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Home My WebLink About2015 03-06 3M pledges it won't buy pulp or fiber from deforested areas STAR TRIBUNE �c StarTribune 3M pledges it won't buy pulp or fiber � � ,y from deforested areas �;� � � � L Article by:Dee DePass a- �`"�»�: StarTribune i ' �;�; �.�. March 6,2015-9:39 AM r ��' " s3 �� .�, u� �.;. � ��.:<. w., ', 3M Co.will take a much harder look at where its paper and pulp � products onginate after reaching a hard-fought agreement with F�'�� : longtime environmental critic ForestEthics -, � For the first Ume the Maplewood-based conglomerate is requiring suppliers to trece and report the origmal'forest sources"of the ' �� ' wood,paper and pulp it selis to 3M.The company will then assess those sources against its new policy and refuse to buy any � y � materials from threatened forests. `��'� ' In a move aimed at protecting human nghts,3M adopted another IMI�IIII� new standard requiring loggers and other paper suppliers to get the informed wnsent of indigenous people before logging begins � on any traditional lands. The maker of Posl-it notes and masking tape buys millions of tons of pulp and paper each year,and the new policy will affect at least 5,000 pulp and paper suppliers in 70 counMes,the company said � �� t�t � The tougher standards also will cost 3M more time and money—it �`^�� is hiring staff to assist in the oversight of the new program. ,�1'.��e��Zp�j �.00QStS � 3M's revised sustainability policy significantly strengthens sourcing '�`�t�u�� }�'d��'U'�t1�'4 � �� policies that began in the 1970s. ��.�. �!,1'c�l�,�;�y�,S�Q�Qt�y ��t �} "We are taking responsibility for making sure our pulp and paper :,��:� �{f��{'1 suppliers meet the requirements of the policy and help them to � ��: - � �L� ��`I� raise their pertormance if necessary,"said Jean Sweeney,vice ��-- � �� president of 3M ernironmental,health,safety and sustainability � operations. FaKes�..�� The idea was to clearly communicate 3M's values and requirements to suppliers,she said. "The hope is that this will have a ripple effect in driving positive change beyond 3M's fiber supply,leading to widespread market demand for protection of forests and respect for workers'and ,:;.tt ) r1:.�k .ih.::._r c.��. indigenous people's rights,"she said. ,,, .. a ;..�.��.i F ,rs r::�,::::!.::�:;,�.. The revised policy wins a truce between 3M and Califomia-based � ForestEthics,the environmental group that gained notonety for its fanciful protests and publicity stunts. � In 2013,ForestEthics unfurled a 9iant banner oft a Minneapolis bridge,attacking 3M's supply-chain policies.In May 2014,it protested 3M's annual meeting in Texas,performing sidewalk skits in which costumed environmentalists played the part of frightened caribou being chased by giant foam chain saws bearing the 3M logo. In July,ForestEthics hired an airplane to fly a banner over Target Field and downtown Minneapolis during a packed Major League Baseball All-Star Game.The banner read,"3M do the right thing for forests." The protests were part of ForestEthics'multiyear campaign that objected to 3M's supply relationships with companies that allegedly harmed forests.Greenpeace joined the campaign in 2014. ForestEthics said it is ending its attack campaign.Group officials applauded 3M's new policy during a joint news conference with the company on Thursday. "The kind of transparency and leadership 3M offers in this revised policy represents an important step forward for the industry,"ForestEthics Executive Director Todd Paglia said in an interview."This is a huge shift for 3M and really drives 3M's values through their entire supply chain.We have not seen that happen with any company like a 3M before.Ever." 3M and ForestEthics officials began meeting months ago to discuss ways that the global manufacturer and mega purchaser could be a more effective leader in the sustainability industry. Paglia said he was impressed with several of 3M's actions. 3M pledged to issue semiannual updates on how the policy is being implemented.It has teamed up with the Forest Trust and Dovetail Partners to learn more about the threats facing forests. Paglia also cheered 3M's recenl decision ro end a contract with an Indonesian supplier accused of harmful logging prectices. In another case,3M issued a letter upbraiding a Canadian supplier for allegedly logging in caribou habitat and for straining relationships with local Indian tribes. In a copy of the letter obtained by the Star Tribune,3M told the supplier that it would search for an alternative supplier unless changes were made. 3M also agreed to stop using the Sustainability Forestry Initiative certifcation,which Califomia-based ForestEthics argued had no teeth because it did not engage in thorough supply chain investigations.