Seaman – An Earth Friendly Tissue Paper Supplier

Green Retailing
June 15th, 2009
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By Jesse Kanclerz

We’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. In addition to donating a portion of green product proceeds to Conservation International, we educate retailers about environmentally friendly products, and inspire them to encourage their customers to recycle and reuse packaging.

Yet our most powerful statement as an eco-conscious Distributor, is the suppliers we choose to represent. A key consideration in our choosing any supplier is their track record in providing not only environmentally friendly packaging, but also how they go about greening their operations. In particular, I’d like to point out one of these suppliers with a record of green initiatives, the Seaman Paper Company, which produces much of our decorative, and recycled tissue paper.

Seaman didn’t develop its environmental initiative overnight, in fact, they developed the first water de-pollution plant on the Otter River in 1970, way before “green” became a buzzword. More recently they’ve intensified their green commitment with a slew of operational improvements, making them one of the most earth-friendly, tissue paper manufacturers in the country.

Ways Seaman Has Greened Their Operations

1) The pulping process for tissue paper is water intensive. A recent overhaul of Seaman’s Wastewater Treatment & Clarification facility has reduced suspended solids by 99%, making the treated water cleaner than when it enters the plant.

2) Waste residuals and paper fibers left over from the water treatment facility are converted into topsoil at a nearby 300-acre composting facility.

3) After the tissue paper is pressed it is dried by steam. For a heat source, conventional paper mills often burn oil, which contributes to the dangerous rise in green house gases. Seaman’s heat system is predominately fueled by wood chips made from recycled pallets. According to the EPA, these wood fueled furnaces are highly efficient, and produce less harmful emissions. As a result, Seaman has seen an 85% reduction in their greenhouse gas output.

When choosing Seaman, we liked that their tissue paper contained 65% post-industrial recycled content. However, the tipping point was their continuing operational improvements that demonstrated a genuine commitment to the environment.