Monadnock Paper Mills: Crafting Extraordinary Solutions for a Sustainable Future
As the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. has spent over two centuries building a more sustainable future for its customers, community and the planet. Located in Bennington, New Hampshire, Monadnock is more than a manufacturer of premium papers, it is a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, environmental stewardship and a Platinum Patron supporting Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP).
Legacy in Motion: A Heritage of Sustainable Papermaking
Monadnock crafts a wide range of high-performance papers and boards. Many products are FSC Certified (FSC C018866) and feature up to 100% post-consumer-waste recycled content, offering sustainable solutions without compromising quality or performance. Their commitment to craftsmanship, agility and innovation has made them a trusted partner for leading brands worldwide.
Partnership with Purpose: Advancing the Sustainable Print Supply Chain
Monadnock joined the SGP community in 2021 as a Gold patron, recognizing the alignment between its values and SGP’s mission to advance sustainability in the print supply chain. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, Monadnock remained committed to innovation and developed new substrates to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible materials.
“Monadnock plays an active role in shaping our engagement strategy and advancing our mission to build a more sustainable supply chain,” said Jodi Sawyer, Vice Chair of Engagement at SGP. “They exemplify what it means to lead with purpose in the print industry, serving not only as a Platinum Patron but as a trusted voice helping guide the future of sustainable printing.”
Rooted in Responsibility: Sustainability as a Way of Life
At Monadnock, sustainability is not a business strategy, it’s the foundational company value rooted in people and purpose. The company’s environmental ethos is personal and enduring. For over 200 years, Monadnock has operated in the same New Hampshire community where its employees live, raise families, and care for the land. That connection fuels a long-standing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region while advancing responsible practices across the global print and packaging industry.
Monadnock’s strength lies in its ability to stay grounded while adapting to change. “Sustainability has always been part of who we are,” said Lisa Taylor, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Monadnock Paper Mills. “It’s not just about reducing impact; it’s also about honoring the people and places that make our work meaningful. That mindset has carried us through challenges and continues to guide every decision we make.”
This philosophy is evident in every aspect of Monadnock’s operations, from its zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing to its use of renewable hydropower and post-consumer recycled fiber. The company’s approach to sustainability is driven by a belief that doing the right thing today builds resilience for tomorrow.
Measuring What Matters: Performance with Accountability
Monadnock believes that transparency and accountability are essential to its sustainability journey. Each year, the company tracks and measures key environmental performance indicators to evaluate progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
In 2024, Monadnock achieved several notable milestones:
- Mastercard CEC Certification
- 98% waste diversion rate, reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy
- Replacing nine steam traps resulted in energy savings of approximately 1,000 million BTUs.
- Reduced annual water use by approximately 12 million gallons.
- Up to 50% of electricity generated on-sitevia hydropower
- EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing Monadnock in the top 1 % of companies globally, with gains in sustainable procurement
- Monadnock’s fine printing and packaging products are Forest Stewardship Council® Certified, produced under an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, manufactured carbon neutral (VERs) and manufactured using 100% renewable, Green-e® certified wind energy (RECs).
Monadnock also maintained its third-party certifications, including:
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- FSC Certification (C018866)
- Green-e Certified 100% renewable electricity
- EPA SmartWay Transportation Partner
- Carbon Neutral Manufacturing through verified emission reductions (VERs)
Un-Plastic by Design: A Story of Sustainable Innovation
For over two centuries, Monadnock Paper Mills has challenged the notion that tradition and innovation are mutually exclusive. Long before sustainability became a global imperative, Monadnock was rethinking how materials could serve the highest metrics for both performance and social impact. That mindset gave rise to what would become one of the company’s most defining contributions to the industry: the #UnPlastic journey.
This journey began with a simple but powerful idea to replace plastic with paper wherever possible, without compromising quality. In 1997, Monadnock introduced Ultraform Backlit Poster, a durable, fiber-based alternative to PVC and styrene used in retail signage. It was a bold move at a time when plastic dominated the market, but it set the tone for what would become decades of material innovation.
From there, Monadnock continued to push boundaries. It developed paper-based solutions for wallcovering, horticultural tags, shelf signage and rigid packaging—each designed to replace plastic in high-performance applications. In 2011, the launch of Envi Card marked a turning point. This recyclable alternative to PVC and PLA gift cards quickly gained traction with global brands, proving that the market was ready for sustainable change.
That momentum continued in 2023 when Monadnock received the FSC Leadership Award for its work in replacing over 10 billion plastic gift cards with fiber-based alternatives. The company’s Envi PC 100 Card, made entirely from post-consumer waste, performs like plastic. The Envi PC 100 Card offers brands a responsible solution without compromise.
In 2024, Monadnock continues to advance this mission with Renovo, an even thicker caliper (30pt) gift card stock that is also made with 100% post-consumer recycled fiber that is FSC certified. It further offers an alternative to single use plastic.
Monadnock also introduced Stello, a fine printing paper that brings the company’s sustainability mission into the world of high-end design. Made with FSC® certified fiber and engineered for premium performance, Stello reinforces Monadnock’s belief that beauty and responsibility can go hand in hand—whether in packaging or print.
The environmental impact of Monadnock’s work is profound. In 2024, Monadnock diverted 98% of its total waste from landfill through expanded recycling and material recovery initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to a circular economy. Targeted efficiency projects—such as replacing nine steam traps—saved approximately 1,000 million BTUs of energy, while water conservation measures reduced annual consumption by 12 million gallons. Monadnock’s 1.9-megawatt hydroelectric facility on the Contoocook River can generate up to 50 percent of the electricity used in their manufacturing operations. All FSC® certified products were manufactured using renewable, Green-e® certified wind energy. These efforts contributed to Monadnock earning an EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing the company among the top 1% of assessed organizations worldwide, with notable gains in sustainable procurement.
This commitment is deeply rooted in the company’s culture. Monadnock’s approach to sustainability has always been about more than materials. “Our legacy is built on doing what’s right, not just what’s required,” said Taylor. “Sustainability is about people, partnerships, and long-term responsibility. This method continues to guide us as we help brands transition away from plastic and toward solutions that are better for the planet and future generations.”
Collaborating for Impact: Building a More Sustainable Industry
Monadnock strengthens its sustainability mission through partnerships that drive real progress. As a Platinum Patron of SGP Partnership, the company supports industry-wide efforts to improve environmental performance and accountability.
Its collaboration with DSCOOP and Printing Industries of New England, both SGP Resource Partners, helps advance innovation and knowledge-sharing across the print community. Monadnock also engages with Sustainable Brands to connect with global leaders focused on transforming business through environmental and social responsibility.
These relationships demonstrate Monadnock’s belief in collective action that are measurable. By participating with organizations that share its values, Monadnock helps shape a more responsible and resilient future for the print and packaging industry.