Paper and paperboard are some of the most widely used materials in the world, with uses ranging from envelopes to folding cartons to e-commerce mailers.
Fortunately, there are many options in the supply chain that can help reduce the environmental footprint of paper consumption. These alternatives include FSC-certified material, SFI-certified material and recycled paper and paperboard. In this blog post, we will explain what these options are, how they benefit the environment, and how SupremeX has them front and center in our product offering.
What is FSC-certified paper?
FSC-certified paper and paperboard are products that come from forests that are managed according to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council, an organization that promotes sustainable forestry worldwide. The FSC sets criteria for forest management that include protecting biodiversity, respecting indigenous rights, preventing illegal logging, and reducing environmental impact. As a buyer or consumer you can tell if a product is certified by looking at the chain of custody certification on your order. This certification ensures that the paper or paperboard used in the product can be traced back to the responsibility managed source forest.
FSC-certified paper is different from recycled paper, as it is typically composed of virgin tree fibers rather than pre- or post-consumer recycled materials. However, FSC-certified paper can also contain recycled content, as indicated by the FSC labels. There are two common standard FSC labels used on envelopes and packaging:
- FSC Recycled: The product is made from 100% recycled material.
- FSC Mix: The product is sourced from a mix of FSC-certified forests, recycled material, and/or controlled wood (wood that is not FSC-certified but meets certain minimum requirements).
By choosing FSC-certified paper products, you can support the conservation of forests and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. You can also reduce the risk of buying paper products that are linked to illegal or destructive logging practices.
What is SFI-certified paper?
SFI-certified paper and paperboard are paper products that come from forests that are managed according to the standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible forestry practices. SFI-certified paper and paperboard are different from FSC-certified paper and paperboard, as they are certified by an internal program of the American Forest and Paper Association, which is the trade association of the US paper industry. SFI-certified paper and paperboard can contain virgin wood fiber, recycled fiber, or a mix of both, as indicated by the SFI labels. SFI-certified paper and paperboard can benefit the environment by reducing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
What is recycled paper?
Recycled paper is made from material that has been used and collected for recycling. Recycling paper reduces the need for virgin wood fiber, which saves trees and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling paper also saves water and energy, as it requires less water and energy to produce than virgin paper.
Recycled paper can be classified into two types: pre-consumer and post-consumer. Pre-consumer recycled paper is paper that is recycled from the paper industry’s own waste, such as trimmings and scraps. Post-consumer recycled paper is paper that is recycled from paper products that have been used by consumers, such as newspapers, magazines, and office paper. Post-consumer recycled paper is more environmentally beneficial than pre-consumer recycled paper, as it diverts more paper waste from the waste stream and reduces the demand for virgin wood fiber.
Recycled paper can vary in quality and appearance, depending on the source and the process of recycling. Some recycled paper products may have a lower brightness, a rougher texture, or a higher content of impurities than virgin paper products. However, these differences do not affect the performance or functionality of the paper and may even add to its aesthetic appeal. Recycled paper products are suitable for most purposes, such as printing, envelopes, packaging, and folding cartons.
Where can you find sustainably sourced paper products?
Sustainably sourced paper products are widely available from SupremeX and provide affordable eco-friendly options. Using sustainably sourced paper products is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact and support the conservation of forests and wildlife. By choosing FSC-certified paper, SFI-certified, or recycled paper, you can help save trees, reduce waste, lower emissions, and promote social and economic development. Next time you need envelopes, packaging, or folding cartons, choose sustainably sourced products from SupremeX and make a difference for the planet. 🌎
