Which quality marks does our paper have?
There are many different environmental labels. And we try to pay attention to this as much as possible with our types of paper. Because the more quality marks, the better for the environment!
What are these quality marks?
The most well-known quality marks are the FSC quality mark, PEFC quality mark and the European Ecolabel. But there are many more. We think it is very important that our paper types carry a quality mark. And that we can contribute in this way.
The FSC quality mark
The abbreviation FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. It is an international quality mark that shows that the fibers come from a responsibly managed forest. In these forests, no more should be cut than the forest itself can regenerate. Vulnerable forests or trees with a high nature value must also not be cut down.
The FSC quality mark can be indicated as FSC 100%, FSC Mix or FSC Recycled. At FSC 100%, all fibers come from a responsibly managed forest. At FSC Mix it means that at least 70% comes from a sustainably managed forest and/or consists of recycled fibres. FSC Recycled requires that the product consists entirely of fibers that have been recycled.
The PEFC quality mark
The PEFC is also an international quality mark. It stands for Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. To meet this quality mark, at least 70% of the fibers must consist of PEFC managed forest or recycled fibers. This quality mark also reflects on the balance of the forest and takes a strict look at protecting biodiversity. The remaining 30% of the fibers must come from a controlled harvest.
Just like the FSC Quality Mark, the PEFC quality mark can be divided. This way you have the PEFC paper quality mark, as described above. And PEFC Recycled; the product must consist entirely of recycled paper or wood.
The Europian Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel indicates that a product, in our case paper, has been produced in an environmentally conscious manner. Not only the fibers for the paper are taken into account, as with an FSC and PEFC quality mark, but the entire life cycle of a product is taken into account. Different criteria are drawn up for each step in the product's process to reduce the impact on the environment. For paper, at least 70% of the fibers come from sustainably managed forests or recycled paper or wood. The companies that produce the product must also meet strict criteria for emissions to water and air. Because not only the paper but the entire process is taken into account, this is one of the most environmentally conscious quality marks.
ECF and TCF quality mark
You also often come across an ECF quality mark on paper. This stands for Elementary Chlorine Free. This means that no chlorine gas has been used to bleach the paper and thus give it a certain whiteness. This quality mark uses a compound of chlorine and oxygen, which is much less harmful to the environment.
You may also come across the TCF quality mark. This stands for Totally Chlorine Free. This quality mark means complete bleaching without chlorine gas and/or chlorine compounds. This quality mark also does not allow fibers from unsustainably managed forests to be used.
Other quality marks that you may encounter on (graphic) paper are the Scandinavian quality mark Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the German Blauer Engel. These quality marks do not appear on our paper types.
It is also common for multiple quality marks to appear on types of paper. You often see the EU Ecolabel, FSC quality mark and ECF quality mark on some kind of paper. By choosing these types of paper you contribute to a lower environmental impact.
Another special type of paper we have is Paperwise. This paper is made entirely from agricultural waste and produced with green energy where possible. This makes it a very ecologically friendly product. It couldn't be better!
