Greening Graphic Design - The Graphic Design: Reference and Specification - page 156

Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) is used to refer to fiber that was not bleached using chlo-
rine or chlorine derivatives during the recycling process but may have been bleached
using chlorine during the paper's initial production and, therefore, may not be totally chlo-
rine free.
Recycled Paper is derived from either pre- or postconsumer waste. Recycled pulp can be
used to make the same variety and quality of paper stock made from virgin fiber. However,
not all recycled material is equal and some fibers (such as cardboard or colored papers)
may be better suited for reuse in packaging stock.
TCF and PCF both use benign elements such as oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide for
the bleaching process. Most scientists and environmentalist believe that Totally Chlorine
Free production is preferable to Elemental Chlorine Free bleaching.
Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) indicates fibers that have been produced without the use of
any chlorine in the bleaching process or is unbleached.
Tree-Free includes paper products made from agricultural residues, nontree fibers, and,
more recently, products made from minerals and plastics. Note: Tree-free does not
necessarily denote more environmentally preferable products.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) refers to a broad class of organic gasses that
includes vapors from solvents, inks, and gasoline. Minimizing or eliminating the use
of products that produce VOCs is important because these compounds can react with
other materials to form ozone, the major ingredient of smog.
Virgin Fiber refers to paper pulp fiber that is derived directly from its organic source
(mostly refers to wood fiber). This material can be an environmentally responsible choice
when it is third-party certified (FSC) and comes from sustainably managed forests.