Fuji Xerox Australia is among the companies pushing a carbon neutral range of papers, and answering questions on why printers should choose carbon neutral
Q What is a carbon footprint?
A This is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from a business, product or service, expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. In the case of Fuji Xerox paper it is measured by a life cycle analysis (LCA) which considers the impact of a product’s carbon gas emissions during manufacture, distribution and disposal – cradle to grave.
Q What is carbon neutral?
A This refers to a voluntary mechanism that seeks to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions from all activities. Carbon neutrality is achieved through a combination of reduction strategies so that zero net emissions can be achieved. Examples may include energy efficiency and purchasing verified carbon offsets for all remaining unavoidable emissions.
Q What Fuji Xerox papers are now certified FSC Carbon Neutral?
A Performer A4 80gsm, a reliable and consistent paper offering enhanced whiteness and high performance for everyday printing, Business + Digital A4 85gsm, an affordable multi-purpose office paper that now has a super smooth surface, and Colotech Idol A4, A3, SRA3 100gsm, a heavier weight digital paper that produces vibrant and luscious colour on a super smooth surface.
Q Have the physical paper properties of Fuji Xerox papers changed through the carbon neutral process?
A The energy used to produce and transport the paper has not changed, it is just that the energy used throughout the life cycle of the paper has been quantified, then equated to carbon using the standard conversion factors. Then carbon offsets have been bought to neutralise the carbon emitted during the various stages of the paper life cycle.
Q Have the technical specifications of the paper properties changed?
A Yes. Fuji Xerox chose to enhance the technical properties of each of the papers by either increasing the whiteness, smoothness, and / or grammage, but at no extra cost to the printer.
Q What is the quality, runnability guarantee?
A The quality, runnability guarantee ensures that Fuji Xerox stands behind this product. If the printer is not 100 per cent satisfied it will be exchanged.
Q What is The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)?
A FSC is an international organisation which promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. It accredits independent third-party organisations to FSC standards to ensure well managed forestry and accredited procedures through all aspects of the supply chain. Its trademark provides international recognition to organisations that support the growth of forest management.
Q What is a carbon offset?
A Carbon offsetting is a mechanism that allows organisations to negate their unavoidable climate change impact by purchasing carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are created by projects such as wind farms or biogas renewable energy plants that avoid greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise have occurred under business as usual. Each tonne of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide equivalent – CO2-e) saved by these projects is registered, audited and verified, and sold as a carbon offset.
Q How can we be assured of the legitimacy of the carbon offsets?
A All carbon offsets used by Fuji Xerox Australia are tested to meet the Australian Federal Government National Carbon Offset Standard. Further, the Carbon Reduction Institute tests carbon offset projects against five key criteria. These are: financially additional, environmentally additional, permanence, no leakage, and finally validated and verified savings.
Q How do you know how much to offset?
A These products have been through a rigorous and independently verified LCA adhering to the ISO 14044 series. This means its carbon footprint has been measured, with every stage of its production clearly defined, and the greenhouse gas impact for a ream of paper is determined.
Q How do I know these products are actually carbon neutral?
A We have gone through a thorough process of officially certifying these products as carbon neutral through the Carbon Reduction Institute’s NoCO2 Certification Program, which is Australia’s most subscribed climate change certification program. An LCA has been conducted and verified using international standards for greenhouse gas accounting (GHG Protocol), and all offsets purchased meet the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).
Q What is the benefit to printers using Fuji Xerox carbon neutral papers?
A It is commonly recognised that printers that take action on climate change are able to capture the growing demand from climate conscious consumers and investors. They can also receive increased media attention and attract or retain good quality staff, to mention just a few benefits. Print businesses that purchase Fuji Xerox carbon neutral papers are also taking action on climate change, and are therefore able to tap into the corresponding range of benefits.
Q Will printers that use carbon neutral papers be able to claim that they are decreasing their carbon footprint?
A Yes. A large component of a printer’s carbon footprint is what is known as supply chain emissions – the embodied emissions in the goods and services that a business procures. This therefore includes the paper they use, so purchasing goods and services from carbon neutral suppliers instantly reduces their carbon footprint.
Q Can printers that use Fuji Xerox Australia carbon neutral papers claim or promote the use of this product?
A Yes. In fact, a ‘Certified Carbon Neutral Paper’ logo has been designed and approved by the Carbon Reduction Institute for such occasions. Contact Fuji Xerox Australia if you are a printing partner and would like to use the approved logo –it will prepare the necessary agreement so you can start promoting printing on carbon neutral paper. A company using the paper must communicate this accurately; so for instance they cannot claim to be a carbon neutral company themselves, or claim their office or stationery is carbon neutral. It must be specific to the use of the carbon neutral papers only.
Q What does disposal refer to in the LCA?
A Disposal refers to the emissions impact of the product going to landfill/recycling. Figures regarding the characteristics of the average Australian paper waste stream are published by Australian Government department reports, and these are used in determining the proportion that goes to landfill versus recycling.
