MONTREAL, — Canada's largest printer implemented a Paper Purchasing Policy that allows consumers to select environmentally friendly papers with maximum post-consumer and de-inked recycled fiber.

The classification process highlights paper made from sources other than virgin wood fiber. When virgin fiber is needed, Transcontinental will give preference to fiber from sustainable forests. A classification document evaluates paper based on the percentage of recycled fiber and protection level of ancient forests.

"The Paper Purchasing Policy was developed with both sustainable development and our clients in mind," said Jean Denault, Transcontinental's corporate vice president of procurement and technology. "In many cases, Transcontinental clients are pleased to learn they are already using paper which promotes sustainable development and their particular environmental objectives; in other cases, they realize it would be simple to make that change."

Transcontinental, with $2.3 billion in revenues in 2006, also is North America’s largest printer. It will avoid fiber from "high conservation value forests."

These forests either are home to endangered species or ecosystems, provide critical functions, such as erosion control or watershed protection, or are critical to local communities by providing subsistence or identity.

The company also has in place environmental policies to maximize operations efficiencies, reduce waste and encourage its supply chain to align practices to complement these policies.