Sustainable Paper Products
Sustainable Paper Products
At French Paper, the art of papermaking includes a commitment to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. We produce environmentally-friendly paper by minimizing carbon emissions, maximizing recycled fiber, and sourcing North American materials.
Among sustainable paper companies, French Paper has led the way by producing premium papers for more than 150 years. We compete in a global market with nameless paper manufacturers with nonexistent environmental practices. Knowing where your paper comes from is the first step to ensuring your paper is climate-friendly.
How We Make Environmentally-Friendly Paper
When you choose French Paper, you can be confident that your paper purchase has the smallest environmental footprint possible.
1. Hydro-powered Paper: 100% Emissions-Free
Our paper is made using 100% renewable electricity generated by an on-site, emissions-free hydroelectric plant. For decades now, French Paper has had one of the lowest CO2 emissions in the paper industry.
French Paper’s hydro generators were installed in 1922 and have saved well over a million barrels of fossil fuels and related emissions. Our hydroelectric plant also produces surplus energy for the local utility company, supplying clean, sustainable power to the community.
2. Sustainable Paper Fibers
French Paper is known for pioneering recycled paper. When French introduced 100% recycled Speckletone® in 1955, we were the first to imagine that a recycled sheet of paper could be beautiful – and we never looked back. Today, French Paper has the unique ability to make high-quality, specialty papers using hemp fiber, post-consumer waste (PCW) fiber and envelope clippings. We make beautiful colored papers that are “green” through and through.
French Paper is certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standards. FSC® is a global organization working to eliminate habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples and violence against wildlife. Use of the logo requires the participation of an FSC®-certified printer or converter. Your printer will secure approval and artwork for the FSC® label.
The recycled fiber that French Paper purchases is process chlorine-free (PCF).
The virgin fiber that French Paper purchases is elemental-chlorine free (ECF).
3. Clean Water Stewardship
French Paper is located on the banks of the St. Joseph River, a tributary of Lake Michigan, and we are proud stewards of a healthy river ecosystem. We invested in a very deep fish ladder on the St. Joseph River that allows salmon, steelhead and other migrating fish a safe passage around the hydropower dam on their journey to reach critical habitats and spawning grounds.