In a market where more and more products are labeled as eco, green or organic, it’s not always easy to tell which ones are truly environmentally responsible. When it comes to 100% sustainable paper, the most important thing is to look for official certifications that guarantee its origin, production process, and end-of-life.
These certifications ensure that the paper meets internationally recognized environmental and social standards. Knowing them is essential for both consumers and companies seeking sustainable packaging and wrapping solutions.
Below, we present the most relevant ones and what they actually mean.
🌍 EU Ecolabel: the European Union’s official Eco Label
The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental certification of the European Union and one of the most demanding. It guarantees that the paper is produced with low environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle:
- Responsible water and energy consumption
- Reduction of air emissions
- Limitation of harmful chemicals
- Ensures recyclability
If a paper carries this label, you can be sure it is truly eco-friendly and sustainable..
🌳 FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council): responsibly managed forests
The FSC® label ensures that the cellulose fiber comes from sustainably managed forests, respecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and the rights of local communities.
There are three types of FSC certification:
- FSC 100% → paper made entirely from FSC-certified forests
- FSC Mix → a combination of FSC-certified, recycled, or controlled sources
- FSC Recycled → made exclusively from recycled fibers
FSC-certified paper is a symbol of responsibility and traceability throughout the value chain.
🌲 PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): supporting local forest management
PEFC™ is another leading certification that guarantees sustainable forest management. Unlike FSC, it places greater emphasis on small forest owners and local forests, promoting local economies and the responsible management of smaller forest areas.
It also ensures the traceability of the paper from its source to the end consumer.
♻️ How can you tell if a paper is truly sustainable?
In short, if a paper is certified with labels such as EU Ecolabel, FSC® or PEFC™, you can be confident it is environmentally friendly, sourced responsibly and contributes to a circular economy.
At Papresa, we work every day to ensure our 100% recycled and recyclable papers carry the most demanding sustainability certifications. Because we know that behind every bag, package, or wrapper, there’s a real commitment to the planet.
👉 Want to learn more about our sustainable papers for packaging and food use? Contact us through the form.