Tree Free Paper (STARS)
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This post is related to STARS, AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System.
Our campus is considering a contract for a new line of tree free paper produced from sugar cane fiber. The paper does not qualify under the STARS rating system as recycled but a quick review of the types of fiber that does qualify suggests that this fiber should as well. The fiber used in the production of this paper is reclaimed following its use in the production of sugar. I would be interested in knowing how others feel paper made from this type of fiber should be classified and thoughts of whether the STARS criteria should be expanded to include it?
While this concept sound idealistic, may I suggest from both a technical and financial perspective to study the potential further:
1.) What is the cost difference between this product and recycled paper
2.) Availability in all 50 states
3.) Is this taking jobs away in the US and creating more in the far east
4.) Durability of product ( all types of ink, UV protected, life of product, etc)
5.) How much more water or less does paper quality sugar cane use versus a tree product to grow
6.) Is child labor used to acquire this sugar cane, etc.
We have evaluated the carbon footprint in comparison to several of our domestic recycled paper products. Very little difference now that the paper is being produced in Colombia SA. The point of entry is the port of Savannah, GA. Next we evaluated the paper to ensure that it would work in our multifunction copiers and printers. The paper paper passed that test. We then were asked to study whether the buyer of our waste white paper would permit the non-tree fiber to contaminate the waste stream without devaluing the product? They agreed. Then to price. Compared with our 100% PCW white paper the tree free product came in about $14 per case lower. I cannot comment on whether the product is available in all 50 states, how much more water is used, or whether child labor is used to cut down the sugar cane. My question has to do with the fiber itself and why the fiber, which is reclaimed after its first use, is not considered recycled?
In response to your questions regarding TreeZero (tree-free) paper, please note the following:
• Our paper is made from 100% tree-free fiber – bagasse which is the by-product from the sugar manufacturing process. It is the PERFECT solution and alternative to its normal disposal process of either deposited to a landfill or worse yet – burning. We make a beautiful paper from a 100% recycled by-product!
• The paper is made from a recycled pre-consumer short fiber waste product. It is “cleaner” than any recycled paper because the raw material has not been thru the de-inking process and never has been “used” by consumers.
• The cost of the product is less than 100% recycled paper.
• Our LCA, Life Cycle Analysis, indicates a positive rating as compared to tree-based wood fiber papers.
• Independent paper laboratories recommended by Georgia Tech and other major Universities have tested TreeZero paper. Ricoh, Xerox, Ikon, Hilton, Rochester Institute of Technology, Pratt Industries, Staples and others have also tested it successfully.
• The sugar manufacturing companies that we obtain our sugarcane (bagasse) manufacture sugar for Coke and Kraft food. They have continuous social-responsibility auditors to insure labor and safety law compliance.
• The water that we use in the manufacturing process is filtered and used to irrigate the sugarcane plantation. It is returned back to the earth cleaner than when we retrieve it from our river source. It takes significantly less water to grow a sugarcane crop (2X per year) than it take to grow a tree for 15 -20 years.
Overall, we consider our paper as a GREAT alternative to tree-based papers. Remember, 30% recycled paper is still 70% virgin pulp and 100% recycled paper still started with a tree. It is our belief that trees belong in nature – not paper.
I think this is a terrific option, with many positive characteristics -- but let's keep two things in mind (1) most of this material really needs to be returned to the soil, or the farming is not sustainable; and (2) most sugar production is very exploitative; if we want to support sustainable sugar growing, we need to insist on sugar that is Organic AND Fair Trade certified. -Peter
Peter Crownfield
Campus Sustainability Initiative
Alliance for Sustainable Communities-Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem, PA 18015
<www.sustainlv.org>
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Hey Rex,
Thanks for raising this issue. This is definitely something for the STARS Technical Advisors to consider during future rounds of revisions to the STARS Technical Manual. Since the current Technical Manual does not address the issue of tree-free paper, this issue may be something to consider for the STARS Innovation Credits. I would suggest taking a close look at the Innovation Credit criteria to make sure purchasing tree-free paper is a good fit.
If you have any additional STARS specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact the STARS Team by emailing stars@aashe.org.
I hope you find this information helpful!