Which paper is the most sustainable choice?

Choosing sustainable paper involves looking at the complete environmental profile of the product. Fibre source, recycled content (if any), carbon emissions from production and transport can all influence the impacts of a paper product.

For organisations measuring Scope 3 emissions or working towards Net Zero targets, paper specification can also form part of a wider carbon reduction strategy.

The most appropriate choice will depend on the requirements of the project and the environmental priorities of the organisation. Understanding the data behind different paper grades makes it easier to compare them accurately and make an informed decision.

Start with the environmental priorities for the project

Before comparing paper grades, establish which environmental measures are most important for the project or organisation.

These may include:

Reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions

Sourcing FSC® or PEFC certified paper

Increasing recycled fibre content

Reducing overall material consumption

Reducing production waste

Carbon balancing

Improving recyclability

Supporting biodiversity and conservation

Improving supply chain traceability

Meeting ESG, Net Zero and other legislative requirements

Clear objectives provide a useful framework for comparing different paper specifications and determining which environmental data should be requested from suppliers.

Understand the carbon footprint of the paper

The carbon footprint of paper can vary considerably between mills and individual grades.

Raw materials, manufacturing efficiency, energy sources and transport can all influence the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing and supplying a tonne of paper.

When reviewing carbon figures, check what has been included within the calculation.

A cradle-to-gate assessment, for example, may account for emissions associated with raw materials, manufacturing and energy consumption up to the point at which the finished paper leaves the mill.

Understanding the methodology and boundaries behind carbon data is particularly important when comparing figures from different manufacturers – in the paper industry, the CEPI Ten Toes framework is used to calculate carbon footprint data, supporting environmental reporting such as EPDs and Paper Profiles.

Consider the impact on Scope 3 emissions

For many organisations, purchased paper contributes to Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

Scope 3 covers indirect emissions that occur throughout an organisation's value chain. Depending on the organisation and its reporting boundaries, this can include emissions related to paper manufacturing and upstream transportation.

Paper specification can therefore contribute to an organisation's carbon reduction plans.

Selecting grades produced using lower-carbon energy, reducing material consumption and reviewing transport can all influence the emissions associated with purchased paper.

For organisations working towards Net Zero or Science Based Targets, credible product and mill-level carbon information can support more accurate Scope 3 reporting and help identify opportunities for reduction.

Look at how the paper mill is powered

Paper manufacturing requires significant amounts of energy, making the energy mix used by the mill an important part of a paper's carbon profile.

Mills may use combinations of grid electricity, biomass, hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources.

The carbon intensity of this energy can have a significant influence on production emissions. Two papers with similar technical specifications may therefore have different carbon footprints depending on where and how they are manufactured.

When carbon reduction is a priority, mill-level environmental information provides useful context alongside familiar specifications such as grammage, opacity, bulk and finish.

Review fibre sourcing and Chain of Custody

Fibre source is another important part of sustainable paper selection.

Paper can be manufactured from virgin fibre, recycled fibre or a combination of both.

Virgin fibre sourced from responsibly managed forests provides fresh fibres to the paper cycle. These fibres can subsequently be recovered and recycled several times.

Recycled fibre extends the useful life of material already in circulation and can provide an excellent specification for a wide range of print applications.

FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody certification provide recognised systems for tracing certified forest-based materials through manufacturing, processing and distribution.

When purchasing certified paper, check that the specific product carries the appropriate claim and that certification is maintained throughout the supply chain.

Denmaur's certifications include FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody alongside its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems.

Assess recycled content in context

Recycled content is a useful measure when comparing papers, particularly where an organisation has specific targets around recovered materials or circularity.

Look at the percentage of recycled fibre and whether it comes from post-consumer or pre-consumer sources.

The manufacturing process and technical performance of the resulting paper should also be reviewed.

Opacity, bulk, caliper, stiffness, shade and runnability influence how efficiently the paper can be used during production. A suitable specification should deliver the required print and finishing performance consistently, helping to control spoilage and material consumption.

Denmaur's Revive range, for example, includes paper manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled pulp.

Review Carbon Balanced Paper options

Carbon Balanced Paper provides an additional route for organisations looking to promote sustainability through their printed media.

The programme supports conservation and restoration projects through the World Land Trust. Depending on the grade, paper may be Carbon Balanced at Source by the manufacturer or balancing can be arranged separately for the paper being purchased.

For qualifying projects, customers can receive a certificate showing the amount of carbon balanced and the area of threatened habitat protected. A registered Carbon Balanced Paper logo can be provided for use on eligible printed materials.

Carbon Balanced Paper can provide measurable supporting evidence for organisations reporting on the environmental credentials of their print activity.

Consider material efficiency

The amount of material required to produce a project also influences its environmental impact.

Gsm alone does not tell you how substantial a paper will feel. Bulk, caliper, stiffness and opacity can sometimes allow a lower grammage to deliver the physical characteristics required for the finished product.

A high-bulk grade, for example, may provide the desired thickness at a lower weight. Strong opacity may allow a lighter specification to perform successfully where printing appears on both sides of the sheet.

Across a substantial print run, reductions in paper weight can reduce total material consumption and may also lower the weight associated with transport, mailing and distribution.

The technical suitability of the lighter grade should always be established before making a change.

Review sheet utilisation and conversion

The dimensions of the paper can have a significant influence on material efficiency.

A finished format that makes poor use of the parent sheet can generate avoidable offcuts across a large production run.

Reviewing trim size, imposition and sheet dimensions before production can identify opportunities to improve yield and make better use of the paper purchased.

Where standard sheet sizes are inefficient, bespoke conversion can provide an alternative.

Reel Fast provides reel-to-sheet, reel-to-reel, guillotining, ream wrapping and bespoke conversion services. Converting paper around specific production requirements can improve sheet utilisation and reduce unnecessary material use.

Include transport in the assessment

Transport contributes to the overall emissions associated with supplying paper.

Factors worth reviewing include:

Location of the manufacturing mill

Transport from the mill to UK warehousing

Conversion requirements

Delivery distances

Delivery frequency

Order consolidation

Distribution to the printer

Access to production and upstream transport emissions can provide a more complete view of the carbon associated with a paper purchase and support Scope 3 reporting.

Look at environmental management systems

Environmental claims should be supported by clear evidence.

Relevant certifications and management systems may include:

ISO 14001 Environmental Management

ISO 50001 Energy Management

ISO 9001 Quality Management

FSC® Chain of Custody

PEFC Chain of Custody

EU Ecolabel

Blue Angel

The certifications available will vary between mills and paper grades.

Check that certificates are current, relevant to the product being purchased and supported by appropriate documentation.

Consider performance during printing and finishing

The environmental performance of a paper continues through production.

Reliable runnability can help reduce make-ready sheets, spoilage and reprints. Dimensional stability, folding characteristics and compatibility with the selected print and finishing processes can all influence the amount of material ultimately consumed.

Samples, technical advice and press trials can be particularly valuable when changing paper grades or introducing a new specification.

The aim is to choose a paper that performs consistently throughout the complete production process.

Consider the finished product

Inks, laminates, coatings, adhesives, foils and other finishes can affect the environmental profile and recyclability of the final piece.

Discussing these elements with the printer during the specification stage allows the complete product to be considered together.

For projects where recyclability is important, ask how the proposed paper, inks and finishing processes will affect the material at the end of its useful life.

Early decisions can also give designers greater flexibility to achieve the required appearance using materials and processes that support the environmental objectives of the project.

Monitor paper usage and environmental performance

Measuring paper usage provides a useful baseline for future improvements.

Depending on the organisation, useful measures may include:

Total tonnes of paper purchased

Usage by paper grade

FSC® and PEFC certified volumes

Recycled paper volumes

Carbon Balanced Paper usage

Production waste

Surplus and obsolete stock

Changes in grammage

Sheet utilisation

Product carbon data

Reviewing this information over time can reveal where specifications are inconsistent, where excess material is being purchased and where opportunities exist to consolidate or refine paper choices.

For organisations with established carbon reporting, accurate purchasing information can also contribute to Scope 3 calculations and progress against reduction targets.

Ask what environmental reporting your paper supplier can provide

Reliable data makes it easier to assess the environmental impact of paper and demonstrate progress over time.

Ask suppliers what information they can provide on:

Product carbon footprints

Upstream transport emissions

Fibre source evidence

FSC® and PEFC certification

Recycled content

Mill environmental certifications

Paper usage & waste on press

Carbon Balanced Paper

Product traceability

Denmaur's Revive On-Boarding service, for example, includes a paper management report covering usage, waste and ongoing stock levels, alongside relevant recycled content, FSC® Recycled and Carbon Balanced Paper documentation.

This type of reporting can help purchasing, sustainability and operational teams connect paper use with wider environmental objectives.

Make your paper supplier part of the planning process

Environmental requirements are easier to incorporate when your paper supplier is involved before the specification is finalised.

Sharing carbon targets, certification requirements, recycled content policies, print requirements and production volumes gives the supplier a clearer picture of what the project needs to achieve.

They can then help compare appropriate grades, provide supporting carbon and certification information and identify opportunities to improve material efficiency.

They may also be able to recommend alternative grammages, high-bulk papers, different sheet sizes or grades manufactured at mills with lower production footprints.

For organisations working towards Scope 3 reduction or Net Zero targets, these conversations can make paper purchasing a measurable part of the wider carbon reduction strategy.

FAQs

Which type of paper is the most sustainable?

There is no single paper specification that will be the most sustainable choice for every project. Fibre source, recycled content, manufacturing energy, carbon emissions, transport, material efficiency and production performance should all be considered in relation to the intended use.

Is recycled paper always the most sustainable option?

Recycled content is one important measure. The overall environmental profile also depends on factors such as manufacturing processes, energy sources, transport, material efficiency and production performance.

How does paper affect Scope 3 emissions?

Purchased paper can contribute to an organisation's Scope 3 emissions through greenhouse gases generated within its upstream supply chain, including fibre production, paper manufacturing and transportation. Credible carbon data can help organisations measure and manage these emissions.

What does FSC® certified paper mean?

FSC® certification provides assurance that certified forest-based materials have been sourced through the Forest Stewardship Council system. Chain of Custody certification enables certified material to be traced as it moves through the supply chain.

What does PEFC certified paper mean?

PEFC provides an internationally recognised forest certification and Chain of Custody system supporting responsible forest management and the traceability of forest-based materials.

What is Carbon Balanced Paper?

Carbon Balanced Paper supports World Land Trust conservation projects, balancing paper-related carbon emissions through the protection and restoration of carbon-rich forests and other high-value habitats.

Can a lower gsm reduce the environmental impact of print?

Where technically appropriate, reducing grammage can lower the amount of material consumed and reduce transport or distribution weight. Bulk, caliper, stiffness, opacity and print performance should be assessed before changing the specification.

What information should I ask a paper supplier for?

Depending on your environmental objectives, useful information can include fibre source, FSC® or PEFC status, recycled content, product and mill carbon data, upstream transport emissions, environmental certifications and Carbon Balanced Paper documentation.

Supporting more sustainable paper choices

Choosing sustainable paper requires a clear understanding of the product, its supply chain and how it will perform throughout production.

Denmaur works with publishers, printers, brands, agencies and organisations to provide the technical and environmental information needed to compare paper specifications and make informed purchasing decisions.

Support includes:

Product and mill carbon information

Scope 3 carbon data

FSC® and PEFC certified papers

Recycled paper options

Carbon Balanced Paper, including certificates and logos

Paper usage and waste reporting

Technical specification reviews

Lower grammage and high-bulk alternatives

Bespoke conversion through Reel Fast

Supply chain traceability

Continuity of supply planning

Denmaur's Revive On-Boarding service, for example, includes a paper management report covering usage, waste and ongoing stock levels, alongside relevant recycled content, FSC® Recycled and Carbon Balanced Paper documentation.

This type of reporting can help purchasing, sustainability and operational teams connect paper use with wider environmental objectives.

Denmaur has Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated near-term emissions reduction targets for 2030 and a validated Net Zero target for 2045.

To discuss your paper specification, carbon reporting requirements or environmental objectives:

Email: info@denmaur.com

Telephone: 01795 426775

Our team can help you compare the technical and environmental performance of different paper options and provide supporting information for your own sustainability and carbon reporting requirements.