The top three reasons you should know where your paper comes from

The mission of FSC is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. Photograph: Domtar

With the heightened dialogue around global deforestation, more and more attention is being paid to where and how our paper products are sourced. Whether you’re purchasing paper for your office or for personal use, there are many benefits to knowing where it comes from – and there are tangible steps you can take to become better informed.

1. Environmental benefits: Consumers should strive to purchase paper from a company that has a track record of strong environmental performance. For example, Domtar has been working with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for more than a decade to ensure its certified products stem from forests where habitats are protected and local communities’ rights are respected.
2. Corporate reputation: Corporate buyers looking to manage reputational risk and protect their company’s brand should seek paper manufacturers that have a proven history of transparent business practices. Take the time to do some background research to ensure a company not only sources material responsibly, but also practices full disclosure in its operations. It’s important to remember that the actions of your suppliers can greatly impact the integrity of your own operations, especially for a product that is as essential to everyday business operations as paper.
3. Supporting local economies: Paper manufacturers around the globe are responsible for providing countless jobs, both directly in the mills and indirectly in surrounding areas. These operations support local communities in numerous ways, from volunteer efforts to contributing corporate taxes. By knowing where your paper comes from, you are aware of the communities and the valuable jobs that you’re protecting.

For every 100 jobs at Domtar mills and converting facilities, 325 additional jobs are created outside the company – many within the surrounding communities. Photograph: Pierre Charbonneau/Domtar

So the next time you make a paper purchase, be sure to stop and ask the following questions:

Related: Three steps to move from setting sustainable goals to taking action

• Where is the wood fiber source?
  
• Where is the paper manufactured?
• How are the environmental impacts measured?
• Does the manufacturer practice transparent business practices and disclose the impacts of its operations?
• What are the environmental, social and economic impacts of my purchase?

All of Domtar’s paper products are sourced from responsibly managed North American forests. For a more personal story on the importance of knowing where your paper comes from, please view Domtar’s short documentary, A Portrait on Paper.

Content on this page is provided by Domtar, supporter of the Vital Signs platform.