In an increasingly digital world, it might seem that paper is becoming less relevant. However, physical communications are still necessary for reasons that go beyond tradition. Digital saturation, the need for accessibility for the elderly and bridging the digital divide are factors that keep paper as an essential channel to ensure inclusive and effective communication.
But how can we continue to use paper without compromising the environment? The answer lies in sustainable sourcing.
At MailComms Group, 86% of the paper we purchased in 2025 is certified under the FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody standards. This article explains what that figure means, the differences between the various sustainable paper options, and how clients who work with us can apply that commitment to their own physical communications.
What does sustainable sourcing mean?
It consists of selecting materials and suppliers that meet environmental and ethical criteria. In the case of paper, this involves:
- Recognized certifications: FSC and PEFC are the most widespread, and ensure responsible forest management.
- Recycled paper: an option that gives fibers a second life, reducing pressure on natural resources. Recycled paper can be with or without FSC or PEFC certification.
- Transparency in the supply chain: knowing where the paper comes from and how it was produced.
The objective is to obtain and use paper in a conscious and responsible manner.
| Sustainable Paper Option | What it guarantees | Required certification | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSC-certified paper | Responsible forest management verified by the Forest Stewardship Council, with chain of custody from the forest to the product | FSC — Chain of Custody (CoC) | When the most widely recognized international standard and full traceability are required |
| PEFC-certified paper | Sustainable forest management verified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, with particularly strong coverage in Europe | PEFC — Chain of Custody (CoC) | When the European standard is preferred or when working with suppliers in the European forestry supply chain |
| Recycled paper (not FSC/PEFC certified) | Use of post-consumer fibers — reduces pressure on natural resources but offers no guarantee of forest origin | Does not require forest certification (may have recycling certification: Blauer Engel, EU Ecolabel) | When the primary goal is to reduce demand for virgin fiber and lower traceability of origin is acceptable |
| FSC/PEFC-certified recycled paper | Combines the use of post-consumer fibers with verified chain-of-custody guarantees | FSC Recycled or PEFC Recycled | A premium option that combines circularity and traceability—greater environmental assurance |
Align your supply chain with the most demanding ESG goals by collaborating with a technology and industrial partner that demonstrates a genuine, measurable, and transparent commitment, as we detail in our article on major advances in sustainability.
Our commitment: Preferential use of certified paper
By 2025, we will achieve 86% FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody certification for the paper we purchase. These certifications guarantee that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests, where environmental, social and economic criteria are respected. They also ensure the traceability of the material from its origin to the final product.
This is not just an internal fact, it is a guarantee for our customers. By choosing certified suppliers, we reduce the risks associated with deforestation and promote practices that protect biodiversity and local communities in the timber’s places of origin.
Boost your brand recall and capture your audience’s full attention in a screen-saturated environment by rediscovering the tactile power and effectiveness we discussed in Part 2: Print Communication—The Advantages of Traditional Media.
| Sustainable Procurement Indicator | 2025 Data | Certification Reference |
|---|---|---|
| FSC- or PEFC-certified paper | 86% of the total purchased | Certifications AEN-COC-00075 (FSC) and AEN-PEFC-COC-0247 (PEFC) |
| 2025–2030 Sustainability Plan Goal | Maintain and exceed 90% by 2027 | MailComms Group Sustainability Plan 2025–2030 |
| Chain-of-Custody Standard Applied | Traceability from the forest to the final product delivered to the customer | FSC Chain of Custody / PEFC Chain of Custody |
Positive impact for customers and society
Sustainable sourcing contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially with regard to the responsible management of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems. Opting for certified or recycled paper supports forest conservation and promotes a more balanced economy.
Learn about our commitment to sustainability.
How can your company choose more sustainable communications?
There are two simple options that make a difference:
- Request recycled paper for your shipments.
- Choose FSC or PEFC certified paper to ensure a responsible chain of custody.
Small changes that add up to big impacts.
In short, paper is still necessary, but its use must be responsible. Our commitment to sustainable sourcing is firm and transparent, because we believe that sustainability is not a trend: it is a shared obligation.
If you work with MailComms Group to manage your physical communications—letters, mailings, transactional communications—you can specify in your project the use of FSC- or PEFC-certified paper, or certified recycled paper. Our team will advise you on the most appropriate option based on the type of communication, the volume, and your corporate sustainability goals. This way, your ESG commitments are directly reflected in your communications with customers without you having to manage the supply chain yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FSC-certified paper and PEFC-certified paper?
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are the two most widely recognized international forest certification standards. Both ensure that paper comes from responsibly managed forests with guaranteed reforestation. The main difference lies in geographic scope: FSC has a greater presence in international and tropical markets, while PEFC is the dominant standard in Europe. Both are equivalent in terms of certification rigor and both include chain-of-custody traceability.
Is recycled paper always more sustainable than certified paper?
Not necessarily. Recycled paper reduces the demand for virgin fiber and is beneficial for the circular economy, but it does not always have a lower carbon footprint than certified paper: the deinking and bleaching process for recycled paper has an energy cost that can be comparable to or higher than that of producing certified paper from well-managed forests. The most sustainable option depends on the context, the priority environmental goals, and the paper’s origin. The best choice is recycled paper with FSC Recycled or PEFC Recycled certification, which combines both guarantees.
What does it mean when a supplier has FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody certification?
Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certification verifies that the supplier can trace the origin of the paper from the certified forest to the final product delivered to the customer. This means that at every link in the chain—paper manufacturer, converter, printer, distributor—the necessary controls have been implemented to ensure that certified material is not mixed with non-certified material. MailComms Group holds CoC certifications from FSC (AEN-COC-00075) and PEFC (AEN-PEFC-COC-0247).
How can a company ensure that its physical communications are sustainable?
Choose a printing service provider that holds active FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody certification and can verify the origin of the paper used in each project. Additionally, you can request certified recycled paper, optimize the design to reduce paper weight and waste, and choose formats and finishes that make it easier to recycle the document once the recipient receives it. A supplier such as MailComms Group, with FSC, PEFC, and Zero Waste certifications, offers these guarantees as an integrated solution.
What are the SDGs, and how do they relate to the sustainable use of paper?
The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are the 17 goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Sustainable paper sourcing primarily contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land—protection of forests), and SDG 13 (Climate Action—maintenance of carbon sinks). Companies such as MailComms Group align their paper procurement policies with these goals and report on them in their annual Sustainability Report and in the Global Compact Progress Report.
