The verdict
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook worth it?
Yes — A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is one of the stronger picks we track in office & stationery. It holds 2 verified certifications (PETA Approved, B Corp). Priced in the $$ band.
- Cruelty-freeYes
- VeganUnverified
- Plastic-free packagingUnverified
- Recyclable / compostableUnverified
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourYes
Onyx and Green
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Environmentally conscious office workers and travelers.
AI Ethics Review
An innovative notebook made from wheat straw, an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise be burned. This notebook offers a smooth writing surface while actively reducing agricultural waste and preserving forests.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about A5 Wheat Straw Notebook, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook cruelty-free?
- Yes — we found a verified cruelty-free claim or certification for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook vegan?
- Unverified — A5 Wheat Straw Notebook has no certified vegan claim on file; check the ingredient notes below.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook plastic-free?
- Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook recyclable or compostable?
- Unverified — end-of-life handling for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is not documented in our data.
- Does A5 Wheat Straw Notebook avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
- Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook fairly made?
- Yes — A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
Ethics Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Ethics Score above.
How it compares in Office & Stationery
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-10
points vs the category average
2
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Agricultural Waste Reimagined
Onyx and Green is a pioneer in the 'alternative fiber' space, and their Wheat Straw Notebook is a flagship example of circular design. Wheat straw is the stalk left over after wheat grains are harvested. In many parts of the world, this straw is treated as waste and burned, contributing to air pollution. By turning this fiber into paper, Onyx and Green provides a second life for the material and prevents unnecessary carbon emissions.
Performance and Feel
Many users are skeptical of non-wood paper, fearing a rough or absorbent texture. However, the wheat straw paper in this A5 notebook is remarkably smooth. It provides a slightly off-white, natural tone that is easier on the eyes during long writing sessions. Its weight is comparable to standard 80gsm paper, providing enough opacity to minimize ink bleed-through from gel pens and highliners.
- Made from 70% Wheat Straw Fiber
- Recycled Cardboard Cover
- Natural, Non-Bleached Aesthetic
- Double Spiral Binding for Ease of Use
- BPA-Free Materials
Designed for the Modern Workspace
The A5 size is the perfect middle ground for portability and utility, fitting easily into laptop bags and backpacks. The double spiral binding allows the notebook to flip 360 degrees, making it ideal for taking notes in cramped spaces like lecture halls or airplanes. The cover is made from heavy-weight recycled kraft board, providing a sturdy surface to write on even without a desk.
"Our goal is to prove that high-quality office supplies don't need to come from ancient forests. Agricultural waste is the future of stationery." — Onyx and Green Sustainability Report
| Specification | Wheat Straw Notebook | Recycled Paper Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Main Material | Wheat Residue (Agricultural Waste) | Post-Consumer Waste Paper |
| Chemical Usage | Low (Minimal Bleaching) | Medium (De-inking required) |
| Water Consumption | Very Low | Moderate |
| Biodegradability | Fully Compostable | Recyclable |
Beyond the paper, Onyx and Green ensures that their packaging is minimal and plastic-free. This commitment to 'zero waste' principles extends across their entire supply chain, from raw material extraction to final delivery.
Pros
- ✓Uses innovative agricultural waste
- ✓Saves trees and reduces crop burning
- ✓Smooth, high-quality writing surface
- ✓Sturdy spiral binding
Cons
- ✗Paper has a slight natural scent some may dislike
- ✗Slightly textured feel compared to virgin paper
Key Facts
- Brand
- Onyx and Green
- Category
- Office & Stationery
- Ethics Score
- 86/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $12.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (850 reviews)
- Cover
- Soft Recycled Kraft
- Binding
- Double-wire Spiral
- Dimensions
- 5.8 x 8.3 inches (A5)
- Sheet Count
- 70 Sheets
- Paper Weight
- 80 GSM
- Certifications
- PETA Approved, B Corp
🌱 Sustainability
Avoids deforestation by using non-wood fibers. Supports circular economy by utilizing waste products.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Primary material is wheat straw fiber, a renewable agricultural byproduct. The cover is made from recycled cardboard.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $12.99 — prices change often, so check the live listing.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects the ethics score.
What Reviewers Say
"The best alternative to tree-based paper I have found."
"Durable, looks great, and feels good to support circular design."
"Perfect size for my daily to-do lists."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook by Onyx and Green ethically made?+
Yes. A5 Wheat Straw Notebook earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 86/100, backed by third-party certifications including PETA Approved, B Corp. An innovative notebook made from wheat straw, an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise be burned. This notebook offers a smooth writing surface while actively reducing agricultural waste and preserving forests.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook worth buying?+
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook scores 86/100 on our ethics rating. That puts it in the upper band of the products we track, so it is a defensible buy on ethics grounds.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook cruelty-free?+
Yes — A5 Wheat Straw Notebook carries a third-party cruelty-free certification (PETA Approved, B Corp).
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook vegan?+
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook does not carry a certified vegan claim in our database. Check the ingredient notes above and the brand's own disclosure before buying.
What are the best alternatives to A5 Wheat Straw Notebook?+
We list higher-scoring office & stationery products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Onyx and Green on its alternatives page.
What certifications does A5 Wheat Straw Notebook hold?+
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook holds the following certifications: PETA Approved, B Corp. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook?+
Avoids deforestation by using non-wood fibers. Supports circular economy by utilizing waste products.
What are the key ingredients or materials in A5 Wheat Straw Notebook?+
Primary material is wheat straw fiber, a renewable agricultural byproduct. The cover is made from recycled cardboard.
How much does A5 Wheat Straw Notebook cost?+
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is priced in the $$ range for office & stationery. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy A5 Wheat Straw Notebook?+
A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook plastic-free?+
Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook recyclable or compostable?+
Unverified — end-of-life handling for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is not documented in our data.
Does A5 Wheat Straw Notebook avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for A5 Wheat Straw Notebook.
Is A5 Wheat Straw Notebook fairly made?+
Yes — A5 Wheat Straw Notebook is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
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