Top Seven Things to Know About the Updated EcoPaper Database

The world’s largest collection of recycled and Next Gen paper and packaging solutions developed by Canopy is back and bigger than ever. In addition to the sheer size of the EcoPaper Database we wanted to point out some of the newest, most relevant, and most interesting features. Here are the top seven things to know about the updated EcoPaper Database.

By the numbers
This year’s EPD features a whopping 1,400 low-impact paper and packaging listings, including 531 new listings — a 19% increase over the previous edition. Additionally, 984 products are made from 100% recycled content, reducing reliance on forest fibre, while 461 incorporate cutting-edge Next Gen fibres.

Next Gen inputs continue to amaze
Innovative Next Gen inputs for fibre to make products in the current EPD range from agricultural residues, like wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, flax, and non-GMO sugar beet residue. There are also products made with food waste, like papers made from grape waste, banana fibre, and even mushrooms. And some surprising innovations, like paper made from fallen leaves, miscanthus grass, and even elephant poo.

It has very high standards
As in past editions of the EPD, we found such an abundance of great options, we only feature products that are category leaders. ‌For example, since there are so many 100% recycled copy papers available, we did not include those with only 30% recycled content. For packaging grades to be included, they needed to have at least 50% recycled or Next Gen content.

The EPD cares about your food
This year's listings have both Food Safe certification screening, and PFAS screening in food service ware, helping companies avoid ‘forever chemicals’ in food-safe packaging. 

You can take (parts of) it home with you
This year, we have introduced a download feature, so partners can download their searches. Simply customize a segment that is relevant to your business, and download it so it can be forwarded or easily referenced.  

It’s truly global
Products listed in the EPD are available in numerous regions around the world. It’s easy to search where to find them by using the expanded filter function located at the top of the EPD table. The database includes products manufactured in 40 countries, especially from North America, Europe, India, and China. 

Did you know Next Gen packaging can be recycled?
The EPD now features new recyclability certification links, where available, thereby providing additional transparency for Next Gen fibre products.

Find out how the EcoPaper Database can meet your companies’ paper and packaging needs at: https://canopyplanet.org/tools-and-resources/eco-paper-database.