A few years ago, we wrote about five environmental myths about paper – including deforestation, recycling, greenhouse gas emissions and the claim that digital communication is always better for the environment.
Much of this is still relevant. But since then, the very way we talk about the environment and sustainability has also received greater attention. For what can we actually call «environmentally friendly» – and how can we know that an environmental claim is correct?
Read the blog about the five environmental myths her.
When environmental claims cannot be substantiated
Two Sides has now got 1,500 organisations worldwide to remove or change environmental claims about paper that could not be substantiated. This can, for example, be claims that it is always better for the environment to choose digital communication rather than paper.
It may sound innocent. But words like «eco-friendly», «sustainable» and «green» are more than just descriptions. They tell the customer that this is a better environmental choice. Then we should also be able to document that this is actually the case.
Perhaps the right question is not whether paper or digital communication is «greener» – but what can actually be documented.
The environment is about more than one material
Paper is not automatically environmentally friendly, just as digital communication is not automatically the opposite.
When assessing environmental impact, it is easy to forget that digital communication also requires resources. Data must be stored, processed and transmitted every time we stream, search, download or open content. That does not mean paper is always the best choice – but it shows why the comparison is not as simple as «paper = bad, digital = good».
To understand the environmental impact, we must look at the entire lifecycle – from raw materials and production to use, reuse and recycling. This is also why we care about the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. We are a Nordic Swan Ecolabelled printing works and can offer Nordic Swan Ecolabelled printed matter, where documented requirements are set for, amongst other things, paper, chemicals and production.
For you as a customer, this means that you have an option with clear and documented environmental requirements when environmental considerations are important.
So what should you as a customer consider?
Perhaps first and foremost: Be a little critical of the big environmental claims.
Do not rule out paper just because someone says digital is always greener. And do not choose paper just because someone says it is eco-friendly. Instead, look at what you actually need, how much you need, what materials are used and how the product is manufactured. It is often the specific choices that make the biggest difference. We still believe that paper has an important place. But we also believe that environmental claims should withstand scrutiny.
Would you like to make a more conscious environmental choice?
Are you looking to print with an extra focus on the environment? Contact us.
We help you find the right solution and tell you what options you have for Nordic Swan Ecolabelled print.
Read more about the case at Grafkom:
«1,500 organisations have now removed misleading environmental claims about paper.
