The change in reality that 2020 brought has shown the urgency to promote a circular economy linked to caring for the planet. Recycling, change in our uses and customs, as well as responsible and ethical consumption are paradigms that support the path towards an indispensable transformation of lifestyle, more cooperative and less competitive. These values of solidarity redirect us, from an anthropocentric vision, where the human prevails, towards biocentrism where humanity is integrated as one more species of the ecosystem.
If for several years the increase in demand for ecological papers has been notable, today the interest is doubled. In the world of design, the most sustainable papers are associated with recycled ones, in line with the Cyclus or Nautilus range, to give a couple of examples of support with 100% recycled pulp. Apart from their origin, they are characterized by their two possible colors: common white or with the characteristic recycled tone. These traits go very well with certain industrial, direct and / or casual identities.
But what alternatives are there when looking for a result linked to other values? We are talking, for example, of communicative values such as innovation, uniqueness or freshness. Is it possible to use a medium with ecological attributes that goes beyond the fixed image of typical recycled paper? Of course it is possible.
In the first place, it should be said that there are papers on the market with an optimal degree of whiteness that are recycled, although they do not have the appearance with which this segment is always identified. A very interesting option is 100% recycled brilliant white Shiro Echo with weights from 90 to 300 g and with 11 x 22 cm envelope.
Another alternative to using cellulose from trees are papers made with vegetable fibers such as cotton or bamboo. These raw materials provide them with superior resistance, flexibility and touch. The Conqueror and Gmund Cotton families are good references.
However, if you want to go a little further and incorporate color or tactile properties, we are going to discover a few collections that you are going to love:
Ecological range made with 15 % organic waste and 30 % post-consumer recycled waste. It is FSC certified and produced with 100 % green energy.
What is striking about this collection is that it includes by-products from grapes, cherries, corn, olives, coffee, kiwis … to generate papers in the tones of these products. Natural raw materials that are saved from collectors and used to make this colorful and vital range. In this way, Crush corn paper can be used in bakeries and grocery stores, Crush grapes in wineries or Crush coffee in coffee shops, thus giving identities a more integrating dimension.
It is indicated for multiple applications such as luxury packaging, brochures, labels, cards, catalog covers …
Depending on the variety, it has weights from 90 to 350 g. In addition to envelopes in 11 x 22 cm (pocket format) and 17 x 17 cm.
Kraft is another sustainable solution that began to be on the rise back in 2010. Its use has become quite normalized and depending on which cases and how it is applied it can be even hackneyed.
Even so, the trend of using cardboard continues, but now with different shades: washed browns, greys and even less predictable colors (blue, green…). A good example of these references is the next collection:
A unique paper made of leather (25 % of the cellulose necessary in its manufacture has been replaced by remains of this material). The residues give it a surface with a particular appearance and to the touch it is soft and velvety.
Made with 100 % green energy, in addition to being 100 % recyclable and compostable, its papers reach up to 520 g. It is perfect for high-quality printing and packaging. It has matching 11 x 22 cm bags and in some colors it also has the 17 x 17 cm envelope.
With these collections a new via is opened in the world of special papers. Added to its presence and premium connotations are the great environmental value of its manufacture and its contained costs. So we predict that they will be a great asset, in the graphic production of any project, for designers and creative professionals.
