Innovation

Compostable tableware products are innovative solutions to plastic waste that contribute to the sustainable development goal of responsible consumption and production. Recyclable tableware and paper items also help reduce the demand for natural resources and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new materials. Sustainable Development Goal 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Green Paper Products supports SDG 12 targets 12.5 and 12.6 as it encourages other corporations to adopt sustainable practices and reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

GreenPaper Products works with food service companies and the household industry to promote sustainability and a more responsible approach toward consumption and waste. The company collaborates with food delivery services, food trucks, cafes, and restaurants to supply them with single-use packaging. Aaron Saks, the general manager at GreenPaper, explains, "There's been a huge drive for food delivery…restaurants who are using DoorDash and UberEATS want to use compostable products. They don't want to use single-use plastics. So we're there to provide these companies, restaurants, and small businesses with alternatives that are more environmentally friendly than styrofoam and plastic". During the interview, our group learned that consumers have been actively seeking out eco-friendly products to reduce their carbon footprint in recent years. Through using compostable goods such as plates, cups, and containers, these food companies reduce the large amount of plastic waste that goes to landfills. GreenPaper Products sells items that can be turned into nutrient-rich soil, minimizing environmental impact and creating a better world for future generations.

Green Paper Products

Inspiration

After speaking with Aaron Saks, a managing director at Green Paper Products, we learned that his father, Steve Saks, founded the company in 2009 alongside his friend Harry Goodfriend. They were both “wrapping up their careers and looking for something else to do '' that was meaningful. Harry’s family was already involved with the paper industry. They sold recyclable stationery. They received demand for “other paper goods like napkins” so they decided to sell that alongside the stationery. What inspired them to create Green Paper Products was that they wanted to find a way “to make the Earth better for his children and grandchildren”. This one desire is what led to Green Paper Products being formed. This led to the overall mission of Green Paper Products which is essential to “really help replace single-use plastics, and eliminate the use of styrofoam by allowing other small businesses such as restaurants, organizations, and just general consumers by allowing them to use alternatives to those products given by a collective desire to create a better world for future generations, the founders embarked on a mission far beyond business profitability. They aimed to mitigate environmental harm caused by prevalent single-use plastics and styrofoam. This noble vision shaped the core ethos of Green Paper Products - to serve as a catalyst for change, providing viable alternatives to traditional, environmentally damaging products. Now Steve and Harry’s legacy and vision are being carried on by Steve’s son, Aaron. Aaron is looking to continue to grow the company in the US as there is “so much growth potential in the US right now”.

Overall impact

There are many short and long-term effects in using sustainable products that are sourced from plant-based or recycled materials and are either compostable or recyclable like Green Paper Products has done. A short-term effect of the innovation is consumer perception. For instance, a positive image can come from using reusable products. Adopting sustainable practices can enhance a company's image, especially among environmentally conscious consumers.

A long-term effect of the innovation is the environmental impact. Green Paper Products helps the environment by conserving resources. Using recycled or plant-based materials helps conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental footprint of the company. Waste reduction is another long-term effect that has an environmental impact. Compostable or recyclable products contribute to reducing waste and pollution, aligning with long-term environmental goals.

There is concrete evidence that suggests that Green Paper Products has had an impact on the environment. Their use of sustainable products has reduced their carbon footprint. This is because using plant-based materials often requires fewer fossil fuels in the production process compared to traditional materials like plastic.

Recycled materials typically have a lower carbon footprint than other materials since they don't require the same amount of energy for extraction and processing. Also, resource conservation has concrete evidence behind it. Companies like Green Paper Products that prioritize sustainable sourcing contribute to the conservation of natural resources. For instance, using recycled materials reduces the demand for new raw materials, conserving forests and reducing the need for mining. Finally, Green Paper Products has had an impact on waste reduction. Compostable and recyclable products contribute to waste reduction. Compostable items break down into natural components, reducing the burden on landfills. Recyclable materials can be reprocessed into new products, diverting waste from landfills.

Business benefit

The growth in demand for compostable and recyclable goods has benefited Green Paper Products in a few ways. Since the start, the number of employees has grown, even through the pandemic. Throughout the interview, the employees we spoke to were passionate and enthusiastic about their line of work and transparent about business goals. Not only are they looking to hire more people in the future, but they are also looking to expand their operations and collaborations across the United States. The marketing director, Jeremy, revealed that custom printing and packaging requests have increased immensely. He states, "While it's great that we offer all these types of compostable products, a lot of small businesses, want to get their name out there." Despite these innovative products being relatively new in America, people are beginning to recognize the importance and potential profits of practicing sustainability. What differentiates them from other brands is that they sell to individual consumers rather than only selling in bulk to organizations. The company's success has motivated it to offer more services like custom packaging and a compost finder within the website. With a simple search on their website, customers can find the compost and information on how to compost correctly. Green Paper is looking to add more compost locations all around the country and make compost facilities easily attainable for people who don't live in places like New York or California.

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Social and environmental benefit

Green Paper Products has had a significant impact on society by pioneering environmentally friendly practices in the production and distribution of paper goods. Their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly materials has contributed to a reduction in the overall carbon footprint associated with the paper industry. Firstly, Green Paper Products has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the environmental impact of traditional paper production. By emphasizing the use of recycled materials and sustainable forestry practices, the company has influenced consumer behavior, encouraging individuals and businesses to make more environmentally conscious choices.

The introduction of eco-friendly paper products by Green Paper Products has also led to a decrease in deforestation and habitat destruction. Through the promotion of recycled paper and alternative fibers, the company has helped mitigate the negative effects of conventional paper production on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Moreover, Green Paper Products has been a catalyst for change within the industry. Competitors and other businesses are likely to follow suit, adopting similar environmentally responsible practices to remain competitive in the market. This ripple effect has the potential to transform the entire paper industry, making it more sustainable and ecologically responsible.

Additionally, the company's commitment to green practices has contributed to a positive public image. Consumers increasingly value businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability, leading to increased brand loyalty and trust.

In summary, Green Paper Products has made a positive impact on society by influencing consumer behavior, reducing environmental harm associated with paper production, and inspiring positive changes within the industry. Their efforts contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically responsible future for the paper goods sector.

Green Paper Products has had a significant impact on the environment. Green Paper Products has adopted environmentally friendly practices in the production of paper products, which aim to minimize their ecological footprint. They use recycled materials, implement sustainable forestry practices, and employ eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Such initiatives can contribute to the conservation of forests, reducing water and energy consumption and decreasing overall environmental impact. Green Paper Products promotes the use of recycled content in their products, which lowers the pressure on natural resources. From day one, their mission has always been to make environmental changes by offering products that increase sustainability goals and promote the diversion of organic materials from landfills.

Interviews

Aaron Saks, General Manager

Jeremy Cunningham, Director of Marketing/Content

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