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Environment

TreeFrog copier paper spares the trees

By Ben Coxworth
April 23, 2010
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TreeFrog copier paper is made entirely from sugar cane waste and salvaged bamboo (Photos: Friviere, annieo76)
TreeFrog copier paper is made entirely from sugar cane waste and salvaged bamboo (Photos: Friviere, annieo76)

It’s no secret that paper production and deforestation go hand-in-hand. Long before we ever knew of the evils of styrofoam cups, drift-net fishing, or any of a thousand other ecological no-no’s, we knew that using paper meant killing trees. Recycled paper is a step in the right direction, but it still involves the harvesting of trees early in the process. Now, however, TreeZero paper products is offering up TreeFrog copier paper - it’s made with absolutely no wood fiber, just sugar cane and bamboo.

TreeFrog has a weight of 22 pounds and a brightness of 92, which is a technical way of saying that it’s decent-quality paper. It’s composed of 70% sugar cane and 30% bamboo fiber. The sugar cane is agricultural waste material, left over from sugar harvesting, and would otherwise end up being burned or dumped. It comes from a cane plantation near TreeZero’s processing facilities, so little carbon is generated by its transportation. The bamboo is likewise not grown specifically for paper production, but is salvaged from construction sites, scaffolding, and other uses.

TreeFrog can be recycled along with wood pulp paper, and is third party tested for composition. It is also chlorine-free, and uses 10-15% less bleach in its production than normal paper.

Sounds pretty good, considering its price is reportedly similar to what we’re used to paying to feed our copiers.

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EnvironmentBambooRecycledPaperDeforestation
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
7 comments
obo
Problem is the whole idea that paper production is a bad thing is a myth. No-one is cutting down rainforests to make paper. It comes from sustainable plantation forests in North America and Scandinavia mostly, and here in NZ. If you believe in forests as carbon sinks we need to use as much paper as possible. :) Grow \'em, cut them down, replant, and throw the paper down an old mineshaft. Does more for the planet than feelgood recycling.
Dr.A.Jagadeesh
Paper from 70% sugar cane and 30% bamboo fiber will be an eco-friendly way of utilising waste material. The process will catch up around the globe.
Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India
Gadgeteer
Sounds good, although we really should continue on the road to a paperless society. I also wonder about its archival stability.
xyxoxy
This sounds promising but maybe they should finish building their website and figure out how to distribute their product before we get too excited.
Daniel Humphries
Zero tree paper is definatly the way to go with these materials or hemp. Tree plantations for wood and paper replace diverse forests with a monculture of pine trees.
Jim Sadler
Bamboo is a wonderful plant and we need to cultivate a lot more of it. There is even fabric derived from bamboo.
SusanPaddock
Forgive me being so late to the conversation, but it is good to make a few updates: TreeZero paper is made entirely from recycled sugarcane fiber called bagasse which is an RRF (harvested every 13 months). It is 20 lb , 92 bright , white ECF and is completely recyclable. It is distributed nationally by Office Depot/Max , Staples SE, WB Mason NE , Amazon , Artlite (Atlanta) and other Office Supply distributors. You can purchase by the ream at 1800 FedEx Stores across the US. It has a four year performance record with some of our nations Most Sustainable universities and businesses due to performance and environmental value. Learn more at treezero.com ( which will also be updated soon) as we continue to provide sustainable paper solutions to North America. We thank you for choosing TreeZero paper.
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