Lose the Chlorine, Help the Environment

Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) — This refers to recycled paper made without the use of chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Common bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide (which, when used, breaks down into water and oxygen) and ozone.

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) — This refers to virgin paper made without the use of chlorine or chlorine derivatives. (The term “virgin” means the fiber has never been used to make paper or any paper-based products.) … New Leaf Paper think[s] this distinction between TCF and PCF is environmentally misleading. While TCF sounds better, PCF is more environmentally sound, since this term is reserved for recycled rather than virgin papers. Some environmental organizations have suggested that the term PCF be dropped, and that TCF refer to all paper made with a totally chlorine-free bleaching process, thus eliminating any confusion.