PaperSpecs Simplifies Search for Recycled and FSC Papers: Eases Project Work for Print Buyers and Designers
The accepted use of recycled paper has been reportedly growing by as much as 2% per year. In fact it was recently reported that the latest release in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” will be printed entirely on recycled paper in Canada. Currently, about 55% of the industry’s fiber requirements are met by recycling potential wastes. According to treecycle.com, with recycled paper the industry realizes an estimated 60-70% energy savings over virgin pulp, uses 55% less water, reduces water pollution by 35%, and reduces air pollution by 74%.
Today, PaperSpecs announced a new service for their members (www.paperspecs.com) that simplifies the implementation of recycled papers into print projects. PaperSpecs now identifies recycled (or “green”) papers with an enhanced search option. Within seconds, designers and print buyers can find recycled papers from a database of more than 4,200 papers from over 70 mills. PaperSpecs offers an easy search for TRC (Total Recycled Content) or PCW (Post Consumer Waste) values, and identifies which papers meet EPA requirements or are certified by FSC, SFI, Green Seal etc . The database includes more than 600 papers that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and more than 1,400 that meet or exceed EPA requirements.
Using PaperSpecs, designers can easily and quickly identify environmentally-friendly papers which match project requirements and properties (finish, weight, color…). Members can also order corresponding swatchbooks directly through the website. And the PaperSpecs database is constantly updated to include all available paper stocks, including recycled stocks. For more information about green papers or PaperSpecs, got to www.paperspecs.com.
PaperSpecs Quote
“PaperSpecs takes sustainability and the environment very seriously, and we are stringent in our effort to provide the most comprehensive information available to our members,” notes founder Sabine Lenz. “If a mill does not list the specific recycled content or which way a paper has been bleached (ECF, PCF, TCF), we contact them directly. Our members need to know all the facts and how complimentary FSC and recycled contents are in order to make informed decisions.”
About PaperSpecs
PaperSpecs is the first online database specifically designed for helping designers and print buyers make the best paper choice for their project. Designers worldwide struggle to stay current with new papers and paper trends. This inspired founder Sabine Lenz to create PaperSpecs, an independent and comprehensive web-based paper database. PaperSpecs currently features more than 4,200 papers from over 70 mills. The website also offers tips on paper buying, an online catalog of the most recently released swatchbooks, allows members to order the complimentary swatchbooks directly from the mills, and assists in assembling samples and swatchbooks for client projects. PaperSpecs also distributes a free weekly newsletter to aid subscribers in gaining valuable insight in paper specifying and print buying issues. To become a member or to get a free tour of the database, go to www.paperspecs.com.
