SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT Stationery

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1 SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT Stationery 1. How to reduce stationery use Reducing unnecessary purchasing is the best way to integrate sustainability into procurement. Before purchasing, ensure that products are really needed find out if there is redundant equipment in your department that could be put to use instead. Consider whether the existing product could be refilled, reused or repaired rather than purchasing a new product. 2. What to consider when procuring stationery 2.1 Durable You can reduce unnecessary purchasing by avoiding disposable products that are designed for single use only. Consider whether the product can be reused, refilled or recharged to extend its life. It is also important to ensure that products are fit for their purpose in order to avoid unnecessary purchases. 2.2 Reusable and recyclable Look for products that have the following qualities: made of recycled materials, maximising post-consumer content; recyclable: after their intended use recyclable products can be diverted from the University s solid waste stream for use as a raw material in the manufacture of another product, preferably with higher-value uses; non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable. 2.3 Sustainable sources Look for products derived from sustainable sources. These products might be certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Australian Forestry Standard (AFS), Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certification schemes.

2 2.3 Packaging and transport The production of product packaging uses significant resources and generates environmental impacts. Packaging considerations include: minimal packaging; packaging that contains high recycled content and is recyclable; take-back schemes for end-of-life equipment and packaging; locally or regionally produced products to minimise the environmental costs associated with transport. UQ encourages you to consolidate your stationery orders to reduce unnecessary delivery trips to campus. 3. Suppliers Staples, OfficeMax and Officeworks are the University's preferred stationery and office product suppliers. The University s Central Store will also continue to supply items including bulk paper. Using the preferred suppliers and the UQ Central Store allows us to accurately measure and manage efficient material and services use. It also allows us to more accurately calculate our carbon emissions. The University has appointed preferred suppliers based on a number of criteria, including a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The University s preferred suppliers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility in the following ways: operating under a certified ISO14001:2004 Environmental Management System (EMS) or by acting according to policies that strive to promote sustainability and minimise the adverse environmental impacts of their operation; actively promoting and supporting Australian-owned and Indigenous businesses; strictly adhering to an Ethical and Environmental Sourcing Policy; being a signatory to the APC (Australian Packaging Covenant, formally the National Packaging Covenant); offering product stewardship programs such as empty toner cartridge collection services, IT recycling and packaging take-back programs; offering an extensive range of environmentally preferred products.

3 Each preferred supplier has their own way of identifying environmentally preferred products within their range. 3.1 Staples Staples environmentally preferred products are classified as EarthSaver products. For a product to be classified as EarthSaver, the supplier must meet the company s ethical sourcing requirements and meet one or more of the following criteria: Recycled content- the product contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. Third-party standards and certifications- the product adheres to a select group of thirdparty environmental standards and certifications. Other environmental designs- the product contains 30% or more agricultural residues, rapidly renewable materials or bio-based plastics. The Staples EarthSaver range includes products from categories such as: Paper, Pads and Envelops Writing Instruments and general stationery Toner cartridges Look out for the follow symbol when purchasing Staples EarthSaver products: 3.2 OfficeMax The OfficeMax Eco-Collection consists of a diverse range of products that have achieved independent environmental certification. Independent environmental certification indicates that products are more environmentally sustainable over a range of impact areas than other products of the same type that cannot be shown to meet equivalent standards. Independent environmental certifications and standards are identified when purchasing online on OrderMax with the below icons: Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) supports sustainable forest management in Australia and provides Australian consumers with an independent, internationally recognised thirdparty certification scheme for forest management in Australia. Globally recognised by PEFC, the world's largest sustainable forest management certification scheme. Biodegradable. The product is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means. Environmental Choice New Zealand. A New Zealand government owned initiative in which the products have been independently audited to meet international specifications which require a reduction of environmental impacts over the product life cycle. Environmental Choice North America. Products and services bearing this logo meet international standards of environmental leadership and sustainability.

4 EU Ecolabel. The European Ecolabel is a Type 1 ecolabel* for the European Commission member countries, and distinguishes products that meet high standards of both performance and environmental quality. Fairtrade Certified. An alternative model of conventional trade which offers farmers and workers in developing countries a better deal and improved terms of trade, giving them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ) is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit established to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world s forests. The FSC s vision is to ensure that the world s forests meet the social, ecological and economical rights and needs of the present generation, without compromising those of future generations. Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) is an independent ecolabelling certification established under the guidance of the International Standard for Third Party Environmental Labelling and Declaration. This program sets the standard of environmental measures for a product s performance against relevant and primary environmental loads associated with a product s life cycle. GreenTag is an independent, third party product rating and certification system which uses life-cycle assessment to rate the 'cradle to end-of-life-fate' of eco-preferred products and provides 'Net Positive' metrics for Carbon and Biodiversity. GreenTag rated products receive a product Eco-Scorecard which displays at a glance the life Cycle Assessment and eco-point rating so you can easily compare products. Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. (PEFC) Certification that assures buyers of wood and paper products that they are supporting the sustainable management of forests. Rain Forest Alliance is an independent seal of approval which ensures that goods and services were produced in compliance with strict guidelines protecting the environment, wildlife, workers and local communities. 3.3 Officeworks There are a number of labels used to identify sustainably made, recycled products within Officeworks product range. Look out for the below icons when in store or ordering online: This is to certify that related greenhouse gas emissions produced from the cradle to grave lifecycle as assessed by the Carbon Reduction Institute. Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) supports sustainable forest management in Australia and provides Australian consumers with an independent, internationally recognised third-party certification scheme for forest management in Australia. Globally recognised by PEFC, the world's largest sustainable forest management certification scheme.

5 Recycled Content- Generic symbol used to show percentage recycled content. Does not mean that the product has been certified. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ) is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit established to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world s forests. Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. (PEFC) Certification that assures buyers of wood and paper products that they are supporting the sustainable management of forests Australian Made The product has been manufactured here (not just packaged or assembled); and 50% or more of the cost of making it can be attributed to Australian materials and/or production processes. 3.4 Central Store The UQ Central Store stocks a range of environmentally preferred stationery products, including recycled and carbon-neutral paper/paper products, refillable pens and pencils, pens made from recycled material, Q-Image remanufactured toner cartridges and Enviro Deluxe insert Binders made from 100% recycled material. For the complete range of products, view the Store catalogue. Further information For further information on sustainable procurement or other sustainability initiatives at UQ, visit