Home/Browse/Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils
79Excellent

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 2 verified certifications (Vegan, Global Recycled Standard). Priced in the $ band.

  • Cruelty-freeUnverified
  • VeganYes
  • Plastic-free packagingUnverified
  • Recyclable / compostableUnverified
  • Palm-oil safeUnverified
  • Certified organicUnverified
  • Fair labourUnverified

Onyx + Green

Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils

Office & Stationery$
79Excellent

Ethics Score

Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.

Certifications

VeganGlobal Recycled Standard

Buy From

* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.

Customer Rating

4.5 (2,100)
Compare
Save
🎯

Best for

Eco-conscious parents, teachers, and offices looking for high-volume sustainable supplies.

AI Ethics Review

Innovative pencils made from recycled newspapers instead of wood, featuring a HB #2 graphite core and smudge-free erasers.

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?
Unverified — no third-party cruelty-free certification is recorded for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils in our database.
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?
Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.
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

labor
70
sourcing
92
environment
85
transparency
65
animal welfare
98

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.

This product
79
Category average
96
Best in category
97

0%

of compared products score lower

-17

points vs the category average

2

verified certifications on file

In-Depth Review

Removing the 'Wood' from Writing

Onyx + Green has established itself as a pioneer in the 'unconventional materials' stationery space. Their Recycled Newspaper Pencils solve two problems at once: they reduce the demand for cedar wood (the industry standard for pencils) and provide a secondary use for the massive amounts of newspaper waste generated globally. When you sharpen these pencils, you can actually see the layers of newsprint spiraling away.

These pencils are manufactured through a process of rolling discarded newsprint tightly around a graphite core using a non-toxic adhesive.

Environmental and Social Impact

By utilizing recycled paper, Onyx + Green significantly lowers the energy consumption and water usage typically required to process raw timber. Furthermore, the pencils are free from traditional paints and lacquers that often contain heavy metals. The company focuses on accessibility, ensuring that eco-friendly office supplies are priced competitively with traditional products, making sustainability attainable for school districts and large offices.

  • Circular economy product
  • No virgin wood used
  • Non-toxic graphite core
  • Recycled packaging
AttributeDetail
Core GradeHB #2
ConstructionRolled Newspaper
Eraser TypeLatex-free
Quantity12-Pack
"Green office products shouldn't be a luxury; they should be the standard for every desk." — Onyx + Green Philosophy

The performance matches that of a high-quality wood pencil. They sharpen easily in standard sharpeners and the graphite is smooth and consistent. The unique aesthetic of the daily news visible on the barrel serves as a constant reminder of the product’s circular origin.

Pros

  • ✓Saves trees from being harvested
  • ✓Very affordable for a sustainable product
  • ✓Unique aesthetic

Cons

  • ✗Slightly heavier than wood pencils
  • ✗Paper can occasionally peel if heavily wet

Key Facts

Brand
Onyx + Green
Category
Office & Stationery
Ethics Score
79/100
Price Range
$ (≈ $6.99)
Avg Rating
4.5/5 (2100 reviews)
Color
Natural Newspaper
Count
12 per pack
Shape
Round
Eraser
Pink Rubber (Recycled)
Lead Grade
HB #2
Certifications
Vegan, Global Recycled Standard

🌱 Sustainability

Protects forests by substituting wood with paper waste; minimal packaging used.

🧪 Ingredients & Materials

Graphite, recycled newsprint, non-toxic water-based glue, and rubber (latex-free) erasers.

Price & where to buy

Typically around $6.99 — 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

"My kids love seeing the words on the pencils."
web
"They write just as well as Ticonderogas but feel much better for the planet."
web
"Strong lead, doesn't break easily."
web

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils by Onyx + Green ethically made?+

Yes. Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 79/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Global Recycled Standard. Innovative pencils made from recycled newspapers instead of wood, featuring a HB #2 graphite core and smudge-free erasers.

Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils worth buying?+

Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils scores 79/100 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?+

We have not verified a third-party cruelty-free certification for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils. See our Onyx + Green verdict page for the brand's full animal-testing position.

Is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils vegan?+

Yes — Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils holds a certified vegan claim.

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 + 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: Vegan, Global Recycled Standard. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.

How sustainable is Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+

Protects forests by substituting wood with paper waste; minimal packaging used.

What are the key ingredients or materials in Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils?+

Graphite, recycled newsprint, non-toxic water-based glue, and rubber (latex-free) erasers.

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?+

Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for Onyx and Green Recycled Newspaper Pencils.

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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