Mohawk Fine Papers is a non-integrated paper mill, which means that we do not manufacture our own pulp. When we buy pulp, it has already been purified and formed into thick sheets. We buy a variety of virgin hardwood and softwood pulps which are ECF (elemental chlorine free) and postconsumer fiber pulps which are PCF (process chlorine free).

"Chlorine free" is a loose term to describe an alternative process to bleach pulp and paper. It helps to understand the different types of chlorine free paper.

Totally chlorine free (TCF) means paper made from 100% virgin fiber (including alternative fiber from sources other than trees) that is unbleached or bleached with non-chlorine compounds such as oxygen. European mills make TCF pulp. However it is virtually impossible to purchase it in North America. In the US, the best option is to specify papers that are 100% PCW and PCF.

Elemental chlorine free (ECF) indicates paper made from virgin or recycled fiber that is bleached using alternative chlorine compounds as a substitute for elemental chlorine gas.

Process chlorine free (PCF) paper is made with recycled postconsumer fiber and unbleached or bleached without additional chlorine compounds. PCF paper is the most environmentally-preferable type since it uses 100% recycled fiber without adding any chlorine derivatives.

Mohawk Fine Papers is a non-integrated paper mill, which means that we do not manufacture our own pulp. When we buy pulp, it has already been purified and formed into thick sheets. We buy a variety of virgin hardwood and softwood pulps which are ECF (elemental chlorine free) and postconsumer fiber pulps which are PCF (process chlorine free).

"Chlorine free" is a loose term to describe an alternative process to bleach pulp and paper. It helps to understand the different types of chlorine free paper.

Totally chlorine free (TCF) means paper made from 100% virgin fiber (including alternative fiber from sources other than trees) that is unbleached or bleached with non-chlorine compounds such as oxygen. European mills make TCF pulp. However it is virtually impossible to purchase it in North America. In the US, the best option is to specify papers that are 100% PCW and PCF.

Elemental chlorine free (ECF) indicates paper made from virgin or recycled fiber that is bleached using alternative chlorine compounds as a substitute for elemental chlorine gas.

Process chlorine free (PCF) paper is made with recycled postconsumer fiber and unbleached or bleached without additional chlorine compounds. PCF paper is the most environmentally-preferable type since it uses 100% recycled fiber without adding any chlorine derivatives.

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