About

Two Sides was created in 2008 with members from the Graphic Communications Supply Chain, creating a forum for the industry to work together and share experiences; improving standards and practices; maximising customer confidence in our products.

In 2011 members of the Australian Graphic Communications industry committed to the Two Sides Principles. In 2019 The introduction of New Zealand has added a new dynamic to Two Sides as we aim to grow our mission and vision globally.

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Our Mission

Two Sides is an initiative by companies from the Graphic Communications Value Chain including forestry, pulp, paper, inks and chemicals, pre-press, press, finishing, publishing, printing and distribution.

Our common goal is to promote the responsible production and use of paper and print dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why print and document is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium.

Our Vision

By uniting with the common purpose behind ‘Two Sides’, the Graphic Communications Supply Chain, led by sustainable and responsible forestry, paper production and printing, aspires to ensure that, in a world of scarce resources, paper and print’s unique recyclable and renewable qualities can be enjoyed for generations to come.

‘Two Sides is further committed to ensuring that paper and print also remains a versatile, practical and powerful means of marketing and communication, stretching the imagination and imparting knowledge.

Our Organisation

Two Sides is a not-for-profit organisation that endeavours to implement its Mission and seeks to reinforce confidence in the print, paper and paper packaging industries by:

Encouraging all members to support the Two Sides Mission and Principles.
Promoting the sustainability of the industry by publicising the positive steps that the industry is taking to reduce its environmental impact.
Making available to all stakeholders facts and information concerning the industry’s sustainability.
Engaging with companies, government, NGOs and any other organisations which issue erroneous and misleading claims about the environmental impact of the industry’s processes or products; presenting clearly the environmental facts and seeking the removal of such misleading claims.
Explaining and communicating the sustainability and effectiveness of print, paper and paper packaging in an increasingly environmentally aware world.
Seeking to be inclusive and extending the membership opportunity throughout the industry.
Encouraging members to promote the adoption of sustainable business initiatives amongst their business partners.

Want to help make a change?
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Two Sides Member Principles

Members of Two Sides seek to minimise and reduce the environmental impact of their business activities so that they contribute to sustainable development.*

To become members of Two Sides, organisations must align with the following principles:

Conduct businesses in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Support and encourage forest certification schemes, as well as the practical use of recycled fibre in suitable products.
Support the purchasing of raw materials from sustainably managed sources.
Support the reduction of environmental footprints by eliminating or minimising negative environmental impacts.
Support the implementation of effective recycling schemes and the minimisation of print, paper and paper packaging waste in landfill.
Support the minimisation of waste, and use of water and energy, thus improving the sustainability of business operations.

*Two Sides bases its understanding of Sustainable Development on the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission) definition:

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”