Finding Eco Friendly Binders is not as hard as it used to be, but finding really good ones is.

So what should you look for?  Environmental credibility, well designed for use and something you want to use - something that looks good and doesn't break the bank.

Environmental issues

Environmentally, the board and any paper products should have as high a post consumer waste percentage as possible.  At the very least, it should be 100% recycled. Ideally, they should be certified by the FSC that all the wood product and paper comes from sustainably forested sources.

Also important is the recyclability of the binder.  Can it be recycled? How easy it to recycle?

Vinyl binders may have recycled paper board inside the vinyl, but they are not easy or completely recyclable.  Currently, there is no system in place for curbside recycling of PVC and vinyl. It also takes a fair bit of work to dismantle them.

For paper based binders, it is much easier.  Whether you have a screw in post or a rivet, a screwdriver is all you need to pop the rings out.  The rings are recycled in the metal bin, the rest of the binder in the paper bin. Laminated papers ahve different issues and need to be checked out with your local recycler.

Well Designed

How well does it work and how long will it last.  Assuming your binder meets your environmental specifications, next you want to know it will work as well as possible for as long as possible.

First look at what it is made of.  Corrugate binders are generally a little cheaper, but are made from what is in essence a cardboard box.  Besides not being made from post consumer wsate or 100% recycled material, you have to ask if it will last for the time period you need it for. If you need it for a one off meeting or hand out, they may work great.  If you need it for  the next few years...maybe not.

Stronger board binders will generally hold up better.  The weak point is the hinge.  Some binders us three pieces of board held together with cloth or paper (traditional binder method), some dig channels out fo the board so it will flex better, and other flex the hinge directly into the board. the more of the original board is in the hinge, the stronger the hinge will be.

Have claims been tested by independent sources?  If it is claimed to last, has it been tested?

Good Looking

If you have a choice for a good looking, eco friendly, recycled binder that lasts... why wouldn't you get it? Get something that works with you decor, your mood, or what you are putting in it.  The more choices you have, the more chanc eyou have of finding exactly what you want.

Economical

Green doesn't have to mean going broke.  With vinyl binder prices going ever higher, a good recycled eco binder is often an affordable, longer lasting, non-toxic and better looking choice.  Look at all the factors - how often will you be having to replace a less well made binder?  If a dollar more buys you two or three times the use - you are saving money.

We won't lie, we think Naked Binder makes the best binder on the market.  But you should decide for yourself.  Look at the choices and decide what you need.  We recognize that we won't fill every need, but we sure try.