Which materials keep a printed piece recyclable?

Focus on three decisions: the paper, the ink, and the finish. Each one either supports recyclability or works against it, so choose them together.

• Paper: look for FSC-certified stocks or post-consumer recycled content on the label.
• Ink: soy inks and low-VOC inks deliver vivid color with fewer toxic emissions.
• Finish: avoid plastic lamination and glossy UV coatings, since they make a piece far harder to recycle.
• Feel: uncoated recycled substrates feel natural in hand and suit tags, cards, and other tactile pieces.

When in doubt, favor the option that can go back into the recycling stream cleanly at the end of its life.