Understanding key risks in the fibre supply chain

A report on our recent roundtable event for the print and paper industry examining sustainability issues in the fibre supply chain

A coordinated global approach with other industries who rely on forest resources will help print and paper companies face up to their perceived sustainability problems. That was just one of the conclusions of an industry roundtable hosted recently by Two Tomorrows.

More than 20 delegates from paper manufacturers, paper buyers, merchants, printers, certification bodies, trade associations and NGOs all attended the roundtable to discuss their sustainability risks and opportunities.

The aim of the London event was to help participants understand the key risks in the supply chain and to assess whether the needs of their customers are being met by their suppliers.

Rob Pearson from Two Tomorrows hosted the event. He says: “Everyone attending the roundtable was there because they share an interest in the paper, print and publishing industry. It is an industry under tremendous pressure which is not helped by a consumer perception of an unsustainable material.

"The major finding of the event was the need for the industry to find a global response which extends across all forestry-related industries. Some good initiatives are in place but they are separated by product or geography.”

PEFC presentation

The roundtable began with a presentation from guest speaker Ross Bradshaw, representing the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC UK). Ross’s topic was the market drivers for certified paper.

Key findings

Key findings to emerge from the roundtable included:

• The industry generally understands its key sustainability issues but fails to explain these effectively to stakeholders, particularly influential government bodies, trade associations, retailers and other groups with large buying influences.
• There are a lot of relevant and constructive actors helping the industry but what is lacking is a global response.
• The industry will be judged by the poorest performers. The industry collectively has a responsibility to help address the problems (perceived and actual) of these companies.

• Paper is a small part of the forestry industry. To face up to its perceived problems, companies in the paper, print and publishing sector need a coordinated approach with other industries that rely on forest sources.

Group work

Much of the roundtable was devoted to group work that examined questions including:

• What are the drivers for certified fibre?
• What environmental information do paper buyers require and what is provided by paper suppliers?
• If the forestry industry is built around highly sustainable operations compared to other industries, why is this not reflected in consumer opinion?
• Which industry actors and information sources are most helpful in supporting the industry's sustainability message?

Read summary of group discussions

Our work in this sector

Read about our work in the paper, print and publishing sector. Or contact Rob Pearson on +44 (0)20 7183 4016 or at rob.pearson@twotomorrows.com.