Chicago, IL -- InnerWorkings, Inc., a leading global provider of managed print and promotional solutions for corporate clients, has earned Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification from the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program. This certification reflects a growing trend in the paper and printing industry of companies making more environmentally and socially responsible supply chain decisions.
 
“FSC certification is an important part of our overall approach to preserving the sustainability of our environment in the communities we serve. All parties in the Chain-of-Custody play a critical role in supporting responsible forest management,” said Eric D. Belcher, CEO of InnerWorkings.  “Our clients are constantly looking to us for guidance in providing them with the latest print-related techniques and alternatives, and FSC certification is a very important step toward a long-term environmental solution.”
 
The FSC is the global standard-setter in responsible forest management. Chain-of-Custody certification guarantees that wood that comes from certified, responsibly managed forestlands is tracked throughout the supply chain, from the forest to the consumer. Conscientious consumers can look for the FSC logo on wood products to know they are supporting forest management that protects biodiversity and supports local communities.
 
“As the U.S. industry leader in print procurement solutions, we are thrilled that InnerWorkings is now an FSC certified business. Their leadership and influence in the printing industry will go a long way in helping us raise the awareness and encourage the use of FSC certified materials,” said Dave Bubser, Rainforest Alliance Regional Manager.
 
About 40 percent of all commercially traded timber globally is used to produce paper, according to the FSC. Paper consumption is expected to grow by about 50 percent in the next few years. The U.S. is the biggest market for paper products globally, producing 90 million tons of paper and consuming 100 million tons of paper each year, according to the FSC.
 
FSC certification ensures that forestry operations meet a set of environmental, social and economic criteria covering compliance with laws and international treaties, land-use and indigenous peoples’ rights, community relations, biodiversity conservation and maintenance of high conservation value forests, among other things.
 
The Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization, is the world’s leading certifier of forestlands to the FSC standards. To date, the organization has certified 130 million acres of forestland. The Rainforest Alliance works with businesses in making more responsible choices by using market forces to protect our natural resources and support workers and local communities.
 
InnerWorkings’ FSC Certificate Registration Code is SW-COC-004003.