The verdict
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils worth it?
Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is one of the stronger picks we track in office & stationery. It holds 3 verified certifications (PETA Approved, FSC Certified, Global Recycled Standard). Priced in the $ band.
- Cruelty-freeYes
- VeganYes
- Plastic-free packagingYes
- Recyclable / compostableUnverified
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourUnverified
Onyx and Green
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Eco-conscious parents, teachers, and artists looking for a sustainable alternative to wood pencils.
AI Ethics Review
A unique alternative to cedar pencils, these are made from rolled recycled newspapers and feature HB #2 graphite.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils cruelty-free?
- Yes — we found a verified cruelty-free claim or certification for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils vegan?
- Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is described as vegan or fully plant-based.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils plastic-free?
- Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is packaged without plastic, or in plastic-free wrap.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils recyclable or compostable?
- Unverified — end-of-life handling for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is not documented in our data.
- Does Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
- Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils fairly made?
- Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
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
-4
points vs the category average
3
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Innovation in Writing Utensils
Onyx and Green has established itself as a leader in 'green' office supplies, and their newspaper pencils are a flagship example of upcycling. Every year, millions of trees are cut down to produce wooden pencils. Onyx and Green's solution is to take discarded newsprint, wrap it tightly around a graphite core, and create a writing instrument that performs identically to—if not better than—a traditional pencil. These pencils are significantly harder to snap than their wooden counterparts due to the density of the rolled paper layers.
When you sharpen an Onyx and Green pencil, you don't get wood shavings; you get colorful bits of circular-cut newsprint. This visual reminder of the product's origin serves as a conversation starter about the circular economy. The graphite used is standard HB #2, making these pencils suitable for standardized testing, sketching, and everyday office use. Because no wood is used, the carbon sequestration of living trees is preserved, and the energy required to process old newspaper is far less than that required for timber harvesting and milling.
Design and Utility
| Core Material | HB #2 Graphite |
| Exterior | 100% Recycled Newspaper |
| Eraser Type | Latex-free |
| Quantity | Pack of 10 or 24 |
The glue used to bind the newsprint is non-toxic and water-based, ensuring the pencils remain safe for children and chemically sensitive users.
- Biodegradable barrel
- Smooth sharpening experience
- High break resistance
- Natural aesthetic with visible typography
"We don't just want to make products that are less bad; we want to make products that actively utilize the waste of the past."
Ethics extend beyond the materials. Onyx and Green ensures that their packaging is also made from recycled cardstock and printed with vegetable-based inks. While the manufacturing occurs in China, the brand maintains strict oversight through third-party audits to ensure that labor practices align with international standards. These pencils are vegan-friendly, as they do not use any animal-derived binders or glues common in some traditional stationery manufacturing. By choosing recycled newspaper, the consumer is supporting a supply chain that values resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Pros
- ✓Extremely durable and break-resistant
- ✓Saves trees from being harvested
- ✓Great for school kids
Cons
- ✗Slightly heavier than wood pencils
- ✗Erasers can be stiff
Key Facts
- Brand
- Onyx and Green
- Category
- Office & Stationery
- Ethics Score
- 92/100
- Price Range
- $ (≈ $6.5)
- Avg Rating
- 4.7/5 (850 reviews)
- Eraser
- Pink, Latex-Free
- Material
- Rolled Newspaper
- Quantity
- 10 count
- Lead Grade
- HB #2
- Pencil Type
- Standard Round
- Certifications
- PETA Approved, FSC Certified, Global Recycled Standard
🌱 Sustainability
Prevents deforestation; reduces landfill waste; uses recycled packaging.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Recycled newsprint, non-toxic graphite, latex-free eraser, water-based glue.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $6.5 — 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
"I love seeing the print on the shavings when I sharpen them."
"Stronger than Ticonderoga pencils, honestly."
"Perfect for my eco-friendly classroom."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils by Onyx and Green ethically made?+
Yes. Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 92/100, backed by third-party certifications including PETA Approved, FSC Certified, Global Recycled Standard. A unique alternative to cedar pencils, these are made from rolled recycled newspapers and feature HB #2 graphite.
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils worth buying?+
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils scores 92/100 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 Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils cruelty-free?+
Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils carries a third-party cruelty-free certification (PETA Approved, FSC Certified, Global Recycled Standard).
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils vegan?+
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils 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 Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+
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 Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils hold?+
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils holds the following certifications: PETA Approved, FSC Certified, Global Recycled Standard. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+
Prevents deforestation; reduces landfill waste; uses recycled packaging.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+
Recycled newsprint, non-toxic graphite, latex-free eraser, water-based glue.
How much does Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils cost?+
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is priced in the $ range for office & stationery. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+
Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils plastic-free?+
Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is packaged without plastic, or in plastic-free wrap.
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils recyclable or compostable?+
Unverified — end-of-life handling for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils is not documented in our data.
Does Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils fairly made?+
Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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