Understanding Post-Consumer vs. Pre-Consumer Content
When it comes to understanding whether a paper product is truly recycled, it's important to distinguish between post-consumer and pre-consumer content.
Post-consumer recycled content refers to materials that have served their intended purpose and have been recycled by consumers, such as old newspapers, office paper, or cardboard boxes.
This content is collected through recycling programs and then used to create new paper products.
On the other hand, pre-consumer recycled content (also known as post-industrial recycled content) includes scrap materials generated during the manufacturing process,
such as trimmings, rejected or over-ordered materials, and obsolete inventories from manufacturers, printers, and converters.
Both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content are important for reducing the environmental impact of paper production.
However, post-consumer content is often considered more environmentally friendly as it helps divert materials from the waste stream and promotes recycling at the consumer level.
When assessing whether a paper product is truly recycled, it's valuable to look for certifications or labels from reputable organizations like
the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), which provide assurance that the paper has been sourced and produced sustainably.