Over a year ago, we announced our Keep It. Give It. program, our vision for making a positive social impact and increasing sustainability throughout our business. One of the four key focus areas of this philosophy is Environmental Stewardship. Heading into 2022, we’ve made some giant leaps toward this goal by changing the type of paper we use in our appointment calendars, paper mouse pads, and Souvenir® Sticky Note™ and scratch pad products.
Consumers around the globe are demanding eco-conscious products. When it comes to paper, 8 in 10 consumers expect companies to ensure that their wood and paper products do not contribute to deforestation or damage wildlife habitats. (1) Two organizations have taken the lead in certifying forest products: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
The SFI® is an independent nonprofit organization that believes that sustainable forests are critical to our collective future. They work to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaboration with groups such as landowners, universities, governments, industry leaders, conservation associations, and Indigenous Peoples.
SFI certification ensures that products come from forests that are managed to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value. Choosing SFI makes sure that Koozie Group’s supply chain supports our environmental, social, and governance commitments.
Forest Stewardship Council
The first FSC General Assembly gathered in 1993. Today, more than 550 million acres of forest around the globe are certified under the FSC. It is the only system supported by groups such as Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, the World Wildlife Fund, and the National Wildlife Federation.
FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The Council believes we can meet our current needs for forest products without compromising the health of the world’s forests for future generations. And that’s a big deal, considering the average American uses nearly six trees worth of paper each year. (2) FSC-certified forests must adhere to the Council’s 10 principles and 57 criteria, and FSC-certified products undergo a highly rigorous and credible certification process.
The Products
In all, we are transitioning more than 650 products to either SFI- or FSC-certified paper, including all but one of our appointment calendars. Here are some customer favorites that will now carry these designations.
We like to say that we make a darn good Sticky Note™. With so many uses, we put these office essentials through rigorous testing in the last year and made them even better. The best-selling Souvenir® Sticky Note™ 4” x 3” Pad, 25 Sheet Item #P4A3A25 gets the job done whether at home or the office. This popular size gives a bit of extra room for jotting yourself a reminder or leaving someone a note.
The Souvenir® 4” x 6” Scratch Pad, 25 Sheet is the perfect size for jotting a to-do list or writing yourself a reminder. Available with a vibrant 4-color process imprint, you can customize this handy office item free of charge in lots of different ways, including adding optional ruled lines and an eye-catching phantom imprint.
Jot down notes in the most convenient place – right under your hand! The Good Value™ Paper Mouse Pad – 50 Sheets Item #MPP50 includes a full-color imprint and nonslip chipboard backing.
Calendars
Lovers of Western art and a rural lifestyle will appreciate the Triumph® Calendar American West by Tim Cox Item #1900. This renowned artist’s life-like depictions of the contemporary cowboy hang in museums across the United States, bringing world-class art to your office or home.
Heartwarming paintings by nationally acclaimed artist Ken Zylla are featured in the nostalgic America Remembered Appointment Calendar by HotLine® Products Item #829. This 13-month calendar brings an engaging journey down memory lane to your wall and helps keep you organized, too.
The Good Value™ National Day – Spiral Item #7032 is a great conversation starter with a fun special observance every day of the year. It makes a colorful wall accessory and provides plenty of room for keeping track of appointments.
Check out all our FSC- and SFI-certified products at kooziegroup.com. And don’t forget to boost our eco-conscious efforts by recycling these paper products on your end.
This is a new Educational Idea that Koozie Group has embarked upon.
Samples that contain these ingredients along with this educational information should be forwarded to all Koozie customers so that we, as distributors, can begin the conservation process with our customers and prospects.
Thanks to Koozie Group for this important step in conserving our country.
James Dunning.
Owner
VISTA Marketing Concepts.
1100 Shady Pine Ct.
Bedford, TX 76021
Thanks for your feedback, James. It’s a great idea!