EcoAct Recycled Paper Survey
Antalis and Arjowiggins Graphic conducted a study on October 2015 with EcoAct, an expert in climate strategies and found that the use of recycled paper incurs an additional cost of 0.1 to 3.7% compared to paper made from virgin fibres (FSC® or PEFC) depending on the given communications project. The study looked at each stage in the development process, from design to printing through to delivery of the document.
Methodology
The details of the methodology used by Antalis, Arjowiggins Graphic and EcoAct are given below.
1. Which paper projects were used in the study?
In total, 7 projects were analysed, each printed on 3 or 4 different papers, all part of the range distributed by Antalis International.
2. Which methodology was used ?
7 communications agencies were consulted: 3 in France, 2 in Germany, 2 in England. Each agency received a set of specifications asking them to evaluate each project financially, as described above. Each project was based on a real model, enabling an understanding of the project’s needs.
The specifications distinguished the costs of the following stages :
| Project | Characteristics | Paper(% Recycled) | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSR Report #1 |
|
|
Sequana annual report |
| CSR Report #2 |
|
|
Michelin Activity Report 2015 |
| Magazine #1 |
|
|
27th Eure (public sector) |
| Magazine #2 |
|
|
Pause santé (health sector) |
| Flyer |
|
|
Orange Leaflet (telecoms provider) |
| Invitation Card |
|
|
‘Rancinan’ Invitation (photographer) |
| Mailing |
|
|
Cyclus Invitation |
- Conception, design and purchase of artwork
- Paper
- Printing
- Delivery
To be as realistic as possible, the agencies were free to select the printers they wanted to consult and receive a complete cost estimate from.
For each project and each paper, an average of costs per stage was calculated, excluding the two extremes. In addition to the average cost of each phase, an average cost of the printed communication projects by type of paper was obtained.
In total, 219 quotes were analyzed.
| Project | Additional |
| CSR Report #1 | +3,3% |
| CSR Report #2 | +2,8% |
| Magazine #1 | +0,4% |
| Magazine #2 | +3,2% |
| Flyer | +3,7% |
| Invitation Card | +2,4% |
| Mailing | +0,1% |
For any questions regarding the methodology of the study, please contact :
Brief Description of EcoAct
EcoAct works with multinationals, institutions and the public sector to implement carbon strategies, CSR policies and eco-innovation.
Awarded ‘Worldwide Best Advisory Service’ by Environmental Finance in 2015, EcoAct devises, develops and manages creative solutions to transform societal and environmental issues into performance levers for its clients (carbon management and strategies, IT platforms, feasibility studies, carbon programmes, etc).
Recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in this area, EcoAct provides consulting services and support to climate change economy pioneers, in order to reinforce their competitiveness.
