Sustainable paper guide to separate wood from trees

A new procurement guide top help print buyers identify sustainable paper will go a long way towards “arresting the crescendo of lies about the industry,” according to publisher, Robert Eastment.

The publisher of paper industry bible, Industry Edge, says he is responding to a need from the industry to elevate the relationship between print buyers and suppliers. The aim is to identify the sustainability rating of all printing and writing paper used in Australia in a form easily shared by paper merchants, printers and customers.
“Every week, IndustryEdge, receives at least one query on sustainable procurement of paper, board and tissue products. Sustainable procurement is a hot topic and purchasing teams are constantly reviewing their approaches and the products they source to ensure they are sustainable,” said Eastment.
“Normally, we stay well clear of recommending one brand over another on any basis. That’s not our job. Usually, we tell buyers that they need to make an assessment of their own, based on sound criteria. Fair enough, but what are those criteria and where does a business go to get further information and support?”
If all goes to plan the answer will appear in the second quarter of the year in the form of the Australian Sustainable Procurement Guide, which will include
• Description of key sustainability issues
• Focusing on the ‘triple bottom line’
- Economic
- Social
- Environmental
• Strategies for sustainable procurement
• Importance of procurement policies
• Managing procurement risks
- Precautionary principle and risk management
- Stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility (examples and checklist)
• Role of standards, certification and third party bodies
- Forest certification
- Chain of custody
- Major schemes
The Publishers are currently seeking industry input on specific content and invite interested parties to contact them.
Contact: Robert Eastment on 03 6231 5677 or robert@industryedge.com.au or Tim Woods on 0419 352 869 or twoods@fitzpatrickwoods.com.au