Monash commits to purchasing paper with at least 80% recycled content

Monash University’s announced its commitment to purchasing of recycled content paper.

From 1 September 2008, Monash, including all Monash Retail run shops, Departments, Library, Monash Print Services and Corporate Express will only purchase and supply paper which contains at least 80% recycled content.

This initiative was endorsed by the Monash Procurement Board and VCG (Environment) in May of this year and demonstrates Monash’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Production of recycled content paper not only uses fewer trees than non-recycled content paper, but also requires about 80 per cent less energy and 60 per cent less water.

As from 1 September 2008, the only 80GSM white copy paper available for purchase from Corporate Express will comprise their Evolve, Reflex and Australian paper products. These products (which contain at least 80% recycled content paper) are premium white and designed for use in all copiers and printers. If paper with less than 80 per cent recycled content is ordered, the order will be automatically substituted with Evolve’s 100% recycled content paper.

To support other environmentally responsible products available from Corporate Express, University Cost Centres should consider purchasing from within their EarthSaver range; a list of products available is at http://monash.edu/green/issues/purchasing/

Monash’s Green Purchasing Committee is researching recycled alternatives for coloured copy paper and other special use papers. As these become available, they will be promoted via the Corporate Express Net Express System.

For further information, please contact your local Green Representative or Environmental Officer, or visit http://monash.edu.au/green.