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Matt Dobson
GWP Sustainability Lead
sustainability@gwp.co.uk
01793 754 444
Adele Heather
Policy Manager
enquiries@gwp.co.uk
01793 754 444
Ian Heskins
Business Development
ian.heskins@gwp.co.uk
01793 754 444
If you are responsible for either sustainability, packaging, or both at your business, you will know how vital sustainable packaging accreditations can be.
Sustainable packaging accreditations and certifications include FSC, ISO 14001 and 9001, EcoVadis, and the use of OPRL (On Pack Recycling Label) symbols. Achieving certification or being part of such schemes holds businesses accountable and provides standardised methods of measuring sustainability. Using appropriate logos and branding on your packaging conveys the environmental benefits to your customers.
As such, GWP allows you to source your packaging from a company with extensive sustainable packaging accreditations. Doing so helps you achieve your sustainability goals and targets.
FSC® certified packaging
GWP Packaging achieved Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody certification (Certificate no. FSC – C161914) in December 2020.
It means your business can source FSC-certified transit packaging, eCommerce boxes and point-of-sale displays from GWP. It also grants you the right to use the FSC logo on any fully FSC-certified packaging.
Chain of Custody certification
FSC chain of custody certification verifies that FSC-certified material is identified and separated from non-certified and non-controlled material. It covers all touchpoints as it makes its way along the supply chain, from the forest to the market.
GWP is fully audited to the FSC-STD-40-004 Chain of Custody standard to maintain this certification.
More about the FSC®
More than 25 years ago, the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio failed to produce an agreement to stop deforestation. But it led to the formation of a committed group of businesses, environmentalists and community leaders. The result was a revolutionary concept, a voluntary, market-based approach that would improve forestry practices worldwide.
That meeting marked the birth of the Forest Stewardship Council. The organisation has since pioneered certification for sustainable forestry. It remains the most trusted sustainable forest management solution thanks to committed and diverse stakeholders.
The Forest Stewardship Council has certified approximately 213 million hectares of forests worldwide. Certified forests now account for 11 per cent of all productive forests globally. Around 40 per cent of the UK’s forests are certified by the FSC. WWF, Greenpeace and The Woodland Trust, amongst many others, are prominent supporters.
For further information, please visit the FSC website at www.fsc.org,
ISO 14001 packaging manufacturers
GWP Group hold the ISO 14001 accreditation for commitment to the environment.
This family of standards relates to the environmental management of the whole business. It enables GWP to minimise operational impact on the environment. It also aids compliance with applicable laws and regulations and fosters a culture of continual improvement.
About ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is very similar in structure to the ISO 9001 quality management accreditation. Both relate to internal process management rather than the end product.
However, the requirements of ISO 14001 also form an integral part of the European Union’s environmental management scheme (EMAS).
Ultimately, the standard provides a structure for GWP’s drive towards continuous improvement in managing the company’s environmental responsibilities.
For more information about ISO 14001, please visit www.iso.org. To learn more about GWP’s responsibilities under EMAS, please go to green-business.ec.europa.eu.
ISO 9001:2015 Accreditation
Besides ISO 14001, GWP is proud to hold ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.
ISO 9001 is effectively a quality management standard. It is crucial in driving a fully integrated quality management system throughout the company.
It puts beyond question GWP Group’s ability to consistently provide packaging products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It provides a solid building block towards the ultimate goal of absolute customer satisfaction.
Read more about the quality standards applicable to GWP Groups products and processes here.
Summary of GWP accreditations and registrations
GWP Group is certified by SGS to ISO 14001:2015 on certificate number: GB97/10419.00.
Registered for “Producer Responsibility Obligations – Packaging Waste Regulations 2007”.
Environment Agency Registration EI201050142 (UK equivalent to EU 94/62/EC).
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (certificate number: FSC – C161914).
Other policies and information
To download copies of GWP’s certificates, plus other documents and policies, visit the resources page.
Macfarlane Packaging accreditations
GWP Group became part of Macfarlane Packaging in 2021. As such, your business can benefit even further from a range of additional sustainable packaging accreditations that apply to the wider group.
EcoVadis
Macfarlane Packaging is rated Silver by EcoVadis.
EcoVadis assess four areas when rating an organisation. These areas are environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Corporate policies, initiatives and business achievements determine the overall score.
The EcoVadis rating ultimately provides your business with an independently assessed, “pre-audited” supply chain. It also demonstrates Macfarlane’s commitment to corporate and social responsibility.
Sedex
Macfarlane Packaging is a member of Sedex. Sedex is one of the world’s leading ethical trade membership organisations. Setting out various standards ensures the business operates all supply chains transparently, sustainably and responsibly.
OPRL
Macfarlane Packaging is a member of the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme. Membership supports the move towards simple and consistent recycling symbols and messaging across the UK. It also provides various tools for helping your business with the recyclability of your packaging.
Valpak
Valpak membership ensures environmental compliance in a huge range of areas. It assists Macfarlane, subsidiary companies and your business with data management, packaging waste compliance, REACH & RoHS, and attaining other certifications and accreditations.
Smartest Energy
Macfarlane works in partnership with Smartest Energy. Doing so allows the business to source a significant percentage of energy from renewable sources.
Awards and recognition
GWP has been recognised at the prestigious Starpack 2018 Awards, winning the Sustainability and Green Star Awards for packaging created for The James Dyson Foundation. The design, which also won the best overall category, significantly reduced material usage.
The Starpack award reflects GWP’s focus on producing packaging that is lighter, uses less material, costs less, and has a tangible environmental benefit.
Find out more
GWP Group is taking steps to minimise the environmental impact across products, operations and the broader value chain.
Creating an environment for staff and stakeholders at GWP to take ownership of sustainability initiatives and targets.
Projects and ongoing initiatives where GWP partners with local communities, groups and charities.
Download GWP certification and policies covering materials, modern slavery, and more.
01793 754 444
Mon – Fri 08.00 – 17.00
info@gwp.co.uk
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