Are there particular norms for recycled grades?
Recycled grades are differentiated generally from virgin fibre papers by
the Blue Angel. Otherwise our papers are subject to the same norms and quality requirements as virgin fibre papers. That means for example our papers are tested by the independent body "TÜV" for their running properties according to DIN EN 12281.
Do large concerns use recycled paper?
Yes, many large concerns but also public offices and authorities use recycled paper for their internal and for their external communication. Because of the size of these companies the paper is used in a great variety of office equipment, all different kinds of machines from the individual printer at a work place to high volume printing lines.
Is recycled paper suitable for modern high performance printers?
Yes, many original equipment manufacturers distribute recycled paper themselves and give out recommendations. You can view a selection of certificates from these original equipment companies here.
What is important is that the paper complies to DIN EN 12281. All papers which have the Blue Angel fulfill the requirements of this norm.
Is recycled paper suitable for credentials, testimonials and similar documents?
Yes in principle. Here the paper must have been tested for is document quality. Steinbeis Office Papers have been tested accordingly. You can find the certificate here
Is there a health risk with recycled paper?
After all it has been printed on once and when deinking is done there are chemicals involved.
Recycled paper is not a health risk. The papers ar strictly controlled by the Blue Angel. Further to this Steinbeis Vision Papers are tested by an independent institute for theirxxxxxxxxUnbedenklichkeit
Is recycled paper suitable for scanning?
For applications like scanning recycled paper can be used as well. Modern recycled papers are very pure and hardly have any dots and if they do then these are so small that they have no influence on the scanning properties.
Is Steinbeis Charisma really made from 100% recovered paper?
Yes, post consumer paper from household collections is the only raw material. When you visit us in Glueckstadt just take a look.
Can recycled paper be used for coloured print-out or photos?
In principle these papers are suitable for coloured printing, laser and inkjet printing. However recycled paper naturally cannot come out with the same brilliance as would be the case with film coated or laminated paper. For office applications like spread sheets and diagrammes or coloured print-outs of drafts it is absolutely good enough.
Shall I be using more ink or toner with recycled paper?
No, the consumption of these materials is absolutely identical for virgin fibre and recycled grades.
Which criteria must the paper fulfil for the Blue Angel?
The main criterium along with the reducing and ban of ingredients damaging to the environment and health, is the content of recovered paper. This must be 100%. However in addition the Blue Angel demands a particular make up of the recovered paper. It has to be at least 65% recovered paper of the lower and medium waste sorts to be valid for the Blue Angel.
You can view a catalogue of the sorts of recovered paper under: www.vdp-online.de
How do the different degrees of brightness come into being?
Are more chemicals needed for brighter paper?
The degree of brightness of the paper depends on the raw material used.
That means our 70 brightness and the coloured papers are 100% sorted household collection, that is the lowest sort of recovered paper.
For higher brightness like 80 und 90 in keeping with the criteria of the Blue Angel recovered paper of the medium and higher sorts are added to achieve a greater brightness.
More chemicals are not needed.
How much recovered paper is needed for a package of recycled paper?
The ratio is 1 : 1.15. That means for a tonne of "new" paper you need 1.15 tonnes of recovered paper. Calculated down to a package or ream of 500 sheets that means for 2.5 kilos or "new" paper you need 2.9 kilos of recovered paper.
