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Printing and Writing Papers

Printing and writing papers comprise one of the largest categories of paper and paper products. Examples include copier paper, stationery, computer printout, offset paper, and note pads. Printing and writing paper can be either coated or uncoated.

EPA's Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Uncoated Printing and Writing Papers ¹
Item Postconsumer Fiber (%): Recovered Fiber (%):
Reprographic Paper (e.g., mimeo and duplicator paper, high-speed copier paper, and bond paper*) 30 30
Offset Paper (e.g., offset printing paper*, book paper*, and bond paper*) 30 30
Tablet Paper (e.g., offset paper such as note pads, stationery*, and other writing* papers) 30 30
Forms Bond (e.g., forms, computer printout paper, and ledger*) 30 >30
Envelope Paper
Wove
Kraft
 30 30
White and colored (including manila) 10-20 10-20
Unbleached 10 10
Cotton Fiber Paper (e.g., cotton fiber papers, ledger*, stationery* and matching envelopes, and other writing* papers) 30 30
Text & Cover Paper (e.g., cover stock, book paper*, stationery* and matching envelopes, and other writing* paper) 30 30
Supercalendered 10 10
Machine Finish Groundwood 10 10
Papeteries 30 30
Check Safety Paper 10 10
These items can be made from a variety of printing and writing papers, depending on the performance characteristics of the item. Some of the papers are a commodity-type and some are specialty papers. EPA recommends that procuring agencies determine the performance characteristics required of the paper prior to establishing minimum content standards. Bond, ledger, or stationery made from cotton fiber paper or a text & cover paper, for example, have different characteristics than similar items made from commodity papers.

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EPA's Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Coated Printing and Writing Papers
Item Postconsumer Fiber (%): Recovered Fiber (%):
Coated Printing Paper 10 10
Carbonless 30 30

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EPA's Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Bristols
Item Postconsumer Fiber (%): Recovered Fiber (%):
File Folders (manila and colored) 30 30
Dyed Filing Products 20 20-50
Cards (index, postal, and other, including index sheets) 20 50
Pressboard Report Covers and Binders 20 50
Tags and Tickets 20 50
NOTE: The content levels for all EPA recommendations should be read as X% recovered fiber, including Y% postconsumer fiber and not as X% recovered fiber plus Y% postconsumer fiber.

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Product Information:

Database of Manufacturers and Suppliers
This database identifies manufacturers and suppliers of printing and writing papers containing recovered fiber.

GSA Advantage!
Printing and writing papers can be ordered through the General Service Administration's (GSA's) online ordering system. In addition, GSA publishes various supply catalogues, guides, and schedules for recycled-content products available through the Federal Supply Service.

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Additional Links:

2007 Buy-Recycled Series: Paper Products (PDF) (7 pp, 72K, About PDF)
This fact sheet highlights paper products designated in the CPG, including printing and writing papers, and includes recommended recovered-content levels and a list of resources.

Technical Background Documents
EPA has published technical background documents on paper and paper products.

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