Paper - Office

The production of office paper frequently imposes significant loads upon the environment. Wood pulp used for paper production is often sourced from virgin or unsustainably managed native forests, with production processes frequently responsible for the release of toxic air and water emissions into the environment. Consumer demand and the protection of the Australian environment require that paper manufacturers collect and incorporate recycled paper fibre in their products. Where recycled or reclaimed fibre is used it is important the associated water emission and air emission impacts - namely heavy bleaching and the use of chemical additives - are lower so as not to offset the environmental benefits of the said fibre source.

Office paper includes that used in photocopiers, printers, faxes; and paper-based office stationary products such as envelopes, exercise books, invoice books, and posters to name a few. Considering what defines an environmentally preferable office paper product requires an understanding of the environmental impacts of the paper throughout its life cycle:

• Forest Management & Harvesting - The source wood pulp should be sustainably harvested, create minimal ecosystem disturbance, and conserve local biodiversity.
• Pulp & Paper Production - Paper manufacture should avoid the use of hazardous chemicals, air and water emissions, minimise energy and water consumption, and include the maximum possible recycled pulp/fibre possible.
• Waste & Waste Paper Processing - The manufacturer should sort and handle all wastes and waste paper in an appropriate manner, therein avoiding emissions to the environment and wastes going to landfill. This should include minimising raw resource consumption, and other cradle to grave procedures.

Consider the following tips in order to select environmentally preferable office paper product:

Consumer Behaviour Tips

• Choose paper made of sustainably harvested wood pulp certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and/or the Australian Forestry Standard, or equivalent accreditation scheme;
• Avoid paper made with or that contain halogenated bleaches, chlorine gases, halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, Alkylphenol ethoxylate solvents, and toxic or heavy-metal dyes;
• Avoid papers coated, treated or labelled that would reasonably prevent paper recycling;
• Avoid halogenated plastic packaging;
• Avoid paper treated with residual monomers recognised as being toxic or harmful to aquatic organisms and human health.

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Office Paper: www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm