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Sustainable procurement of wood and paper

Sustainability

The tree in our tape - FSC® certified materials for more sustainable adhesive solutions

Forests play a vital role in helping us achieve global net-zero emission goals by producing oxygen and capturing CO₂. They also act as crucial suppliers of essential raw materials. Therefore, it is imperative that we provide them with special protection. For tesa, paper and cardboard are important materials, and we will increasingly rely on FSC® (FSC® C148769), the certification for responsible forest management, in our procurement processes. From January to December 2023, the share of backing and liner materials globally sourced in FSC® certified quality has already exceeded 50%. This demonstrates the significant impact that even small decisions can have and motivates us to continue prioritising sustainability.

A tree's ability to capture CO₂ depends on several factors, including its species, age, wood density, growth rate, climate, soil quality, and water supply. For instance, a mature beech tree, around 80 years old and with a dry mass of 600 kilograms in leaves, branches, trunk, and root system, can capture one tonne of CO₂. This means that a beech tree can absorb 12.5 kilograms of CO₂ per year. Therefore, to offset one tonne of CO₂ annually, 80 trees would need to be planted. This emphasises the significance of sustainable forest management, where tree populations are meticulously controlled.

Our roll model: 100% FSC® certified cardboard roll cores

As an international non-profit organization, the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) has been setting ambitious standards for environmentally and socially responsible forestry since 1993.

It ensures that forests are sustainably managed while considering a range of strict social requirements.

It is possible to trace products bearing the FSC® seal back to the origin of resource extraction at every stage.

tesa is committed to achieving a target of 70% bio-based or recycled materials by 2030. Ensuring reliable proof of origin through high-quality certification is essential to achieving this goal. In fact, our facilities are already setting a positive example by using FSC®-certified cardboard cores.

 

FSC® profile

1,200 partners, 89 countries, 158 million hectares of certified forests, 10 principles, 70 criteria

Since 2019, we have sourced our resources from sustainable forestry, as evidenced by our use of the FSC® label. This label is recognized globally and signifies our commitment to responsible sourcing of wood and paper.
 

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Some of our FSC® certified products


Progressing with retrospection: Our demand has an impact.
 

We understand the bigger picture and recognize that we are part of a value chain where sustainability is driven by demand. That is why, wherever possible, we actively seek suppliers who can fulfil our paper orders with FSC® certified quality. Our customers and partners are also increasingly demanding certified solutions. As allies, we aim to make decisions that not only benefit our own sustainability agenda, but also align with the goals of our customers and partners.


Find out more about tesa’s sustainability strategy
 

We do: Source responsibly

We want to ensure that fair working conditions, human rights and environmental protection are upheld along the supply chain. To this end, we plan to use certifications, get involved in associations and assess suppliers. In the long term, we aim to achieve 100% responsible and sustainable sourcing for all of our raw materials. We want to ensure that fair working conditions, human rights and environmental protection are upheld along the supply chain. To this end, we plan to use certifications, get involved in associations and assess suppliers. In the long term, we aim to achieve 100% responsible and sustainable sourcing for all of our raw materials.

Read more about the targets of this action area