07.02.10
Unilever has outlined a sustainable paper and board packaging sourcing policy in which it wants tosource 75% of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or from recycled material by 2015, rising to 100% by 2020.
According to Unilever, the commitment makes it the first global FMCG company to commit to sourcing all of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or recycled material within a clearly defined timeframe.
For the company’s requirements for paper from virgin sources, preference will be given to supplies delivered through the Forest Stewardship Council certification scheme. Unilever will also accept other national schemes under the framework of international Forest Management Certification standards, provided they comply with the Policy’s Implementation Guidelines, the company said.
The move means the logos of the acceptable forest management certification schemes will begin to appear on the packaging of Unilever’s portfolio of brands as progress is made towards reaching the target, and in order to increase consumer awareness and promote the expansion of certified forests in the world.
“As a leading consumer goods company, we buy considerable quantities of paper and board for packaging to ensure our products are protected and transported safely,” said Marc Engel, Unilever’s chief procurement officer. “As such it is important that we promote sustainable forestry practices and help combat deforestation and climate change through the responsible sourcing of these materials. We are committed to working in partnership with all of our suppliers to progressively increase the proportion of paper and board packaging which comes from recycled materials, or sustainably managed forests, in order to achieve this ambitious target.”
According to Unilever, the commitment makes it the first global FMCG company to commit to sourcing all of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or recycled material within a clearly defined timeframe.
For the company’s requirements for paper from virgin sources, preference will be given to supplies delivered through the Forest Stewardship Council certification scheme. Unilever will also accept other national schemes under the framework of international Forest Management Certification standards, provided they comply with the Policy’s Implementation Guidelines, the company said.
The move means the logos of the acceptable forest management certification schemes will begin to appear on the packaging of Unilever’s portfolio of brands as progress is made towards reaching the target, and in order to increase consumer awareness and promote the expansion of certified forests in the world.
“As a leading consumer goods company, we buy considerable quantities of paper and board for packaging to ensure our products are protected and transported safely,” said Marc Engel, Unilever’s chief procurement officer. “As such it is important that we promote sustainable forestry practices and help combat deforestation and climate change through the responsible sourcing of these materials. We are committed to working in partnership with all of our suppliers to progressively increase the proportion of paper and board packaging which comes from recycled materials, or sustainably managed forests, in order to achieve this ambitious target.”