Our Industry's 'Green' Suppliers
"Interest in environmentally friendly offerings from North American paper producers and suppliers has grown substantially over the past six to 12 months," says Dave Bubser, SmartWood's U.S. regional manager.
Solvent-Free Cover Materials
Solvents used in coating materials can also have a negative impact on the environment. Ecological Fibers decided almost 20 years ago to alter its use of solvents, and today it's a world leader in supplying environmentally sound, 100-percent solvent-free cover materials to the book, decorative packaging, photo mount, and CD/multimedia packaging industries.
Under the trade name Rainbow, the company offers paper-based cover materials and bindery supplies. "It is our belief that using solvent-free coating technology offers a higher quality, more economical product, in a safe and responsible manner," says Steven Quill, Ecological Fibers' president.
In 1994, Ecological Fibers won an Earth Day Award for its efforts.
"If you're doing something and you think there's a better way, I think it's irresponsible not to change what you're doing," says Steven Quill, Ecological Fibers president/founder.
Ecological Fibers' papers are made with either pre-consumer or post-consumer waste, up to 75 percent in end leaf products. "Instead of taking the trim and waste and putting it into a landfill, we use it," Quill explains. "It's important to me to be efficient, too. If you're taking one ton a week to the dump, it costs money. So, it saves money to reuse it, and it also is environmentally sound."
Paper Providers
There are a number of book paper providers who offer paper grades made from PCR fiber, or papers that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as meeting the highest sustainability criteria, chlorine-free or otherwise environmentally friendly. And, the choice for publishers is certainly growing.
Coated and uncoated grades are available, as are freesheets, coverstocks and paperboard. Many are immediately available in large quantities. (Some papers may have to be purchased through distributors.)
