CH Environmental Programs:
Chain of Custody – Sustainable Materials Management
Paper-based packaging is a staple in the packaging industry and has found itself used in a multitude of ways and in a variety of designs. Today it can be found in corrugated containers, chipboard cartons and mailers, envelopes, Kraft-bubble mailers and padded mailers; it is also used as a cushioning substrate in a variety of paper crinkling systems and other innovative void-fill systems.
Paper has always been considered one of the most environmentally friendly substrates used in today’s packaging industry as it is one of the most recyclable substrates and continues to be made from the highest recycled content. Although the benefits are quite clear regarding the usage of paper in a packaging design it is also recognized as a finite resource which must be managed effectively to ensure that there is a continued supply of virgin fibres in the market. These necessary forest management processes must be executed at the initial step in the supply chain which is a level that most end-users have no interaction, influence or contact with.
To address this issue the development of Chain of Custody programs was spearheaded by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These organizations work with all levels of the supply chain to effectively manage and document the flow of goods through a supply network. The premise of their programs is to ensure that the paper-based goods you receive will have originated from sustainably managed forests which are validated by their diligent tracking mechanisms and procedures. The acceptance of these organizations has been exponential in industry but more importantly by the end-consumer. These Chain-of-Custody organizations, particularly FSC and SFI, have become widely recognized with the inclusion of their logos on the retail packaging of today’s goods. The consumer recognition that these logos/organizations have achieved should be viewed as a marketing tool for any organization looking for ways to improve their “Green” positioning within the eyes of their customers.
Crownhill Packaging Ltd. has been a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council for over two years and has most recently, in late 2010, become a certified member of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Our participation in both of these initiatives ensures that we have the ability to source the most environmentally friendly paper-based materials from the widest scope of suppliers and products while at the same time contributing to the sustainability of one of North America’s most important natural resources. Please ask your Sales Representative about how you can take advantage of these environmental programs to help improve the sustainability of your packaging.
If you would like to read more on this subject please click the following vendor links: