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So what's it all about?

We offer eco friendly printing on FSC Certified 100% recycled paper and below we provide the facts that you need to make an informed decision. The cost of recycled paper has dropped considerably in recent years, the quality is stunning and the production and use of recycled paper is more eco friendly than ever. A recent survey found that 38% of business owners discounted using recycled paper due to outdated reasons and urban myths.

What is FSC Certified 100% recycled paper?

There is some confusion as to how a recycled paper can achieve FSC Certification as recycled fibre does not involve using trees. If the paper manufacturer has achieved certification under the FSC Credit System it can call a percentage of its overall annual paper output FSC Certified. Take a look at our FSC Certified Printing page as this explains in detail about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and what they do.

Is recycled paper more expensive?

Recycled paper has finally aligned with conventional paper prices due to increase in demand, refinement of the paper making 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 landfill sites. The more post consumer waste that is incorporated into recycled material the better!

What is "pre consumer waste"?

This is the material that occurs as a by-product to the printing process, such as printers trim and print overruns. We segregate most of our pre consumer waste and have it collected each week for recycling.

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, this is why some recycled paper can have a greyish tinge. However, all of the recycled papers we use for printing are de-inked and of a conventional whiteness. If the paper is to be de-inked then this can be done in two ways, by washing, flotation or a combination of both methods:

1. Washing

As the paper is pulped, soaps are added which separate the ink from the paper and allow it to be washed away in water which can then be cleaned and re-used.

2. Flotation

Air is passed through the pulp, producing foam which will hold at least half of the ink which can then be skimmed off.

Sometimes the pulp is also bleached, hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used as it breaks down into water and oxygen on disposal, although, chlorine bleach is sometimes still used. Although the de-inking process uses water and chemicals, it is still less harmful to the environment than the manufacturing process of making new paper.

What happens to the removed 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.

What are ECF and TCF papers?

ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) papers are made from pulp which 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 recycled paper do you use and which are FSC Certified?

Using the official definition we use genuine 100% recycled paper and only use ECF and TCF papers (explained above). All products within our Recycled Print range are FSC Certified 100% recycled and our FSC Chain Of Custody Certification means we are authorised to add the worldwide respected
FSC 100% Recycled logo to your artwork on request.

Should I choose recycled papers?

Choosing to use recycled paper is an ethical issue and down to either personal or company attitudes towards Corporate Social Responsibility. However, using recycled paper will:

1. Reduce landfill

Using recycled paper diverts waste paper from entering landfills.

2. Continue the demand for recycled materials

Recycling is only viable if end-markets are created for the products made from recovered waste paper.

3. Place less strain on global forest resources

Paper recycling optimises the use of a valuable material. Although forests are increasingly managed in a sustainable way there is still a need to reduce wastage by using more recycled content.

Are there any other eco friendly printing options available?

Yes! If you're not ready for 100% recycled print products just yet then
FSC Certified Printing is an eco friendly alternative for you.

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