How to choose eco-friendly stationery supplies

Can we afford to switch to eco-friendly stationery without blowing the budget? It’s a good question, and a common concern of office managers all over the world. But in this day and age, where eco-friendly choices (even down to your stationery supply) can make or break your business, the real question is, can you afford not to?

It’s a classic balancing act…wanting to do the right thing for the environment, while keeping your business costs to a minimum. But the great news is that with more and more businesses choosing to supply stationery that’s eco-friendly, prices are falling. With a bit of guidance, it’s easy to find sustainable options that tick all of the boxes – reliable, affordable, and better for the planet.

Why eco-friendly stationery matters

While we’re not here to give you a lesson on saving the planet (you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want to do your bit) it’s worth pointing out that traditional stationery can be problematic. Why? Mainly the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, and the fact that paper production results in deforestation and the loss of habitats.

Thankfully, lots of companies now supply stationery that’s eco-friendly, so you can make a conscious business choice to do better. You might not think that switching to recycled paper will make a huge difference, but when you consider how much you print each week, it quickly adds up. The same goes for biodegradable pens and plastic-free planners.

Understanding what makes stationery supplies eco-friendly

Shopping for an eco-friendly supply of stationery can be tricky if you’re not sure what it really means. Here’s what to look out for:

• Materials – Eco-friendly stationery often uses recycled paper or sustainably sourced fibres, which help reduce deforestation. Instead of choosing plastic ballpoint pens and Biros in your office, you might want to look for pens made from recycled or biodegradable materials. These break down more easily and don’t need to end up in landfill.
• Inks and adhesives – The less toxic, the better! Many brands that supply stationery now use soy, water or plant-based inks, which are kinder to the environment than traditional chemical-heavy options. You can also buy natural adhesives that are made from starch, vegetable oils and proteins.
• Packaging – We all know that packaging can be problematic, so look for stationery supplies that come in minimal, recyclable or compostable packaging to reduce excess waste. The goal is to avoid plastic wrap that ends up in the general waste bin.

When you choose stationery with these qualities, you’re not just ticking a box but supporting a healthier planet. Not to mention sending a positive message to your workforce and clients.

Key eco-friendly stationery items to look for

Finding businesses that supply stationery that’s sustainable and eco-friendly is easier than ever before. This list will really open your eyes to what’s available.

• Recycled paper products – Look for printer paper, sticky notes, notebooks and planners made from 100% recycled paper. You’ll also find innovative ‘paper’ products made from agricultural waste, like straw.
• Refillable pens and pencils – An easy way to cut down on plastic is to choose refillable pens and pencils. Even better, choose pens made from a high percentage of recycled material that contain toxic-free ink.
• Bamboo or wooden desk accessories – It’s easy to eliminate excess plastic from your desks by choosing bamboo or wooden desk organisers, letter racks and pen pots. Added bonus – they look much more luxurious and boast longevity, too!
• Zero plastic tape – If you use a lot of sticky tape in your workplace, it’s worth switching to zero plastic tape. This is made out of plant-based renewable resources, and is suitable for everyday use, whether you’re sealing an envelope, card or parcel.
• Eco-friendly printer ink – While you might wonder if printer ink counts as stationery, it absolutely does. It’s a crucial supply many offices rely on, and thankfully, eco-friendly alternatives like soy-based or plant-based inks are now widely available. Remanufactured ink cartridges are another green alternative. These are printer ink cartridges that have been cleaned, restored and refilled, so they can be used again, rather than ending up in landfill.

How to verify eco-friendly claims on stationery supplies

Of course, while there are many incredible businesses out there working hard to supply stationery that won’t harm the planet, not all eco-friendly stationery is created equal. To avoid buying something with the best intentions, only do find out you’ve been duped, look for stationery supplies that have the following:

• Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified
• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
• The Carbon Trust Standard
• The Soil Association Organic Standard
• The EU Ecolabel
• Blue Angel
• Cradle to Cradle Certified™

Do your research – knowledge is power! Read customer reviews to establish trust, and ensure sustainability practices stretch beyond the products themselves to include the brands you’re buying from too.

Balancing eco-friendly with quality and cost

Now, we know what you’re thinking…this all sounds brilliant but how much is it going to cost? And we get it – for any business, cost is a big factor when choosing office supplies. Switching to eco-friendly stationery can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity, especially when budgets are tight. 

But here’s the good news! Thanks to innovation and increased competition, eco-friendly stationery is becoming more affordable and accessible. Plus, societal expectations are shifting. Customers, clients, and employees are increasingly expecting businesses to act responsibly. Making greener choices isn’t just good ethics, but good for business. . Corporate social responsibility is more than a buzzword; it’s a key part of building a modern, trustworthy brand.

At the same time, it’s important to think about quality. Cheaper stationery might save you money upfront but often needs replacing sooner, which isn’t very sustainable. Choosing quality eco-friendly products means they last longer, reducing waste and the need for constant reordering. In that way, durability is sustainability – it saves you money over time and helps protect the environment.

Where to find eco-friendly brands that supply stationery

You’ll find that most of the big online and high street brands now offer dedicated green ranges of stationery, along with the specialist eco-stationery retailers that focus solely on sustainable products.

Look for eco-friendly brands that:

• Are transparent about their production, sourcing, and certifications
• Are local to reduce your carbon footprint from shopping
• Offer bulk buying options and subscription services for resource efficiency

Doing a little research goes a long way, and once you find trusted suppliers, switching to greener stationery becomes a seamless part of your office routine.

How to make your supply of stationery eco-friendly

Switching your supply stationery doesn’t have to happen all at once. In fact, it’s better not to waste what you already have. Start small by replacing everyday essentials like pens and paper, then gradually build eco-friendly practices into your company culture. Getting the whole team involved is key. Encourage everyone to make greener choices, from printing only what’s necessary to recycling old supplies properly. Celebrate the small wins along the way and share success stories to keep the momentum alive. Over time, these simple steps add up to a meaningful difference for both your business and the planet.

Final thoughts…

Choosing eco-friendly stationery is no longer a ‘nice thing to do’ but rather crucial for modern businesses that care about their impact on the planet. Start where you can, balance quality and cost, and choose trusted suppliers who share your values. Take the first step today, and you’ll soon see how even the small changes in your workplace can add up to big wins for your business, the people you work with, and the planet.