If a client needs a printed product, we encourage them to use printers and papers that are FSC Certified. There is a misconception that using recycled materials will dramatically increase the price of production. In reality, the price of printing on FSC certified papers is oftentimes similar to conventional virgin fiber paper printing. So what's the big deal? ...and what the heck is the FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a sustainability watchdog group for the paper production industry (and logging industry as a whole). The FSC website indicates that the Council sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns for the production of forest products. The FSC is devoted to protecting biodiversity and promoting decent conditions for forestry workers and their communities.

The U.S. is the largest market for paper products in the world, producing 90 million tons of paper annually and, in-turn, consuming about 100 million tons. Despite improved technologies for refining post consumer pulp, virgin fiber is still a significant requirement, as only 35% of current consumption is met by using recycled fiber; in addition, approximately 25% of recovered fiber is exported out of US markets. Roughly 25% by volume of timber cut annually in the US is used for paper production.

While recycled fiber is a key element of the traditional model for responsible consumption, it is becoming increasingly clear that forest management in the production of the wood used in paper manufacturing, has more fundamental importance than even recycled fiber. The use of alternative fibers, chemical treatment and resulting effluence are other factors important to the responsible purchasing of paper and board.

In order to use the FSC logo as an "environmental claim" on paper, the product must have flowed through the FSC "chain-of-custody" from the FSC-certified forest, to a paper manufacturer, merchant, and finally printer who have FSC chain-of-custody certification. To learn more about certification, click here: www.fscus.org/faqs/what_is_certification.php

Fill-out our contact form for a free estimate specifying the use of FSC Certified paper products.