Recycled paper symbol usage guidelines for paper and envelopes from The Paper Mill Store
You can print the recycled paper symbol directly onto your projects, within the parameters outlined by the Federal Trade Commission in its Environmental Marketing Guide, as a vehicle to promote the environmental qualities of the paper. Only when you use products that are recyclable or made with recycled content can you use this valuable logo.
What is the recycled paper symbol?
The universal recycling symbol, often called the "three-chasing-arrows" or "Mobius loop," was first developed and used by recycled paperboard manufacturers, then adopted industry-wide to promote the recycled content of various paper products. The symbol is likely to convey that a paper or envelope is both recyclable and recycled. Unless both messages can be substantiated, the claim should make it clear whether the reference is to the product's recyclability or its recycled content.
Why use the recycled paper symbol?
When you use the recycled paper symbol, you are indicating to consumers that the paper or envelope you are using was manufactured using recycled fiber — either pre-consumer or post-consumer waste. This is considered less harmful to the environment because less virgin fiber is used, thereby reducing tree harvesting, water usage, energy consumption, emission of greenhouse gases and pollution.
How to use the recycled paper symbol:
Unless a product or package is both recycled and recyclable, a claim should make it clear whether the reference is to the product's recyclability or its recycled content. All claims must be truthful and require substantiation.
"Recycled content" claims on labels and in advertising may be made for materials that have been recovered or diverted from the solid waste stream, either during the manufacturing process (pre-consumer) or after consumer use (post-consumer). Claims should specify whether they refer to the product or the product's packaging. If the product or package does not consist of 100 percent recycled content (excluding minor, incidental components), qualifying words — like the percentage of recycled content in the product — must be used to limit the claim. Claims should indicate that the paper fiber is recycled unless the coating is too.
Qualifications or disclosures must be clear, prominent and understandable to prevent deception. The symbol and language should be in close proximity to each other and large enough for consumers to identify and read.
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| Recycled Paper | 30% post consumer waste recycled fiber |
Avoid the following or similar statements:
- Environmentally Safe
- Earth Friendly
- Environmentally Friendly
- Non-polluting
- Green
- Nature's Friend
- Ozone Friendly
