Using environmentally and socially responsible paper is an
opportunity for publishers to achieve some of the most tangible
and measurable environmental gains. Two key factors which
comprise responsible paper are recycled fiber, and virgin fiber
that does not originate from Endangered Forests or an area of
social conflict and does not result in the conversion of native
forests to plantations.
Recycled Fiber
 Using recycled paper
ensures that fewer trees are cut down to make the paper.
Guidelines supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Environmental Paper network and others recommend using paper
that contains at least 30% recycled fiber – with all or a
majority to be postconsumer.
Book publishers are encouraged to meet or surpass this
minimum recommendation. Newspaper publishers are encouraged to
use paper that contains at least 50% recycled fiber – with all
or a majority to be postconsumer. Compared to virgin fiber, the
use of recycled fiber also
- Reduces pressure on endangered forests
- Creates markets for paper that would otherwise be land
filled
- Requires 44% less energy to produce
- Emits 38% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Conserves up to 24 mature trees per ton of recycled fiber
replacing virgin fiber
*Source: Environmental Defense
Paper
Calculator. Figures based on kraft paper.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or
Equivalent Certification
 There are several different forest
management systems and most have shown continual improvement.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification system is
considered to be the best practice given that it ensures:
- Key protections for Endangered and High Conservation Value
Forests
- Natural and biodiverse forests are not converted to
single-species tree farms after harvest
- The concerns of indigenous and local communities are
integrated into forest plans and assessments
- Biodiversity and landscape integrity are maintained
according to the highest standard
- There is less soil disturbance and more trees are left
standing (in some case 25% more trees than other certification
systems)
**In the event that other certification systems improve to
a level of equivalency with FSC on the core topics mentioned
above, GPI will likely acknowledge these other certification
systems.
Relevant Resources
Guidelines for Paper Purchasers
Summary and Full Report of the State of the Paper Industry
Suppliers lists of
environmentally responsible book papers, newsprint and printers
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