Top Sustainable Stationery Brands

Top Sustainable Stationery Brands That Don't Cost The Earth

It's important to us that your stationery doesn't cost the earth - in more ways than one. So, we've decided to look closely at some of the designs on the Papersmiths shelves.

At Papersmiths, our collections don't stop with great design and style. We believe in offering products that are locally produced, recycled, handmade, sustainably sourced, and designed with the environment in mind. That's why we've curated a list of eco-friendly stationery. From notebooks and diaries, to gift wrap and greetings cards. We've put together a list from brands that share our commitment to sustainability.

Our selection of stylish and sustainable stationery designs features innovative techniques and alternative materials like stone tree-free paper. With zero-waste and plastic-free packaging options, you can enjoy high-quality design with sustainability at the forefront. 

Let's start with some frequently asked questions about sustainable materials used in our stationery products and what they actually mean for the environment.

What does FSC certified paper mean?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies forests to ensure their environments are responsibly managed and meet the highest environmental and social standards. According to the FSC: FSC certified forests must be managed to the highest environmental, social and economic standards.

What is Stone Paper? 

Stone paper is made made from limestone powder and HD-polyethylene. It can make a major contribution to environmental protection by reducing waste and conserving resources. This eco-friendly option requires less water and chemicals to produce than traditional paper, and is made from recycled materials. It's  photo-degradable in a landfill. It's durable and long-lasting, tear-resistant and velvety smooth, making it a valuable investment.
Read more about stone paper on our blog here.

What is GRS certified

GRS stands for Global Recycle Standard (GRS). It's a certification driving the textile industry towards sustainability through the use of recycled materials. GRS not only addresses consumer demands for recycled products but also ensures socially ethical practices and environmental responsibility, particularly in chemical usage. By meeting GRS standards, brands minimise environmental impact, promote ethical labour conditions, and contribute to a circular economy. Whether sourced from industrial waste or separate clothing collections, GRS-certified materials pave the way for a greener future.

Which stationery brands are the most eco friendly?

Explore the best of the bunch in our eco-curated edit below: 

1. Papersmiths British Made Notebooks with Veggie Ink

Our debut Papersmiths paperback notebooks are a top pick for sustainable stationery. Designed in Hackney and made by a family-run bindery in Buckinghamshire, these British-made notebooks combine top-quality production with eco-friendly materials. The inside paper is recycled, FSC-certified, and printed with vegetable-based ink, making them a great choice for those who want to support socially responsible and environmentally safe practices. Not to mention the irresistible textures that appeal both visually and tactilely.

Shop the Papersmiths notebook collection here.

Morello Notebook

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Calypso Notebook

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2. Karst - 100% Recycled Stone Paper Stationery

These Karst designs are made from high-quality, 100% sustainably recycled stone! Their eco-friendly stone pages are acid-free, bright white, and waterproof, with a premium look and feel. Built to be better than wood-pulp paper: more durable, more sustainable, and even smoother!

Shop the Karst collection here.

3. The Completist  - Independent Stationery Brand with Sustainable Paper Stock

The Completist provides us with 'printastic' stationery, coming to you from South East London. All their paper goods are made from FSC-certified paper and come in biodegradable film bags. The rest of the packaging is made from FSC-certified cards or recycled paper, and 90% of the range is made in the UK using small, independent manufacturers. Most of their goods are printed using vegetable inks too!

You can go ahead and shop the full Completist collection here.

Superbloom Printed Undated Pocket Diary

Laurel Undated Weekly Planner

Daily Undated Planner A5 Flora

Weekly Pocket Planner

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Weekly Undated Planner A5

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Daily Undated Planner A5 - Flora

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4. Risotto - Recycled Paper Made in Glasgow

Risotto is print and design specialist run by designer Gabriella Marcella. Risotto products are all handmade in Glasgow using recycled paper.

Shop available styles in the Risotto collection here

5. Appointed - Biodegradable Notebooks and Diaries with 100% Cotton Bookcloth Covers

You can rely on this American-made brand for the finest quality, responsible sourcing, and products made to last. The book cloth on our Appointed notebooks is made from 100% cotton. They're also pH neutral and biodegradable.

Shop all Appointed products here.

2024 Year Task Planner B6 notebook

2025 Year Task Planner

Coming soon

B6 Notebook Oxford Blue

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B6 Notebook Lavender

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6. Storigraphic - UK Made 100% Plastic free Gift Wrap

All Storigraphic products are determined equally by design and sustainable manufacturing. They purposely avoid complicating the production process, which can set parameters to the finishing and format of a product.

Everything is made in the UK and 100% plastic-free. Even the glue used for securing the belly bands is plant-based. 

Shop Storigraphic here.

bold green wrapping paper Blue Flower Wrapping Papper Boho Purple Gift Wrap

Gift Wrap - Assembly

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Gift Wrap - Hornsea

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Gift Wrap - Boho Purple 5

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7. WOUF - 100% Cotton and Recycled Material Stationery Pouches 

Hailing from Barcelona, WOUF brings us a range of premium bags and accessories that seamlessly blend practicality with striking designs. All these pouches are crafted with a commitment to responsible materials. WOUF is synonymous with durability and the joy of daily use. From their design studio to their local production workshop, they meticulously craft accessories using recycled and organic materials, ensuring sustainability at every step.

The Lola pouch has a water-repellent finish - your sticky notes are safe with Lola! It is made of 100% recycled fabric from post-consumer plastic bottles in Barcelona.

WOUF's cases are made to Global Recycled Standards. (GRS certified)

Shop WOUF's recycled cases here.

Organic Cotton Wouf
Recycled Gingham Case

Corduroy Cotton Pouch

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Chloe Recycled Pouch

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Formentera Cotton Recycled Pouch

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8. Scribble & Daub - Sustainable Hand Painted Greetings Cards

Each design starts as a pen and ink drawing, then letterpress printed in their traditional local workshop in Rye, and then individually hand-painted in the studio.

You can read our exclusive interview with the founder Caroline Kent for more information on the brand here.

Shop all Scribble & Daub products here

Out of this world card

Out of this world greetings card 

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Happy Birthday Helter Skelter Card

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Rose Card

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9 . Once Upon a Tuesday - B Corp 100% Recycled Stationery Made in Cornwall

Founder Michele is on a mission to design calendars that look great, are a joy to use and are produced in a sustainable way. We think she's nailed it! The planet-friendly calendars are designed and printed on 100% FSC-certified recycled paper, in Cornwall, UK. 

You can shop the Once Upon a Tuesday collection here

2024 - 2025 collection coming soon.

10. Sister Paper Co. - Recycled, FSC Certified Paper Cards

The Sister Paper Co. home studio is powered by energy from a renewable source, and all the products are recyclable with compostable packaging.

All the paper stock is made from trees harvested responsibly from sustainable forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The greeting cards are wrapped in Nativia sleeves, a biodegradable clear film from bio-based origins made from renewable resources.

You can shop the complete Sister Paper Co. collection here.

Sun, Moon & Stars card
Perfect Together Greeting Card

Sun Moon and Stars Card

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Tarot Perfect Together

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You can shop the full sustainable collection here, featuring brands recognised for their eco-friendly efforts. We think these are the best of the bunch.

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