Top 7 types of eco-friendly paper for businesses

We use paper every day. But as demand continues to rise, so does its environmental impact. Global consumption is projected to reach 476 million tonnes by 2032, raising important concerns about the paper we use.

Eco-friendly paper types are designed to reduce environmental harm throughout their lifecycle. They use recycled materials, alternative fibres, or responsibly sourced wood from sustainably managed forests.

For businesses that purchase paper and paper-related products, paper procurement falls under Scope 3 emissions, making it a key part of supply chain sustainability.

Choosing eco-friendly or responsibly sourced paper can also help reduce environmental impact across areas such as carbon footprint, water use, and waste generation.

Here’s how different types of eco-friendly paper can support more sustainable business practices.

Table of contents: 

• Recycled cotton paper
• Sugarcane paper
• Bamboo paper
• Hemp paper
• Seed paper
• Straw paper
• Stone paper
• Benefits of sustainable paper sourcing
• Key principles for adopting eco-friendly paper
• How to integrate sustainability into your business strategy

1. Recycled cotton paper

Recycled cotton paper is made from textile waste such as discarded clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

The average European throws away around 11 kilograms of textiles each year, contributing to a growing waste problem. Turning this discarded material into paper offers a circular solution that reduces pressure on landfills and avoids sourcing new raw materials.

Recycled cotton paper is a strong, green paper product ideal for premium packaging and print materials. It uses less energy and water than many conventional paper production methods.

This matters given the pulp and paper industry is the fifth largest consumer of energy, accounting for 4 per cent of global energy use.

With less than 1 per cent of textiles globally recycled into new garments, businesses that choose recyclable paper are helping close the gap on textile waste while lowering their environmental impact.

2. Sugarcane paper

Sugarcane paper is made from bagasse, the fibrous material left over after juice is extracted from sugarcane. This byproduct is often discarded or burned, but turning it into paper reduces waste and prevents unnecessary carbon emissions.

Using sugarcane also helps contribute to sustainable forestry and reduces the energy demands typically associated with traditional paper production. As a result, sugarcane paper can contribute to lower emissions across a business’s supply chain.

3. Bamboo paper

Bamboo is one of the most widely available non-wood fibre crops in the world. Its rapid growth and high yield per acre make it a scalable option for countries looking to reduce pressure on natural forests without sacrificing supply.

Compared to tree-based paper, bamboo pulp can be processed with fewer chemicals and requires less land to produce the same volume of fibre. This makes bamboo a scalable source of renewable paper for high-volume commercial use.

Bamboo is an efficient option for businesses sourcing large volumes of tissue, paperboard, or print materials in regions with limited forest resources.

4. Hemp paper

Hemp is a natural fibre source used to make paper from the plant’s stalks, which grow quickly and require minimal pesticides or fertilisers.

Unlike trees, which can take decades to reach maturity, hemp is ready to harvest in just a few months, making it one of the most renewable fibre sources available for paper production.

Global paper production exceeds 78 million tonnes in the United States alone. Introducing fast-growing alternatives like hemp may help diversify fibre sources and support forest sustainability.

5. Seed paper

Seed paper is a type of compostable and biodegradable paper made from recycled pulp mixed with embedded seeds, creating a material that can be planted after use. It breaks down naturally in soil and is typically free from synthetic dyes and chemical coatings, making it safe for seed germination.

Often used for cards, tags, and promotional materials, seed paper offers a waste-free alternative to traditional paper. Once planted, it can grow into wildflowers or herbs, supporting biodiversity and reducing landfill waste. 

For businesses, it provides a low-impact option that reinforces sustainability values while encouraging more responsible disposal.

6. Straw paper

Straw paper is made from leftover stalks of harvested grains like wheat, rice, or barley. These byproducts are often burned or discarded, releasing carbon emissions. Turning them into paper reduces waste and avoids unnecessary pollution.

Because straw is produced every harvest season, it offers a fast-renewing alternative to wood pulp. Using straw paper can help lower the carbon footprint of paper production, and help reduce deforestation linked to conventional sourcing.

It is commonly used for packaging, print materials, and liners, offering businesses a practical way to use existing agricultural waste instead of extracting new resources.

7. Stone paper

Made from calcium carbonate and a small amount of non-toxic resin, stone paper is a unique alternative to traditional wood-based paper. Its production also generates fewer carbon emissions than traditional paper manufacturing.

Its smooth, durable surface makes it suitable for packaging, signage, and notebooks. It’s also waterproof and tear-resistant, reducing the need for reprints.

Stone paper is not recyclable in standard paper streams but can be processed through specialised systems. For businesses aiming to cut water use and avoid chemical processing, it offers a tree-free, low-impact alternative.

Benefits of sustainable paper sourcing

As businesses face growing pressure to reduce environmental impact and improve supply chain transparency, choosing responsibly sourced paper is one of the simplest ways to take meaningful action.

Here’s how sustainable paper sourcing can add value across businesses:

• Reduced deforestation and ecosystem pressure: The pulp and paper industry uses 33–40 per cent of all industrial wood traded globally. Switching to recycled or non-wood fibres helps reduce demand for virgin timber and eases pressure on forests.
• Lower carbon emissions: Forests and forest products offset a net 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 globally per year. Choosing sustainably sourced or low-emission paper can reduce supply chain impact and support climate goals.
• Support for ethical forestry and local communities: Certified paper ensures fair labour conditions, respects Indigenous Peoples' rights, and promotes long-term forest stewardship that benefits both people and the environment.
• Stronger biodiversity outcomes: Choosing fibre sources that promote responsible land use helps preserve habitats and protect pollinators and native species.
• Alignment with ESG and procurement goals: Responsible sourcing supports environmental targets, improves supplier accountability, and helps meet reporting requirements for sustainability frameworks.

Key principles for adopting eco-friendly paper

Committing to eco-friendly paper reflects broader environmental, social, and operational values. These principles guide businesses in making responsible paper choices that align with long-term sustainability goals and contribute to efforts to save the Earth.

• Transparency in sourcing: Businesses should be able to trace where their paper comes from and how it was produced. Responsible sourcing builds trust and allows for more informed, ethical decisions.
• Commitment to certified materials: Using paper certified by credible systems like FSC helps ensure that materials are responsibly sourced and meet strict environmental and social standards.
• Focus on circularity and waste reduction: Choosing recycled or alternative fibres helps reduce landfill waste and cuts down on the need for virgin resources. Circular practices also lower emissions and promote efficient resource use.
• Forest and biodiversity protection: About one-third of the world’s population depends on forests and forest products. Choosing eco-friendly paper helps conserve forests and supports the communities that rely on them.
• Ethical supply chains: Responsible paper sourcing includes fair labour practices and safeguards against environmental harm linked to supply chain activities. It also encourages the wide-scale adoption of practices that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Long-term sustainability vision: Adopting eco-friendly paper should support broader climate and ESG goals. It's part of a long-term strategy to reduce environmental impact, build resilience, and meet stakeholder expectations.

How to integrate sustainability into your business strategy

Sustainability works best when it's part of your core operations. Paper is used throughout most businesses, from packaging to office supplies, making it an ideal area to start reducing impact.

Using eco-friendly or FSC-certified paper supports long-term resilience, lowers risk, and builds trust with customers.

Steps to align paper sourcing with broader sustainability goals include:

• Audit your paper use: Understand how paper is used across your business, from daily operations to shipping and marketing. Identifying high-volume areas can reveal opportunities to reduce waste or switch materials.
• Set clear sustainability goals: Define measurable targets for waste reduction or responsible sourcing. These can guide your procurement decisions and track progress over time.
• Choose responsible sourcing: Look for paper made with recycled, alternative, or FSC-certified materials. Verified sourcing ensures your paper use supports forest health and ethical practices.
• Embed it into operations: Integrate responsible paper sourcing into procurement policies, supplier contracts, and sustainability reporting. Make it part of how your business runs.
• Educate your team: Train employees on ways to help the environment and how it connects to larger business goals. Engagement at every level helps reinforce lasting change.

Strengthen your paper strategy with FSC

Building a sustainable paper strategy starts with choosing materials that support people, forests, and the planet. FSC-certified paper connects your business to responsibly managed sources, helping you reduce environmental impact while improving supply chain transparency and trust.

Explore FSC-certified paper and packaging to learn how it supports forest protection, responsible sourcing, and supply chain sustainability. These efforts are key to building a low-impact, future-ready business.

Sourcing

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