Soabar achieves FSC® ‘Chain of Custody’ Certification

 

 

We are delighted to announce that we recently gained our FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) Chain of Custody Certification (C208984)! This is a milestone that emphasises our dedication to promoting sustainability and responsible sourcing practices. It also highlights our commitment to ensuring high standards of quality and integrity throughout our supply chain.

 

What is FSC Chain of Custody Certification?

The FSC Chain of Custody Certification is an internationally recognised standard that provides a secure and transparent system for verifying how materials are sourced, processed, and distributed throughout the supply chain. It offers credible assurance that FSC certified products are made of material from well-managed, FSC certified forests and other controlled sources.

 

Why Soabar pursued FSC Certification

At Soabar, our decision to undergo the rigorous FSC certification process was driven by several intersecting factors:

1. Meeting Customer Expectations:

Our largest customers have increasingly sought assurance that all companies in their supply chain are FSC-certified. Being a flexible and adaptive business partner, we took proactive steps to meet these expectations, enabling us to continue supplying high-quality labels to our customers. As time passes, it will become even more necessary to hold this certification, as other customers will seek this out as a requirement for having a successful business partnership.

 

2. Preparing for Regulatory Changes in the EU:

As a company trading extensively within the European Union, we are mindful of proposed legislation set to take effect in 2025. This will require traders to prove that their products do not originate from recently deforested land, or lead to forest degradation. By obtaining FSC certification, we ensure compliance with this potential regulation, future-proofing our business operations for years to come.

 

3. Living Out Our Values:

At Soabar we are committed to engaging in sustainable business practices, and therefore preserving our environment for future generations. By aligning with the Forest Stewardship Council, we reinforce these values within our business operations and promote their adoption across the industry. We hope that our certification will further allow our customers to achieve their own sustainability objectives, without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

 

The Certification Process

Achieving FSC Chain of Custody Certification was a time-intensive yet rewarding process that required excellent teamwork and rigorous attention to detail. Over the course of six months we reviewed and refined our supply chain management, verified material sourcing practices, and implemented robust systems to ensure products bought and sold met FSC standards. This achievement reflects the hard work of our team and their commitment to excellence. We are very grateful to all involved!

 

What This Certification Means

This achievement reflects our compliance with the rigorous principles of the Forest Stewardship Council, which include:

• Using materials from responsible sources to protect forests and their ecosystems.
• Verifying materials during manufacturing to maintain traceability and transparency.
• Complying with timber trade and customs laws, ensuring ethical practices.
• Maintaining detailed records under robust management systems, demonstrating accountability and good governance.

Additionally, FSC-certified companies must meet minimum core labor requirements, including the prohibition of forced labor, discrimination, and other unethical practices. This ensures that FSC certification not only benefits the environment but also upholds fundamental human rights.

 

A More Sustainable Choice for Our Customers

By achieving FSC Chain of Custody Certification, we provide our customers with a sustainable and ethical choice for their labelling needs. This certification helps them to meet legislative requirements, improve market access by aligning with sustainability standards and ensures the implementation of their own sustainability policies. Our customers can be confident that our products support a sustainable future, offering them a tangible way of contributing to the preservation of the world’s forests and natural resources.

 

Join Us in Building a Sustainable Future

Gaining the FSC certification signifies only the start of our sustainability journey. We are committed to expanding our range of sustainable products, enhancing our quality assurance processes, and inspiring stakeholders to make more responsible labelling choices.

 

For more information about our FSC-certified products or to learn how Soabar can support your business’ sustainable labelling needs, please visit our website or contact us directly.