SPARTANBURG, SC,
April 7, 2011
(Business Wire) -
Exopack, LLC, one of top 10 flexible packaging companies in North America, has completed the certification audit and received fiber sourcing certification to the Section 4 of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standard 2010-2014 for its multi-wall bag facilities in Hanford, CA; Hazleton, PA; Seymour, IN; Sibley, IA; Spartanburg, SC; and Tifton, GA.
Fiber sourcing certification indicates a company maintains a formal tracking system to record the possession and transfer of kraft papers from its origin as wood to its end use in multi-wall bags. SFI certification validates Exopack's sustainable fiber sourcing practices and is a key component of its overall commitment to sustainability.
"We believe that sustainable forestry is very important to the fiber-based packaging industry," said Tom Vale, Exopack's President and CFO. "Our customers and consumers in general are becoming very aware of their role in ensuring a sustainable future. Exopack believes in the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and intends to use the certification to educate consumers about the benefits of using renewable materials in packaging."
To achieve certification to the SFI standard, applicants must be able to show that the majority of fiber used in the production of their product comes from Responsible Sources that are certified to the SFI standard. They must also work to ensure that Controversial Sources are not used. Specific procedures must be implemented so the flow of fiber through the manufacturing process is properly tracked and recorded. Regular internal audits, management reviews and annual audits, conducted by an independent organization, are all part of the requirements to maintain certification.
About SFI
SFI Inc. is an independent 501c(3) non-profit charitable organization, and is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program (www.sfiprogram.org). Across North America, more than 180 million acres/73 million hectares are certified to the SFI forest management standard, making it the largest single standard in the world. SFI chain-of-custody certification tells buyers how much certified, responsibly sourced and/or recycled content is in a product. The SFI program's unique fiber sourcing requirements promote responsible forest management on all suppliers' lands. SFI Inc. is governed by a three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social and economic sectors equally.
About Exopack
Managing nineteen production facilities strategically positioned across North America and the United Kingdom, as well as a global network of alliance partners, Exopack is an established leader in the development, manufacture, and sourcing of flexible packaging and coatings solutions for various consumer and industrial end-use markets. As a leader in the packaging industry, Exopack is also a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
