Everyone wants to make choices that safeguard our planet. Many companies promote their sustainable choices in an attempt to gain more customers and boost loyalty. Certainly you’ve seen recycled paper ads and logo’s on your mail, publications and books. But in the debate between virgin vs. recycled paper, making the ‘green’ choice may not actually be as simple as people think.
Often, the ‘Recycled’ term is used simply as a marketing feature, with the idea that a recycled logo or look will boost brand fondness. Those who truly do commit to the spirit of using a fully recycled product quickly discover that there are fewer options and much higher price points.
What does ‘Recycled’ really mean?
Recycled products, at face value, seem like the best option. We like to imagine a factory where old and used paper gets dumped into one end. Out the other end comes stacks of beautiful new paper, the reality however, is quite different:
- Paper can only be recycled 5-7 times; the process shortens fibers and reduces paper strength.
- The process used to recycle paper depends on electricity and fossil fuels.
- Paper received for recycling is not always sorted. The paper is often contaminated with plastic, waxes and glues, and high levels of bacteria.
- Recycled paper is not all 100% recycled. It is typically a blend of reused paper and new paper fibers (typically only 10%-30% recycled).
What is Virgin vs. Recycled Paper?
Virgin paper is made from pulp, which is sustainably sourced directly from new trees (farms). Raw material is also sourced from chips from sawmills, furniture manufacturers, or other residual sources. Virgin paper has several advantages over recycled paper:
- It is stronger and more durable.
- Production does not rely on electricity or fossil fuels.
- Virgin paper holds ink well and produces the best quality prints.
- Encourages the growth of new trees (which take in C02)
- Comes from a wide array of responsibly forested sources (ex: FSC, SFI, PEFC, etc.)
Renewables
We’ve all seen those ‘Think Before You Print’ emails, which leave us with the impression that using paper leads to really bad things, like deforestation. It is really important to know, that using paper actually promotes the exact opposite. It encourages forest growth and responsible maintenance. Trees are a crop, just like wheat or corn. This makes paper produced in this manner a renewable resource. Choosing virgin vs. recycled paper stock and printing those emails doesn’t mean you are harming the planet. In fact, it encourages tree farmers to keep doing their thing!
With so many things to consider when planning your print piece, it can be a bit daunting. We always have a print expert happy to answer any questions you might have.
