Is Onyx + Green ethical?

Overview

Onyx + Green is a pioneer in the sustainable stationery market, focusing on the development of school and office supplies that utilize non-traditional, earth-friendly materials. The brand is part of the Onyx Group and has carved out a niche by replacing standard plastics and virgin wood with post-consumer recycled materials and rapidly renewable resources. Their product line spans from bamboo retractable pens to pencils crafted from recycled newspapers, targeting a consumer base that prioritizes ecological footprint reduction without sacrificing functional design. With ethical scores consistently ranging between 79 and 82 per 100, the brand is recognized as a top performer in the stationery sector.

Certifications

The brand's commitment to verifiable standards is evident through its diverse portfolio of third-party certifications. A primary pillar of their sourcing strategy is the use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified bamboo and wood, ensuring that botanical inputs are harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Additionally, Onyx + Green products frequently carry the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) label, particularly for their recycled fabric and plastic lines. This certification verifies the recycled content of products and tracks the material through the supply chain, while also monitoring social and environmental practices at the processing level.

Animal testing & vegan range

Onyx + Green maintains a rigorous stance against animal testing, earning them 'PETA Approved' and 'Cruelty-Free' status. Unlike traditional stationery brands that may use animal-derived binders, glues, or stearic acid in their pens and pencils, Onyx + Green offers a wide variety of explicitly vegan products. Their bamboo pens and recycled newspaper pencils are notable examples of products formulated without animal by-products. This commitment makes them a preferred choice for ethical consumers who extend their vegan lifestyle beyond food and cosmetics into their professional and academic tools.

Sustainability pledges

The brand operates under a holistic sustainability pledge centered on the 'Circular Economy' principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Their primary pledge involves the elimination of virgin plastics wherever possible, substituting them with recycled PET from water bottles, recycled milk cartons, and biodegradable bamboo. They also focus on minimizing packaging waste by using recycled cardstock and soy-based inks for their retail presentation. While many brands focus solely on the product, Onyx + Green pledges to optimize their entire logistics chain to reduce carbon emissions associated with the shipping of stationery goods.

Sourcing & labor

Onyx + Green sources materials globally, with a significant emphasis on material innovation. Their use of bamboo is a strategic choice; as a fast-growing grass, it requires no pesticides and less water than traditional timber. For their recycled newspaper pencils, the brand utilizes post-consumer waste, diverting significant amounts of paper from landfills. In terms of labor, while the brand is smaller than global conglomerates, they prioritize suppliers that adhere to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. By utilizing certifications like FSC and GRS, they ensure that the human element of their supply chain is subject to basic international labor standards and environmental safety protocols.

Controversies context

At present, there are no major public controversies, environmental disasters, or labor strikes on record associated with Onyx + Green. This lack of negative press is a significant factor in their high ethical rankings. Compared to larger stationery competitors who have faced scrutiny over deforestation in the Amazon or poor labor conditions in unregulated factories, Onyx + Green maintains a clean record. However, as with all companies sourcing from overseas markets, continued vigilance and third-party auditing remain essential to maintain this standing.

Bottom line

Onyu + Green represents a high-integrity choice for consumers looking to green their workspace. With consistent ethical scores around 80/100, the brand excels due to its innovative use of recycled materials and its refusal to engage in animal testing. While they are a mid-range brand in terms of price, the environmental value provided through FSC-certified materials and plastic-free alternatives offers a significant ethical premium. For those seeking daily-use items like pens and pencils that align with a low-impact lifestyle, Onyx + Green is a market leader.