What is Sustainable Stationery?
Stationery is one of those everyday essentials that every office needs, yet it often flies under the radar when businesses set sustainability goals. Pens, paper, notebooks and packaging might seem small, but together they carry a surprising environmental footprint.
That’s where sustainable stationery comes in. By switching to greener products and suppliers, UK businesses can cut waste, reduce carbon emissions and align procurement practices with their values.
In this guide, we’ll explain what sustainable stationery is, why it matters, and how your organisation can benefit from making the switch.
Is it just about the products?
Sustainable stationery is designed to minimise environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, distribution, use and disposal.
Instead of relying on virgin plastic or deforestation-driven paper, sustainable options use:
- Recycled materials (such as post-consumer paper or recycled plastics)
- Renewable resources (like bamboo / FSC®-certified wood or agri waste paper)
- Biodegradable or compostable materials (so they don’t end up in landfill)
- Low-impact inks and adhesives (like soy-based inks, plant-based glues)
But it’s not just about the products themselves. True sustainable stationery considers:
- Ethical supply chains
- Carbon-neutral transport
- Minimal, recyclable packaging
- Circular economy models (refill, reuse, recycle)
- The company values and ethics itself
Why Sustainable Stationery Matters for UK Businesses
Every year, millions of pens, notebooks, and paper products are discarded across UK workplaces. The impact adds up:
- Deforestation: Traditional office paper is a driver of tree loss globally, so ensure its FSC as a minimum.
- Plastic waste: Disposable pens alone contribute significantly to single-use plastic pollution.
- Carbon emissions: Stationery contributes to Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of a business’s carbon footprint.
For UK organisations, choosing sustainable stationery isn’t just good PR, it’s becoming a business requirement:
- It supports net zero commitments and CSR goals.
- It helps satisfy stakeholder, client, and employee expectations.
- It demonstrates compliance with UK sustainability regulations and ISO standards.
Examples of Sustainable Stationery
Here are just a few categories that can make a big difference in your office:
- Recycled paper & notebooks
FSC® certified, chlorine-free, and made from recycled fibres. Alternatively our agri waste paper. - Eco pens & pencils
Options include biodegradable barrels, refillable ink, and recycled plastic bodies. For pencils Tree Saver pencils take the top spot. - Plastic-free binders & folders
Recycled cardboard alternatives that can be fully recycled after use. - Sticky notes & labels
Made with plant-based adhesives and soy inks. - Sustainable packaging
Compostable or recycled packaging for shipments and deliveries.
👉 At Red-Inc, we source and supply all of these categories, ensuring our clients have easy access to greener alternatives.
How to Choose a Sustainable Stationery Supplier
Not all “green” stationery is created equal. To avoid greenwashing, businesses should look for suppliers who can demonstrate real sustainability credentials, its not all just about the products although they play a big part in the total emissions.
Here’s what to check:
- Certifications: B Corp, FSC®, ISO 14001 for environmental management through to those with Science Based Targets.
- Transparency: Do they publish sustainability reports and measurable outcomes?
- Scope 3 reporting: Can they help you track emissions linked to stationery purchases?
- Delivery: Do they use carbon-neutral shipping and minimise packaging waste?
By working with a trusted supplier, you save time, reduce risk, and make a bigger positive impact.
The Business Benefits of Switching to Sustainable Stationery
Many organisations assume eco-friendly supplies will cost more. In reality, the benefits outweigh the costs:
- Financial savings: Refillable pens, durable notebooks, and bulk purchasing reduce long-term spend.
- Reputation boost: Being visibly sustainable helps win tenders, attract clients, and strengthen brand perception.
- Employee engagement: Staff are proud to work for companies that “walk the talk” on sustainability.
- Compliance made easy: Sustainable sourcing supports ESG reporting and CSR frameworks.
Switching to eco stationery is one of the simplest, most visible changes your business can make.
Red-Inc’s Commitment to Sustainable Stationery
At Red-Inc, we’re proud to be more than just a stationery supplier. We’re a partner in helping UK organisations achieve their sustainability goals.
- Certified B Corp with a score above 100
- Winner of the European Office Products Sustainability Excellence Award 2025
- Accredited to ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 9001 (Quality)
- Carbon-neutral deliveries nationwide
- Offering Scope 3 reporting to help clients track impact
- Have verified Science Based Targets.
Book a free sustainability consultation with Red-Inc here
FAQs About Sustainable Stationery
What is sustainable stationery?
Stationery designed with minimal environmental impact, using recycled, renewable, or biodegradable materials.
Is “eco” stationery more expensive?
Not necessarily. While some items may cost slightly more upfront, refillable and recycled products often save money long term.
Does Red-Inc deliver across the UK?
Yes, we deliver sustainable stationery and office supplies nationwide, using carbon-neutral logistics.
Conclusion
Sustainable stationery is no longer a niche idea, it’s a practical, impactful way for UK businesses to reduce waste, cut emissions, and demonstrate real commitment to sustainability.
Whether it’s recycled notebooks, refillable pens, or plastic-free binders, the choices you make at the stationery cupboard ripple out to your brand, your people, and the planet.
By partnering with Red-Inc, you get more than a supplier, you get a B Corp certified, award-winning partner helping you align your everyday purchases with your sustainability goals.
Explore Red-Inc’s Sustainable Stationery range today. SHOP
OR book a free sustainability consultation with Red-Inc here