recommended Environmentally Accountable Paper http://www.srd.org.au/reap-eco-paper-guide/ : Thx AGDA NSW and AGDA SA : 2.5+ update 11mar21

More paper and printing notes, references and other data here now … the Greener Print Procurement Guide.

Recycle your paper and specify high local Post Consumer recycled content, so we can all buy it back again & again, helping to save forests in the process !