New investigation into takeaway food container supply chains – PULPAPERnews.com

FSC and ASI Launch Transaction Verification Loop on FSC-Certified Takeaway Food Containers

Introduction

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), in collaboration with its assurance partner Assurance Services International (ASI), has initiated a new transaction verification (TV) loop focusing on FSC-certified paper-based takeaway food containers. This initiative covers the supply chain from producer markets in Asia to consumer markets across America, Europe, and Oceania, spanning 28 countries. This marks the first TV loop targeting FSC-certified paper products.

Context and Rationale

With the global increase in demand for fibre-based disposable packaging and wooden cutlery in the food industry, concerns have arisen regarding the integrity of certified products. Over the past three years, ASI identified evidence suggesting potential fraudulent manufacturing and trade of paper-based dinnerware originating from China. FSC responded by removing Ningbo Yinzhou Happy Paper Products and Ningbo Yinzhou Yongshun Foreign Trade from the FSC system due to false claims.

Scope and Methodology of the Transaction Verification Loop

Scope

• 710 certificate holders trading in materials and products related to paper-based food containers.
• Transactions occurring between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024.
• Inclusion of manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers, especially focusing on Chinese (including Hong Kong) certified manufacturers and their overseas importing clients.

Methodology

• Submission of detailed transaction records by all certificate holders, including zero purchases and sales, to detect hidden risks.
• Verification and analysis of sale and purchase data covering all FSC-certified claims, including FSC MIX and FSC RECYCLED claims.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Ensuring transparency and integrity in the supply chain of paper-based takeaway food containers promotes sustainable production practices.
   • Preventing fraudulent claims supports responsible consumption by guaranteeing that certified products meet environmental standards.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • By safeguarding FSC certification, the initiative helps protect forests and promotes sustainable forest management.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between FSC and ASI exemplifies effective partnerships to enhance supply chain transparency and accountability.

Expected Outcomes and Next Steps

• Preliminary results from the first phase (TV data analysis) are anticipated in early 2026.
• Based on these findings, ASI will conduct targeted transaction investigations focusing on high-risk certificate holders, volume discrepancies, and potential fraudulent activities throughout 2026.

Conclusion

This transaction verification loop represents a significant step towards enhancing the credibility and sustainability of FSC-certified paper-based takeaway food containers. By addressing risks in the supply chain and promoting transparency, the initiative supports key Sustainable Development Goals and fosters trust among producers, traders, and consumers worldwide.

Source: fsc.org

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article focuses on ensuring the integrity of FSC-certified paper-based takeaway food containers, which relates to sustainable production and consumption patterns.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • By promoting FSC certification and preventing fraudulent claims, the article supports sustainable forest management and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses combating fraud and ensuring transparency and accountability in supply chains, which aligns with building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 12 Targets
   • Proportion of companies publishing sustainability reports or verified supply chain data (implied through transaction verification loops and reporting of transactions by certificate holders).
   • Volume of FSC-certified paper-based takeaway food containers traded and verified.
2. Indicator for SDG 15 Targets
   • Area of forest under FSC certification (implied through FSC system integrity and blocking of non-compliant manufacturers).
3. Indicator for SDG 16 Targets
   • Number of fraudulent cases detected and addressed within supply chains (implied through investigation and blocking of companies making false claims).
   • Number of certificate holders complying with transaction reporting requirements.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: pulpapernews.com