The main component of any printed job is – PAPER. For many years paper was considered to be an environmentally damaging product. Over the last decade, reputable paper mills and merchants have worked hard to transform the paper manufacturing industry into one that is now classified within the United Nations' 100 most 'sustainable' industries.

The main catalyst for this substantial change was the introduction of the Forestry and Paper Accreditation Schemes. The impact of the schemes has been to ensure paper mills and forestry operators work to strict guidelines to minimize environmental impacts, source fibre from only FSC rated sources, improve manufacturing processes and commit to the sustainability of the industry in general.

The major global accreditation systems include:

• ISO14001 – international environmental management system
• FSC – Forest Stewardship Council – Promotes responsible stewardship of the world's forest www.fsc.org
• Chain of Custody – covers all wood processes from the forest to the consumer
• PEFC – Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification – recognizes sustainable forestry management practices www.pefc.org
• EMAS – Eco Management and Audit System – European Council regulation

In 2007 the Australasian Paper Industry Association Ltd produced a brochure titled "Paper.. a fundamental part of daily living" which provided many facts in relation to the sustainability of paper. In particular, it highlighted the benefit of purchasing paper produced using sustainable forestry practices. An important fact noted is "The Eucalyptus is capable of sequestering carbon at the rate of 10 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year, and has a positive net carbon balance even when used for pulp and paper production".

We'd be pleased to help you select an eco friendly paper suitable for your printing project...
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)

With the need for companies to audit and reduce their GHG emissions, it is important to also consider the composition of paper stock. Whilst FSC and PEFC rated papers provide assurance that the fibre is sourced from sustainable and ethical forestry companies, paper manufactured from recycled fibres has a lower GHG impact.

A study undertaken by The Paper Task Force - Final Report (Environmental Defense Fund 1995)¹ highlighted that paper made from recycled fibre has considerably lower GHG emissions than paper from virgin pulp. The estimated GHG savings vary from between 37% and 47%.

The comparison in GHG footprint between learning and reading from paper or electronic media is surprising. At Proprint you will find an article introducing a GHG emission comparison study done by Spanish papermaker Torrespapel. Did you know, for instance, that the use of printed books as teaching aids contributes to global warming ten times less than the use of electronic teaching aids?

There are many websites containing additional important information which will assist you in being aware of what paper manufacturers are doing and need to continue to improve upon, to achieve best practice.

www.environmentalpaper.org/commonvision.html
www.pulpwatch.org

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Recommended Paper Stocks

FSC Rated

The Bright Print Group has for many years now, used only FSC rated stock as our house grade, being Raleigh's Novatech range of paper. It is a superior sheet which produces a high quality printed item. If you specified simply Gloss Art or Matt Art for your printed job, it is highly likely it was printed on Novatech stock.

Recycled Stocks

For organizations wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, recommendations by Carbon Planet and other leading environmental groups, indicate stock from recycled sources will provide the greatest benefit. All printed items produced by the Bright Print Group are carbon managed. This has led us to switch our stationery onto recycled stock, where possible. Our latest company brochure BPG – Naturally was printed on Harvest Recycled.

Whilst recycled stock provides a greater environmental benefit over virgin paper products, it is not suitable for all applications, particularly where a coated stock is preferable.. Paper mills are aware of the production constraints and are continually improving the printability of recycled stock.

Fiber for recycled stock can come from a range of sources including:

• Sugar cane waste
• Pre-consumer waste - offcuts from printing companies and paper mills
• Post-consumer waste - paper that is used by the consumer and separated for recycling

What is the Best?

With many years of experience in printing on a wide range of paper stocks, we have listed below our recommended eco friendly papers. These stocks have been tested for their quality and printability, and suitability to a wide range of applications.

For more information on the best paper stock for your printed job: talk to your account manager; phone (02) 9757 3000 and ask to speak to one of our Estimators; or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We would be happy to discuss your particular requirements.

¹ Environmental Defense Fund, the Paper Task Force Final Report, Duke University Environmental Defense Fund, Johnson & Johnson Mcdonald's The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Time Inc, 1995

For More Information and Paper Samples

Glossary of Eco Friendly Paper Terms

We'd be pleased to help you with your eco friendly printing project...
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