In the paper industry, considerable environmental improvements have been implemented, such as forestry chain of custody certifications, ISO 14001 and EMS manufacturing systems and a large range of quality recycled products have entered the market.
Leading merchant Spicers says what has really captured the hearts and hands of the Spicers Paper staff and clients is the Spicers Paper Recreate Program, in partnership with Landcare Australia.
For several years now, Spicers Paper has been 'putting its money where its mouth is' through a Cause Related Marketing partnership with Landcare, using the 100% recycled brand Tudor RP as its key focus.
Originally developed through an internal innovation program, the Recreate Program donates $100 for every tonne of Tudor RP 100% Recycled sold. Several ex-landfill sites were identified and the funds raised are being used to restore the sites to their original states. So far, more than $150,000 has been raised. And the program has been so successful that Spicers Paper has recently moved to Silver Partner level.
There are a total of five Recreate sites around Australia currently receiving funding from Spicers Paper (Marks Park, Tamarama, NSW, Merri Creek, Northcote, Victoria, Demonstration Catchment Project, Greenslopes, Queensland, Wirranendi Parklands, Adelaide, SA and Belmont Landfill Rehabilitation area, WA). Funds have helped pay for plants, materials and tools for revegetation, weed management and professional planning services involved in recreating these sites.
At each of the sites around Australia, Spicers Paper's staff and clients, armed with gloves, shovels and a cosy fleece vest, have lent a hand to the local community groups who run the Landcare projects. It's a great opportunity to get involved with the community and also instill some community values in the younger generation, with many staff members bringing along their kids.
Helene Clarkson, promotions executive for Spicers Paper's Queensland branch, says, "Being involved with the project (Demonstration Catchment Project, Greenslopes) makes you far more aware of how much effort actually goes into these projects from the community volunteers. While our contribution of a half day a year does make quite a difference, this is such a small contribution in the scheme of things. It incredibly rewarding though. At our recent planting day, we could see the results from last year – how much everything had grown and the difference it made to the area. There was such a buzz around the office afterwards, and our staff are already thinking about next year."
It's not all planting either. At Merri Creek, some brave souls were responsible for clearing thorny Hawthorn bushes in the first year so planting could occur in subsequent years, and the South Australian branch helped nurture seedlings at their office for several months prior to planting. Of course, a BBQ lunch after a hard morning's work is mandatory.
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