2009 was the first full year that Naked Binder was up and running and we would like to take a moment to pause and reflect on the year.

When 2009 started, Naked Binder had a much smaller run of products.  The Naked Binder, the Project Binder and the Architect Binder all were made with less ring sizes, spine options and color options.  The Wrapped Binder is the only binder to have stayed the same ( Go Wrapped Binder!).

Prices also went down on almost everything.  The joys of larger production runs!

At the same time as we started a year ago in October, the economy was crashing.  While it has shored up a bit, Naked Binder has been donating to local schools (and some less local) to help students whose families are having hard times.  We have donated over 1000 binders this year and have already planned many more to go out in 2010.

who is using?

Who isn't? As the year unfolded, we noticed a lot more architects and engineering firms using recycled eco binders.  The new government push toward greener, more energy efficient buildings may have a lot to do with that. 

Designers and furniture companies also started ramping up use signaling a growth in demand for greener design, identity and, lets face it, a real lack of well designed binders outside of our manufacturing facility.

Museums, hospitals, construction (even at the new Miami Airport terminal), Burt's Bees, banks and financial institutions, churches, schools and a whole lot of individuals.

More and better product

Big changes came when we became FSC certified - admittedly, only the larger ring sizes as of today. The smaller cut board was purchased just before the mill became FSC certified and we are not going to waste it. Soon everything will be FSC certified.

We also moved to a 100% post consumer waste board.  There is no virgin wood anywhere in our board. Never was, but we raised the level of post consumer waste by 3%.  The board is clean and beautiful with amazing subtle depth of color flecks from the reused magazines/papers.

During the year, we added a full range of ring sizes to the project binders, updated the colors, and added options for both round and square spines. The Naked Binders, our most eco friendly binder, also got a boost in ring sizes. For our 11 x17 binder, the Architect binder, we stretched a machine and added a 1.5"D ring option also.

We also made created new products.  The Classic binder - wrapped in a black FSC certified paper offsetting the beautiful and colorful spine wraps - these babys look great!  They have a finger pull in the spine, nine colors and a subtle debossed line for lining up labels.

Recycled eco pocket folders and eco friendly CD packaging also came about in 2009.  We were busy.

What next?

More and better.  We are working to trim even the little waste we do produce, find better ways to get our binders to you and create new products that you need. 

We are making the two pocket folder a small spine so it holds more paper more easily. We are working on a legal size binder ( on several requests).  A half size binder is being worked on also.  Also, apparently there are not a lot of eco friendly recycled products for the scrapbook market, so we have been working on this also.  Hang in there everyone who requested!!  It will be out soon!

If you have ideas, let us know.  We are always working to make the best most environmentally friendly binders and folders that you need.  If you have needs, we may be able to create it.

More community  We will be working more locally to get kids who need them binders and supplies.  We are also donating product to environmental organizations we support to help stretch their budgets out and keep the money going toward more important items - like preserving wild areas.

Thanks for all of your support and good comments! We look forward to a great 2010 and wish you all the best in the new year.