Should Recycled Holiday Cards Look Like They’re Printed on Recycled Paper?

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to begin thinking about ordering the annual holiday greeting cards for friends, family, business associates and customers. Given the environmental concerns this year, sending holiday cards printed on recycled paper would seem to make good common sense.

When shopping for recycled holiday cards there are a variety of formats from which to choose, printed on different colored paper stocks. Many recycled cards are touted as "printed on 100% recycled paper." Some even go as far as to state what percentage of that paper is actually of recycled post-consumer fibers. How is Recycled Paper Made? is a good reference on the paper making process, explaining the differences between pre and post consumer fibers as used in making recycled paper.

When recycled paper became popular years ago it was thought that it should look like it was recycled. Consumers expected to see bits of trash or flecks of foreign particles in the paper, feeling this was necessary in order to be certain the paper was actually recycled. That is no longer the case. Recycled paper can be just as bright white and clean as virgin pulp. Without the recycled symbol printed somewhere on the card it would be almost impossible to tell if the card stock it was printed on was actually recycled.

Here in lies the quandary. When championing the cause of environmental protectionism, does it appear you are doing your part to help if you choose to send nice white recycled greeting cards this holiday season? Even if the recycled symbol is on the back of the card, is that good enough to call attention to your participation in the go green cause?

Or, would you be better off sending cards printed on recycled brown Kraft card stock? Of course, cards printed on brown recycled paper can look just as nice, depending on the ink colors used, but it that necessary? Are consumers becoming more familiar with the recycled symbol and actually looking for it on printed materials?

It is interesting to note that there are not many recycled holiday cards available in the marketplace, even with the rush to go green. And, if offered, there are not many pleasing designs from which to choose. The exception would be a company called CardsDirect. On their website are over 100 card designs with everything from Christmas cards to Birthday cards. Many are clearly intended for those wanting to promote environmental awareness with designs that actually incorporate the recycled symbol and sentiments such as, "Season’s Greenings."

Even more interesting is that several designs are offered printed on brown Kraft or white card stock for those unsure on which way to go. Which leads me back to my original question… should recycled holiday cards look recycled? As the holiday season approaches, I look forward to your thoughts on the matter.