Join the Movement: Tell Your Sustainability Story with Two Sides North America

In an era where digital solutions are seen as inherently sustainable, the print, paper and paper-based packaging industries play a crucial role in shaping environmentally friendly practices. Two Sides North America is at the forefront of this movement and plays a unique role as an industry advocate while directly taking on other corporations and industries that use greenwashing to spread misinformation about the environmental impact of paper products. 

Two Sides North America (TSNA) is part of the non-profit Two Sides Global network that includes more than 600 members in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Our membership includes companies and industry-allied organizations, both large and small, from across the entire value chain. 

TSNA research, outreach, and ongoing work are 100% funded by membership dues. Members of TSNA gain access to a wealth of resources while providing valuable tools and research to help keep the industry informed and able to address misguided environmental concerns about print and paper use in North America. 

As our work continues to expand, so too does our need to engage our print, mail, paper, and paper-based packaging communities and grow our membership in North America. Together – our voices continue to be heard!

Benefits to Paper and Packaging-based Businesses

The advantages of TSNA membership are substantial. Beyond the educational resources, being part of TSNA can positively impact a company’s brand image and foster consumer trust when making purchasing decisions. Two Sides provides a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to sustainable practices, setting them apart in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Depending on membership type, benefits include:

Enhanced credibility. By joining with other members to speak with one voice about the sustainability of the entire graphic communications and paper-based packaging Industry, your organization can communicate with customers and other stakeholders using verifiable, consistent messaging that enhances credibility and confidence in your business.

Increased visibility. Members increase the visibility of their organization’s sustainability efforts to our growing worldwide network by connecting with us on social media platforms.

A forum to challenge misleading anti-paper and print claims. Two Sides engages directly with companies that use misleading and unfounded environmental messaging about paper and print.  Our goal is to combat Greenwashing, educate the marketplace about the sustainable truths around the use of print and paper, correct their outbound marketing speak, and redirect consumer misconceptions toward the facts. 

A forum for discussion. Membership provides opportunities for valuable discussion and interaction with industry peers, as well as a communication platform to help members more effectively engage the media, suppliers, NGOs, and others on sustainability issues.

Access to Two Sides materials. A variety of materials, such as customizable fact sheets, infographics, and presentations, serve as valuable resources to help members communicate with customers, employees, and other stakeholders about our industry’s sustainability. This Greenwashing fact sheet is one of the most useful and popular materials we provide.

Current research. TSNA conducts annual third-party surveys of consumer perceptions about paper and paper-based packaging. Providing insights into perceptions and facts about the sustainability of paper helps members advocate for the industry and for their products and services.

Strength in numbers. Membership provides the opportunity to participate in industry-wide efforts to develop practical, sustainable solutions in consultation with peers, government, NGOs, and others. 

News and information. Members have 24/7 access to news and information on emerging sustainability issues and challenges facing our industry.

Logo use. Membership privileges include authorization to use the Two Sides logo and other intellectual property, demonstrating your business’s sustainability leadership, proactive approach to environmental responsibility, and commitment to implementing the Two Sides Principles.

Industry-wide Impact

TSNA’s initiatives extend beyond individual companies, influencing the entire paper and packaging industry. By promoting responsible sourcing of paper in North America, TSNA contributes to a positive environmental impact, reducing the industry’s ecological footprint. The collective effort of TSNA members leads to a more sustainable industry, aligning with global goals for a greener future. It also protects the industry from being harmed by misleading and false claims, which can result in revenue and job loss.

Anti-Greenwashing is the Heart of Two Sides North America’s Work

Greenwashing, the act of misleading consumers about the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product, is a prevalent issue. TSNA’s anti-greenwashing campaign has emerged as a critical force in eliminating billions of instances of paper-related greenwashing in the U.S. The campaign debunking false claims fosters transparency and ensures that consumers can make informed choices. 

The Two Sides global anti-greenwashing campaign has persuaded more than 1,075 companies, government agencies, and other organizations to remove unsubstantiated environmental claims about paper products. During 2023 alone, 30 companies representing approximately 200 million customers removed greenwashing messages such as “Go green, Go paperless” and  “Go paperless to help protect the environment” from their marketing communications.

Two Sides North America’s recent research found that 65% of consumers who’ve seen anti-paper greenwashing are influenced to go paperless. Two Sides estimates that efforts have preserved more than $300 million in annual revenue for the paper, printing, and mailing sector over the last decade.

Print, paper, and paper-based packaging have a great environmental story, and TSNA helps our members tell it. We tackle the relevant environmental and social issues head-on with authoritative, fact-based information that provides compelling proof of our industry’s sustainability and paper’s contributions to a circular economy. 

As we navigate an era where sustainability is non-negotiable, TSNA stands as a beacon, guiding companies toward practices that benefit both their business and the planet.

Download our latest membership Brochure

Click here to become a member today!