The Benefits of Reclaimed Paper

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is about the difference between reclaimed and recycled paper. People often associate the terms reclaimed and recycled as the same thing, which is a fair and easy mistake to make.

Reclaimed vs. Recycled

The Limitations of Recycling

While recycling programs are crucial in managing waste and conserving resources, the process of recycling paper has its drawbacks. Although reducing the demand for virgin wood fiber, it is a chemical and energy-intensive process that still poses significant environmental challenges. Paper fibers can withstand the recycling process approximately 5-7 times before they break down too much to be useful. However, it is not until these fibers undergo the pulping process — a stage that involves breaking down the used paper into a slurry, separating fibers, and removing contaminants — that the quality and viability of the fibers can be assessed. If fibers have degraded too much, they cannot be used again, thus ending their lifecycle.

The Advantages of Reclaiming Paper

By using only reclaimed paper, we can sidestep many of the environmental impacts associated with recycling. Reclaiming and reusing paper before it enters the recycling/waste stream not only conserves energy and reduces chemical use but also maximizes the utility of the paper produced. This approach is grounded in the principle of extending the lifecycle of materials as much as possible, thereby minimizing waste and reducing the need for new resources.

Environmental Impact

Using reclaimed paper directly reduces the demand for virgin paper production, significantly contributing to deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. By extending the life of existing paper products, we decrease the pressure on Mother Nature and the ecosystems she supports, helping in the fight against climate change.

In the End

The shift towards using reclaimed paper in notebooks and other paper products represents a practical and impactful step toward environmental sustainability. By prioritizing the reuse of perfectly usable paper, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint, conserve resources, and pave the way for more sustainable consumption patterns. As a paper-based business, it is our responsibility to be acutely aware of the environmental impact of our choices; our use of reclaimed paper offers a viable and beneficial path forward. In doing so, we honor our commitment to the environment by making the most of the resources we have already utilized, thus contributing to a healthier planet for future creatives.