German discounters Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord have announced their planned purchasing policy to only use sustainably-sourced wood and wood-based products by the end of 2020.
The retailers said they aim to promote a more sustainable wood industry and packaging sector by exclusively using raw materials or recycled materials from sustainably-certified sources for all of their wood and wood-based products.
Both Aldi discounters use and sell a number of products that are made from wood or are wood-based, from handkerchiefs and office supplies, to furniture and decorations.
Products And Packaging
The discounters said they are committed to replacing their product range as well as their packaging completely to conform with this new policy.
The policy also includes eliminating printer ink with mineral oil and it will encourage the use of the environmentally-friendly Total Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching process. It further applies to all procurement of internal office supplies and work equipment for Aldi, according to the retailers.
"We want to make a long-term contribution to conserving forests as a valuable resource," said Rayk Mende, managing director corporate responsibility at Aldi Nord.
"Responsibility begins for us at the beginning of the chain of goods. The international wood purchasing policy is considered as a binding framework for us and our business partners."
Sustainability
"It is very important to us to work together with suppliers and industry leaders in the wood supply chain to ensure sustainable forest management and the sustainable further processing of raw materials," said Dr. Ing. Julia Adou, head of corporate responsibility at Aldi Süd.
"Most of the wood products we trade are already certified to recognised standards.”
Aldi Süd published its first wood purchasing policy back in 2014.
Last month, both discounters announced their commitment to sourcing all flowers and plants from sustainable sources. That policy aims to minimise the use of pesticides and protect the health and working conditions for workers in the plant and flower industry.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Kevin Duggan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
