Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announced it will begin sourcing, effective immediately, virtually all (in excess of 95 percent) of the paper used in the company's seven catalogs (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Bed and Bath, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, west elm and Williams-Sonoma Home) from sources certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). FSC certification ensures, through independent third-party audits, that Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s catalog paper comes from well-managed forests that adhere to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will begin to display the FSC Mixed Sources label on its catalogs in early 2007.
"Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is committed to responsible catalog paper procurement practices that promote the sustainability of forests. We believe that FSC is the gold standard when it comes to forest products certification systems. FSC certification is a key component in our ongoing efforts to deliver on our commitment to our employees, customers and shareholders to operate in an environmentally sound manner," said Pat Connolly, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Mr. Connolly added, "We could not have achieved this certification without the support and determined efforts of our supply chain partner, NewPage Corporation. Securing FSC certification demonstrates their continued dedication to responsible forest management and long-term sustainability."
"Today's announcement takes Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s existing environmental commitment a step further by becoming the first major catalog company to print all of its catalogs on Forest Stewardship Council certified sustainable paper," said Todd Paglia, Executive Director of ForestEthics. "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has assumed an environmental leadership position in the catalog industry."
FSC certification compliments the earlier environmental efforts of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. that include developing an environmental catalog paper procurement policy, incorporating 10 percent post consumer recycled content into its flagship Williams-Sonoma catalog, as well as achieving up to 30 percent post consumer recycled content in many other components of its business such as shipping cartons, in-store collateral, gift wrap, gift boxes, copy paper, and corporate stationary.CSR Wire via Social Funds
