Responsible Wood and Paper Purchasing: Experiences of the Fortune 100

Large corporate paper and wood buyers are making progress but still have a long road toward incorporating sustainability into long-range purchasing strategies, according this report, by the Portland-based nonprofit Metafore. It examines the environmental reporting activities of the Fortune 100 companies to see where wood and paper purchasing practices fit in the overall context of environmental issues facing companies today. Metafore conducted its survey through conversations, reviews of existing reports, Web site research, and interactive surveys. The responses to Metafore’s inquiry offer firsthand insight into the experiences and challenges companies face when integrating environmental criteria into their purchasing decisions. The survey shows that while several North American-based businesses have successfully implemented responsible forest product purchasing practices, only a few Fortune 100 companies see a strong connection between wood and paper purchasing and the environmental impacts on their businesses.