Australian businesses should be looking at how to assure sustainability in their supply chains via certification, as compelling new evidence suggests sustainability is a business opportunity Australia should be demonstrating leadership in.
A recent report by the Future Business Council reveals that as values-driven consumers are demanding sustainable products, many business sectors in Australia are turning to trusted certification schemes to meet this demand.
The Forest Stewardship Council Australia, in partnership with Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand, Rainforest Alliance and sponsor Coles, are holding a forum entitled ‘Demanding Change by Changing Demand’ to explore these themes, and understand the value of sustainability standards and certification for Australian businesses.
Despite evidence of the growth in sustainable certification, what is much less clear is the value of certification for companies in achieving sustainable supply chains. Recent research from global membership association for sustainability standards, ISEAL Alliance, reveals 85% of business respondents needed more understandable and easy to communicate information on standards in order to make a business case for sustainable certification.
The forum will feature case studies from Officeworks and Coles exploring the value of certification as well as insights from consumer research bodies Mobium and Republic of Everyone into consumer behavior trends. Panel sessions will explore examples of how Australian businesses find value in certification and the need for more rigorous and robust evidence demonstrating the business case for sustainable standards.
FSC Australia CEO, Adam Beaumont, says he is excited to bring together certification and standard setting bodies, businesses and advocates in Australia to discuss what the future holds for certification, and the value of sustainability standard setting for business.
“We know that there is a strong business case for sustainability standards and certification based on increasing consumer demand for FSC certified products and a thirst for sustainable business practices from the management of many retailers and manufacturers.
But we also know that businesses require more evidence about the value of certification for regulating supply chains and building consumer trust to ensure that the practices of businesses are held to high standards.
The forum will be held on November 25 at the Ibis Hotel, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne. Tickets are available for purchase at http://bit.ly/DemandingChange
Media contact:
Laura Sykes: events@au.fsc.org 0437 007 437 +61 (0)3 9329 9984