Should I Use Recycled Paper for Eco-Friendly Postcards?
Whether you use postcards for personal or business communications, using cardstock made from recycled paper can help reduce the demand for trees and other natural resources. In its own way, opting for recycled paper products helps minimize waste and create a more sustainable, cleaner environment.
Before you order your next batch of postcards, read up on the top three reasons why you should choose ones that are made from recycled paper, or at least have a high percentage of recycled material.
1. Waste Reduction
Reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown in a landfill can help minimize pollution. By generating less waste, we also decrease the need for energy-intensive processes like manufacturing, disposal, and transportation.
Unlike heavily processed alternatives, many recycled paper postcards are compostable and break down naturally.
2. Appeal to Eco-Conscious Consumers
Around 65% of consumers said they want to buy from brands that advocate sustainability, according to a survey published on the Harvard Business Review website. A separate study by McKinsey has also shown that 48% of millennials and 49% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products.
Using postcards made with recycled paper can help your brand appeal to eco-conscious consumers, and it’s important that you let them know this eco-friendly step you’re taking. Make sure to print "Made from recyclable paper" (or similar phrases) on your postcards to communicate your sustainability efforts.
3. Cost-Effective for Bulk Printing
In the past, recycled paper products were more expensive than those made from virgin fiber because there weren't enough facilities to process them. But things have changed with the introduction of new technologies and eco-friendly printing methods. Nowadays, recycled paper is often cheaper than regular paper because it requires less energy to manufacture.
Postcards Made From Recycled Paper: Things to Keep in Mind
Always Market Your Sustainability Efforts
It is crucial to market your eco-friendly efforts to build brand loyalty and reputation and to attract green consumers, which can help increase profits. You can do this by simply printing a small line like "Printed on 100% recycled paper to reduce environmental impact" on your postcards.
Look for Green Certifications
Although there are many green certifications for paper products, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one of the most reputable seals.
Another way to determine if paper products are made from recycled content is to look for the Mobius loop, more popularly known as the Universe Recycling Symbol. You can also check for specific labeling such as "recycled content" which shows how much recycled material goes into the product you’re about to purchase.
Consider the Paper Quality and Texture
Recycled paper often has a different texture than regular paper, having a flecked appearance due to impurities in the pulp. It is also typically characterized by its off-white color rather than bright white typically seen in virgin pulp paper.
However, the overall aesthetics and texture of paper still depend on the type of recycling process and the percentage of recycled content.
Due to advancements in technology and production methods, some recycled paper has almost the same texture, color, and overall aesthetics as virgin fiber paper.
Using postcards made from recycled paper offers various benefits, from reducing waste and conserving natural resources to gaining the loyalty of eco-conscious customers who are willing to spend more to support the sustainability efforts of brands.
In addition to using recycled and sustainably sourced paper from local mills, NextDayFlyers is committed to recycling all paper scraps, ink waste, and printing plates to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Related Articles
Engagement Booster: Reaching Out to Audiences With the Right Type of Postcards
What Are USPS Postcard Mailing Requirements for 2025?
What is the difference between matte and glossy postcards?
Which Postcard Size Gets the Most Attention in the Mail?
How to Advertise Using Postcard Prints
How Postcards Shaped Travel Marketing (And Why They Still Matter Today)
A Guide on Standard Postcard Sizes and Dimensions
How to Address a Postcard
10 Tips for Effective Postcard Campaigns
A No Nonsense Guide to Pulling Off a Postcard Marketing Campaign
Your Quick Guide to Effective Postcard Marketing in 2023
From Delivery to Conversion: 8 Postcard Campaign Metrics That Drive Results