From Pens to Post-its: Choosing Sustainable Stationery for Your Office
4 min
Even the smallest choices we make daily can have a significant impact when it comes to office stationery. From pens to post-its, choosing sustainable stationery helps reduce our carbon footprint and promotes a culture of environmental responsibility within the workplace.
This guide will walk you through the various aspects of selecting eco-friendly office supplies and how these choices can contribute to a greener planet.
The Importance of Sustainable Stationery
Regarding environmental impact, the production of traditional office supplies frequently involves processes that are detrimental to the environment. For example, making paper products contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and elevated carbon emissions, while plastics used in pens and other office items can take centuries to decompose, significantly adding to landfill waste.
By opting for sustainable stationery, businesses can showcase their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which not only improves their reputation but also resonates with the values of increasingly eco-conscious consumers and employees.
Additionally, although some eco-friendly products may come with a higher initial cost, they often result in long-term savings. Durable and refillable items reduce the need for frequent replacements, and energy-efficient office equipment can help lower utility bills, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
Key Criteria for Choosing Sustainable Stationery
1. Materials
Opt for stationery made from recycled or renewable materials. Look for products certified by recognised environmental standards, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper products or the Blue Angel for various office supplies.
2. Reusability and Refillability
Select items that can be reused or refilled, such as pens with replaceable ink cartridges, mechanical pencils, and refillable markers. This reduces the amount of waste generated and the demand for new resources.
3. Non-toxic and Biodegradable Options
Choose stationery made with non-toxic materials and biodegradable components. This ensures that the products are safe for both users and the environment.
Sustainable Alternatives to Common Office Supplies
Paper Products
- Recycled Paper: Opt for paper made from 100% post-consumer recycled content. This reduces the need for virgin paper and helps conserve forests.
Codex item of choice: Evolution Business A4 Recycled Paper.
Evolution Business paper is a high-quality, eco-friendly option for trouble-free printing with a smaller environmental footprint. Made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste and whitened without chlorine, it offers high opacity for clear prints, making it perfect for all business communications.
- Notebooks and Journals: Choose products with recycled or sustainably sourced paper. Some brands offer refillable notebooks, allowing you to reuse the covers and replace the pages as needed.
Codex item of choice: Rocketbook Fusion Executive Set.
The Rocketbook Fusion is an eco-friendly, reusable notebook ideal for classrooms, offices, and personal use. Made with patented Core technology, it allows smooth writing with a Pilot FriXion pen and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth for reuse. The materials are cruelty-free and contain no animal products, offering a traditional handwriting experience while preventing paper waste.
Writing Instruments
- Pens: Look for pens made from recycled materials or biodegradable plastics. Refillable pens are a great option to reduce waste.
Codex item of choice: Uni-Ball Eye Rollerball Pen.
The Uni-Ball Eye Rollerball Pen is made from 75% recycled content, including 10% ocean waste, supporting sustainability. It features a durable 0.7mm nib for precise lines and uses fade-resistant, water-resistant, and tamper-proof Super Ink, ideal for important documents and notes.
- Pencils: Mechanical pencils generate less waste compared to traditional ones. For traditional pencils, choose those made from sustainably harvested wood.
Codex item of choice: ReCreate Treesaver Recycled HB Pencil.
These unique, 90% recycled HB pencils from ReCreate are ideal for the environmentally conscious artist. All pencils are made from recycled plastic cups, making them splinter-proof and chew-resistant as well as good for the environment.
- Markers and Highlighters: Refillable markers and highlighters reduce the frequency of disposal. Also, opt for brands that use non-toxic, water-based inks.
Codex item of choice: Edding 21 Ecoline Permanent Marker.
The Edding 21 Ecoline permanent marker is made from at least 90% recycled plastic, with 83% post-consumer content, and is climate-neutral. It marks almost all materials with waterproof, wear-resistant ink from a 1.5-3mm bullet tip. Fully refillable with low-odour inks free of toluene and xylene, it is ideal for sustainable marking and labelling.
Adhesives and Sticky Notes
- Post-its and Sticky Notes: Select sticky notes made from recycled paper and water-based adhesives. Some brands offer fully compostable options.
Codex item of choice: Post-it Super Sticky Recycled Notes.
These Super Sticky Post-it Notes are made from 100% recycled, PEFC-certified paper and feature a 60% renewable resource adhesive from annually regrowing plants. Ideal for vertical or hard-to-stick surfaces, they provide a strong, long-lasting hold. The packaging is made from recyclable cardboard, ensuring full recyclability.
- Glue and Tape: Choose non-toxic, solvent-free glues and tapes made from natural rubber or other biodegradable materials.
Codex item of choice: Sellotape Zero Plastic.
Sellotape Zero Plastic, made from 100% plant-based, plastic-free materials, performs as well as Original Golden Sellotape. The tape is composed of cellulose film and naturally based glue, and the roll is compostable and biodegradable. Both the packaging and core are recyclable cardboard, with the tape disintegrating into natural elements. Ideal for enhancing office sustainability, it is made from renewable ingredients sourced from PEFC-certified sustainable forests.
Office Equipment
- Desk Organisers: Choose organisers made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled metal, or repurposed wood.
Codex item of choice: Silva by CEP Workspace Organiser and Tidy.
The Silva by CEP workspace organiser features an elegant Scandinavian design made from 100% natural, recyclable bamboo wood. It has five compartments for storing pens, supplies, a tablet, and a smartphone and is suitable for home or office use.
- Staplers and Hole Punches: Invest in durable, high-quality equipment that lasts longer. Some brands offer staplers and hole punches made from recycled materials.
Codex item of choice: Rapesco Eco Half Strip Stapler.
Part of the Rapesco Eco range, this durable half-strip stapler is made with a 100% recycled ABS casing, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It can staple up to 20 sheets of 80gsm paper, combining sustainability with reliable performance.
Transitioning to sustainable stationery is a small yet significant step towards creating an eco-friendly office environment. By choosing products made from recycled or renewable materials, prioritising reusability, and reducing waste, businesses can make a positive impact on the planet. Moreover, these choices reflect a commitment to corporate social responsibility, fostering a culture of sustainability within the workplace. From pens to post-its, every eco-friendly decision contributes to a greener future.
---
Is sustainability becoming a paramount deciding factor when equipping your workplace with office supplies? We have an entire range of sustainable solutions for you to choose from. Open an account today or contact us at sales@codexltd.com if you require product recommendations or pricing!
RELATED ARTICLES:
10 Sustainable Office Products Every Business Should Consider
From Tote Bags to Tech Gadgets: Sustainable Options for Promotional Merchandise
