Sustainable Printing Using Recycled Paper

Printing for Less offers a variety of recycled papers on all of our products. We’re also always happy to accommodate requests for 100% recycled printing paper. However, not all recycled papers are created with the same environmental impact, and an environmentally-conscious company should be selective when choosing the paper for their printing project. While printing on a paper with a high ratio of post-consumer content is a popular option that is beneficial for some projects, saving the environment is not that easy. Chemically de-inking post-consumer paper back into the clean white paper best suited for attractive full-color printing is a toxic process, one with high energy consumption and waste disposal challenges. The scrap paper from our production facility is recycled into newsprint, which requires far less energy, water and chemical treatment than recycling into white paper. 

Let’s explore a few recycling terms:

Post Consumer Fiber

The EPA defines this material as paper, paperboard and fibrous wastes from retail stores, office buildings, and homes. Used corrugated boxes, old newspapers, magazines, junk mail and mixed waste paper all fall under this group. These items have been diverted from the waste stream. The two key words to keep in mind are “end products” and “consumers”. Scraps, cuttings, and loose ends from the paper mills do not qualify here.

Pre Consumer Waste

Also referred to as post-industrial waste, this is the by-product of the production process. Examples are “mill broke”, paper off-cuts, make readies and rejected or surplus printed matter.

De-Inked Material

Waste paper that has had the ink, fillings and coatings removed before being recycled. Examples are magazines and newspapers that were printed but never sold.

Printing Responsibly

Learn more about our sustainable printing solutions.

If you’d like to have your printing project quoted on 100% recycled paper, or have questions about alternative eco-friendly paper options, calling us at 800-924-2041, or request a quote on our Custom Pricing page. We’ll work with you in order to get the best product to meet your eco printing needs and suit your conscience.