Trends in Certification, Standards and Labeling

Trends in Certifications, Standards and Labeling Unisource Worldwide, Inc. Nancy Geisler

April 21-22, 2010 ď‚Ť San Antonio, TX

2015 and beyond: what’s out there?

• Do you know these “green” forces?

– Packard Group – Sustainability Consortium – Green Products Roundtable

together, these forces will provide: • Direction – Which environmental goals matter?

– Which primary consumer behaviors support?

• Framework – Roles: Who should be doing what?

– How are disputes resolved?

• Guidelines – Principle that legitimate certifications, standards and labeling/claims work by

what does it all mean?

• Standards and certifications – Expanding in number – Coming into alignment with each other and the bigger picture

• Labeling – Systems developing (IBEL) – More FTC enforcements

• All of above will be required

Early adopters enjoy the marketing benefits

what are the forestry certifications? • Sustainable Forest Practices

• Chain-of-Custody

certifications in context • 10% of world’s forests certified by all standards combined • US Forests – 492 million acres certified – 78% SFI/ATF/PEFC – 22% FSC • FSC founded to address global tropical forest issues – Illegal harvesting, government corruption, land ownership issues, indigenous peoples rights • SFI founded to address public concerns about US forestry practices

benefits of forest certification • Social, economic and environmental impact considered • Avoids illegal timber • Identifies special site conditions – biological, cultural, heritage • Protects species at risk • Wildlife habitat strategies • Sustainable harvest schedules • Prompt regeneration • 3rd party audits • Public reports

myths of forest certification Free of?

• Clear-cut practices • Old growth trees • Chemicals • Caribou habitat • Plantations Not true for any major scheme

PEFC is world’s largest certifier • PEFC - Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification – First global organization – Endorses local forestry schemes – Supported by 149 governments

• SFI is the US system endorsed by PEFC – Developed by the forestry industry – Now an independent system

• SFI recognizes American Tree Farm and CSA

FSC offers different certifications • FSC – Forest Stewardship Council – Developed by Rainforest Alliance – Now an independent system – Preferred by several major NGOs • Does not recognize other certification systems • Defines “controlled wood” requirements for non-certified fiber

sustainable green printing partnership • Offers SGP certification • Provides a roadmap to achieving: – Best practices – Environmental stewardship – Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Legitimatizes those broad claims for your company Website: www.sgppartnership.org

what is the bottom line? $ $ $ • Green movement is alive and expanding • Business environment facing increasing accountability for the environmental, social impacts of doing business • Standards, certifications and ecolabeling optional today, required tomorrow • Early adopters enjoy cost and marketing benefits

benefits of selecting certified papers • Positive environmental impact – Protects rainforests, old growth forests – Low/no impact on endangered species – Manages around wildlife habitat

• • • • •

Avoids Lacey Act risk Can display logo, claim in your literature or on labels Appeals to green-minded consumers Earns respect of environmentalist groups Adds to your corporate CSR profile, along with your other green programs

Trends in Certifications, Standards and Labeling Unisource Worldwide, Inc. Nancy Geisler

April 21-22, 2010 ď‚Ť San Antonio, TX