Are Rite in the Rain products environmentally friendly?
All Rite in the Rain writing products are designed to repel rain and defy Mother Nature. But we also manufacture them in a way that protects her. Through sustainable sourcing of renewable materials, our commitment to recycling, and the establishment of a production method without carbon dioxide emissions and contaminants in the atmosphere, our manufacturing process does not cause environmental damage.
Sustainability
The selection of materials is a crucial element of our production process. Since Rite in the Rain products must perform even in harsh conditions, we cannot afford to neglect our raw materials! The paper we purchase must be durable. However, we cannot make it from recycled materials. Due to its shorter fiber length, recycled paper does not hold up well enough to survive the rigors our products must endure. We always do our best to ensure that the waterproof paper we produce is made sustainably. All the papers we process are sourced from suppliers certified by the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council), an international labeling system whose mission is to promote responsible forest management.
Recycling
Rite in the Rain products are fully recyclable. Our All-Weather waterproof paper can be placed in the paper recycling bin. As for our PolyDura covers, they are classified as recyclable plastics. Also, our Wire-O binding can be sorted with recyclable metals. Finally, our Fabrikoid and Field-Flex books do not require any disassembly: you can simply throw them in the paper recycling bin.
Emissions
The main activity of our company consists of a process of treating waterproof paper. This is the means by which treated paper is transformed into a Rite in the Rain product. The original production method was solvent-based, which produced industrial emissions. In 2000, we developed a new water-based treatment process, which is much better for the environment. An agency regulating clean air, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, has determined that our facilities "have a minimal impact on air quality and do not pose a threat to humans or the environment."
Other efforts
Within our company, respect for the environment is not limited to inspection and certification issues. We strive to do the right thing for the environment at every opportunity. Thus, the majority of our excess production materials are recycled. But each of our administrative employees also has a recycling bin at their desk. And our shipping department reuses boxes and packing materials whenever possible. And even though Rite in the Rain products are designed to withstand the elements (such as moisture, sweat, oil, mud, and rain), our company is committed to acting as a model of sustainability and responsible stewardship. The natural world represents much more than an adversary for our All-Weather products. Isn't nature our partner? That is why we consider it a resource, a gift that we are committed to protecting.