Forestry is a major focus of the global sustainability movement, now that the consequences of clear cutting and irresponsible forestry are becoming apparent in terms of climate change, flooding and loss of biodiversity.

In recent years, forestry companies and paper mills have increasingly collaborated with environmental groups to become more responsible caretakers of forest lands. As a non-integrated paper mill, Mohawk purchases all of our virgin and recycled fiber pulp from market sources. We have the flexibility to choose the type of fiber and sources for the fiber we buy.

Mohawk’s fiber suppliers have been notified that we will not accept fiber harvested from high conservation-value old growth forests. They are required to provide documentation demonstrating sound environmental practices and responsible forestry management. If the wood pulp comes from a forest that has been certified for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standards, we can be sure that the natural resource has been managed responsibly.

]]>

In 2002, Mohawk earned FSC Chain-of-Custody certification to manufacture printing, writing and label papers that bear the FSC logo. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) was created in 1993 following the Rio Earth Summit to change the practice of responsible forestry worldwide. Since then, Mohawk has steadily expanded the number of papers meeting FSC standards in its line. Today, FSC-certified papers can be found in the following product lines:

 * Beckett Cambric 
 * Beckett Concept
 * Beckett Expression
 * Strathmore Script
 * Mohawk Options
 * Mohawk Via
 * Mohawk Color Copy
 

]]>

The FSC principles and criteria include conserving biological diversity, conserving old growth forests, protecting the well-being of indigenous groups, and slowing global climate change. The FSC has established a credible certification program that supports responsible use of forest resources.

The other way to reduce pressure on forest lands is to use high amounts of postconsumer waste fiber. Postconsumer waste (PCW) refers to paper that was recovered after being used by a consumer and discarded. Paper companies have responded to the demand for recycled paper with enhanced manufacturing technologies. Today about 35% of fiber used by American paper makers comes from recycled paper, and that number is only going to grow.

To help encourage recycling, a Federal Executive Order updated in 1998 requires all federal agencies to use paper with at least a 30% postconsumer content. By developing high-quality recycled papers, Mohawk uses over 18,000 tons of postconsumer fiber a year, which essentially eliminates the harvest of 312,000 trees.

]]>

Mohawk was the first paper manufacturer in the United States to receive Green Seal certification. Green Seal is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental standard setting, product certification, advertising claims substantiation and public education.

As part of their visible commitment to sustainability, many companies have become more careful about the volume and kinds of paper they use, especially for very large projects and those that carry an environmental or social responsibility message. Mohawk provides a broad range of coated and uncoated paper with a high recycled fiber content, many of which meet the EPA guidelines and carry the Green Seal and/or the FSC certification. For a list of tangible environmental savings derived from using recycled paper on a specific print project, please visit Mohawk’s interactive Environmental Savings Calculator.

]]>