Re: FSC paper standard
Judging by the responce, I guess I came off as a touch self-riteous.
Sorry.
*kabel*- Using the FSC certified stock IS practicing environmental
responciblity. The audit driven nature of FSC ensures that. Granted, it only deals with one aspect of the production process. Placing the Logo is a marketing tool and a
benifit to your brand if you choose to do so. There is a
premium price in buying the stock.
*Alan*- I agree. Technically an FSC stock is no longer an FSC stock if it is
purchased by a Non-Certified Party. Which is bull.
You can stil buy it and use it, but can make no claims about it being FSC certified and most who use the stock want everyone to know it VIA the FSC Logo. If you buy the stock you're doing a good thing, if you get certified, you can make money with it.
The initial audit Fee was less than $2000.00 CDN. The annual fee is less than $1000.
*Peter*- Your quite right. For Printers, the standard deals strictly with Paper. It's not about your environmental practices. The FSC is about
forcing accountabilty and transparency on those who cut down trees.
Printers are a part of the chain because we consume pulp. Furniture makers, lumber, construction, toy manufacturers, etc., are all subject to the same Chain of Custody. Demanding the use of the Logo allows consumers to force their suppliers to comply.
For printers, it's simple, for paper merchants it's also simple, if you happen to be Clear-cutting Indonesian Rain Forest illegally to supply
Victoria Secret with 1,000,000 cheap catalogues a week. It's not so easy. If Victoria Secret demands FSC because their customers do, and so on and so on. This is happening.....quickly.
Getting certified confirms your position in the chain, it does not mean you have to use strictly FSC paper throughout the shop. All it means is that you are capable of verifying the origin of FSC certified paper when you use it, that your methods of recording information about the purchase and use of FSC paper are auditable, and that you've trained your staff accordingly.
It also means when Victoria Secret comes knocking on your door because their current supplier is not FSC certified, you are.
KM
