What is said to be the world’s largest collection of recycled and eco-friendly paper and packaging options – available to brands and companies – has expanded to include more than 1100 listings to help businesses find the most “forest-friendly” products.
The EcoPaper Database (EPD), established by the international environmental non-profit organisation Canopy, lists paper and packaging solutions available to help businesses lessen their impact on ancient and endangered forests.
According to the organisation, the resource comes at a crucial time as the impact of paper and packaging on the world’s forests, biodiversity and climate continue to grow.
The updated EPD for 2022 features:
- 510 new listings
- 507 packaging listings
- 764 products made from 100-per-cent recycled content
- 345 products made with alternative Next-Gen fibre content
- A new, multi-filter function for easier and more precise searches
Products on the list are manufactured in 34 countries spread over six continents, with most in North America, Europe, India and China.
Packaging and papers are made from 70 different alternative fibres, ranging from wheat straw and other cereal straws, recycled textiles, flax, mushrooms, seaweed, food waste, and grass.
This year’s updated Ecopaper database shows a significant increase in the number of available products from Asia – 203 listings, up from 111 last year. It includes 84 products from China and 72 from India.
“We are proud that at Canopy, we not only collaborate with our partners to keep Ancient and Endangered Forests out of their supply chains but also provide the tools and data to find lower footprint alternatives,” said Nicole Rycroft, executive director.
The new EcoPaper Database also makes Superior Ranked paper – paper made from 100 per cent recycled material – easier to identify. It also provides references to FSC codes where available and includes a scan for coatings with ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in food service ware, as well as food contact safety compliance.
“It’s exciting to see the EPD expand significantly in size, geographical scope, and availability of transformative NextGen products. Next-Gen and recycled inputs are the way forward for paper and packaging – and key in taking the sourcing pressure off forests and climate whilst also reducing waste.” Rycroft added.
