Pre-consumer and post-consumer fibres: retain the definitions

The original illustration is a guide to purchasing records, not a fibre identification, certificate or test report.

Pre-consumer and post-consumer describe different source stages. Keep the definitions used in the supplier’s documents instead of reducing both to an undefined “recycled paper” label. If a customer requires post-consumer input, state that requirement at the first sample request rather than after packaging development.

Keep the source definition

FSC UK describes post-consumer material as reclaimed after end-users have used a product for its intended purpose. Its pre-consumer definition includes conditions about unintended material, lack of suitability for end use and inability to reuse it on site in the process that generated it. Apply the rules used in the documentation; do not automatically put every production offcut in the same category.

Record the grade and document revision

For a RECAST candidate, record its grade, specification, source category, stated proportion, document issuer and revision. If a document only confirms recycled fibre, do not add a post-consumer percentage. A similar-looking paper from another brand cannot supply evidence for this grade.

Separate origin from appearance

Keep colour, flecks and feel in the visual assessment. Use an approved sample to record the desired colour and surface, source documents to establish the fibre information, and order and batch details to connect the purchase. The records serve different purposes and cannot replace one another.

Reconcile the order and delivery

Where the supplier document and order use different names, confirm that they refer to the same material. Reassess the relevant evidence when the grade, specification or supply source changes. A close visual match does not establish unchanged source conditions. Retaining delivery identification and project samples helps the printer, buyer and brand review the same purchase.

Do not infer a percentage from colour

Can paper colour reveal the post-consumer proportion? No. Obtain grade-specific source information. Further reading: FSC UK reclaimed-material guidance. The guidance explains general definitions; it does not establish certification or a recycled percentage for a VANGLAM grade.