Forests are known to play a critical role in the global economy, population and environment. However, over the past years, deforestation has caused a lot of ecosystem losses which have been valued at about US$2-5 trillion per year.

The situation has become dire. If forests are to be preserved for the future, citizens and businesses must take quick action. One way in which action can be taken is through seeking out and making use of sustainably produced wood and paper-based goods.

An example of a company that is making use of the sustainably produced products is the Paper Collective. Paper collective is a print design company located in Denmark. The company operates on three principles namely;

• Sustainability
• Social responsibility
• Strong creative partnership

The company is largely known for the creation of iconic and inspirational graphic prints. This is usually done by bringing together artists, designers and iconic graphic prints.

As a sustainable operation, Paper collective produces its widely known sustainable design posters through the use of high quality materials. These materials always bear the mark of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

By seeking out sustainably produced products, Paper collective has played a major role in improving forest management by;

• Maintaining social and environmental values related to forestry
• Shaping the market for wood and paper based products. This has led to an increase in demand for legal and sustainable products.
• Local communities have been involved in forest management operations and decision making process.

The growing demand for these sustainably produced products has led to improved forest management. It is worth noting that sustainably managed forests offer renewable sources of raw materials.

Forests have several benefits such as;

• They provide clean water and air
• They provide recreation opportunities
• They provide wildlife habitat
• They prevent floods
• They provide raw materials and nourishment.

Advantages of sustainably produced products

Recyclable

Sustainably Produced wood and paper-based products can easily be reused. They can also be converted into other different products. By this, their useful life is extended while value is also added to the available pool of wood fibre resources.

Renewable Resource

These sustainably produced products are usually produced from renewable resources. These resources may include; trees, water, soil nutrients and the product of sunlight.

Carbon Capture

When the forest cover is not interfered with, we are guaranteed of clean air. This is because, most trees take out carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon dioxide is usually replaced with oxygen thus mitigating gas emissions from greenhouses.

In forests that have been sustainably managed, the carbon released while harvesting is often offset by being taken up through re-growth and regeneration. In so doing, these forests become carbon neutral.

Carbon Storage

Sustainably produced products especially the wood and paper-based products can store carbon effectively for over long periods or even decades.

Saves Money

Products produced from sustainably produced materials are always less expensive. This is as compared to products produced from fresh raw materials. Therefore, by purchasing these sustainable products, you end up saving money.

Creates Awareness

In conserving the environment, making use of sustainably produced products can be a good start to preserve the planet. Creating awareness leads to more people becoming accustomed to the products. This eventually leads them to becoming eco-conscious thus encouraging them to participate in other environmental friendly activities.

Conclusion

Paper collective has been on the fore front when it comes to making use of sustainable products. Not only are their products environmentally friendly, but they are also very unique in nature.

Picture this, all Copenhagen posters are produced in limited quantities of let’s say 300-500 pieces. This ensures exclusivity with every piece possessing visual specialities thus making them to stand out.

Other than taking part in environmental conservation through the use of sustainable products, the company also takes part in other charitable activities. For every piece of graphic design that is purchased, 15% of the company’s income is directly donated to charity organisations.

These charity organisations are usually chosen by the respective designer of the graphic.