Each office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of copy paper annually. Of the 30 million tons of paper consumed by Americans every year, only half of it is actually recovered and recycled (PIAC 2007). The pulp, paper, and allied products industry is the largest consumer of process water and the third largest consumer of energy (EPA 2002). Production of recycled contentThe portion of a product that is made from materials diverted from the waste stream, usually stated as a percentage by weight. paper uses less water and energy, reduces wood use and greenhouse gas emissions, and leads to less solid waste (see Environmental Defense's Paper Calculator).
The whitening process employed in conventional paper manufacturing uses chlorine compounds, which leads to the formation of dioxins. Dioxins are released into the air, wind up in our waterways where they bioaccumulate in fish, and end up in humans who eat the fish (EPA 2002). Dioxins are known carcinogens and are suspected to have other adverse effects on humans (EPA Dioxins and Furans Profile). Fortunately, paper manufacturers now have several different whitening processes available that use little to no chlorine.
| Process | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) |
Uses chlorine dioxide (ClO2) |
Does not use elemental chlorine, so fewer dioxins are formed |
Formation of dioxins |
| Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) |
Recycled paper made without the use of chlorine or chlorine derivatives |
Recycled paper, no chlorine used in bleaching process |
Cannot be labelled totally chlorine-free because chlorine may have been used in manufacturing of the paper used for the recycled pulp |
| Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) |
Virgin paper made without the use of chlorine or chlorine derivatives |
Since the fiber is new, chlorine-free can be guaranteed |
Not available for recycled papers |
Reduce your environmental impact by thinking before you print and by selecting 100% post-consumer recycled content paper processed chlorine-free (PCF).
Minnesota Statute §16B.122 requires state agencies and public entities to buy recycled copy paper with at least 10% post-consumer content. It also requires the use of paper manufactured using little or no chlorine. Presidential Executive Order 13423 requires that federal agencies buy paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer content. The Minnesota Department of Administration supports the federal standard and strongly encourages state and local government purchasers to meet or exceed this guideline.
The quality of recycled paper has improved dramatically over the past decade. Recycled content papers perform as good as or better than virgin papers. Improvements in processing, along with technological advances, have significantly reduced dust problems and maintenance issues related to recycled paper are now a rare occurrence.
Regardless of the type of paper used, proper storage and handling can help reduce paper jams. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Fan paper before loading the copier to reduce static.
- Load the paper following the instructions on the ream label. Look for the arrow indicating which side of the paper should be facing up.
- Avoid storing paper on the floor or in humid areas.
- If the entire ream is not loaded in the copier, re-wrap the remainder. The wrapper's plastic moisture barrier will keep out humidity.
Recycled paper is widely available in any quantity through local paper distributors, office supply stores, and catalogs. Purchasers can choose from a variety of sizes and colors ranging from 10% to 100% post-consumer recycled content.
Most people are aware of the great environmental benefits connected with using recycled-content paper. However, until recently the cost of 100% post-consumer recycled content paper has made it less competitive. Consolidation of paper mills, along with increased consumer demand, has created a larger market for this product. Today, 100% post-consumer recycled content paper is competitively priced -in many cases it even costs less.
Competitive pricing on the Minnesota state contract has resulted in a dramatic increase in the purchase of 100% post-consumer recycled content paper; because it's the cheapest paper on state contract. Hennepin County negotiated a great price for 100% post-consumer recycled content paper, offering 30% and 100% recycled paper for similar prices!
Consider incorporating the following specifications into your next bid for paper:
- Paper must contain 100% post-consumer recycled content.
- Paper must be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Paper containing no recycled content must be certified FSC-pure. Paper containing less than 100% post-consumer recycled content must be certified FSC-mixed. Paper containing 100% post-consumer recycled content must be certified FSC-recycled.
- Paper must be certified processed-chlorine free (PCF) (recycled content paper) or totally chlorine-free (TCF) (virgin paper) by the Chlorine Free Products Association.
St. Paul, MN
651/201-2578
www.officesupplyconnection.org/
Catalog contains competetively-priced recycled-content papers in various sizes and colors. State agencies and members of the Cooperative Purchasing Venture may purchase through OSC.
U.S. Communities
Walnut Creek, CA
866/472-7467
www.uscommunities.org/green
Maintains a contract with Office Depot. Catalog contains a variety of recycled-content papers.
Environmental Paper Network's "What's in Your Paper?"
www.whatsinyourpaper.com
A resource for purchasers, environmental organizations, industry, and individuals, featuring a useful toolkit that includes purchasing guidance. EPN is composed of various environmental organizations working together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
www.fsc.org
An independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. Issues certifications for virgin and recycled content papers, as well as other wood products.
Chlorine Free Products Association
www.chlorinefreeproducts.org
An independent, not-for-profit accreditation & standard setting organization, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices and implementing advanced chlorine-free technologies.. Issues certifications for totally chlorine-free and processed-chlorine free products.
EcoLogo
www.ecologo.org
A multi-attribute certification program based on the lifecycle of a product or service. Certifies paper using their CCD-077 Printing and Writing Papers standard.
Green Seal
www.greenseal.org
An independent, non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Certifies paper using their GS-7 Printing and Writing Paper standard.
Other certifications
www.csa-international.org
www.pefc.org
www.afandpa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Environment_and_
Recycling/SFI/SFI.htm
Consider other certifications and standards from: CSA International, a provider of product testing and certification sources; Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) Council, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third party certification; and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), promoting responsible forest management in North America and responsible procurement globally.
Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator
www.edf.org/papercalculator
Calculate the environmental impacts of your paper choices.
The Secret Life of Paper
www.secret-life.org/paper
The Secret Life of Paper, a project of INFORM, includes a video highlighting the impacts of paper production and frequently asked questions.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised February 18, 2009 - 9:54am