TECHNICAL COMPARISON OF STANDARDS SUMMARY OF CHANGES GECA OFFICE PAPER PSPV PAPER & STATIONERY PRODUCTS

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1 TECHNICAL COMPARISON OF STANDARDS SUMMARY OF CHANGES GECA OFFICE PAPER PSPV PAPER & STATIONERY PRODUCTS BACKGROUND This document outlines the changes made to the GECA Office Paper standard. Criteria are shown below in their previous form and current form, with any change summarised in the last column. Criteria that are not mentioned in the table have not been modified. Table 1 Summary of Changes GECA Office Paper SPPv Paper & Stationery Products Changes Summary STANDARD CATEGORY SCOPE 2. Standard Category Scope This standard is applicable to the following categories of paper products: - Products supplied in cut reams used for Digital printing and photocopying in an office environment up to 240 GSM. - Stationery Paper products (envelopes, exercise books, invoice books, posters etc.). Criterion 1 The scope of this standard is applicable to paper and stationery products. Paper Products: Products supplied in cut reams used for digital printing and photocopying up to 300 GSM; Printing, writing and photo papers, sheets or reels; Newsprint paper - paper mainly used for printing newspapers and made from pulp and/or recovered paper the weight of which ranges between 40 and 65 GSM ; Newsprint derived products (magazines, periodicals, inserts, flyers). Newsprint derived product must be comprised of at least 95 % by weight of newsprint paper. Stationery Products: Envelopes; forms - consisting of at least 90% by weight of paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates; Exercise books; Notepads; Invoice books consisting of at least 90% by weight of paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates; Filing products: folders; binders, suspension files, indices and dividers, document wallet consisting of at least 70% by weight of paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates. The scope was widened to include newspaper and newspaper derived products and to include converted paper products such as folders and binders.

2 - Exclusions and Notes Carbon paper and carbonless carbon paper, and mineral based paper (e.g. stone paper) are not covered under the standard. A description of the product(s) or product range as they apply to the scope of this standard, accompanied by a list including the type of fibre/raw material used, the location of pulp and paper mills, the location of manufacturing/assembly sites. FITNESS FOR PURPOSE Applicable Standards and Demonstrated Performance 3.1 Fitness for Purpose The product meets the performance requirements of the relevant Australian Standard for its intended application; If there is no relevant Australian Standard, the product can demonstrate sufficient quality by providing testing reports from an independent organisation or case studies from installations demonstrating market suitability and quality. Criterion 2 The product must be fit for its intended purpose and must meet performance requirements of relevant Australian or international, or prove fitness for purpose with other appropriate documentation. Documentation identifying applicable or performance requirements, and test reports and other relevant documentation to demonstrate that and requirements are met and maintained. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS Fibre Raw Material 3.2 Fibre Content Criterion 3 Certified products require that geographical locations of The fibre input material in the paper component may be recycled or virgin fibre material and actual sources and locations of all virgin fibre. All fibre sources must fulfil one or a combination of the other fibre must be monitored and documented allowing following requirements i-vi. Newsprint paper and newsprint derived confirmation of origin throughout the supply chain. Fibre products must fulfil vi. Exclusions and notes added DoCs added to the standard requiring more information on the products, type of raw materials and the product s manufacture No major changes. Criterion slightly reworded DoCs added to the standard requiring more information on the products, type of raw materials and the product s manufacture Structure and content of the criterion was changed to include options for paper to be recycled, or from sources other than wood fibre, e.g. bamboo or cotton. Also, apart from Newspaper, a minimum recycled

3 for certified products shall either be: 100% by weight shall come entirely from or as any combination of plantation wood fibre, cellulose fibre, return fibre, cotton fibre or other waste fibre or fibre sourced from plantation forests. The plantation must have been established prior to 2000 and not have impacted primary forest at the time of establishment. Establishment includes the immediate logging of primary forest followed by the establishment of the plantation within a period of ten years. Or Where non plantation fibre is used the new fibre by weight must come from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or the Australian Forestry Standard or equivalent forestry certification scheme where the forest has been degraded of biodiversity due to continual intensive forestry uses in a similar way for over 60 years or at least three generations of harvesting. Chain of custody and mechanisms of monitoring fibre source such as procedures by the Australian Forestry Standard, Pan-European Forestry Scheme, the Forest Stewardship Council or equivalent scheme must be implemented for all fibre sources subject to this criterion. The remainder shall be fibre sourced according to requirements of i. Virgin Wood Fibre: All virgin fibre input from native forests must be sourced from forests that are certified under FSC or PEFC as sustainably managed (or equivalent certification); and All virgin wood fibre must be covered by valid sustainable forest management and/or chain of custody certificates issued by an independent third party certification scheme such as FSC, PEFC or equivalent. Where certification schemes allow mixing of certified material, recycled materials and uncertified material in a product or product line, at least 50 % of the fibre in the finished product must be from either plantations or forests that are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council FSC or PEFC as sustainably managed (or equivalent certification). Any uncertified material must be covered by a verification system which ensures that it is legally sourced and meets any other requirement of the certification scheme with respect to uncertified material. The certification bodies issuing forest and/or chain of custody certificates shall be accredited/recognised by that certification scheme; ii. Recycled Fibre: Fibre material is 100% derived from recycled sources with a minimum 50% from post-consumer sources; iii. Waste Fibre: Fibre material is 100% derived from pre-consumer waste such as sawdust/woodchips and waste wood from wood processing operations, forest harvesting waste, untreated demolition, agricultural waste, sugarcane bagasse etc. All waste wood from native forests must be sources from forests that are certified under a forest certification scheme. iv. Bamboo: If more than 20% of the overall fibre material is derived from bamboo, the following has to be fulfilled: content is not necessarily required.

4 50% of virgin bamboo fibre used in the product must come from plantations or forests certified as sustainably managed under a certification scheme (FSC, PEFC, or equivalent), OR All bamboo fibre used in the product must originate from certified organic plantations OR It must be shown that documented procedures are in place regarding procurement of bamboo to ensure that it does not come from illegal sources or protected areas (including areas that are under investigation as to their protection status; or areas where ownership or rights of exploitation are unclear); or from bamboo species that appear on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list; and to ensure that bamboo management does not harm natural woodland, biodiversity, special ecosystems and important ecological functions; v. Other virgin fibre (non-wood, non-bamboo): 100% of other virgin (non-wood, non-bamboo) plant-based fibre originates from certified organic plantations (e.g. for cotton, hemp); or it can be demonstrated that a procedure is in place for the procurement of sustainable fibre raw materials to ensure that all fibre raw materials are traceable, and not derived from illegal sources, or protected areas, or areas that are under investigation as to their protection status; or areas where ownership or rights of exploitation are unclear, and that fibre management does not harm natural woodland, biodiversity, special ecosystems and important ecological functions; vi. For newsprint paper: At least 70 % (w/w) on the total amount of fibres used for newsprint paper shall be recycled fibres, with at least 30 % of this sourced from post-consumer fibre. The remainder of the fibre must comply with at least one of the requirements i-v

5 Signed declaration of compliance, supported by documentation that demonstrates the proportion of fibre types included and geographic origin (country/state and region/province) of the wood and fibre raw material that is used in each product plus: for i: relevant certificates or other evidence on forest management certification and chain of custody (to confirm the virgin fibre that is used is from a certified sustainably managed source); and relevant certificates or other evidence to confirm that the wood originates from legal sources; for ii: recycled fibre, demonstrates whether the fibre is pre or post-consumer; includes any relevant certificates (e.g. FSC Recycled); for iii: documentation that demonstrates the waste source of the fibre (including relevant information and documentation); source of all waste fibre together with evidence of certification (sustainable forest management) if wood waste originates from native forests; For iv (if applicable): nature and geographical source of all virgin bamboo fibre inputs together with for (a) Relevant forest certification scheme certificates; or for (b) evidence that fibre comes from certified organic plantations; or (c) relevant procurement procedures, and documents and certificates showing legal sources for the bamboo, and declaration that bamboo species do not appear on the CITES list; For v: nature and geographical source of all virgin fibre inputs together with relevant certificates or other evidence that fibre comes from certified organic plantations; or certification, harvesting permits or other information to demonstrate that the fibre is legally harvested and does not come from protected areas or areas where ownership rights are in dispute; documentation that describes the procedure for

6 the procurement of sustainable fibre raw materials. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS Non-Fibrous Raw Material No Criterion Criterion 4 Starch products shall not be derived from genetically modified material, e.g. certain potato and maize starches. Signed declaration from the producer/supplier of the starch product. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Banned Substances (H-Statements) Residual monomers that are assigned or may be assigned any of the following risk phrases (or combinations thereof) in accordance with EU Directive 67/548/EEC, shall not be present in coatings: R45 (may cause cancer) R46 (may cause heritable genetic damage) R49 (may cause cancer by inhalation) R50/53 (very toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment) R51/53 (toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause longterm adverse effects in the aquatic environment) R52/53 (harmful to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment) R60 (may impair fertility) R61 (may cause harm to unborn child) Criterion 5 Substances or mixtures classified with Risk-phrases and Hazard Statements listed in Table 1 or listed below must not be used in the pulp and paper production process or the production of the final product (where applicable); or be found on the final product. Table 1 Hazard statements and R-phrases for banned substances including Acute toxicity and specific organ toxicity, Respiratory and skin sensitisation, Carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, Hazardous to the environment (see standard for full table). EU C/M/R; or IARC Group 1* and 2A; or Substances/mixtures classified as dangerous good; or Substances of Very High Concern listed on the REACH Candidate list (available at ist_table_en.asp) Exemptions: Biocides exempt from ban on ecotoxic substances (addressed in criterion 13); Foam inhibitors, cleaning, washing and deinking chemicals exempt from ban on ecotoxic substances (addressed in criteria New criterion introduced New Criterion naming R-phrases/Hstatements introduced.

7 14-17); Peracetic acid (bleaching agent); Chemicals that are 100% inorganic (e.g. NaOH); Cationic polymers and dyes exempt from the ban on ecotoxic substances if the classification is due to the cationic charge; Chemicals with a consumption of less than 0.05 kg/tonne pulp product, toluene for use in rotogravure printing processes Signed declaration of conformance supported by documentation identifying hazardous substances used in materials and production processes or demonstrating by providing data that no substances with classifications listed in table 1 are used. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS APEO (APEO was banned before mentioned in specific criteria) Criterion 6 Alkylphenol ethoxylates or other alkylphenol derivatives (substances that produce alkylphenols upon degradation) must not be added to cleaning chemicals, de-inking chemicals, foam inhibitors, dispersants, coatings, retention agents, flocculants, foam inhibitors/defoamers, wet strength agents, dyes, toners, or adhesives. APEO was banned before mentioned in specific criteria and was now introduced as an overall ban Signed declaration of conformance from the relevant supplier(s) supported by relevant documentation (e.g. ingredients list, SDS). HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Elemental Chlorine The processing of paper shall be performed without halogenated bleaching agents or chlorine gas. The residual quantities formed as a result of the production of chlorine dioxide using chlorate are not defined as a component of chlorine gas bleaching. Criterion 7 Chlorine gas must not be used as a bleaching agent. No major changes.

8 Signed declaration of conformance from the pulp producer. It is accepted that recycled fibres may have been bleached with chlorine gas in their previous life cycle. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Complexing Agents Pulp manufacturers may only utilize 2.5kg of EDTA / DTPA per ton of pulp and must provide an account of the quantity of EDTA / DTPA used per ton of pulp. Criterion 8 The complexing agents ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid DTPA must not be used in quantities larger than 2.5 kg per ton of pulp. If 1 kg of ETDA/DTPA (active substance) is used per ton of pulp, it must be reported on the emissions of EDTA/DTPA to the recipient environment. Signed declaration from the pulp/paper producer and/or relevant supplier(s) that EDTA/DTPA are not used; or Documentation stating the use/quantities and, if applicable, emissions of DTPA/EDTA from pulp production, measurement result, method of analysis, frequency of measurement, laboratory name and laboratory compliance. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Dyes, Inks, Pigments, Coatings, Foils, Laminates No dyes or pigments shall be used that contain lead, copper, chromium, nickel, aluminium or cadmium as constituent parts. Copper phthalocyanine dyes or pigments may, however, be used The levels of ionic impurities in the dye stuffs used shall not exceed the following: Ag 100 ppm; As 50 ppm; Ba 100 ppm; Cd 20 ppm; Co 500 ppm; Cr 100 ppm; Cu 250 ppm; Fe ppm; Hg 4 ppm; Mn ppm; Ni 200 ppm; Pb 100 ppm; Se 20 ppm; Sb 50 ppm; Sn 250 Criterion 9 No dyes, pigments or coatings must be used that contain phthalates (that at the time of application are classified with risk phrases H360, H361), mercury, lead, copper, chromium, nickel, aluminium or cadmium as constituent parts. Copper phthalocyanine dyes or pigments may, however, be used. The levels of ionic impurities in the dyes and pigments used must not exceed the following: Ag 100 ppm; As 50 ppm; Ba 100 ppm; Cd 20 ppm; Co 500 ppm; Cr 100 ppm; Cu 250 ppm; Fe 2,500 ppm; Hg 4 ppm; Mn 1,000 ppm; Ni 200 ppm; Pb 100 ppm; Se 20 ppm; Sb 50 ppm; Zn 1,500 ppm. The criterion was slightly modified to include reporting above 1.0 kg/tonne Restructure of criteria and slight modification. Criteria were added to address printing inks, foils, laminates etc. Criteria that contained R-phrases are now covered under the Criterion for Banned Substances.

9 ppm; Zn ppm No dyestuffs may be used which have been identified as carcinogenic substances in categories 1, 2A and 2B as classed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer No dyes or pigments shall be used on either pulp or paper that is assigned or may be assigned at the time of application any of the following risk phrases (or combinations thereof) in accordance with EU Directive 67/548/EEC: R50 (very toxic to aquatic organisms), R51 (toxic to aqutic organisms), R52 (harmful to aquatic organisms), R53 (may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment) Criterion 10 The following heavy metals or their compounds must not be used as printing inks, toners, inks, varnishes, foils and laminates (whether as a substance or as part of any preparation used): cadmium, copper (excluding copper-phthalocyanine), lead, nickel, chromium VI, mercury, arsenic, soluble barium, selenium, antimony. Cobalt can only be used up to 0.1% (w/w). Criterion 9: Declaration of Conformance from the supplier(s) supported by documentation that identifies the dyes, pigments and coatings used; and Relevant SDSs and other information demonstrating the level of impurities, if applicable. Criterion 10: Declaration of Conformance from the supplier(s) supported by documentation that identifies the preparation(s) used. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Dyes, Inks, Pigments, Coatings, Foils, Laminates (Acrylamide) Acrylamide shall not be present in coatings. Criterion 11 Acrylamide monomer must not be present as a constituent part of coatings. No major changes

10 Relevant SDSs, demonstrating that no acrylamide monomer is used. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Dyes, Inks, Pigments, Coatings, Foils, Laminates (Azo Dyes) Prohibited Dyes The following dyes shall not be used as dyestuffs: 4- aminodiphenyl benzidine 4-chloro-o-toluidine 2-naphtylamine o-aminoazotoluene 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene 4-chloroaniline 2,4 diaminioanisole 4,4 diaminodiphenylmethane 3,3 dichlorobenzidine 3,3 dimethoxybenzidine 3,3 dimethylbenzidine 3,3 dimethyl- 4,4 diaminodiphenylmethane p-cresidine 4,4 methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) 4,4-oxidianiline 4,4 thiodianiline o-toluidine 2,4-toluylenediamine 2,4-diaminotoluene 2,4,5 trimethylaniline o-anisidine 4-aminoazobenzene Criterion 12 Azo dyes or pigments which may release one of the amines listed in Table 2 must not be used. An indicative list of dyes that may cleave to the restricted amines is listed in Appendix B and can be used as a guide to dyes that should not be used. Substance CAS Number 2,4,5-trimethylaniline ,4-diaminoanisol ,4-diaminotoluene ,4-xylidine ,6-xylidine amino-4-nitrotoluene naphthylamine ,3'-dichlorobenzidine ,3'-dimethoxybenzidine ,3'-dimethyl-4,4' diaminodiphenylmethane 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine ,4' diaminodiphenylmethane 4,4'-methylene-bis-( chloraniline) 4,4'-oxydianiline ,4'-thiodianiline aminoazobenzene aminobiphenyl chloro-o-toluidine Criterion updated. Wording corrected as the listed substances are not dyes but restricted amines. List of restricted amines updated.

11 Benzidine o-amino-azotoluene o-anisidine o-toluidine p-chloroaniline p-cresidine Documentation that identifies the azo dyes or pigments used. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Biocides The active components in biocides or biostatic agents used to counter slime-forming organisms in circulation water systems containing fibres shall not be potentially bio-accumulative. Criterion 13 Biocides (used to counter slime forming organism in the circulation water, or used to preserve the product) must not be potentially bioaccumulative. A substance is classified as potentially bioaccumulative if the log KOW (log octanol/water partition coefficient) is equal to or greater than 3. List all biocides used during the different production stages together with test reports for bioaccumulability of biocides or biostatic agents and/or safety data sheets with sufficient data and references to test methods. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Surfactants, Washing and Cleaning Agents and Foam Inhibitors Production Equipment Cleaning Solvents used in the cleaning of production equipment must be free of halogenated hydrocarbons and Alkylphenol ethoxylates or other alkylphenol derivates (APEO's). Testing equipment is excluded from this requirement. Criterion 14 Solvents, washing agents and/or cleaning chemicals used in the cleaning of production/manufacturing equipment and/or used for printing must not contain alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) or other alkylphenol derivatives, halogenated solvents classified with any categories listed in Table 1, and/or phthalates (that at the time of application are classified with risk phrases H360, H361). No major changes No major changes

12 When surfactants are used in the manufacturing process, such as for the de-inking of recycled paper input, where quantities 100 g/adt (summed over all the surfactants used in all the different formulations used in de-inking return fibres), each surfactant shall be readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD test method No. 301 A-F. Where such surfactants are used in quantities < 100 g/adt, each surfactant shall be readily biodegradable or ultimately biodegradable in accordance with OECD test method No. 302 A-C. Foam inhibitors used for chemical recycling are exempted from this requirement. Criterion 15 Where surfactants are used for de-inking recycled paper input, these surfactants must be readily biodegradable. Criterion 14: Declaration of Conformance from the supplier(s) supported by SDS and/or other documentation that identifies the preparation(s) used. Criterion 15: List all surfactants used together with relevant test reports showing that the surfactant is readily biodegradable At least 95% by weight of active ingoing components in foam inhibitors used in the production of pulp and paper must be readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD test method No. 301 A-F or ultimately biodegradable in accordance with OECD test method No. 302 A-C. Foam inhibitors used for chemical recycling are exempted from this requirement - Criterion 16 95% by weight of the constituent substances with a foam inhibiting or foam retarding effect must be either readily or ultimately biodegradable. Foam inhibitors/defoamers that are destroyed in chemical recycling are exempted from this requirement. Criterion 17 Washing agents used for cleaning in printing processes and/or subprocesses that contain aromatic hydrocarbon may be allowed if: The substance has not been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (REACH Candidate List); and No major changes

13 one of the following conditions is fulfilled: (i) the amount of aromatic hydrocarbons in the washing agent products used does not exceed 0,10 % w/w; (ii) the amount of aromatic hydrocarbon-based washing agent used annually does not exceed 5 % of the total amount of washing agent used in one calendar year. This criterion shall not apply to toluene used as washing agent in rotogravure printing. Criterion 16: List all substances with foam inhibiting or foam retarding effects together with SDSs and relevant test reports showing that the surfactant is readily or ultimately biodegradable, or, if applicable, evidence demonstrating that the foam inhibitors/defoamers are destroyed in chemical recycling. Criterion 17: SDS for each washing agent used in a printing house during the year to which the annual consumption refers. Declarations from the washing agent suppliers stating the aromatic hydrocarbon contents in the washing agents. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Adhesives No criterion Criterion 18 Adhesives used in the production, conversion or packaging of the product must not contain alkylphenol ethoxylates or other alkylphenol derivatives, phthalates (that at the time of application are classified with risk phrases H360, H361), or halogenated volatile organic compounds. GECA certified Adhesives or adhesives certified under another ecolabel are approved. Declaration of Compliance from the adhesives supplier(s). HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Metal Components in Converted Paper Products New criterion introduced

14 No Criterion This requirement applies to each separate metal-type component exceeding 10 % by weight of the final product in the subcategory of suspension file, folders with metal fastener, ring binder and lever arch file. Criterion 19 Metals must not be coated with cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc and their compounds. The surface treatment of metal surfaces with nickel or zinc can be accepted for small parts (such as rivet, eyelet, and flat bar, mechanisms) where this is necessary due to heavy physical wear. Criterion 20 Chemical products for preparations of surface treatment must comply with Criterion 6 (APEO) and 9 (Coatings). Criterion 19. Declaration of compliance with this criterion from the applicant/manufacturer. Criterion 20: DoC as per Criterion 6 and 9. AIR AND WATER EMISSIONS COD, NOx, P and S The total emissions to air relating to the paper product shall be calculated as the sum of the emissions from the pulp and the paper production stages and shall not exceed: - 1 kg sulphur compounds (S) per tonne of paper produced kg nitrogen oxides (NOx, as NO 2 equivalents) per tonne of paper produced. The emissions related to the production of electricity need not be accounted for The total discharges to water, after treatment relating to Criterion 21 Emissions to air and/or water from the production of pulp and finished paper, laminating papers, and/or board production must be specified in terms of emissions points scores for each of four parameters (P COD, P P, P S, P NOx) according to the following. Water emissions relate to COD and air emissions relate to S and NOx. None of the individual points P COD, P S, P NOx, P P shall exceed 1.5. The total number of points (P total = P COD + PS + P NOx + P P ) shall not exceed 4.0. Calculations P COD shall be calculated in the following way (P P, P S and P NOx are calculated in the same way): For office paper, newspaper and other non-converted paper products: Due the widening of the scope the criterion for metal components in converted paper products was newly introduced. A point system with reference values was introduced based on the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Flower systems.

15 the paper product shall be calculated as the sum of the discharges from the pulp and the paper production stages and shall not exceed: - 30kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) per tonne of paper produced with chemical pulp raw material and 12kg COD per ton for return fibre. COD shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6060 or equivalent kg phosphorous (P) per ton of paper produced with chemical pulp raw material and 0.010kg P per ton of paper produced with return fibre. P COD = COD total COD ref.total n i=1 [pulp i x COD pulp(i) ] + COD paper machine = n i=1[pulp i x COD ref pulp (i) ] + COD ref paper machine For converted paper products where the substrate is paperboard or cardboard: P COD = n COD total COD ref.total = i=1 [pulp or laminating paper i x COD pulp or laminating paper(i) ] + C n i=1[pulp or laminating paper i x COD ref pulp (i) ] + COD ref bo P COD = Point Score for COD COD total = Total emissions from the production of ecolabelled paper. COD reftotal = The weighted sum of reference values for pulps and reference value for the paper machine. COD pulp(i) = COD emissions from pulp i. COD papermachine/boardmachine = COD emissions from paper machine or board machine. COD refpulp(i)/laminating paper = Reference value for pulp i or laminating paper (see table below). CODr efpapermachine/baordmachine = Reference value for the paper or board machine (see table below). pulp i = Proportion of the pulp type expressed as tonne 90% pulp per tonne total pulp mix following the elimination of filler. n = Number of constituent pulps. i = Index of each individual pulp and runs from 1 to n. For each pulp i, or each laminating paper, i used, the related measured COD emissions (COD pulp i or COD paper i, expressed in kg/air dried tonne ADT), shall be weighted according to the proportion of each pulp or laminating paper used (pulp i, or paper i, with respect to air dried tonne of pulp, or paper), and

16 summed together. The weighted COD emission for the pulps, or laminating papers, is then added to the measured COD emission from the paper or board production (COD boardmachine/papermachine ) to give a total COD emission, COD total. The weighted COD reference value for the pulp production or laminating paper production shall be calculated in the same manner, as the sum of the weighted reference values for each pulp or laminating paper used and added to the reference value for the board/paper production to give a total COD reference value COD ref,total. The reference values for each pulp or laminating paper type used and for the board/paper production are given in the Table. The total COD emission shall be divided by the total COD reference value (as shown in the formulas). Table 3 Reference Values Pulp Grade/Paper/Board Emissions (kg/adt) COD ref S ref NO Xref P ref Bleached Chemical Pulp (other * than sulphite) Bleached Chemical Pulp (sulphite) Unbleached chemical pulp (1.5) (2.0) CTMP TMP/groundwood pulp Recycled fibre pulp Laminating bleached kraft paper Laminating unbleached kraft paper Laminating recycled paper

17 Board/Paper (non-integrated mills where all pulps are purchased market pulps) Board/Paper (integrated mills) * Exemption from this level, up to a level of 0.1 may be given were it can be demonstrated that the higher level of P is due to P naturally occurring in the wood pulp. In case of a co-generation of heat and electricity at the same plant the emissions of S and NOx resulting from electricity generation can be subtracted from the total amount. The following equation can be used to calculate the proportion of the emissions resulting from electricity generation: MWh(electricity) 2 x [2 x MWh(electricity) + MWh(heat) The electricity in this calculation is the electricity produced at the cogeneration plant. The heat in this calculation is the net heat delivered from the power plant to the pulp/laminating paper/board production. In case of integrated mills, due to the difficulties in getting separate emission figures for pulp, laminating paper and board, if only a combined figure for pulp, laminating paper and board production is available, the emission values for pulp(s) shall be set to zero and the figure for the board mill shall include pulp, laminating paper and board production. Signed declaration of compliance, supported by documentation that includes: Detailed calculations showing compliance to this criterion Relevant documentation and test reports using the following test methods: COD: ISO 6060; NOx: ISO 11564; S(oxid.): EPA no.8; S(red.): EPA no 16A; S content in oil: ISO 8754; S content in coal: ISO 351; P:

18 AIR & WATER EMISSIONS AOX Emission The amount of AOX (as CL) discharged from each pulp manufacturing site shall not exceed 0.50 kg per ton of paper produced. EN ISO Criterion 22 The weighted average value of AOX released from the pulps used in the paper product must not exceed 0.17 kg/tonne paper. AOX emissions from each individual pulp used in the paper must not exceed 0.25 kg/tonne. Test reports using the following test method: AOX ISO 9562 accompanied by detailed calculations showing compliance with this criterion, together with related supporting documentation. AIR & WATER EMISSIONS - Greenhouse Gas Emissions (from heating and production of electricity) The total emissions to air relating to the paper product shall be calculated as the sum of the emissions from the pulp and the paper production stages and shall not exceed: 1,500 kg carbon dioxide from non-renewable sources per ton of paper produced using chemical pulp raw material and kg carbon dioxide from non-renewable sources per ton of paper produced using return fibre, including emissions from the production of electricity (whether onsite or off-site). Factors to determine carbon dioxide contributions of different fuel types shall be in accordance with the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory of the Australian Greenhouse Office. Criterion 23 The emission of CO2-e from non-renewable sources, including purchased electricity and fossil fuel used for heating and production of electricity, must not exceed the following limit values (kg CO2 -e /tonne pulp and paper substrate): De-Inked Pulp (DIP)/recycled pulp: 1000 kg CO2 -e/tonne of paper/board produced from DIP pulp Chemical Pulp: 900 kg CO2 -e/tonne of paper/board produced from chemical pulp; Mechanical Pulp: 1500 kg CO2 -e/tonne of paper/board produced from mechanical pulp. For paper/board comprising a mixture of chemical pulp, recycled fibre and mechanical pulp, a weighted limit value is calculated, based on the proportion of each pulp type. Fillers are excluded from this calculation. The emissions shall be calculated as the sum of the emissions from the pulp production and paper/board production. The criterion was tightened. The limit was lowered from 0.5 kg/ton to 0.17 kg/ton of paper. The criterion on greenhouse gas emission was updated and limits for emissions originating from heating and/or production of electricity were slightly tightened.

19 Signed declaration of compliance, supported by documentation that includes: Detailed calculations showing compliance to this criterion. CO 2 from surplus energy that is sold off in the form of electricity, steam or heat, is subtracted from total emissions. Data on the air emissions of carbon dioxide. This shall include all sources of non-renewable fuels during the production of pulp and board, including the emissions from the production of electricity (whether on-site or off-site). Factors to determine carbon dioxide contributions of different fuel types and from purchased electricity must be in accordance with the Australian National Greenhouse Accounts Factors.* nts/07_2013/national-greenhouse-accounts-factors-july-2013.pdf * The most recent version should be used for the calculations. Products that are manufactured outside Australia may use the appropriate national greenhouse accounts factors for the relevant country. AIR & WATER EMISSIONS - Greenhouse Gas Emissions (from transportation) No criterion Criterion 24 The paper manufacturer shall supply calculations of the total CO2 impact of all forms of transport from the forest to the paper mill. The calculation shall contain: Transport of raw material: Transport of felled timber from the forest (loading area) to the pulp mill. Transport of felled timber to the saw/chip plant (average figures). Transport of wood chips to the pulp mill (average figures). New criterion introduced

20 Transport of purchased market pulp. Transport of the following raw materials from the supplier: filler, pigment and starch (if the quantities exceed 10 kg/tonne produced pulp/paper). Transport of recycled fibre from a central depot to the pulp plant. Transport from paper mill to conversion plant are not considered in calculations. Documentation showing that the paper manufacturer is already reporting on Greenhouse Gas emissions from transportation; or Calculation of annual carbon dioxide emissions given in kg CO2/tonne paper grade or kg CO2/tonne of the mill s total annual production. Details of how the CO2 values are calculated with reference to any assumption, the use of databases and suchlike. WATER AND AIR EMISSIONS FROM PRINTING AND FINISHING/CONVERTING PROCESSES No Criterion Criterion 25 Rinsing water containing silver from film processing, as well as from plate production, and photo-chemicals must not be discharged to a sewage treatment plant. Criterion 26 In Rotogravure printing, the amount of Cr and Cu discharged into a sewage treatment plant must not exceed, respectively, 45 mg per m2 and 400 mg per m2 of printing cylinder surface area used in the press. Criterion 27 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The following criterion must be met: (P VOC RV OC )/Ppaper < 5 [kg/tonnes] (see standard for more details) New criteria introduced

21 ENERGY MANAGEMENT Demonstration of Conformance Criterion 25: Declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with a description of the management of photo-chemicals and silver containing rinsing water on site (obtained from the subcontractor if applicable). Criterion 26: A representative sample of Cr and Cu discharges at rotogravure printing plants after treatment and before their release each month must be collected and at least one annual analytical test must be carried out by an accredited laboratory to determine the content of Cr and Cu in a representative sub-sample of these samples. Criterion 27: A declaration of the VOC content in alcohols, washing agents, inks, damping solutions or other corresponding chemical products provided by the chemical supplier. The applicant must provide evidence of the calculation according to the criteria above. The period for the calculations should be based on the production during 12 months. In case of a new or a rebuilt production plant, the calculations must be based on at least 3 months of representative running of the plant. No Criterion Criterion 28 The paper manufacturer(s), paper convertor and licence applicant/holder must have effective energy management policies and procedures and/or an energy management program. Licence holders must report on energy management, this should include: - total energy use; - breakdown of total energy use to types of energy used; - energy use related to production; - initiatives taken to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency; and - initiatives taken to calculate and reduce CO2 emissions associated New Criterion introduced

22 with energy use Declaration by the Chief Executive Officer or other authorised representative of the applicant company/licence holder accompanied by documentation that: describes the energy management policies, procedures and programmes; and includes reports on energy use and management. WATER USE No Criterion Criterion 29 The paper manufacturer(s), paper convertor and licence applicant/holder must have effective water management policies and procedures and/or a water management program. Licence holders must report on water management, including: total water use; and initiatives taken to reduce water use and improve water efficiency. Declaration of conformance signed by the Chief Executive Officer or other authorised representative of the applicant company/licence holder accompanied by documentation that: describes the water management policies, procedures and programmes; and includes reports on water use and water use reduction initiatives. WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Handling No Criterion Criterion 30 All pulp and board/paper production sites, and facilities where the final product (e.g. converted paper products) is produced must have a system for handling waste (as defined by the relevant regulatory authorities of the pulp and board production sites in question) and residual products arising from the production of the eco- labelled product. This should include documented procedures regarding: handling, collection, separation and use of recyclable materials New criterion introduced New criterion introduced

23 from the waste stream; and recovery of materials for other uses, such as incineration for raising process steam or heating, or agricultural use; handling, collection, separation and disposal of hazardous waste, as defined by the relevant local and national regulatory authorities. Detailed description of the procedures adopted for the waste management of each of the sites concerned and a declaration of compliance with the criterion. WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Paper No Criterion Criterion 31 The amount of waste paper X must not exceed 20 % for envelopes and stationery products. where, X = annual kilos of waste paper produced during the converting (including finishing processes) of the ecolabelled converted paper product, divided by annual tonnes of paper purchased and used for the production of ecolabelled converted paper product. Where the printing house carries out finishing processes on behalf of another printing house, the amount of waste paper produced in those processes shall not be included in the calculation of X. Where the finishing processes are outsourced to another company, the amount of waste paper resulting from the outsourced work shall be calculated and declared in the calculation of X. Demonstration of Conformance Description of the calculation of the amount of waste paper, together with a declaration from the contractor collecting the waste paper from the printing house. The outsourcing terms and calculations on the amount of paper waste involved in the finishing processes must be provided. The period for the calculations should be based on the New Criterion introduced

24 production during 12 months. In case of a new or a rebuilt production plant, the calculations should be based on at least 3 months of representative running of the plant. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS No criterion Criterion 32 The applicant / manufacturer must have an Environmental Management System in place. Documentation showing that an EMS in in place at the relevant manufacturing sites. DESIGN FOR ENVIRONMENT - Packaging Halogenated plastics are not used as packaging. The type of material used for packaging must be clearly market to allow for easier recycling. Criterion 33 Outer packaging must not be impregnated, labelled, coated or otherwise treated in a manner, which would prevent recycling (i.e. PVC sleeves, metallic labels). Packaging must comply with at least one of the following: Each material constituting >20% by weight of the total primary and secondary packaging used, must contain at least 50% recycled content by weight; Each material constituting >20% by weight of the total primary and secondary packaging used, must be derived from plantbased materials (e.g. PLA plastics); or Each separable item constituting >20% by weight of the total primary and secondary packaging, must be recyclable in Australia. This may be demonstrated using the Australian Packaging Covenant s Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP). Paper and cardboard packaging must be either certified under recognised forest certification scheme (e.g. FSC or PEFC) or contain at least 30% recycled content by weight. New criterion introduced Criterion updated to align with other GECA. Criterion on packaging materials added. The criterion makes use of the Product Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) [i] that has been introduced by the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) to evaluate recyclability of packaging. PREP was included into the requirement as a way to show the recyclability of the packaging.

25 Material used for the transport of products (tertiary packaging) and whose disposal is not the responsibility of the end consumer may be exempt from the above requirements if they are re-used by the applicant, or are recyclable in specialist recycling facilities. Details of materials used as packaging, including information on the input of recycled and virgin materials reported by weight if applicable. The recycled content can be averaged over a 12 month period to find the amount or range of recycled content; and / or Evidence of recyclability or copy of PREP Assessment Report; and/or Evidence of certification under relevant forest certification scheme; and/or Details of re-use programs for transport materials within the applicant company. DESIGN FOR ENVIRONMENT Recyclability of the Final Product The recycled paper to which the label is applied must not be impregnated, coated or otherwise treated in a manner which would prevent recycling in Australia or in the country where the product is used. Criterion 34 The paper product must be recyclable. Any non-paper components of the product must be easily removable (without any special tools or techniques) to ensure that those components can be recycled or do not hinder the recycling process. The product must not be impregnated, labelled, coated or otherwise treated in a manner, which would prevent recycling in Australia. Coating varnishes and lamination, including polyethene and/or polyethene/polypropylene, may be used only for binders, folders, exercise books, notebooks and diaries. Criterion 35 If the paper product cannot be recycled via the traditional paper recycling stream (e.g. because it is made from a raw material other than wood-pulp or has a special coating or finish) information must be provided to customers about how it should be recycled and recycling Criterion updated and expanded

26 ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS routes which must be avoided. Demonstration of Conformance Criterion 34: Documentation (e.g. instructions or photos) showing that components are easily removable, if applicable Documentation showing that the product is recyclable in facilities that are widely available in Australia, or description and/or justification of any coating or lamination used. Criterion 35: Information about appropriate recycling options that is provided to the customer. No criterion Criterion 36 Public claims made by the licence applicant / holder regarding a product s environmental performance that are beyond the scope of this standard (other than GECA certified content) shall be independently verified as compliant with ISO 14021: Environmental Labels and Declarations - Self Declared Environmental Claims (Type II Environmental Labelling) requirements. Also refer to the GECA Scheme Rules for the Use of the Environmental Choice Australia Mark. Report or statement from the applicant listing all public environmental claims regarding the product by the applicant demonstrating compliance to ISO14021; and A signed declaration from the Chief Executive Officer or authorised representative of the relevant company (e.g. the supplier) stating that any environmental claims made by the company regarding the product in the future will be verified using ISO and / or GECA certification. New criterion introduced

27 SOCIAL AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE 3.6 Compliance to Environmental Regulations 3.7 Compliance to Labour, Anti-Discrimination and Safety Regulations Criterion 37: Environmental Legislation Criterion 38: Fair Pay Criterion 39: Workplace Safety Criterion 40: Equal Opportunity Criterion 41: Lawful Conduct See standard Criteria updated [i] PREP (2014). Product Recyclability Evaluation Portal.