What should a proper “Chain-of-Custody” Certificate look like?
There are different ways “Chain-of-Custody” certificates look like. The important elements you must
look for are the “Chain-of-Custody” certification number, which certification(s) it has (FSC, SFI, PEFS,
CGP), the date that it expires, and the certification company that issued the certificate. Here are
examples of each of the four certifiers: View Printers Certifications

What should the certified paper packing slip look like?
The packing slip from the paper vendor to the printer/customer will have the vendor’s Chain-of-
Custody number written on the delivery/packing slip. On the body of the form, it will specify the kind of
certification (CGP, FSC, SFI or PEFC) for each paper kind delivered. If in doubt you can request the
invoice from the paper vendor. View Certified Paper Invoice    View Certified Paper Packing Slip

Why use a green-certified printer?
There is no additional cost to the consumer for using a green-certified printer. The quality of the printed
product is also not sacrificed.
The world’s forests are one of our planet’s main protections against global warming as well as a source
of renewable and sustainable raw material for many industries. Their destruction affects us all, both
directly and indirectly. It is therefore to everyone’s benefit that both businesses and individuals act in a
socially responsible way and do everything in their power to prevent the destruction of the world’s
forests.

How does it help to include a Certification logo in your printed materials?
Going green also is a growing business trend that will give your company an edge in your industry.
Green is the next evolution in business.

Does the customer pay more for printing on Certified paper?
No. Certified Paper does not increase the production process; it only assures that the Chain-of-Custody
is audited and abiding by FSC, SFI, and PFEC guidelines. Recycled paper, by contrast, could be more
costly because of the process of recovery and transporting to the mill.

Will the quality of my work be affected?
No. The paper-making process remains the same. Only the paper’s origin (harvested from sustainable
forests) changes. Also, in a side-by-side comparison, vegetable-based inks consistently proved to be of
higher quality that petroleum-based ones.

What is the difference between green-certified and recycled paper?
Recycled fiber is paper that is considered waste but has not been handled by a consumer, i.e.,
untouched newspaper, extra paper or trim from the paper making process, over supply of magazines,
etc. Post Consumer Waste (PCW) is paper that has been handled by a consumer and then thrown away,
or otherwise called “recycled” in most households, i.e., newspapers, magazines, coupons, throw-away
mail, etc.

While recycled fiber and PCW are key elements of the traditional model for responsible consumption, it
is becoming increasingly clear that forest management in the production of the wood used in paper
manufacturing, has more fundamental importance than even recycled fiber.  Only 35% of current
consumption is met by using recycled fiber.

What is Virgin Fiber?
Virgin fiber is new fiber that has never been used by a manufacturer to make paper or other products.

What is Pre-Consumer Waste?
Pre-consumer waste is the material that occurs as a by-product to the paper making process, such as
paper discarded at the paper mill for make ready or not having the quality specifications required for
the final paper product.

What are Mill Broke and Recovered Fiber?
Mill broke occurs during the paper making process e.g. trimmings and faulty paper which goes straight
back into the pulping process. Since it has never been used in a product, it does not count as recycled
fiber but is defined as recovered fiber.

What is “Post Consumer Waste” paper?
Post-consumer waste paper is the paper discarded by the end consumer of paper. It is the paper
recovered that it is routinely trashed. It is the reintroduction of manufacturing paper scrap back into
the manufacturing of new paper products.

What are vegetable-based inks?
Vegetable-based, rather than petroleum-based, inks ensure that any hazardous materials contained in
petroleum-based inks, such as barium, copper, and zinc, do not leak into or contaminate our soil and
groundwater. Natural inks also do not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause
irritation or harm those exposed to it.

Are there vegetable-based ink cartridges for office printers?
Vegetable-based inks are available for offset commercial printing only – meaning magazines, brochures,
business cards, etc. - which use oil-based inks.  In this case, petroleum-based oil can be replaced with
vegetable-based oil.  Up to now there are no solutions available for office or home printers. Certified
Green Partners is working with manufacturers that produce eco-friendly alternatives and will notify
you of any updates.