We’ve provided the below definitions to help demystify the process of shopping for green paper products.
Chain of custody
A procedure for tracking a material from its origin to its final use. When a paper product is labeled as “Chain-of-Custody certified,” this means that, from the forest to the paper mill, the manufacturer’s FSC-certified materials have been carefully separated from papers harvested in uncertified forests.
The FSC is a nonprofit organization that encourages the responsible management of the world’s forests and sets standards for environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable forestry practices. The FSC sets standards for environmental paper production, and grants one of the highest-esteemed certifications in the green paper business.
A national, independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e certifies renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products.
A nonprofit organization devoted to setting standards for environmental product certification, labeling and public education.
A leading international conservation organization whose objective is to protect the environment, wildlife, workers and communities by implementing better business practices for biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
Recycled paper
Recycled papers consist of 10-100% post-consumer waste. You can ask your customer service representative to help you find paper products with the highest possible percentage of post-consumer waste content.
The SFI was developed in 1995 by the American Forest & Paper Association, and is structured around management practices designed to ensure the future health and growth of forests. The SFI sets standards for environmental paper production, and grants one of the highest-esteemed certifications in the green paper business.
SmartWood
The part of the Rainforest Alliance whose purpose is to improve the effectiveness of sustainable forestry practices.