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Sustainable papers

Sustainable papers

Why Gmund papers are good for the environment

At Gmund Paper, sustainable paper products for every purpose are a matter of course. From glamorous appearances to naturally wild surfaces to pure simplicity, our papers cover every need and offer a wide variety of plastic-free, ecological solutions.

Always further, always better

Continuous development, curiosity and looking to the future are essential components of Gmund Papier’s recipe for success. As a paper manufacturer, we are pioneers in the industry, particularly in the areas of alternative fibres, through-dyed fine papers and expressive surface finishes. We attach particular importance not only to protecting the environment, but also to conserving resources for future generations.

What our paper does for the environment

Cotton

For thousands of years, the particularly long and durable cotton fibres have been processed into paper. Cotton paper has a high stability with a soft surface. The cotton used in Gmund is a second cut, pre-consumer recycled raw material.

Hemp

Hemp is a sustainable alternative to conventional paper raw materials. Hemp grows quickly and can be fully utilised. Hemp paper is valued for its high strength, environmental compatibility and low energy balance.

Fast-growing fibres

Gmund Paper has one primary goal: to conserve natural resources. To achieve this, more and more native annual plants are being used, for example mixed grasses, hay and weeds.

Recycled paper

Recycled paper has many advantages, it protects the environment and saves resources. It does not require fresh wood and wastes less energy and water.

Sustainable with a certificate

At Gmund Papier, we take the issue of sustainability very seriously. That’s why we don’t just talk about it, but also want to officially demonstrate it. For this reason, we have had many of our processes, raw materials and papers certified.

Below you will find a brief overview of our most important certificates.

Nothing but Plants – Our machines are vegetarian

We only use plant fibres for the production of our papers. As an FSC® certified company (FSC-C006462), we actively contribute to promoting the responsible use of forests.

We also invest in the development of as yet unexplored plant fibres for paper production. In our own development laboratory, Greenfibra Labs, we are researching ways to use raw materials such as hemp, straw, mixed-field raw fibres and our customers‘ plant-based production waste as sustainable alternatives to conventional pulp.

Gmund Papier is FSC certified

It is the policy of Büttenpapierfabrik Gmund not to participate directly or indirectly in the following unacceptable activities: Illegal logging or trade in illegally harvested wood or wood products. Violation of traditional rights and human rights in forestry operations. Destruction of specially protected areas in forestry operations. Significant conversion of naturally grown forest into plantations or non-timber forestry operations. Introduction of genetically modified organisms into forestry operations. Violations of the ILO Declaration or one of the ILO core conventions that define fundamental principles and rights at work.

Download FSC certificate

Gmund Used makes its contribution to climate protection

We only have this one earth and CO2 knows no borders.

We can only improve the climate sustainably if we reduce CO2 emissions worldwide.

Unavoidable CO2 emissions during the production of our colourful Gmund Used recycling collection are offset 100% by recognised and verified climate protection projects in developing countries through a financial climate contribution.

At the same time, we are significantly reducing our CO2 emissions here in Gmund by using 100% emission-free self-generated and purchased green electricity in paper production.

Download Gmund certificate Financial climate contribution

‘Allez les Bleus!’ A blue angel in France

Les Natural is a sustainable recycled cardboard made from 100% waste paper, which is produced at our French plant Cartonnerie Jean FG. The waste paper is collected in the immediate vicinity of the mill and sorted by colour to make the recycling process as efficient as possible. Labelled with the Blue Angel, the German government’s eco-label.

The Blue Angel guarantees that a product with the same quality and usability has a lower impact on the environment and climate. Particular attention is paid to resource-saving production (water, energy, (recycled) materials) and sustainable raw material extraction.

Download Blue Angel certificate:

Blue Angel Les Naturals Compo 1

Blue Angel Les Naturals Compo 2

Circular economy

From the cradle to the cradle instead of from the cradle to the grave – the world can only cope with a limited amount of waste, and raw materials are becoming scarce. Waste is just raw material in the wrong place.

Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) turns waste into raw materials for new products. This globally recognised standard certifies safe, sustainable quality products for the circular economy.

Material health, recyclability, renewable energy, water management and social standards are tested. More information here.

Download Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver certificate

The raw material cycle of Gmund Paper

At Gmund Paper, we were the first paper mill in the world to certify a coloured paper range with the Cradle to Cradle Certified® product standard, achieving the silver level.
achieving the silver level. The entire Gmund Colors collection is more sustainable than ever before thanks to its CO2 neutrality and Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver certification.

We were even able to achieve ‘Gold’ status in the areas of material cycle, energy and social standards.

The raw materials used in the production of our C2C® Gmund paper are recyclable.
After use, the paper can be returned to the technical cycle, for example as a recycled raw material.
With the C2C® principle, we turn waste into raw material for new products.

C2C® (Cradle to Cradle) Benefits

Cradle to Cradle®
From the cradle to the cradle instead of from the cradle to the grave. With Cradle to Cradle (= C2C), material flows become cycles, waste becomes raw material for new products. C2C is based on 5 pillars.
Material health
Gmund Papier only uses chemicals that are harmless to people and the environment.
Material reuse
Materials are recycled from the utilisation phase to the reuse and return phase. The avoidance of waste is actively promoted.
Water management
Water is irreplaceable for Gmund. We use it efficiently and ever more sparingly. We protect it responsibly.
Renewable energies
Up to 75 % of our electrical energy comes from our own renewable sources. We only purchase energy with a green electricity certificate.
Social justice
A duty of care and a sense of responsibility for our employees and all those with whom we come into contact are a matter of course for us. We are committed to social justice and sustainability.

Our C2C® Silver certified papers

– Gmund Classic
– Gmund Colors Matt
– Gmund Colors Metallic
Gmund Creative System
– Gmund Hanf
– Gmund Original
– Gmund Used
– Gmund Wood

Environmentally friendly
Gmund processes renewable raw materials with an ecological self-image, paper expertise and an instinct for colour and design.
Quality
With almost 200 years of experience in paper production, we manufacture unique products with an outstanding look and feel in Gmund.
Comprehensive
Take a look: samples of all Gmund papers and envelopes can be ordered easily and conveniently via our online shop.