Strathmore
Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
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Customer Rating
Best for
Best for students and professionals who need an affordable, high-volume practice surface for charcoal and graphite gesture drawings.
AI Score Review
The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad offers an affordable, 100% recycled surface that is great value for gesture drawing and rapid studies in 2026.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad remains a staple in the Arts & Crafts world for its accessibility and sustainability. This pad is the best choice for artists who need a high-volume, low-cost recycled surface for practicing fundamentals and gesture drawing.
Who it's for
Perfect for those who go through pages quickly and want to minimize their ecological footprint.
- Art students in figure drawing classes who require large quantities of paper.
- Beginners practicing basic sketching techniques without the pressure of 'expensive' paper.
- Teachers looking for bulk sustainable supplies for classroom environments.
- Professional illustrators doing preliminary rough layouts and storyboards.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail | Sheet Count | 100 Sheets |
| Recycled Content | 100% Post-Consumer | ||
| Paper Finish | Smooth Newsprint | ||
| Weight | 32lb / 52gsm | ||
| Binding | Glue-bound top |
How it compares
The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad is positioned as a high-utility, economical alternative to premium drawing paper. While it lacks the archival longevity of the Pentalic Eco-Gaze, it offers significantly more sheets for the price, making it ideal for the 'throwaway' nature of practice sketches. It is much more eco-friendly than standard newsprint, which often contains virgin wood fibers. Strathmore ensures that even their most affordable lines meet FSC certification standards, which is rare for budget-tier paper products.
How to use it
- Tear sheets off cleanly from the top glue binding for individual study.
- Use soft charcoal, 6B pencils, or conte crayons for the best results on the smooth surface.
- Apply quick, bold strokes for gesture drawing to take advantage of the paper’s receptivity.
- Store finished practice sketches in a dry folder to prevent the natural darkening of newsprint.
- Compost or recycle the used sheets once they are no longer needed for reference.
I use these by the dozen for my figure drawing classes; it's the only way to stay sustainable while drawing 50 poses a day.
Sustainability & ethics
Strathmore has long-standing commitments to environmental stewardship, utilizing wind power for much of their US-based manufacturing. This newsprint is made from 100% post-consumer waste, diverting significant tonnage from landfills annually. The glue used in the binding is synthetic and vegan, as are all the dyes and processing agents involved in this specific product line.
Pro tip
Since newsprint is not acid-free, use this pad specifically for practice and studies rather than finished pieces you intend to frame or sell.
Frequently asked questions
Is Strathmore newsprint vegan?
Yes, this specific recycled newsprint pad contains no animal-derived binders or coatings. It is fully compatible with a vegan artistic practice.
Does this work with ink?
Ink will likely bleed through this thin 32lb paper. We recommend sticking to dry media like charcoal, graphite, and pastels.
How does it compare to standard drawing paper?
It is thinner and more temporary than standard drawing paper, intended for practice rather than final works. It offers a much higher sheet count for the price.
Is the packaging recyclable?
Yes, the cardboard backing and the paper itself are fully recyclable at end-of-life. This ensures a closed-loop cycle for your art supplies.
Pros
- ✓Extremely cost-effective for high-volume practice and art school classes.
- ✓The smooth surface allows for fast, fluid motion with charcoal and soft pencils.
- ✓Environmentally superior to standard newsprint thanks to 100% post-consumer content.
Cons
- ✗Not archival; the paper will eventually become brittle and yellow over several years.
- ✗Thin paper weight means it is easily creased or torn if not handled carefully.
Key Facts
- Brand
- Strathmore
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 82/100
- Price Range
- $ (≈ $12.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.5/5 (5200 reviews)
- origin
- usa
- material
- recycled_newsprint
- packaging
- no-wrap_minimal
- sheet count
- 100_sheets
- size or capacity
- 9x12_inches
- Certifications
- FSC Certified, Vegan, Cruelty-Free
🌱 Sustainability
Produced using wind-generated electricity; contains 100% recycled fibers; made in the USA.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% post-consumer recycled newsprint, synthetic vegan glue binding.
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What Reviewers Say
"A reliable choice for beginners who want to practice without worrying about the cost of each sheet."
"Strathmore continues to lead the way in accessible, recycled paper for the education sector."
"While not for finished work, it's an essential tool for any eco-conscious artist's training phase."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad by Strathmore ethically made?+
Yes. Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 82/100, backed by third-party certifications including FSC Certified, Vegan, Cruelty-Free. The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad offers an affordable, 100% recycled surface that is great value for gesture drawing and rapid studies in 2026.
What certifications does Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad hold?+
Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad holds the following certifications: FSC Certified, Vegan, Cruelty-Free. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad?+
Produced using wind-generated electricity; contains 100% recycled fibers; made in the USA.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad?+
100% post-consumer recycled newsprint, synthetic vegan glue binding.
How much does Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad cost?+
Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad is priced in the $ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad?+
Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
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