PULLMAN WSU Publishing is scheduled next month to renew a pioneering chain of custody re-certification obtained through the Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible management of the world’s forests and the products derived from them.
The official publishing agency of WSU, and the university’s largest user of paper products, University Publishing was the first university publisher in the nation last year to receive FSC chain of custody certification. The designation provides assurance that products used by University Publishing originate in forests managed to meet FSC principles and criteria, which relate to environmental and legal issues and indigenous and labor rights.
Since WSU was initially certified in March of 2008, the publishing organizations of more than ten other universities across the nation have either received or applied to receive FSC chain of custody certification.
Steve Rigby, WSU director of printing, said “we feel it is important to strengthen our commitment to sustainable practices by continuing this certification. We now include the FSC trademark on eligible printed pieces to demonstrate WSU’s commitment to sustainability and responsible use of forest products.”
Rigby said certification is one of several best practices University Publishing follows to ensure that all printed pieces are produced in a responsible way. Other green practices include the use of soy-based inks, recycled papers, and solvents that are better for the environment and human health, and a robust waste management program, he said.
