Monadnock Paper Mills, the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States and a leader in sustainable paper solutions, has become the first company in the industry to achieve Mastercard’s prestigious Card Eco-Certification (CEC).
This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental transparency.
Until now, the CEC certification applied exclusively to plastic cards. Since launching its Sustainable Card Program in 2018, Mastercard has helped transition over 168 million plastic cards to recycled and bio-based alternatives. The inclusion of paper-based cards required an adjustment of assessment criteria, a crucial step now achieved through Monadnock’s efforts.
The certification process is based on a comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates a product’s environmental impact from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. Independent verification was conducted by TruCert, a Canadian firm specializing in environmental certifications.
Monadnock’s certified product portfolio includes Envi Card Stock 28 pt and Envi Paper Card 30 pt, available in both virgin and 100% post-consumer waste (PC100) content. These alternatives provide an eco-conscious option to traditional plastic cards, reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based materials while ensuring high performance.
“Achieving Mastercard’s Card Eco-Certification strengthens our mission to offer high-performance, environmentally responsible paper solutions,” said Lisa Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Monadnock Paper Mills. “It’s a major step towards greater transparency in the card industry and a tangible example of our Un-Plastic Initiative, helping brands transition to more sustainable materials.”
With this certification, Monadnock Paper Mills reinforces its role as a leader in developing innovative and responsible fiber-based solutions, aligning with the growing movement to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
Founded in 1819 and based in Bennington, NH, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., works with the world's leading brands to craft and customize environmentally responsible performance papers for commercial printing, packaging, and technical applications.
