Meridian Manual - FSC Guide

INTRODUCTION

Here at Meridian we understand that we have a vital ecological responsibility as packaging manufacturers. As consumers seek to reduce their environmental impact, we too are striving to go beyond our obligated environmental compliance. This is why our FSC® certification is such a big deal to us!

With over 82% of our business based in converting carton board, we can not afford to be apathetic. We want to ensure the sources of our raw materials are from organisations that manage their forests in socially, environmentally, and economically responsible ways. Our FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification is a distinction which recognizes our commitment to environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices.

The FSC Chain of Custody tracks the timber, from ethical sources, through every stage in the supply chain from the forest to the final user. This is monitored through the invoicing process and the final label on the product has a code that confirms that the item is genuinely FSC certified. At Meridian, we follow this chain of custody rigorously for our FSC packaging.

A GUIDE TO FSC

WHAT IS FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is a non-governmental, non-profit, independent international organisation. It was established to oversee the sustainable harvesting of timber and responsible management of subsequent paper goods.

The Forest Stewardship Council helps take care of forests and the people and wildlife who call them home, and firmly believe that ‘Forests For All Forever’. The FSC system helps businesses and consumers alike, choose products from well-managed forests and/or verified and recycled sources.

FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification ensures that FSC materials and products have been checked at every stage of processing. This ensures when so customers purchase products sold with sustainable claims can be confident that they are genuinely FSC certified.

WHY FSC?

More than half of paper used globally is for packaging (carton board). It is important that these materials are sourced from ethically responsible forests. When you order FSC packaging from Meridian, you can rest easy knowing your packaging is coming from a FSC certified source monitored through their rigorous chain of custody. Not only is FSC board ethical, the sustainable forestry is one of the most effective means to mitigate climate change.

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CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM

If you require FSC mixed credit board for your next project, we will advise on the most suitable board. Remember that this needs to be discussed from the outset to ensure the chain of custody is followed throughout all stages of the process.

SEND OVER YOUR ARTWORK

We will add our relevant FSC certified label with identifier license code, we do the hard work as we get approval from the Certification Body for you so you don’t need to do a thing!

ONCE THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE

We will send you an invoice with the FSC claim and our certificate code which completes the chain, this is your assurance that you have purchased FSC Certified packaging.

WHY CHOOSE FSC ® ?

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT A HOME FOR ALL

FSC protect the poorest, most vunerable communities and wildlife who rely on the surrounding environment. Certified forests maintain and enhance the biodiversity that depend on this ecosystem.

TREES FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

FSC certified forests cover over 180 million hectares of the planet. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as they grow, contributing to climate change mitigation. When harvested, carbon is stored in each piece of paper instead of the atmosphere.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LESS POLUTION, MORE BENEFITS

Sourcing FSC certified packaging communicates to consumers that your company is contributing to the survival of the planet. By choosing FSC certified packaging, you are investing in a greener future for generations to come.

TRANSPARENCY OF SUPPLY CHAINS A CHAIN REACTION

The recognisable FSC logo provides reassurance to consumers regarding your ethical and environmental standards. Third-party certification systems help maintain credibility in the marketplace by meeting sustainable packaging demands.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES A BETTER WORLD

Whether you are working directly alongside the government or with retailers who have their own strict policies, providing FSC certified packaging allows you to prove your compliance with a recognised certification scheme.

FSC ® LABELLING GUIDE

This is a basic protocol guide on what to do when adding the FSC label to artwork.

FSC LABEL REQUIREMENTS:

1. You have a range of FSC labels to choose from (see below)

2. Once the desired label has been chosen, Meridian must generate the label.

3. The label must not be stored digitally anywhere and must be downloaded by Meridian every time that new artwork requires it. This ensures that up to date labels are always used.

4. Please provide suitable space for this label to be placed into your artwork. A place holder will be provided, which will be sent along with this document to the customer.

RECOMENDED MINIMUM LABEL SIZE MERIDIAN PLACEHOLDERS

Our sales team will provide you with these if required.

5. There shall be enough clear space surrounding the label and logo to ensure that they remain uncluttered. The minimum space is calculated by using the height of the ‘FSC’ initials of the logo.

6. When it is not technically possible to print labels with multiple lines, such as for very small products with limited surface for printing (e.g. pens, make-up brushes), a one-line arrangement of label elements may be used. All elements shall be legible with a minimum height of 6mm of the FSC logo. They can be aligned on the bottom or centred.

7. Green, black and white are the FSC standard colours which must be adhered to digitally and in print. See colour refs below.

Dark Green: Pantone 626 C

8. If none of the standard label colours are in a printed item, the label may be produced using an available colour providing legible contrast. The label may also be used on a coloured background that gives sufficient contrast.

9. Meridian must always be the ones to add the FSC label to any artwork.

SENDING TO THE SOIL ASSOCIATION FOR APPROVAL:

1. Once the artwork is approved by you, any proofs that include the FSC label must be sent by Meridian to their Certification Body to ensure the necessary label requirements have been met. Please allow up to 24 hrs for this process.

2. All new artwork and any amended artwork where the FSC label has been moved or resupplied must be sent for approval. Repeat artwork that has not been amended since approval does not need to be re-sent.

CONTACT

+44(0)1684 578441

Spring Lane North, Malvern Worcestershire, WR14 1BU

productionsales@meridiansp.co.uk www.meridianspecialitypackaging.com