FSC Certified Paper
Roughly 50% of US paper products are being recaptured and recycled, and recent campaigns may lead to a further increase in recycling. However, despite improved technologies for refining post consumer pulp, virgin fiber is still a significant requirement, as only 35% of current consumption is met by using recycled fiber; in addition, approximately 25% of recovered fiber is exported. Roughly 25% by volume of timber cut annually in the US is used for paper production.
The general recognition that environmental responsibility in all its aspects is a required function of corporate governance is growing significantly all the time. More and more companies that use, or cause to be used, significant volumes of paper and board in their businesses are recognizing their responsibility to ensure that not only do they know the origins of the fiber used in their paper and board purchases, but also that they ensure that the fiber is produced in an environmentally responsible manner.
While recycled fiber is a key element of the traditional model for responsible consumption, it is becoming increasingly clear that forestry management in the production of the wood used in paper manufacture, has more fundamental importance than even recycled fiber. The use of alternative fibers, chemical treatment and resulting effluence are other factors important to the responsible purchasing of paper and board.
FSC Certification
Any product made of pulp or paper has the potential to be certified as long as the wood used in the product originates from FSC-certified sources. Wood is an important material for all paper manufacturers. The intent of the FSC system is to shift the market to eliminate habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples and violence against people and wildlife that often accompanies logging.
Just like other forest products, in order to use the FSC* logo as an “environmental claim” on paper, the product must have flowed through the FSC “chain-of-custody” from the FSC-certified forest, to a paper manufacturer, merchant, and finally printers who have FSC chain-of-custody certification.
Well what about cost?
“Because PRINTERY Communication buys FSC paper in volume, it can be purchased as an exact substitute for conventional methods. This is very important for the client,” mentions Kenna.
*Please note: in order to use any FSC trademarks, including the FSC logo, initials “FSC”, or phrase “Forest Stewardship Council” on a printed piece, the printer must have next chain-of-custody certification. Without this certification, no claims can be printed regarding the FSC-certified content of the paper.
For more information visit the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)Just like other forest products, in order to use the FSC* logo as an “environmental claim” on paper, the product must have flowed through the FSC “chain-of-custody” from the FSC-certified forest, to a paper manufacturer, merchant, and finally printers who have FSC chain-of-custody certification.