The paper supply chain is vast, complex and involves suppliers at many stages - from forest to logs to pulp, and mill to paper to printed materials. REI has adopted a full "chain of custody" model, an approach that includes entities throughout the paper supply chain, beginning with the forest where the tree was harvested all the way to REI's point of purchase.
Our objective is simple: We want to know the origin of the virgin wood fiber that goes into our paper so that we can ensure it came from acceptable sources. By 2009, our goal is to have 98 percent of all our paper obtained from "certified" or "known" chain of custody suppliers. To achieve this goal, our paper supply partners must be willing to share their records with us and be open to regular audits. Working with suppliers that have chain of custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the best way to have this assurance.
In 2006, 79% of our virgin paper fiber was purchased from suppliers that we deem to have "known" chain of custody. We will be working with suppliers to move from "Known" to "Certified." However, our emphasis for the next few years will be to identify the "unknown" sources because of the risk that if we don't know the origin, it could be from an unacceptable source.
| Estimated
2005 |
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown | 29% | 20% | 20% | 10% | >2% |
| Known | 71% | 79% | 77% | 80% | 83% |
| Certified | 0% | >1% | 3% | 10% | 15% |
| Total | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
- 2005 data is estimated for comparison only.
- To measure our progress toward this goal we have set out yearly targets; however, continuous improvement and the 2009 goal are the priority over specific intermediate steps. Based on progress and annual results we may readjust performance targets.
Defining Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody:The linked set of companies or entities that have held legal ownership, or physical control of a given paper product between the point of harvest and the point of purchase by REI.
Known, but not certified:The chain of custody will be deemed "known" if each supplier from fiber source to REI is under contractual obligation and is able to disclose proof of their source including purchase agreements, inventory records, etc sufficient to demonstrate that the product purchased by REI can be attributed through each step of the supply chain back to the source. In addition, this chain of documentation is contractually subject to audit by REI or its designated auditor. A certificate of conformance should accompany each delivery of material from the supplier attesting to the source. Chain of custody certification under certification programs such as those recognized by Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes will be sufficient to meet this requirement.
Certified:The chain of custody will be deemed "certified" if each party in the supply chain has received certification by FSC or a system deemed equivalent in the future.
