Seventh Generation recycled paper products are whitened without the use of chemicals containing chlorine in order to help prevent chlorinated hydrocarbons from polluting our waterways. We believe in processing without the use of chemicals containing chlorine because chlorine processing can produce chlorinated hydrocarbons, which have a negative impact on the environment. By choosing not to process with chlorine, we help reduce the overall amount of chlorinated toxins released into the environment, and in that way we're helping to make the world a place for you and your family.

We are always looking for packaging solutions and alternatives to plastic, but at this point believe that the best environmental profile and efficacy is achieved with plastic film for our paper products. It is the best option as it is lightweight and protects the paper from moisture or other damages. Plastic film is 100% recyclable and has less of a carbon footprint for production and recyclability compared to paper packaging. We are currently using a 50% recycled #4 plastic film, which is recyclable with other plastic films like grocery bags. Most grocery stores will have a bin for recycling the bags and our plastic packaging can be added to that. We are always striving to improve our packaging and to lead the industry in the sustainability profile of our products and packaging, and you can learn more about our achievements here. 

Unfortunately, there is greater demand for virgin paper and manufacturers of virgin paper products are able to take advantage of economies of scale and pass on lower costs to the consumer. Also, there is generally more processing involved in bringing to market recycled paper for consumer use. Brands like Seventh Generation with high post-consumer content require collecting / sorting through recovered office waste paper, newsprint etc. These are labor and time intensive processes. Once the scrap paper has been sorted, it then needs to be de-inked before it can be formed into finished product. The cost of post-consumer content is getting higher, and the availability is decreasing. These are factors that we have to weigh in our efforts to bring the best recycled paper products to the market.

The plastic films we use to package our paper products and baby diapers are 100% recyclable! They are a #4 plastic film and can be recycled along with other plastic films such as grocery bags. Most grocery stores will have a bin for recycling the bags and our plastic packaging can be added to that