Scholastic Sets New Goal For FSC Certified Paper Procurement

Scholastic Inc., the global children's publishing company, announced goals in 2008 for increasing its procurement of Forest Stewardship Council certified paper and recycled paper for use in its publications by 2012. The company announced this week that it is increasing its purchase of FSC certified paper beyond 30 percent, the goal set in 2008 to 35 percent.  The company states in a press release that it "made significant gains toward the FSC goal." In 2010, Scholastic purchased 82,146.3 tons of paper, and 27.4 percent was FSC-certified, up from 3.6 percent in 2007. The amount of recycled paper purchased also increased to 17.88 percent, up from 13.5 percent in 2007, and 78 percent of the recycled paper came from post consumer waste (PSW). The amount of PSW purchased actually decreased from 87 percent in 2007. Scholastic had a similar problem in 2009 when the amount of the FSC certified paper purchased slightly decreased from 2008. One of the reasons for the decrease in 2009 was the loss of an FSC supplier. However, Scholastic found "tonnage to replace the lost source in 2010" which made up for the decrease, and led to an increase of about 10 percent last year from 2009. "At the halfway mark in our effort, we have made such great progress that we are able to increase our FSC-Certified paper goal," said Maureen O'Connell, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Scholastic. "Now with a better understanding of the challenges associated with sourcing FSC-Certified and recycled paper, we look forward to continuing to increase our standards and consistently meet our goals in 2012 and beyond." FSC-US President, Corey Brinkema applauds Scholastic for setting a goal to increase the amount of FSC-certified paper purchased. "We applaud Scholastic for this important step to increase the volume of FSC-certified paper they use," said Brinkema. "By serving teachers and students, Scholastic can play a central role in teaching the next generation about the importance of responsibly managed forests," Brinkema added. "At the halfway mark in our effort, we have made such great progress that we are able to increase our FSC-Certified paper goal," said Maureen O'Connell, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Scholastic. "Now with a better understanding of the challenges associated with sourcing FSC-Certified and recycled paper, we look forward to continuing to increase our standards and consistently meet our goals in 2012 and beyond." Scholastic Book Club catalogs are printed on 100 percent FSC certified paper. "Scholastic Book Clubs catalogs have been an integral part of the classroom experience for more than 60 years, and we're very pleased to announce that they now bear the FSC-certified label," said Judy Newman, President, Scholastic Book Clubs. "It is important for us to make this commitment to using the most sustainable methods possible while continuing to bring the books that students and teachers love into the classroom." Photo: dhscommtech