Whole Foods Market went beyond using recycled paper by successfully implementing an innovative “closed-loop” recycled paper program for the production of its April 2009 Earth Month materials. With the help of Mohawk Fine Papers, Whole Foods Market closed the loop by recycling and reusing its own paper to create zero waste. Rather than recycling on a regular basis, Whole Foods Market stored its outdated materials until it had enough volume for the paper needed to produce its in-store Earth Month materials.

WFM then took its papers waste, had it de-inked and converted into paper pulp, then sent it back to Mohawk to be manufactured into new 100% postconsumer waste paper – thus creating third-generation paper.

The papers used for recycling are FSC certified, and include Mohawk Via 100% PC Cool White and Mohawk Options 100% PC White. Because the papers were originally manufactured by, and then re-manufactured by Mohawk, the integrity of the papers’ environmental properties, and any third party certifications were easily maintained.

More about Whole Foods Earth Month.

More about Mohawk environmental papers.