WWF-UK: Sainsbury's launches major scheme to protect forests
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Sainsbury's launches major scheme to protect forests
Sainsbury's will give a major boost to the world's forests by announcing that it will be the first to source all of its own-brand tissue from sustainable sources, as well as providing other ways for customers to be green and clean at home.
Responsible Timber Sourcing
From May 2007, Sainsbury's entire range of own-brand tissues, kitchen towel and toilet roll will be made from sustainable wood fibre which doesn't compromise the future of forests.
This means 76 million kitchen rolls, 191 million toilet rolls, along with millions of tissues every year will now be made from either recycled paper, or from material approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Both are recognised as the most environmentally-responsible.
The move will account for 85% of all the wood-fibre products that Sainsbury's currently sells, with an aspiration to extend to 100% to include paper tableware and home accessories.
Sainsbury's is the first retailer to convert all of its own-brand tissue to recycled or FSC approved fibre. The move will include all ranges, from 'Basics', to more premium tissue, so whatever a customer's budget, they can support the environment.
Charles Thwaites, Executive Director, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK, said:
"We know this will mean more responsible forestry practices on the ground, and raises demand for FSC certified pulp sources and we hope to see more availability of supply as a result. It is encouraging to see that this is part of Sainsbury's long-standing commitment to sourcing timber sustainably, and is the practical outcome of their commitment."
Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury's brand, said: "For Sainsbury's this is all about the scale at which we operate in making a difference. In the UK we use 2.85 billion rolls of toilet paper every year, an average household uses 115 rolls, if you add onto that the volume of kitchen towels and tissues, this is a significant amount. It is through the volume of purchases that our customers make that will make a real difference, and raise not only the profile of FSC certified sources but also the demand for these kind of products."
"Like our organic food and ready meals in compostable packaging which we pioneered five years ago, we are constantly looking for ways to make it easier for customers to buy what they want without worrying it's damaging the environment. From food packaging, to toilet and kitchen rolls, to garden refuse sacks, none of these items will cost any more to customers, or to the wider environment."
Robert Napier, chief executive, WWF-UK, Forest & Trade Network, said: "It's great news that Sainsbury's is converting all of its own brand virgin fibre tissue, and using wood from sustainable sources. Given the volume of toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and facial tissues Sainsbury's sell, this sends out a strong message to the paper industry. WWF recognises that the Forest Stewardship Council provides independent proof that wood fibres sources are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable."
Sainsbury's has produced a 'Guide to responsible timber sourcing' to encourage all of its suppliers to ensure that every material used can be environmentally and socially sustainable where possible.
For more information, please contact: Hannah Chance, Press Office, Sainsbury's: Tel: 020 7695 820
From May 2007, Sainsbury's entire range of own-brand tissues, kitchen towel and toilet roll will be made from sustainable wood fibre which doesn't compromise the future of forests.
This means 76 million kitchen rolls, 191 million toilet rolls, along with millions of tissues every year will now be made from either recycled paper, or from material approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Both are recognised as the most environmentally-responsible.
The move will account for 85% of all the wood-fibre products that Sainsbury's currently sells, with an aspiration to extend to 100% to include paper tableware and home accessories.
Sainsbury's is the first retailer to convert all of its own-brand tissue to recycled or FSC approved fibre. The move will include all ranges, from 'Basics', to more premium tissue, so whatever a customer's budget, they can support the environment.
Charles Thwaites, Executive Director, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK, said:
"We know this will mean more responsible forestry practices on the ground, and raises demand for FSC certified pulp sources and we hope to see more availability of supply as a result. It is encouraging to see that this is part of Sainsbury's long-standing commitment to sourcing timber sustainably, and is the practical outcome of their commitment."
Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury's brand, said: "For Sainsbury's this is all about the scale at which we operate in making a difference. In the UK we use 2.85 billion rolls of toilet paper every year, an average household uses 115 rolls, if you add onto that the volume of kitchen towels and tissues, this is a significant amount. It is through the volume of purchases that our customers make that will make a real difference, and raise not only the profile of FSC certified sources but also the demand for these kind of products."
"Like our organic food and ready meals in compostable packaging which we pioneered five years ago, we are constantly looking for ways to make it easier for customers to buy what they want without worrying it's damaging the environment. From food packaging, to toilet and kitchen rolls, to garden refuse sacks, none of these items will cost any more to customers, or to the wider environment."
Robert Napier, chief executive, WWF-UK, Forest & Trade Network, said: "It's great news that Sainsbury's is converting all of its own brand virgin fibre tissue, and using wood from sustainable sources. Given the volume of toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and facial tissues Sainsbury's sell, this sends out a strong message to the paper industry. WWF recognises that the Forest Stewardship Council provides independent proof that wood fibres sources are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable."
Sainsbury's has produced a 'Guide to responsible timber sourcing' to encourage all of its suppliers to ensure that every material used can be environmentally and socially sustainable where possible.
For more information, please contact: Hannah Chance, Press Office, Sainsbury's: Tel: 020 7695 820