Issue #0832/2 – Extending its ‘responsibility’ program, Xerox has launched what it describes as “a comprehensive program of papers, resources and Web tools to help customers identify the right paper, the right supplies and the right way to print with the environment in mind”. This follows the launch of the company’s first FSC and PEFC certified papers during the latter part of 2007 (article - "Xerox paper products obtain FSC and PEFC certification").
With papers targeted at the North American market and also at the European market, the new range features both independent certification of forestry sustainability and extends Xerox’s range of papers made from recycled post consumer material.
North America
Xerox Color Xpressions Planet 20 paper contains 20% recycled material from post consumer sources and boasts certification by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). It is a smooth-surfaced paper with a high whiteness level for laser printing of presentation and marketing materials with a professional look and feel.Demonstrating Xerox’s commitment to existing paper ranges, Xerox Business Multipurpose 4200, claimed to be one of Xerox’s most widely used office papers in North America, has now been awarded SFI certification. SFI is the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, which is a fully independent charitable organisation that is promoting sustainable forestry practices and management in North America.
For those businesses wanting to push environmental responsibility to the highest levels, Xerox has produced a version of the Business Multipurpose 4200 paper that also carries FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification.
For applications not requiring as high a level of professional look and feel, Xerox’s High Yield Business Paper is claimed to be the industry’s first mechanical fibre paper for digital printing, using half as many trees as traditional papers. It is designed for everyday high and low-volume printing.
Higher yield of paper from trees is accomplished by using 90% of the tree, whereas traditional paper manufacturing uses only 45% of the tree. In addition, the plant used in the production of the mechanical fibre wood pulp releases up to 75% less emissions into the atmosphere by the use of a high proportion of hydroelectric power instead of fossil fuel generated power. Fewer chemicals and less water is required in the manufacturing process.
Traditionally, high levels of dust are produced by using mechanical papers in a digital printing environment, together with excessive curl during the toner fusing process. These problems are overcome by achieving a more even distribution of fibres in the paper and applying a surface treatment to the paper.
Finally, 10% more paper can be produced from the pulp because a slightly lighter paper weight offers the same characteristics as the paper customers are used to using. Claims are that a 67gsm mechanical fibre paper is the equivalent of a 75gsm traditional paper. This has knock-on benefits when it comes to cost of packaging and transportation.
Europe
New papers from Xerox in Europe include Planet Optimum, which is FSC certified and uses 30% post-consumer recycled material as well as being chlorine-free.Premier PEFC and Premier FSC are papers conforming to certification by the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and the FSC. Based on the popular Premium Multipurpose Paper, these new papers are high whiteness papers for printing of presentation and marketing collateral, replace the former paper.
Again FSC certified, Colotech FSC is a high whiteness paper with an ultra-smooth, but uncoated, surface and is targeted at professional colour printing of creative documents.
There is one further piece of good news for customers. They should not expect to have to pay a premium for a sustainability certified paper when compared to the papers they are accustomed to using.
For instance, the Premier PEFC and Premier FSC papers in Europe are offered at the same price as the Premium Multipurpose Paper they have replaced.
To ensure that customers are able to identify sustainable and eco-friendly products easily, Xerox has introduced a new trade mark, the ‘Sustainability Mark for Green Product Identification’, which will be appearing on all its ‘green’ option papers starting more-or-less immediately.
As one of the world’s leading brands of office paper, and one of the most universally recognised, Xerox has to be closely associated with leading the field for sustainable office papers. These introductions amply demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility not only for its own standing and reputation in the industry but also on behalf of its customers. Next week we’ll investigate the sustainability tools offered to customers.
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