FSC-Certified Paper vs Recycled Paper. Which is better?

Recycled paper is simply paper made from other, pre-used paper. The whole recycling process is much more complicated and has more environmental implications than many people may expect. The latter lack credible certification which can mean that “recycled” paper might not contain a very high level of old paper,you can check percentages with aims to buy the highest level of “post-consumer waste paper” ideally 100%.

For FSC-Certified paper, it’s typically composed of virgin tree fibres rather than pre- or post-consumer recycled materials, though some recycled paper is sometimes also FSC-certified. Essentially, when the wood pulp used to make this paper is sourced from a well-managed forest, it is just as eco-friendly.

According to the Forest Stewardship Council, paper manufacturers are encouraged to seek out wood suppliers that work to protect habitat, prevent pollution, plant more trees than are harvested and avoid displacing native peoples and harming wildlife, which will make a big difference.

 

You can trust that the paper is ‘Sustainable’

The Forest Stewardship Council defines a strict set of standards that paper products must meet in order to prove that they are truly environmentally and socially responsible. They achieve this by monitoring the “chain of custody” from the forest to the manufacturer to the merchant and finally, to the printer, when applicable. Independent, third-party auditors conduct chain-of-custody assessments of companies that would like to achieve FSC certification.

When you see the FSC logo on a label, you can buy forest products with confidence that you are helping to ensure our forests are alive for generations to come. 

 

The FSC paper is now easily available

The great thing about the FSC on-product labels is that once you know about them, you will see them everywhere. Opting for FSC-certified paper is no longer limited. Almost all paper products are now available with FSC certification. The look and texture of the paper is smooth and uniform, much like the other professional-quality materials. FSC-certified paper is a great alternative to rougher recycled paper. Even tissue paper, toilet paper and other household paper goods can also be FSC-certified.

 

There are 3 type of FSC certification

FSC 100%

• The FSC 100% label means that the wood within the product comes completely from FSC-certified well-managed forests. 

 

FSC RECYCLED

• The FSC Recycled label means all the wood or paper in the product comes from reclaimed (re-used) material.

 

FSC MIX

• The FSC Mix label means the wood within the product is from FSC-certified forests, recycled material, or controlled wood. While not FSC certified, controlled wood cannot be:
  • illegally harvested;
  • harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights;
  • harvested in forests where high conservation values (HCVs) are threatened;
  • harvested in forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use;
  • harvested in forests where genetically modified trees are planted.