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Paper Purchasing
Policy
Please consult:
• Press
release
• Transcontinental Paper Purchasing Policy [PDF]
• Transcontinental’s Classification of Environmental
Papers [PDF]
Transcontinental promotes the use of environmentally preferable
papers.
With respect to fibre sourcing, Transcontinental promotes
the use of papers with maximized post-consumer and de-inked
recycled fibre and also encourages the use of papers made
with pre-consumer recovered fibre or alternative fibres in
preference to virgin wood fibre.
Where virgin wood fibre is required, preference will be given
to forest fibre from sustainable forests, certified by a recognized
organization, avoiding fibre from high conservation value
forests where those values are not protected.
Other papers may also be promoted where it can be shown that
there is an overall environmental advantage, in keeping with
the principles of sustainable development. This will be addressed
more systematically as better information becomes available
about the environmental aspects of each paper.
Transcontinental has developed a Classification of Environmental
Papers and supporting documentation that will guide the implementation
of this policy.
Definitions
High Conservation Value Forests
High Conservation Value Forests are those that possess one
or more of the following attributes:
- a. forest areas containing globally, regionally or nationally
significant concentrations of biodiversity values (e.g.
endemism, endangered species, refugia); and/or large landscape
level forests, contained within, or containing the management
unit, where viable populations of most if not all naturally
occurring species exist in natural patterns of distribution
and abundance
- b. forest areas that are in or contain rare, threatened
or endangered ecosystems
- c. forest areas that provide basic services of nature
in critical situations (e.g. watershed protection, erosion
control)
- d. forest areas fundamental to meeting basic needs of
local communities (e.g. subsistence, health) and/or critical
to local communities’ traditional cultural identity
(areas of cultural, ecological, economic or religious significance
identified in cooperation with such local communities).
Transcontinental recognizes a number of organizations offering
certification to sustainably managed forests but may require
further confirmation of certain aspects, depending on the
purpose. This is clearly outlined in a detailed procedure,
available upon request.
Compliance to
Applicable Legal Requirements
We will comply with applicable environmental laws, including
federal, provincial/state and municipal/local laws.
Pollution Prevention
Product Stewardship
Transcontinental recognizes that it shares in the responsibility
for the environmental impact of the products it produces.
Therefore, we will cooperate with other public and private
bodies to develop systems for the recovery, re-use and recycling
of the company’s products.
Eco-Efficiency
We will strive to improve our products and processes so as
to progressively reduce routine discharges of contaminants
and to use resources efficiently.
Paper Procurement
We will encourage the use of papers with maximized post consumer
and de-inked recycled fibre and maximized agricultural residue
fibre.
Where virgin tree fibre is required, preference will be given
to forest fibre from sustainable forests certified by recognized
bodies.
Climate Change and Energy Use
We recognize the dual challenge of climate change and energy
supply security. Therefore, we will maximize the efficiency
of our operations and encourage a transition to low carbon
fuels and renewable energy.
Waste Management
Transcontinental will strive to reduce its waste and to re-use
and recycle materials.
We will strive to minimize the generation of hazardous waste.
Risk Management
We will strive to avoid accidental discharges of contaminants
into the environment and will prepare emergency plans so that
it can diligently contain and clean up any potential environmental
incidents.
We will evaluate environmental risks prior to acquiring properties
or businesses, and prior to changing or undertaking major
new activities.
Supply Chain Improvement
We will encourage our suppliers to adopt environmental practices
consistent with this policy.
Monitoring
and Reporting
We will monitor our performance in carrying out this policy.
Communication
We will foster openness and dialogue with all stakeholders,
including employees, regulators, neighbours, shareholders,
suppliers, customers, and the public, concerning the environmental
impacts of Transcontinental activities, and will be responsive
to their legitimate concerns.
Continuous
Improvement
Transcontinental will strive to continuously improve its environmental
performance.
Implementation
and Accountability
The Transcontinental Management Team and the Sector Management
Teams shall be responsible for ensuring the implementation
of all elements of this policy. |
Initiatives 2007