New Leaf Paper

October 6, 2007 —

Considered a pioneer in green office supplies, New Leaf Paper provides recycled and tree-free products, as well as the highest post-consumer content on the market.  In December 2006, New Leaf was awarded Co-op America’s Green Business Leadership Award.  According to Co-op America: “They introduced many eco-papers in the market, including 100% post-consumer recycled and Forest Stewardship Council certified papers, and they’ve taken their environmental commitment further—sourcing from mills that use biogas for energy and using shippers that run their fleets on biodiesel.”

Among environmental activists, paper use is a central concern. For years, companies and offices recycled paper, but few actively sought to contribute more to the fight against deforestation.  Surprisingly, despite all the recycling, little new paper contained any of that recycled paper.  New Leaf, founded in 1989 as New York Recycled Paper (it was renamed in 1998 after merging with another company), has grown steadily over the years, though it remains a minor part of the larger industry.  New Leaf offers more than 30 product lines and provides eco-audits for both their paper as well as customer materials.  Dedicated to changing the paper industry into a more environmentally-friendly and responsible industry, New Leaf launched a new energy program in 2007 and has become the first American paper company to exclusively use renewable energy during manufacturing.   The company general sells to offices, but consumers can purchase individual reams at Fedex Kinko’s stores.