Formica Group obtains Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification

Formica Group a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of surfacing material, has been awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification for all of its Asia operations. The certificate is issued by SGS, one of the world's leading certification bodies. With FSC certification, customers around the world can be assured that Formica High Pressure Laminate is manufactured from "responsible sources"

"Formica Group is a forward-thinking company, we always think about the impact of sustainability in our business. The company has implemented a five-year strategic plan in three regions: Asia, Europe and North America. One of the goals is to have all Formica factories in line with FSC principles and criteria,” said Gavin Todd, Manager of Sustainability at Formica Group. “Now, we are proud to announce that all Asia factories are FSC certified."

Alistair Monument, FSC Asia-Pacific Director said:"The FSC chain of custody certification is an important system that enables Asian businesses to supply their products to local and worldwide consumers, to verify the product is manufactured from responsible sources. Consumer demand for FSC certified products helps to promote environmentally sound and economically prosperous management of the world's forest. The Forest Stewardship Council FSC Chain of Custody certification is an important milestone to Formica Group in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Europe and North America."

FSC Chain of Custody certification tracks FSC certified material through the production processes verified by the Forest Stewardship Council, including processing, distribution and sale of certified goods. “Chain of Custody certification connects consumers with healthy forests by tracking the FSC certified materials from the forest to the consumers.” said Sasha Ramirez-Hughes, FSC Marketing and Communications Manager.

The chain of custody certification of forest products is particularly important for companies to enter a market that are particularly environmentally and socially aware. On the other hand, it is also a great way to demonstrate compliance with public and private sector procurement policies – such as the EU Eco-label and US Green Building Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – that specify environmentally responsible materials.

Sasha Ramirez Hughes also said: “The importance of this certification is recognised globally. We welcome companies like Formica Group to be parts of join these certification systems."

Sustainability is not merely a goal for Formica Group, it is the cornerstone of Formica operations. As a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surface finishing products, Formica Group strives to meet the evolving needs of the customers in sustainable products and is committed to reducing impact on the environment. Formica Group's operations around the world have adopted a sustainable model that meets the standards set by the Green Building Council and promotes surface finishing materials industry to a higher standard internationally.

The company had conducted a Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which bench-marked existing processes to record and study carbon footprint.

Formica Group conducts LCA in its ten plants around the world and evaluates the environmental impact of the products in terms of energy us, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment was conducted by an independent, third-party and sustainability consultant based in London, in accordance with the international standard ISO 14040 series.

-END-

The FSC COC certificate issued by SGS for decorative surfacing panels, including procurement, processing, sales and distribution of related outsourced products. Formica Group has obtained FSC certification and meets FSC requirements. 

Taiwan:
FSC License Code: FSC-C110491
Certificate code: SGSHK-COC-010367 & SGSHK-CW-010367

China:
FSC License Code:  FSC-C111021
Certificate code: SGSHK-COC-010413 & SGSHK-CW-010413

Thailand:
FSC License Code:  FSC-C111163
Certificate code: SGS-COC-009413 & SGS-CW-009413