Thank you. I'm not sure about our customer base yet, I've only been with this company for two weeks.
Just curious as to why your company got both FSC and SFI certified?
Could you possibly summarize the steps that your company took to obtain these certifications?
Hi Tiffany,
At the time we decided to get certified we had potential sales opportunities in a larger market. We were advised that we would need to have at least the FSC certification to be eligible to bid the work. The organization we contracted with to perform our audit and certify us stated that adding the SFI certification could be done for minimal additional fees. When the FSC audit is completed, 80% of it also applies to the SFI audit. That is the reason we did both. There is a 3rd, PEFC, that we opted not to certify in although it also could have been done for a minimal fee. We didn't feel there was a pressing requirement for that certification.
The steps you will need to follow are fairly straight forward, if you have a mentor to lead you. It comes down to a documentation system. Reading the standards themselves is quite dry and very confusing. They seem to be written for all vendors in the supply chain. Pulling out the parts that pertain to you and understanding your role can be difficult at times.
You will be trying to achieve a "Chain of Custody" certification. This means you are purchasing and tracking a certified material in the prescribed manner. You will need to submit art and get permission to use a logo (FSC and SFI cannot be used together), tracking the material purchased, verifying the correct material was received and used on the correct job, and documenting all of these steps for future audits. All of these records must be maintained for a period of 5 years.
A little bit about FSC and SFi. This is just my perspective. Others on here may have opinions and I encourage them to chime in. I, by no means, have all the answers. These may be oversimplified but it is the best way I can explain what may be a confusing issue.
I feel these organizations are doing a very good thing for our environment and the indigenous regions that they operate in. FSC is more of an International organization whereas SFI is related to the North American continent. FSC has done a better job of promoting themselves, therefore I hear more about FSC requirements than SFI.
Both organizations certify forest land as well as any industry that utilizes products made from wood. Paper mills, Furniture makers, cabinet makers, home builders (LEED) all can be certified to the standard.
The paper, once certified, has done its part to show that the pulp came from well managed forests. The environment where the logging took place was managed sensibly, the indigenous people where treated fairly etc. Our Chain of Custody certification allows us to pass along the logo to the end user so that they may promote their particular green initiatives. The rub for most printers is that we are not changing the formulation of the paper being used. Either the paper is certified or it isn't. So why do we pay for the priviledge? There may be some out there that tell a customer they are getting grade A paper but in reality substitute grade C and pocket the profits, but I don't think there are many. Once someone gets that kind of reputation business is over.
Some printers find it necessary to have the certification and are growing from it. Many, like us, have spent the money to become certified but don't have the customer base asking for the certification. Some pundits will argue that we should be selling it. Maybe so, but in these economic times and our makeup of customers, it isn't feasible.
You will need to do some research and perform an indepth look at you customer base. I feel they drive the car. If the need isn't there, you may be better off finding other ways to grow your business.
I have written way more than I intended so I look to others for their expert advice.
Greg
