“We want to make ‘green’ choices, but recycled paper is so expensive” is the sort of thing we hear from clients all the time.

Are there any ‘green’ alternatives to recycled paper? And what on earth is a WMF? We thought we’d share some tips that we’ve learnt from BJ Ball Papers.

Rethink Recycled Paper
Recycling paper is great because it reduces landfill. However paper can only be recycled 3-5 times, after which it loses its quality and strength. (Which means whether we like it or not there will always be a demand for virgin wood pulp.) Also, the recycling process (de-inking, re-pulping) uses a lot of energy. Recycling has its place, but shouldn’t be thought of as the ‘only’ environmentally sound choice.

Choose Sustainable Forests
You can be happy that the non-recycled paper you’re buying is sustainable if it carries either the FSC or the PEFC logos. Both of theses are not-for-profit organisations with the aim of protection against deforestation and promoting better forest management.

Well managed forests (WMF) are sustainable forests, which means every time a tree is felled, at least one more is planted. Good forest management extends to ensuring the wildlife and the livelihood of local communities are protected.

Think Outside The Box
A paper doesn’t have to use post-consumer waste (PCW) to still be recycled. For instance Harvest Recycled is a paper made up of 60% Sugar Cane Fibre. This fibre is a by-product of the sugar industry. So although it can not be officially classed as recycled, it is in fact recycling an industrial by-product.

Here at Imagic we can advise you on the best paper choice for your budget and your conscience. Contact Paul, Vicki or Angela for more information.

Want to know more:
Visit the BJ Ball website to find out more

FSC = Forest Stewardship Council
PEFC = Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes
WMF = Well Managed Forest
PCW = Post Consumer Waste