This is a guest article by Eleanor Turner, Sustainability Executive at The Cheeky Panda (FSC® C171628).
We make household, beauty, and baby products from bamboo – the world’s fastest growing plant. Our mission is to cut carbon, reduce plastic and save trees! Today we sell over 17 products in 30 countries worldwide.
Continually innovating and cutting CO2e emissions
Since the business was founded, we have taken many steps to further improve our sustainability, and CSR credentials. In 2019 we earned our B Corp status, and last year we were proudly recertified! We are continually innovating to improve the sustainability credentials of our products for example, we have now removed all plastic packaging from the majority of products – this includes toilet roll, kitchen roll and pocket tissue to name a few.
Where plastic packaging is unavoidable, we ensure it is fully recyclable and where possible, contains 30% recycled content. We are also in the process of moving our manufacturing of specific lines from China to the UK to serve the UK and European market. This will support a reduction in CO2e emissions as we work with more local suppliers and produce closer to our consumer base.
We continue to manufacture a number of our products in China whilst we develop a roadmap and explore European manufacturing partnerships.
We have a dedicated team based out in China who ensure regular audits of suppliers are undertaken, and that they adhere to our code of conduct.
Our products are shipped via sea freight to the UK, the freight is moved from the port to our warehouse via rail transport, with just the last mile by road to reduce our carbon emissions furthers.
On top of all our sustainability initiatives we are a certified Living Wage Employer, we are a member of MSDUK – a supplier diversity advocacy organisation and we recently began a partnership with WWF to support their policy, and conservation work globally.
Bamboo and good forest management
Being a sustainability focused business, becoming FSC-certified was of utmost importance to us for several reasons; all our products are made from bamboo and whilst this is a rapidly renewable resource, we understand the potential risks associated with poor forest management. FSC certification ensures a transparent supply chain.
Not only does it ensure that the bamboo used in our products comes from responsibility managed forests but guarantees that our bamboo is sourced in a way that protects biodiversity, promotes ethical practices and fair treatment of workers. By obtaining FSC certification we were able to improve consumer confidence in our brand, not only does it enhance consumer trust, but demonstrates our commitment to responsible business practices.
Today, many consumers actively seek out environmentally responsible products and ones that align with their own values, we want to be the ‘go to’ alternative tissue paper brand and leaders in promoting environmental stewardship. We knew FSC certification would help us on that journey.
All our products are proudly FSC-certified. This includes our range of tissue products, wipes, nappies and straws. All our products can be found on our website - https://uk.cheekypanda.com.
A rise in the environmentally conscious customer
FSC certification supports our mission of being a sustainability led brand. It has brought numerous benefits to the business, allowing us to stand out from our competitors and increased trust from our consumers.
We are seeing a rise in the environmentally conscious customer who seek products that align with their values. With heightened awareness about the environmental consequences of deforestation, consumers are turning to alternatives to traditional paper-based products. By proudly displaying the FSC label on our product packaging we can easily communicate our commitment to responsible sourcing.
FSC certification has been extremely beneficial when working with retailers and distributors. They are increasingly prioritising sustainable businesses that balance profit, with purpose. We have been able to expand our distribution channels and increase our market presence which in turn has contributed to a rise in our sales and financial success.
The FSC certification process requires dedicated time, during both the audit and in the lead up. I would advise other companies that are seeking certification to ensure you establish clear communication with all suppliers and keep a record of all documentation and verification regarding the raw material. I would recommend planning ahead and set some time aside each week to review documentation, complete staff training and ensure regular communication along the supply chain. The Forest Stewardship Council offer so many resources that you can utilise that will help to build a strong understanding of the FSC principles and the value of certification amongst employees and stakeholders alike. Most importantly, enjoy the process and be proud your business is taking further steps towards environmental responsibility.
Discover more work by Cheeky Panda here.