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The stats speak for themselves: consumers prefer eco-friendly businesses.
According to Forbes, 68% of millennials bought an environmentally friendly product in the last year, and 87% of consumers developed more positive images of companies that supported environmental issues.
As the millennial age group takes over the marketplace, it is important for companies to follow new market trends to capture millennial attention, and environmental sustainability is one of the big ones.
Let’s consider an example. When’s the last time you saw a Hummer on the road?
In the 90s and early 2000s, GM’s Hummer was all the rage; celebrities drove them, and GM sold multiple civilian models to a market that couldn’t get enough.
Then the environmental movement became more popular, and activists discovered that Hummers were not so environmentally friendly.
Consumers boycotted the brand because of its negative image, and GM’s response came too late. The last Hummer was made in 2010.
No one wants to go the way of the Hummer. Companies must innovate to survive, and that means taking environmental sustainability more seriously.
It is advantageous for most big companies to set and maintain environmental initiatives. One easy way to meet environmental initiative goals is by selecting a more eco-friendly printer paper for your office.
Our printing experts at STPT know how important it is to move with the market. As a print vendor, we have to consider the implications of environmentally friendly practices every day. We’ve been in the business for almost 40 years, and following market trends has kept us moving forward.
In this article, our print experts will walk you through the 5 best eco-friendly printer paper options on the market right now, so you can print necessary documents without losing your eco-friendly customer base.
Looking for more eco-friendly printing tips? Check out our detailed guide: 5 Steps to Sustainable Printing.
Note: Stated prices can vary.
Top 5 Best Eco-Friendly Printer Paper Options
1. 100% Recycled Multipurpose Paper (PrintWorks)
This inexpensive paper is environmentally sustainable, and conveniently sold by Amazon for around $8 per pack (400 sheets per pack). It's made from 100% Recycled Multipurpose Paper by PrintWorks and is a favorite of environmentally conscious consumers everywhere.
Most recycled printer paper options are made with only 30% recycled materials, but this product by PrintWorks contains three times as much recycled material for a comparable price. It is quality guaranteed for laser and inkjet printing and is locally made in the U.S.
Crafted from recycled food and beverage containers along with other paper products, this product is a great choice for businesses or individuals looking to support environmental sustainability. Plus, it does so without exceeding the budget.
2. Harmony Office Copy Paper (New Leaf)
According to New Leaf, this paper is "the only 100% post-consumer recycled fiber multipurpose cut-size copy paper with HP’s patented ColorLock certification.”
At $4.89 per 100 sheets of printer paper, it's an economical choice for small offices. An office can save money and promote environmental sustainability at the same time.
New Leaf also gives customers the option to buy publishing products in bulk, making this paper a good choice for businesses that need a large volume of paper for printing.
3. Grow-a-Note Seed Paper (Green Field Paper Company)
One of the more interesting options on this list is Green Field Paper Company’s Grow-a-Note Seed Paper.
Grow-a-Note paper is embedded with seeds and handcrafted in San Diego, California. This paper is made of 100% post-consumer pulp and contains non-invasive plant seeds that are GMO free. When you order this paper, you can choose from a variety of seed types, including wildflower blends, herbs, and vegetables. When you’re done with a sheet of this seed-filled printer paper, you can plant it in the ground and grow new flowers or veggies for your garden. Green Field Paper Company also offers seed-embedded envelopes, greeting cards, and holiday collections.
One downside of this fun printer paper is its price point. A ream of 50 sheets of standard-sized Grow-a-Note paper is $115. However, Green Field Paper Company does offer special bulk prices for interested businesses.
4. Flower Seed Lotka Computer Paper (Of The Earth)
A slightly cheaper alternative to Grow-a-Note printer paper is the Flower Seed Lotka Computer Paper by Of The Earth. At $17.99 per 25 sheets of paper, Of The Earth provides a product similar to Grow-a-Note that is also available for quick purchase on Amazon.
Handmade in Seattle, the proceeds from this paper helps support artisans and craftspeople in Nepal. This flower seed printer paper is made from 50% recycled materials and is trimmed for laser and inkjet printing.
Although this brand doesn’t offer as many seed combinations as Green Field Paper Company, it does offer a few different seed varieties. Consumers can buy packs of paper with a combination of 10, 25, or 40 different wildflower seeds.
There is, however, no bulk-buying or wholesale option available for this printer paper, so it may not be a suitable option for large offices or businesses. The weight of the paper means it might need to be fed through the bypass tray, which could be labor-intensive if you have a large print job.
5. Sustainable Printer Paper (Elementree)
A great choice for large businesses or offices, Sustainable Printer Paper by Elementree is FSC certified and comes in 500 sheet reams, 2500 sheet cases, and 187,500 sheet pallets. At $9.99 per 500 sheets, this is a good choice for offices that don’t want to overspend on printer paper.
This printer paper option is made from sawmill waste using wind energy and hydropower and is thicker than normal copy paper, which makes it great for duplex printing.
When exposed to light, this paper changes color over time. This may make it unsuitable for some businesses, especially those that want to make high-quality marketing materials and flyers.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Greener Printing?
As we mentioned earlier, some eco-friendly paper types may need to be fed through your printer’s bypass tray, especially at heavier weights. That can be a little extra work when printing in large volumes.
It’s also worth checking your printer’s specifications before buying. Most of these eco-friendly options fit standard 8.5” x 11” paper sizes, but not every device is built to handle unusual thicknesses or specialty media. A quick check can save you a lot of hassle (and wasted paper).
Of course, choosing greener paper is just one part of the bigger picture. If you really want to lower your print footprint, your printers, workflows, and document habits matter just as much.
For more ideas, check out our guide on 5 Steps to Sustainable Printing to learn how a smarter print strategy like Managed Print Services can cut costs and support your sustainability goals.
