Focus on reprospeed paper
Looking for the right compromise between ecology and economy? Then check out the Reprospeed Green Plus range. With the Blauer Engel label, this paper is made from 100% recycled and recyclable material.
Everything you need to know about eco-friendly paper
Rows of paper with PEFC, FSC and European Ecolabel... Want to go green? We tell you everything you need to know about ecologically responsible paper, the issues involved, the labels and certifications and, as a bonus, we give you a few tips on how to be greener!
Eco-friendly paper: an ecological issue
In France, we consume about 150 kg of paper per person per year. That's a lot. Granted, the United States does even worse, with 340 kg of paper per person per year, but in India it is 4 kg and in Brazil 40 kg. Not to mention the pollution caused by transporting raw materials and finished products.... The good news is that there are solutions. One in particular: recycled paper!
What is recycled paper?
Recycled paper is paper made from at least 50% cellulose fibres recovered from waste: paper, cardboard, unsold newspapers, etc. To be reusable, these fibres must be recycled. To be reusable, this waste is collected, shredded and filtered before being converted back into pulp for the production of recycled paper.
The remaining 50% consists of virgin paper, additives (products that enhance the action of the other products), additives and dyes to improve the paper's properties. Compared to paper made from wood pulp, recycled paper production saves 100% wood, 80% water and 50% energy. Isn't that great? And contrary to popular belief, it is just as white as traditional paper and can be used every day (and not just as scrap paper!). As an added bonus, it is also very comfortable to write on. So, let's get started?
Understanding eco-friendly paper certifications and eco-labels
"In Europe and France, there is no deforestation as such from paper production because the forest is managed sustainably. It is exploited in a regulated way for its various uses: furniture, carpentry, construction, firewood, pulp-based products (hygiene, office paper). This means that only a certain number of trees are removed from a plot so that the other trees can grow stronger," explains Jean-Claude Auffret, head of paper at Bruneau.
There are many eco-labels and certifications to help identify the greenest papers, but it is not always easy to find your way around. Let's see what's going on!
Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) paper
Blauer Engel is a German eco-label created by the German ministry in 1978. It analyses a product's life cycle, climate impact, resource use and pollution. When a paper receives the Blauer Engel eco-label, it means that no toxic substances, chlorine gas bleaches, optical brighteners or chemical additives are used in the production... It also guarantees low emissions of pollutants into the soil, air and water.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper
FSC is an independent organisation that promotes responsible forest management worldwide. It is a multi-criteria certification, with numerous environmental requirements: preservation of the forest ecosystem, pollution control, soil protection, etc. The certification also includes numerous social requirements: safe and fair working conditions, protection of local and indigenous communities, etc.
PEFC paper
A PEFC certificate indicates that the wood from which the paper is made comes from sustainably managed forests. PEFC is an independent non-governmental organisation that offers certification to voluntary foresters in return for complying with its forest management recommendations. Obligations include: encouraging diversity, choosing intervention periods so as not to disturb animal reproduction periods, not using GMOs, ensuring the balance between wildlife and forest, respecting forest space, replanting, preserving dead trees, etc.
The Ecolabel
The European Ecolabel is a label created by the European Commission in 1992 to enable consumers to recognise the most environmentally friendly products throughout their life cycle. It is recommended by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) for its environmental performance. Several environmental impacts are taken into account: energy consumption, air and water emissions, packaging waste and recycled materials.
The technique
Choosing recycled paper is all well and good, but you still have to have the right reflexes daily, otherwise it's like exercising and eating fast food... it's pointless!
- Reduce: don't print everywhere, print double-sided...
- Reuse: slightly damaged envelopes, partially printed sheets as scrap paper, etc.
- Recycle: install specific containers to recycle waste
This versatile paper can be used with both laser and inkjet printers. Its standard whiteness of CIE 150 enhances your prints. It offers the opacity needed for double-sided printing.
We hope this information helps you to see more... see green 😉 And don't forget it! Not only stacks of paper are recycled! Repositionable notes, pens, cardboard, envelopes, notepads... there are plenty of products to play the green game with.