Definitions

Carbon offsetting
The act of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce their impact, such as sustainable power generation, changes in land use and forestry.

Cotton paper
Cotton papers are superior in both strength and durability to wood pulp-based papers, which often contain high concentrations of destructive acids.

Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF)
Paper made from virgin or recycled fiber that is bleached using alternative Chlorine compounds as a substitute for elemental Chlorine.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
An international organization that has developed standards emphasizing environmentally- and socially-responsible criteria to certify and label wood products from well-managed forests.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
An organism whose genetic material has been altered using the genetic engineering techniques generally known as Recombinant DNA technology. Sustainable soy ink uses non-GMO soybean oil.

Kenaf
An Indian plant with long fibers in its bark suitable for papermaking.

Kyoto Protocol
An agreement made under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change.  Countries that ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases.

Post-Consumer Waste (PCW)
Waste collected after the consumer has used and disposed of it.

Processed Chlorine Free (PCF)
Paper is made from fiber recycled from post-consumer waste (PCW) and unbleached or bleached without Chlorine compounds. PCF paper is the most environmentally friendly type.

Recycled paper
Paper made from old paper that has been de-inked and processed chemically.

Soy ink
An alternative to petroleum based ink that contains lower levels of VOCs and is biodegradable. Sustainable soy ink consists of non-GMO soybean oil.

Sustainability

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)
Paper made from 100% virgin fiber (including alternative fiber from sources other than trees) that is unbleached or bleached with non-Chlorine compounds. TCF cannot apply to recycled papers, because the source fiber cannot be determined.

Vegetable-based inks
Inks made from vegetable byproducts, including soy.

Virgin fiber
Wood fiber, or Paper pulp, that has never been recycled.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
A highly evaporative, carbon-based chemical substance, which produces noxious fumes; found in many paints, caulks, stains, and adhesives.