
In this issue of OECM’s Industry Spotlight news resource, featuring industry insights and market trends gathered and analyzed by OECM’s Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) team, we’re exploring an innovative solution to achieving your sustainability goals.
Here, we focus on Sugar Sheet Paper, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional wood-based paper that aligns seamlessly with Net-Zero and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
As organizations across various sectors strive to meet their sustainability commitments, Sugar Sheet Paper delivers value in sustainability – demonstrating how a small but impactful choice can make a significant difference. This innovative product, crafted from 100% agricultural bagasse fibre, offers a tree-free alternative that aligns with environmental policies without compromising performance or disrupting existing supply chain and procurement processes.
With input from Social Print Paper, the manufacturers of Sugar Sheet Paper and an OEM on OECM’s Office Supplies and Fine Copy Paper agreement, this Industry Spotlight focuses on:
- the environmental and operational benefits of using Sugar Sheet Paper,
- the measurable impact it can have on your carbon footprint, cost savings, and regulatory compliance,
- how leading organizations across Canada are adopting this innovative product as part of their commitment to a greener future, and
- how Sugar Sheet Paper can help OECM customers reduce their environmental impact without compromising quality or operational efficiency.
Discover how Sugar Sheet Paper can be integral to your broader sustainability strategy!
Rewriting the Future of Paper: A Sustainable Solution

What is Sugar Sheet Paper?
Sugar Sheet Paper presents a sustainable alternative that meets the operational needs and environmental goals of OECM’s customers. Made from 100% agricultural bagasse fibre—the residue waste fibre of sugar cane after the sugar cane stock has been harvested for juices, alcohol, sugars, and biofuel—Sugar Sheet is a tree-free solution that supports sustainability objectives. It offers high-quality performance comparable to traditional wood fibre papers while promoting responsible sourcing and production methods.
Tree-Free Innovation
Utilizing sugar cane residue (bagasse), this paper is produced without harming forests, making it a renewable resource that can be harvested multiple times a year. Sugar Sheet Paper is a Canadian innovation created by Social Print Paper in New Westminster, Canada. Social Print Paper is a recognized global leader in creating greater awareness for eco-friendly paper and helping organizations across North America reduce their carbon emissions.
High Performance
Sugar Sheet Paper is BLI 99.9% Jam Free Certified. BLI is a trusted independent authority providing lab testing and reviews on office paper for multifunction devices such as copiers, printers, and scanners.
Sugar Sheet is compatible with major OEM equipment brands, including Xerox, Ricoh, HP, and Canon. Certifications include:
- ISO 9001 is a set of five quality management systems standards recognized internationally. ISO 9001 standards help organizations meet customer and other stakeholder needs for product quality and performance.
- ISO 14001 certified to ensure standards for environmental management to minimize environmental impact.
- ISO 45001, ensuring international occupational health and safety standards and a fair living wage for all employees.
Sustainable
Sugar Sheet Paper is fully recyclable and compostable, contributes to effective waste management and aligns with circular economy principles. It has undergone certified third-party Life Cycle Assessments in 2016 and 2018 conducted by TruCost. (www.trucost.com).

- Carbon emission calculations for virgin, 30% recycled and 100% recycled wood fibre papers are calculated by the online Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator 4.0. and verified by the Environmental Paper Network.
- Sugar Sheet copy paper carbon emissions calculated by S&P TruCost are available in the Sugar Sheet Environmental Performance Report.
- Carbon offset costs are calculated by Social Print Paper at $25 /metric tonne CO2e and verified by the Environmental Paper Network.
Sugar Sheet Benefits: Why Make the Switch?
Choosing to adopt Sugar Sheet Paper offers several benefits that go beyond sustainability:
Cost Savings
Transitioning to Sugar Sheet Paper can significantly reduce operational costs associated with carbon offsets and waste management. Organizations can lower their overall procurement expenses by decreasing reliance on traditional wood fibre paper.
Enhanced Reputation
Using sustainable products strengthens an organization’s brand image and demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. This approach appeals to environmentally conscious customers and fosters loyalty among stakeholders who prioritize sustainability in their business practices.
Regulatory Compliance
Sugar Sheet Paper helps organizations meet evolving regulations and standards related to sustainability and environmental impact. This is particularly crucial for organizations mandated to report emissions under Net-Zero policies, ensuring compliance while promoting a greener future.
Operational Flexibility
Sugar Sheet Paper is designed to perform seamlessly across various office equipment. This reliability ensures customers can continue their operations without disruptions, maintaining productivity while choosing an eco-friendly option.
Positive Impact on Environment and Carbon Footprint
By switching to Sugar Sheet Paper, organizations can significantly reduce their carbon emissions. This direct impact supports a broader climate action strategy and aligns with an organization’s sustainability goals. Sugar Sheet Paper is ECF (elemental chlorine free), meaning chlorine dioxide is used instead of elemental chlorine and sodium hypochlorite in the bleaching process, thereby reducing the toxic environmental impact.


Aligning with Environmental Goals
Switching to Sugar Sheet Paper isn’t just a symbolic act; it delivers tangible environmental benefits! Sugar Sheet directly supports Net-Zero procurement policies and ESG commitments across various sectors, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprints while maintaining operational efficiency.
Environmental Benefits:
• Emission Reduction: Every two boxes save one tree and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 29.2 kg.
• Lifecycle Assessment: Independent assessments confirm that Sugar Sheet Paper has a lower environmental impact than traditional paper options, reinforcing its position as a leading sustainable product.


Sugar Sheet Adoption: Who’s Leading the Way?
Forward-thinking organizations across Canada are increasingly adopting Sugar Sheet Paper as part of their sustainability strategies, including:
Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Governments: Committed to reducing their environmental impact and leading by example by incorporating Sugar Sheet into procurement practices.
Educational Institutions: Universities and school boards are prioritizing sustainability in their procurement practices to educate future generations. Sugar Sheet Paper supports provincial Education Sector Net Zero Policy objectives and aligns with the values of teachers, administrative and operational staff, students, and school district communities. Sugar Sheet Paper can help schools measurably reduce their carbon emissions and the corresponding provincial carbon tax levies as assessed by various provinces each year.
Environmental Organizations: Groups like the David Suzuki Foundation advocate for sustainable products, like Sugar Sheet, setting community standards.
Take the Next Step Towards Sustainability

Sugar Sheet Paper is available through OECM’s Office Supplies and Fine Copy Paper agreements, allowing OECM customers to easily transition to sustainable paper solutions without disrupting
their current supply chain or procurement processes.
By choosing Sugar Sheet Paper, OECM customers can fulfill their operational requirements and significantly contribute to climate action and the advancement of Net-Zero and ESG policies. Embracing this innovative solution is a proactive step toward building a more sustainable future for all.
How Can OECM and its Supplier Partners Help?
Promotional Pricing

Special Price on Sugar Sheet Paper!
OECM supplier partners Staples Professional Inc. and Grand & Toy Ltd. are offering Sugar Sheet Copy Paper at $61.95 per box to OECM Members until April 18, 2025.
Purchase from Staples Professional Inc.
Purchase from Grand and Toy Ltd.
The discounted pricing will be visible after customers log into their customer accounts.
As we continue to gather industry insights and focus on fostering a collaborative environment, OECM is here to support our customers and stakeholders in reaching their ESG goals and sustainability targets.
OECM continues to work to facilitate opportunities for collaboration, transparency, and the timely exchange of information between suppliers and customers so that we can help you better identify and tackle supply chain and industry challenges while supporting a value-based procurement approach. Whatever your needs, there is an OECM agreement and a supplier partner that can work for you.
If you have any questions about Sugar Sheet Paper or other sustainability-focused products and resources available through OECM agreements, please contact our dedicated Customer Support team at:
OECM Customer Support
1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900)
TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT INTERESTS YOU
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Stay tuned for the next OECM Industry Spotlight update, coming soon!