The good side of recycled paper is that it can be used for paper products such as stationery, magazines and books while reducing the strain on raw materials used to make new paper and on landfill sites where waste is dumped. But although recycled paper is seen as the environmentally friendly option, questions remain about the amount of chemicals used in the recycling process as well as the financial and environmental expense of the end product.

One example of a ‘third way’ is Sappi Fine Paper South Africa’s range of paper products produced under its ‘Triple Green’ label. The ‘Triple Green’ process is based on the integration of environmental practices in the paper production process at the Sappi Stanger Mill.

Locally-sourced sugar cane makes up 60% of the pulp used in paper production, the bleaching process is chlorine-free - which makes the paper easier to recycle - and remaining wood fibre is sourced from managed forests. Sappi communications and business manager Ann Arndell said ‘Triple Green’ – used by Mind Shift magazine – had proved popular with corporates looking for an environmentallysustainable printing solution.