Press Releases

National Envelope Demonstrates Commitment to the Environment by Introducing “100% Tree-Free” Envelopes

Frisco, Texas – December 1, 2011 – National Envelope, a portfolio company of The Gores Group, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with TreeZero® to produce envelopes made entirely with “tree-free” paper. National Envelope will be the first company in the industry to make envelopes with TreeZero® paper.

The paper used for these environmentally friendly and sustainable envelopes has absolutely no wood or wood fibers used in the manufacturing process. Instead, the paper is made from a 100% sugar cane by-product called bagasse. Additionally, no sugar cane is harvested specifically to produce this paper. The by-product is diverted from land filling or burning, making it a truly eco-friendly option. Sugar cane can be harvested twice a year, making it a renewable paper source. National Envelope will launch the product branded as “TreeFrog by National”.

Ken Winterhalter, National Envelope president and CEO, said, “As an industry leader in environmentally responsible products, National Envelope is pleased to add ‘TreeFrog by National’ to its full line of eco-friendly, sustainable envelope options.” Mike Nilan, TreeZero’s CEO stated, “We are very excited about this new endeavor and expect that National Envelope’s customers will be impressed with the quality of TreeFrog paper. National Envelope is a leader in the industry, and we are fortunate that they have joined us in our quest to create quality products that have less of a negative impact on the environment. Together we can offer an innovative, sustainable business solution to green-minded businesses and institutions.”

About National Envelope
National Envelope, a portfolio company of The Gores Group, is one of the largest manufacturers of envelopes in the world with 9 manufacturing facilities, 2 distribution centers, and nearly 2,700 employees in the U.S. The company is an environmental leader in the paper and envelope converting industries with certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Chlorine Free Products Association, and Green Seal. For more information on National Envelope, please visit www.nationalenvelope.com.

About The Gores Group, LLC
The Gores Group, LLC is a private equity firm focused on acquiring controlling interests in mature and growing businesses that can benefit from the firm's operating experience and flexible capital base. The firm combines the operational expertise and detailed due diligence capabilities of a strategic buyer with the seasoned M&A team of a traditional financial buyer. The Gores Group, which was founded in 1987 by Alec E. Gores, has become a leading investor having demonstrated over time a reliable track record of creating substantial value in its portfolio companies alongside management. Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Gores Group maintains offices in Boulder, CO and London. For more information, please visit www.gores.com

Artlite Office Supply Company Jumps for Eco-Friendly Product
Artlite Will Soon Offer Customers TreeFrog - A New Paper Alternative

ATLANTA (September 27, 2011) – Artlite, an Atlanta-based office supply company, has found a way to satisfy its customers' hunger for more environmentally-friendly office products by offering TreeFrog copy paper. TreeFrog, produced by the Atlanta-based company TreeZero, is a 100 percent tree free copy paper, made from 100 percent recycled sugar-cane fiber (bagasse).

Artlite understands its customers' desire for eco-friendly products. Many businesses are seeking “green” alternatives - from the office products they use to how these products are delivered. "Consumers are sure to embrace TreeFrog as a way to incorporate environmental sustainability into their daily business practices," explains Artlite partner, Bert Light.

"By distributing TreeFrog, Artlite is providing companies the necessary resources to become environmentally responsible," said Mike Nilan, TreeZero CEO. "Together, Artlite and TreeZero will provide local businesses with the resources they need to advance toward a sustainable future while maintaining regular business practices."

TreeFrog is a premium 20 lb., 92 brightness multipurpose copy paper comparable to tree-derived paper. Available in 8.5" x 11" and constructed entirely of sugar cane fiber, TreeFrog is suited for everyday, high-volume use and can be recycled with traditional paper made from trees. TreeFrog utilizes the by-products of sugar cane, which is an abundant and renewable resource.

"Artlite is always looking for products that distinguish themselves from others. We believe TreeFrog far exceeds this, and we are proud to be associated with such a product," continues Light.

TreeFrog will be available through Artlite beginning October 2011.

About Artlite
Artlite Office Supply Company, a family owned and operated business, was founded in Atlanta in 1964 by Arthur and Estelle Light. Artlite is an independent office products dealer known for quality service, savings and office solutions. To learn more about Artlite, visit www.artlite.net

TREEZERO GEARS UP FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
A New Partnership Introduces TreeFrog to Schools Nationwide

ATLANTA (August 17, 2011) – As students gear up for another academic year, TreeZero is proud to announce its most recent partnership with Club’s Choice Fundraising, a community oriented business that helps fund youth programs throughout the United States. This exciting partnership will introduce schools and organizations around the country to TreeFrog, a 100 percent tree-free copy paper from TreeZero. Made entirely from sugar cane fibers and containing no wood or wood-based fibers, TreeFrog offers an innovative option in the paper product category.

TreeFrog offers an easy opportunity to continue to green the planet and do something positive for the environment, and those at Club's Choice couldn't agree more with this initiative. In teaming up with TreeZero, they have made a commitment to sustainability and are dedicated to protecting the environment.

"What we are doing with TreeZero is unlike any other partnership we’ve had before and we couldn’t be more excited," said Richard W. McHugh, President of Club’s Choice Fundraising. "We are 100 percent committed to introducing such an environmentally-friendly product to schools nationwide."

For more than 28 years, Club’s Choice has raised millions of dollars for schools, sports programs, youth clubs and more. This school year, Club’s Choice will assist in distributing TreeFrog copy paper to schools nationwide, grades kindergarten through 12. These schools will use TreeFrog for internal use as well as fundraising opportunities initially through pilot programs.

"Children are the future leaders of America, and being able to introduce them to TreeFrog copy paper is an extraordinary opportunity," said Mike Nilan, CEO of TreeZero. "Through this partnership with Club’s Choice, we are taking a huge leap toward a green future."

Ricoh Canada Inc. and TreeZero introduce environmental initiative to Canadian Market: tree-free paper.

Mississauga, ON, August 15, 2011 - As part of the company’s global and longstanding mandate to operate in an environmentally sustainable and responsible fashion, Ricoh Canada Inc. is introducing TreeFrog - a paper product made entirely from sugar cane that is certified for use on its line of business equipment.

This initiative, created through a partnership with paper manufacturer TreeZero, provides a consumable that is both biodegradable and compostable, and can be recycled alongside traditional paper. "Sugar cane is a very innovative approach to paper production. Trees require something in the order of decades of growth before harvesting. Contrast that with the incredibly rapid growth of sugar cane, where you have as many as two harvests per year, and you can see what a compelling idea this really is," said David Armstrong, VP Marketing for Ricoh. TreeFrog paper is sourced from a by-product of sugar cane production, so instead of burning the sugar cane or dropping the waste into landfill, the sugar cane husk is converted into high-quality paper.

TreeFrog paper can be used for print volumes ranging from everyday use to production printing. Priced competitively, TreeFrog paper has the potential to drive significant environmental and financial cost savings for customers, while delivering excellent print quality thanks to reduced roller dusting when compared to the print quality of regular recycled paper.

According to Armstrong, "exploring ways to embed environmental sustainability directly into our business has always been part of the Ricoh mission, and TreeFrog paper provides another high-quality, environmentally responsible alternative for our customers."

TreeZero Vice President, Jim Rochford, echoes these sentiments: "Ricoh is a natural partner for this kind of progressive product, as it speaks to their very well established vision for a sustainable future – which is, of course, something we at TreeZero also subscribe to."

TreeFrog paper is now available in the Canadian market through Ricoh Canada Inc.

About Ricoh Canada Inc.
Ricoh Canada Inc, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 75-year old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2010 sales in excess of $23 billion.

Ricoh Canada Inc. is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh’s fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh.ca.

Collegiate Retailing Trade Show Draws Thousands of Buyers and Growth Opportunities

ATLANTA (January 6, 2011) – TreeZero is working to capture the attention of millions of college students by exhibiting at CAMEX, the premiere trade show in the collegiate retailing industry. CAMEX 2011, sponsored annually by the National Association of College Stores (NACS), takes place February 25 through March 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

TreeZero will feature TreeFrog copy paper and a family of notebooks, writing pads and other stationary supplies made entirely from sugar cane fibers, at CAMEX.

"College students are the guardians of green, and we are looking forward to introducing them to the TreeFrog line," said Mike Nilan, CEO of TreeZero. "Our goal at CAMEX is to provide colleges and universities with the resources they need to cultivate greener campuses."

CAMEX consists of one and a half days of intensive retail education followed by a three-day tradeshow. Attracting more than 1,000 college store buyers, the sold out CAMEX show features over 700 companies occupying more than 1,500 booths. The tradeshow will showcase items from over 100 different product categories – from the latest collegiate apparel and candy to organic beauty products and body art.

TreeZero Announces Its New Business Membership with AASHE

ATLANTA (January 4, 2011) – TreeZero has recently become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an association of colleges and universities working to create a sustainable world. Through its membership in AASHE, TreeZero will be able to better understand and assist higher education institutions in advancing their sustainability initiatives.

"We are extremely fortunate for the opportunity to be a part of such a special association," said Mike Nilan, TreeZero CEO. "Together, AASHE and TreeZero will provide colleges and universities with the resources they need to accomplish their green initiatives."

AASHE enables colleges and universities to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network for sharing information about sustainability products and services.

"We are delighted to have TreeZero on board and participating in the campus sustainability community," said Paul Rowland, executive director of AASHE. "Their involvement in AASHE demonstrates a commitment to working with higher education to create a just and sustainable future for all."

Among AASHE’s major programs is the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), which provides higher education with a standardized, comprehensive self-assessment instrument. STARS metrics cover every sector of a campus, from planning and administration, to operations, to education and research. With STARS as a guide, institutions can select meaningful and appropriate pathways to sustainability while conserving valuable resources and building healthier communities.

AASHE provides many of its resources free to the public, including a weekly newsletter, AASHE Bulletin, and a set of Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums on nearly 20 different topics. These can all be found in AASHE’s online Resource Center.

About AASHE
AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. It does this by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research.

AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. AASHE is a member-driven, independent 501(c)(3).

The 100% Tree Free, Bagasse-Based Paper Nominated for One of the Paper and Pulp Industry’s Most Prestigious Awards

ATLANTA (November 3, 2010) – TreeFrog copy paper has been selected as a finalist for the Innovative Product of the Year prize in the 2010 Pulp & Paper International (PPI) Awards. The PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognizing these achievements in the sector.

"This is the second year we have organized the PPI Awards and we’re very pleased again with the quality and quantity of the entries. We’ve received more entries from all parts of the globe this year,” said Mark Rushton, Editor of PPI magazine and chairman of the jury for the PPI Awards 2010. “Making the finalist list is a great achievement for all the companies involved, but we would also like to thank all the people who took the time to enter this year. I look forward to seeing the finalists in Brussels in November.”

Organized by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, the PPI Awards program honors leadership, vision, innovation and strategic accomplishments within the pulp and paper industry. Launched in 2009, the inaugural PPI Awards were a celebration of the best in class and provided an opportunity for pulp and papermakers worldwide to show off their achievements on a global platform.

“These awards are regarded as a universal benchmark of quality within the paper and pulp industry,” said Mike Nilan, TreeZero CEO. “Being short-listed is a tremendous achievement, particularly in this tough year. We are proud to have TreeFrog copy paper among the finalists.”

Industry renowned names such as Teresa Presas (CEPI), Duncan Pollard (WWF), Rod Young (RISI), Roger Warwick (Association of Print and Paper Technicians) and Jim Keller (ICCA) were involved in the judging. RISI will be publishing more information on the finalists in the October issue of PPI magazine as well as on the RISI and PPI Awards websites.

The 2010 PPI Awards are being held in conjunction with CEPI European Paper Week. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels, Belgium November 16, 2010.

For additional product information, visit www.treefrogpaper.com.

TreeFrog Copy Paper is Made from 100% Sugar Cane Fibers

ATLANTA (April 22, 2010) – TreeZero, dedicated to providing the most eco-friendly paper products available, announced today the introduction of its tree-free copy paper – TreeFrog. Made from 100 percent sugar cane fibers and containing no wood or wood-based fibers, TreeFrog offers an innovative option in the paper product category to green the supply chain.

TreeFrog is a premium 20 lb., 92 brightness multipurpose copy paper comparable to tree-derived paper. Currently available in 8.5” x 11” and constructed entirely of sugar cane (bagasse), TreeFrog is suited for everyday, high-volume use and can be recycled with traditional paper made from trees.

“As more companies are becoming environmentally responsible, they are seeking greater resources to help accomplish their green initiatives,” said Mike Nilan, TreeZero CEO. “TreeZero was founded in 2009 and is proud to now introduce TreeFrog in order to address the need for environmentally sustainable practices, starting with paper products.”

TreeFrog utilizes the by-product of sugar cane, an abundant and renewable resource. The paper is elemental chlorine free and uses 10 to 15 percent less bleach than wood fiber copy paper. Further lessening its environmental impact, the TreeFrog production facility is located a short distance from the sugar cane factory, streamlining the delivery process and reducing pollutants from logging trucks.

“Trees can take ten or more years to mature, whereas sugar cane can be harvested twice a year. The benign sourcing of our material, combined with our environmentally-mindful production process provides a sustainable copy paper solution and has significant positive impact on global forest preservation,” said Nilan.