Packaging company Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe has expanded its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (CoC) certification to include its complete operations in Europe.
To confirm conformance to the FSC Reclaimed Standard for recycled sources, SCS Global Services (SCS) has evaluated ten sites of Huhtamaki, which cover operations in The Netherlands, France, Northern Ireland and The Czech Republic.
Huhtamaki's decision to expand FSC certification to European sites is aimed at producing all its packaging products in part from waste collected from European households.
The expansion is said to be driven by the company's policy of sourcing 100% recycled fiber from pre-and post-consumer sources, comprising its own used products.
Bearing the FSC Recycled or FSC Mix labels, egg cartons and other Huhtamaki packaging materials that are FSC-certified, can be found in retail stores in Europe.
SCS executive vice president Robert Hrubes said the company's recycling policy represents a sound and progressive business strategy, which helps reduce pressure on forested environments.
"Sourcing post-consumer recycled fiber means that Huhtamaki can utilize its own products, post use, as a feedstock: a truly closed-loop system," Hrubes added.
Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe FSC coordinator Annalien Hanje said, "We are working in close partnership with municipalities and waste collectors throughout Europe to reclaim our used packaging waste, helping to lighten the load on landfills while saving resources."
With a multi-site FSC Reclaimed certification covering its Netherlands operations, Huhtamaki began its commitment to using pre- and post-consumer recycled fiber in 2012.
Huhtamaki, which has 61 manufacturing units and several sales offices in 30 countries, manufactures packaging material for egg cartons, fruit trays and cup carriers.
Image: Egg cartons manufactured by Huhtamaki. Photo: Courtesy of Marketwire.
