How to select environmentally responsible paper.

Remember paper?

Remember environmental conservation ?

These two subjects have certainly taken a back seat since the rise of the internet and the increase of corporate dominance of Washington, D.C.

On the other hand, paper is here to stay and environmentally responsible paper is easier than ever to buy--and at competitive prices.

In the following article, Gerry D. Rector, senior product development manager at Neenah Paper, revisits the subject. He explains what you should know about paper and how it's manufactured to make the right choice.--Ed.

Consider this: The average adult in the U.S. uses nearly 700 pounds of paper a year.

Now consider the impact of our paper use on the environment. It uses energy, consumes natural resources, emits by-products into the air and water, and adds to the municipal solid waste stream after it is used and discarded.

There are things you can do, however, to lessen the impact. In fact, leading companies and organizations across the country--from large multinationals to small non-profits--are "doing the right thing" environmentally by specifying and using environmentally responsible paper.

Environmentally responsible paper is made with higher recycled content, cleaner manufacturing processes, and with better stewardship of the world's forests. However, all environmentally responsible paper is not the same. It's therefore important to understand everything you can about how the paper you select is produced.

Buying environmentally friendly paper is easy, if you pay attention to the following.

To get started, ask your supplier specifically where the paper you want to purchase comes from, along with these other considerations:

* Source of manufacture: Make sure you know where the paper is manufactured including the company name, mill name, and mill location. Is it offshore or domestic? Is the company name familiar? Is it trustworthy? The goal here is to be able to completely track the source of supply back to the raw pulp stock.

* Written environmental policy: Ask for the company's environmental policy in writing. This policy should state the pulp source, levels of pre- and post-consumer recycled content, and how the paper is made.

The policy should also explain the means for bleaching paper. This is important because some methods are more eco-friendly than others (see below). The overall goal in reviewing a paper company's environmental policy is to understand any negative impacts of their paper manufacturing process on the environment. If your concerns aren't covered in the written policy, don't be afraid to ask questions--and push for answers.

* Bleaching process: There are several paper bleaching methods. The most environmentally friendly bleaching methods are totally chlorine free (TCF) an at elemental chlorine free (ECF). The preferred process is TCE in which no chlorine-containing compounds are used to whiten the paper. Ask for it if you can.

The ECF bleaching process uses chlorine dioxide or non-chlorine containing chemicals to whiten paper. ECF reduces the chlorine containing compounds that can be released to the environment while producing bright white paper.

Process chlorine free is used to describe recycled papers that are decolorized without chlorine compounds. This is an excellent alternative since it is recycled and made without chlorine.

* Third-party audit information: Ideally, your paper manufacturer is audited by a third-party organization. ISO, SFI and FSC all require third-party auditing that verifies and qualifies the company's manufacturing processes and/or environmental policies. Independent third-party tests from auditing and testing organizations ensure that quality assurance processes are in place and any issues reported, addressed and resolved.

* Environmental records: Check out the company's environmental records. Does the company have a good relationship with the regional Environmental Protection Agency office? It should have few, if any, Notices or Violations for any environmental actions. Remember, if you do business with someone who is practicing business in an unfair manner ecologically, you are giving them the means to stay in business.

Making paper environmentally responsible

Understanding what makes paper environmentally responsible is the final piece of the equation in your specifying or purchasing decision. There are various choices of paper to choose from, such as 100 percent post-consumer, FSC Certified, Alternative Fiber, and 100 percent recycled, among others. The key to your choice is determining which environmental attributes are most important to you and determining which paper meets these needs.

* 100 percent post-consumer This is made from paper that has been used and discarded by the end-user. The paper is de-inked, then bleached and decolorized without the use of any chlorine compounds (a process called "process chlorine free").

* FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council). Several paper companies offer FSC Certified papers. The FSC trademark identifies products which contain wood from well-manage forests certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC.

Our own FSC Certified paper at Neenah contains a minimum of 20 percent FSC Certified eucalyptus fiber and 80 percent post-consumer fiber. The post-consumer portion is again process chlorine free, bleached without the use of chlorine or its compounds, and the virgin portion is elemental chlorine free

* Alternative fibers. This paper can be made with some traditional fiber, such as recycled and post-consumer and some alternative fiber. The amount of each in a sheet can vary depending on the manufacturer. Alternative fiber usually comes from cereal crop residue and sugar cane, which is commonly called bagasse.

* 100 percent recycled. This may include pre-consumer fiber made from recovered fibers or scrap paper collected for remanufacturing into recycled paper. This includes scrap created in a mill after the paper comes off the paper machine. Printing waste and envelope trim are also qualified recovered fiber.

Quality and appearance

Once you determine the attributes that are important to you and make a paper choice, keep the following points in mine to make sure your selection is really the best one.

* Printing quality. The recycled paper you choose should meet the same brightness opacity, printability and technical specifications as a virgin paper. The paper should come in all of the weights and sizes of virgin paper as well.

* Color choices. A variety of colors should be offered so you d can meet your environmental goals without sacrificing the design and printing of a premium quality document. Look for a variety of core, accent and duplex cover colors.

* Appearance. Make sure the recycled paper you choose has a brightness for outstanding appearance and print performance. Some recycled papers look grayish due to the ink disintegration, which can impart a grayish cast to paper. Some lower quality recycled papers may have larger particles of ink and other contaminants that detract from appearance and performance.

Pricing

While making an environmentally responsible choice, you don't want to be gouged in the process. Look for recycled and environmentally responsible paper that is priced competitively with traditional virgin papers.

Availablity

You shouldn't have to wait to obtain your order, just because environmentally responsible paper may be unique. Make sure your supplier can supply it immediately, whether you need a small or large quantity. Also, if you'll be printing in the United States and abroad, make sure your supplier offers the same paper both here and there for design consistency.

Laser and ink jet guaranteed

If you'll be printing from a computer, you'll also want to ensure that the environmentally responsible paper you choose is of the highest quality possible. Ask your supplier if they offer a guarantee of any kind.

Variety of finishes

Don't forget to ask about the finish choices for the environmentally responsible paper you are a considering You should have a clear choice here as well in a felt, laid or parchment type.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a variety of considerations to keep in mind when selecting environmentally responsible paper. Remember, however, that preserving the balance of our ecology requires a commitment from all of us.

Choosing environmentally responsible paper with recycled content is an effective way to conserve resources, minimize waste and protect our environment. And you do have many choices.

Roswell, Georgia-based Neenah Paper is a leading manufacturer of premium writing, text and cover papers marketed under Classic, Environment, and other brands. www.neenahpaper.com, Gerry Rector may be contacted at [e-mail]