Unfortunately, the chlorine residue from the papermaking process creates dioxins. Cancer-causing dioxins are extremely toxic and threaten the health of people and wildlife. Mills in the U.S. and around the world, however, bleach pulp using non-chlorine compounds. This process produces large amounts of dioxins. EC paper can contain either virgin or recycled fibers.
ECF paper can contain either virgin or recycled fibers.
The TCF label should not be used on recycled paper because the content of the original paper is unknown. Since it is impossible to tell whether their recycled content has been bleached with chlorine in the past, PCF papers cannot be labelled totally chlorine-free. Unbleached paper can be light brown or gray in color and is chlorine-free because the paper has not been bleached. Unbleached products include mailing labels, bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, file folders, and coffee filters. These unbleached paper products function similarly to bleached products, but lack the bright, white color.