What do certifications mean?

FSC Certified printed products are produced with FSC certified paper produced by mill which utilize FSC certified fiber.  The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization whose mission is to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.  The intent of the FSC system is to shift the market to eliminate habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples and violence against people and wildlife that may sometimes accompany logging.  The FSC mark can be printed as 4-color CMYK, 1 color PMS 378, or Black and White.

Green-e certification indicates that the product is made with electricity generated from certified wind power to the standards set by the Center for Resource Solutions.  The Green-e provides an easy way for consumers to quickly identify environmentally superior products made from renewable sources of electricity.  Wind energy is the fastest growing source of electricity in the USA.  Wind energy serves to avoid the release from conventional electricity generation of carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas.  The Green-e mark can be printed as a 4-color CMYK, 2-color PMS 355 and PMS 107, 1-color PMS 355, or Black & White

Soy Ink can be used as a replacement for conventional oil-based inks.  Soy inks contain non-toxic soybean oil, the same oil which is used in cooking oils, dressings, and thousands of other foods and beverages.  Soy Inks are low in Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOC’s).  They are safe, sustainable, made from a renewable resource and are more easily stripped from paper during the de-inking and recycling process than petroleum inks.  Due to the short-shelf life of Soy-based inks, water-based inks can also be a great alternative to petroleum inks.

PROCESSED CHLORINE FREE (PCF)  certification is given by the Chlorine Free Products Association (CFPA).  This certification is reserved for recycled content paper.  This includes all recycled fibers used as a feedstock that meet EPA guidelines for recycled or post-consumer content.  PCF papers have not been rebleached with chlorine containing compounds, and contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer content.

GREEN SEAL  Certification

The Green Seal certification requires certified paper products to be uncoated, contain at least 30% post-consumer material, or be manufactured without using chlorine or chlorine derivatives.  Green Seal is an organization which works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to “green” production and purchasing chains.  Products can only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits.