Unilever is 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 time frame.

[10]Unilever has published a sustainable paper and board packaging sourcing policy [11] as part of its commitment to double the size of the business while reducing its environmental impact. [12] The policy outlines the company’s goal to work with its suppliers to source 75% of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or from recycled material by 2015, increasing to 100% by 2020.

Unilever says that its commitment makes it the first global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company to commit to sourcing all of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or recycled material within a clearly defined time frame. For the company’s requirements for paper from virgin sources, preference will be given to supplies delivered through the Forest Stewardship Council [13] 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 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 toward reaching the target, and in order to increase consumer awareness and promote the expansion of certified forests in the world.

Says Marc Engel, Unilever’s chief procurement officer, “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. As such it is important that we promote sustainable forestry practices and help combat deforestation and climate change [14] 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.”