We promote printing on recycled paper and here are some facts you need to make an informed choice for your print requirements.
the quality is stunning and the production and use of recycled paper is more eco friendly than using 'virgin' paper.
If you are looking for a certified eco alternative to recycled then Forest Stewardship Council approved paper is for you – visit the FSC Paper page for details.
A recent survey found that 36% of business owners discount using recycled paper due to out-dated reasoning. So, to dispel some "urban myths" please read on!
Defining Recycled Papers
There are varying definitions of genuine recycled paper. General thinking is to encourage the highest post-consumer recycled content whenever possible, providing that 'fitness for purpose' and performance criteria are taken into consideration.
NAPM - National Association of Paper Merchants
Recycled paper that carries the NAPM recycled logo contains a minimum of 75% genuine waste, which is:
- Convertor's waste: waste that has left the mill and is waste from a cutting or slitting operation undertaken to meet a commercial order.
- Printer's waste: printed or unprinted - waste collected from a printing operation and may be either 'trimmings' (guillotine waste), 'overs', 'rejects' or any other similar waste received direct from a printer.
- Domestic, household or office waste: waste collected from either of these places that may be printed or unprinted.
The NAPM has been the accredited Trade Association for UK paper and board wholesalers for over 75 years.
Printing on Recycled Paper - FAQ
If you are considering printing on recycled paper here are the answers to frequently asked questions.
What about quality and performance?
Improvements in the quality of the recycled paper grades now available mean that their quality and performance is equal to that of virgin paper, particularly if choosing top of the range recycled papers made from 100% de-inked waste, such as the "Revive" brand.
Recycled paper is more expensive - surely?
No! Recycled paper has aligned with conventional paper prices in recent years due to the increase in demand, refinement of the papermaking process and the significant reduction in energy and water needed to make recycled paper - compared to conventional paper.
What is Post-Consumer Waste?
This is paper that has been used by the consumer and returned for recycling, thus keeping it out of a landfill. The more post-consumer waste that is incorporated into recycled material the better!
What is Virgin Fibre?
Virgin fibre is new fibre that has never been used by a manufacturer before to make paper or other products.
What is Pre-Consumer Waste?
Pre-consumer waste is the material that occurs as a by-product to the printing process, such as printers trim, make-ready and overs. We segregate our waste and have it collected each week for recycling.
What are Mill Broke and Recovered Fibre?
Mill broke occurs during the paper making process e.g. trimmings and faulty paper which goes straight back into the pulping process. Since it has never been used in a product, it does not count as recycled fibre but is defined as recovered fibre.
How is ink removed from paper for recycling?
Sometimes the ink is not removed from the paper when it is processed but allowed to disperse into the pulp, discolouring it slightly - which is why some recycled paper can have a greyish tint.
What happens to the ink?
Ink that is removed from recycled pulp can be burned to generate energy to run the paper mill, or sold to make useful materials such as compost or gravel for roads.
What are ECF and TCF Papers?
ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) papers are made from pulp that has been bleached using hydrogen peroxide instead of harmful chlorine.
Recycled papers are de-inked and if necessary are brightened with hydrogen peroxide or inert, harmless brightening compounds.
What is Acid Free Paper?
Acid free paper has had the acid removed from the pulp leaving it with a neutral pH of 7.
Should I choose Recycled Papers?
Choosing to use recycled paper is an ethical issue and down to either personal or company attitudes towards CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility. However, using recycled paper will:
- Reduce landfill - using recycled paper diverts waste paper from entering landfills. Landfills are a source of methane emissions, which are a contributor to global warming.
- Continue the demand for recycled materials - recycling is only viable if end-markets are created for the products made from recovered waste paper.
- Place less strain on global forest resources - paper recycling optimises the use of a valuable material and reduces the amount of virgin pulp required. Although forests are increasingly managed in a sustainable way there is a need to reduce wastage by using more recycled content.
- Nearly 80% of the world's original old growth forests have been logged or severely degraded. 40% of the world's industrial logging goes into making paper and this is expected to reach 50%.
- Worldwide, the pulp and paper industry is the 5th largest industrial consumer of energy. Producing recycled paper uses up to 70% less energy than virgin paper*, as well as using far less water. *Source Friends of the Earth
- At least 30,000 litres of water.
- 3000 - 4000 KWh electricity - enough power for a 3 bedroom house for one year.