2Sustain

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact and fair trade credentials of the jewelry they buy. But, how are jewelers responding to these concerns? Are they stepping up their sustainability efforts and renewing their commitment to responsible, ethical sourcing? Or, are they simply “suggesting” that they’re doing so in their ad campaigns?

According to an article published yesterday at National Jeweler, much of what we’re now seeing in jewelry ads is nothing more than greenwashing –and it could be illegal.

In “Are your ‘green,’’fair-trade’ jewelry ads legal?” Suzan Flamm, Esq., assistant general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, points out that sustainability claims are illegal unless advertisers have a reasonable basis for making them.

From the article: (more…)

Apple released it 2010 Progress Report on Supplier Sustainability yesterday –two days ahead of its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Apple’s manufacturing business is located primarily overseas, and the company has been dogged with labor problems ever since allegations of sub-par working conditions in China first surfaced in 2006. Since then, Apple has implemented training programs and increased factory audits to help ensure that its suppliers are adhering to the company’s Code of Conduct.

The new 24-page progress report offers details about Apple’s proactive approach to working with suppliers to protect worker rights and improve factory conditions. It includes an outline of the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct, a summary of 2009 audits, plus details about violations and corrective actions to address them.

According to the new report, Apple does see positive progress –but also recognizes that much more work needs to be done to make sure suppliers meet expectations.  The company says it will continue to improve and expand its supplier responsibility program, which includes not only supplier audits, but also: (more…)

Unilever, one of the world’s largest buyers of palm oil, has eliminated one of the links in its palm oil supply chain.

The company has stopped all purchases of palm oil from the Indonesian company PT SMART after a Greenpeace report alleged the supplier engages in illegal deforestation and peatland clearance in Indonesia.

The Greenpeace report, “How the palm oil industry is cooking the climate,” didn’t single out Unilever. It also calls on Nestle and Procter & Gamble, to stop sourcing palm oil from irresponsible suppliers.

And, in doing so, it vividly underscores just how difficult it has become to ensure integrity in your supply chain. After all, Unilever, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble are all members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). From Greenpeace: (more…)

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