Printing Papers (DE-UZ 72)

In contrast to the production process for paper made out of fresh fibres, producing paper from recovered paper not only saves resources but also generates less waste water and uses less water and energy. Printed matter that has been awarded the Blue Angel environmental label and which contains a percentage of fresh fibres is guaranteed to only contain those fresh fibres sourced from sustainably managed forests and forestry companies with high ecological standards. It is not permitted to use timber from forests that are particularly worthy of protection e.g. tropical or boreal forests.

At least 80% of the fibres used to produce the printing and publication papers primarily made from recovered paper listed here must be recycled. The addition of fresh fibres is sometimes necessary for paper used for quick printing processes because the high-speed printing presses require thin paper that has a very high resistance to tearing. Therefore, no test for the resistance to ageing is required for short-lived products such as paper used for newspapers.

Printing and publication papers made out of 100% recovered paper within the scope of DE-UZ 14a are available for durable and high-quality printed matter such as brochures and books. The papers listed there are also tested for their resistance to ageing and also include papers with heavier weights.

The production of printed matter is now also included within the scope of DE-UZ 195. Therefore, you will also find those printing companies listed there who print products in accordance with the Blue Angel standard.