Excerpt from: Sustainable Tips in the Folding Carton World

Sustaining our planet’s resources has never been more important than it is today. That’s why Bert-Co is committed to using environmentally responsible materials and methods that reduce waste. We aim to find only the best, eco-friendly alternatives for all of your packaging and printing needs.

Use this reference guide before creating your next packaging project and do a little something for Mother Earth along the way.

Choosing Paper. Trees are by far the most renewable and biodegradable resource. Using paper/paperboard can help to minimize the use of heavy carbon emitters, such as steel and plastics, in packaging.

VIRGIN PAPER has a direct impact on the forest and also requires the most energy to manufacture, although it can be the most chemical free paper. getting paper from a sustainable source can ensure that the process is managed responsibly.

SOLID BLEACHED SULFATE (SBS) board is the most widely used paperboard. Although this paper does use chemicals in the process, it is recyclable and a better alternative to plastic.

FSC CERTIFIED PAPER comes from responsibly managed forests, ensuring processes and procedures were eco-friendly. When printers receive Chain-of-Custody certification, a logo is issued when that paperboard is used. Certification system tracks certified wood from the forest, through each stage of production and distribution, to a point of sale.

RECYCLED PAPER can be any blend of recycled paper fiber and may also contain virgin paper fiber. you may use the Recycle logo on any package that is recyclable and/or made with recycled materials. Using the logo is not regulated; however, the Federal Trade Commission does offer guidelines.

PRE-CONSUMER WASTE (or POST-INDUSTRIAL WASTE). This paper contains fibers that were recycled from waste at a mill, fabricator and/or printer. It has never been used by a consumer and often comes from trimmings from the manufacturing process or from unsold magazines and periodicals.

POST-CONSUMER WASTE (PCW). This paper contains fiber that has been circulated to and recycled by consumers. This type of paper is considered the most environmentally efficient because it has already completed at least one useful life before starting a new cycle.

On your package, you can place the recycling symbol and note the type of paper it was made from.

ExAMPLE: 100/30PCW (100% recycled, 30% is post-consumer waste)

Bert-Co & Paper. In 2007, Bert-Co became Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) in both facilities, Los Angeles, CA, and Pulaski, TN. This means our clients will be able to use our certification number on their packages, letting their customers know they are doing their share in sustaining our planet’s resources.

Bert-Co stock majority of paper mentioned here. For a copy of this reference guide book, email promotions@bertco.com

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