WWF's Eco-Procurement criteria
WWF practices what it preaches! One of the key areas we have an impact on is our
purchasing and trading activities. We can have a positive influence on our suppliers by asking
for products that minimise the environmental impact we have on our day-to-day activities.
In 2006, retailers have reported the biggest growth and demand for 'green' products since the
first 'green' movement in the 1970's, but with a difference. This time it is not the typical
'hippie' but consumers across the demographic population seeking alternative gifts with the
'feel good factor'. So where do we start when it comes to purchasing products - well we need
to consider a few questions.
Eco-Procurement criteria Guidelines
Thinking of sourcing or supplying products for or to WWF-UK? Here are some key
questions:When first looking at a product, remember to ask yourself some key initial questions:
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Is this product made from natural and non-toxic materials?
Is this product free from unsustainable materials and ingredients?
Is this product made from recycled materials, is it recyclable or reusable?
Is this product long-life and can it be disposed of safely?
Is this product over packaged and are the packaging materials biodegradable,
recyclable and PVC free?
6. Is this product, in its production and use, energy efficient?
7. Does this product meet with the ethical standards?
Remember to think about the life cycle of the product, from the source materials, its
manufacturing process, right through to how the product is packaged, used and then disposed
of!
Key Eco-criteria for Guidance
These are some of the key eco-criteria to do a quick check against - please use as a guide as
the Eco-Procurement Questionnaire will ask specific questions to ascertain if the product is
suitable for inclusion in our retail range or not.
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Aerosols! Not acceptable! Prefer pump sprays
Airmiles:- Airplanes are a major contributor to greenhouse gases and as such WWF
attempts to avoid using products which employ airfreight as the delivery method. For
products manufactured overseas, sea freight should be the delivery method of choice.
Bamboo:- As bamboo grows in some of the most biologically diverse and threatened
forests located throughout south east Asia, south and central America and the
Caribbean, WWF will not accept any bamboo products that have been obtained from
an unknown source or from wild bamboo forests.
Candles: Beeswax, vegetable based waxes are preferable to paraffin wax candles.
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Ceramics: these are usually acceptable, subject to research into where the
components are sourced. The glaze which must not be lead based.
Coffee: According to a recent WWF-Indonesia report, illegal growing of 'Robusta'
coffee in Sumatra is causing deforestation to a national park sanctuary. Avoid
products containing coffee from this source, usually found in caffeine energy drinks
and cheap instant coffee.
Electricals: Avoid electrical devices unless they are powered by renewable sources
such as a solar panel - look for energy efficiency! Disposable battery operated
products should be avoided.
Energy: Minimise use of very energy intensive materials and products.(e.g.
aluminium)
Ethics: Consider the ethical aspects of a product/supplier too! Fair-trade is desirable!!
Fabrics: Organic cotton or natural un-bleached cotton, vegetable or clay dyes. Avoid
man-made fabrics that are petro-chemical based if there is a reasonable alternative.
Genetically Modified Organisms: WWF will not accept any product made using
anything that has been made using genetically modified organisms.
Glass: Where possible search for recycled glass, or glass with some recycled content.
Lead: No products containing lead (look out for this in pewter, crystals, inks etc). See
our list of Priority Hazardous Chemicals.
Musk: WWF does not accept any product containing musk obtained from the
endangered musk deer. Any synthetically made musk must not contain any of the
chemicals listed on WWF's Priority Hazardous Chemical List.
Packaging: recycled, reusable and refillable where possible. PVC based packaging is
unacceptable. WWF also avoids excessive packaging.
Paints/Glosses/Laminates etc: No products with high gloss, toxic solvents, chlorine
or chlorine-compound bleaches. Vegetable dyes, and water soluble paints/varnishes
are preferable and laminated with a cellulose based laminate. See our list of Priority
Hazardous Chemicals.
Palm Oil:- Any product containing palm oil must supply country of origin and
manufacturer, and supplier of the palm oil. WWF will only consider palm oil products
that come from suppliers who have signed up to the Roundtable of Sustainable
Development, and are committed to the criteria specified for sustainable,
environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices.
Paper: It must be either recycled (with min 75% Post Consumer Waste) and/or FSC
certified. If the paper or wood is certified FSC then the supplier will have proof of its
FSC 'chain of custody' which can be validated by the Forest Stewardship Council. If
the paper product claims a recycled content, then the name and specification/actual
make-up of the paper must be provided and approved by WWF's Environmental
Manager.
Plants/Bulbs/Seeds: WWF prefers UK native, natural and organic materials. We do
not purchase items which contain or were grown in peat. Peat bogs are a specially
important and threatened natural habitat. WWF, also does not approve of products
containing materials from endangered plant or animal species. Plants, bulbs and seeds
should come from a verifiable responsibly harvested source.
Plastics: No PVC! Minimal use of plastics at all time, preference for plastics that are
recyclable and where recycling schemes are easily accessible to the general public.
Any plastic products should be free from EDC's (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals).
See WWF's Priority Hazardous Chemical List.
Rubber: Natural Rubber is preferable to synthetic rubber.
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Sea Freight/Shipping:- WWF will buy products that have been shipped from
overseas providing that the product cannot be easily obtained in the UK, or is a fairlytraded product. WWF will either use a UK distributor where we are not the sole trader
or through an export supplier where the product is part of a co-operative working for
fair trade. In all cases WWF will endeavour to make this a one off order in our trading
season.
Timber Products:- WWF is a member of the UK Forest and Trade Network (FTN), a
group of companies who are working towards the elimination of illegally logged and
traded forest products. As part of purchasing any product made using any wood WWF
will ask the supplier to provide detailed information on the source, timber species,
country of origin and quantities they produce of the specific product. WWF will
feature wood products that carry an FSC logo and the supplier will have to provide a
current chain of custody certificate that can be validated by the Forest Stewardship
Council. WWF will also accept wood that has been reclaimed, recycled or re-used
from waste providing detailed proof is provided of how the wood is reclaimed,
recycled or re-used.
Toiletries: WWF only accepts products not tested on animals and will not use
products which contain certain animal materials or contain chemicals included on
WWF's Priority Hazardous Chemicals list. We prefer natural, vegetable based
products and will need disclosure of the 'parfum' content, which when given will be
treated as totally confidential if required to do so by the supplier.
Toxics: No materials/products containing known EDC's and toxic chemicals;
including Phthalates, Brominated Flame Retardants, VOC's, Bisphenol A, Parabens
etc. See our list of Priority Hazardous Chemicals.
Wildlife: No products that are made using any part sourced from wildlife.
Supplying Products to WWF-UK Trading Catalogue &
Online Shop
If you are a supplier and want WWF-UK to consider your product for our catalogue and
online shop, please fill out our form and submit this to WWF-UK by pressing the submit
button. Please use the message box to give us as much detail as possible about the product so
WWF can make the decision whether to follow up and make contact with you. If you are
wanting to license a product with WWF's logo please contact WWF offices directly on 01483
426444.
The WWF-UK Eco-Procurement Questionnaire is only issued after the product has been
selected for possible inclusion in the catalogue and online shop, and selections take place in
the first quarter of the year. We do however, start sourcing suitable products from the last
quarter of the year and do visit most of the trading shows every year.
When you are issued the WWF Eco-Procurement Questionnaire please allow enough time for
you or your supplier to fill out this questionnaire. Some parts require detailed information
that may have to be obtained from others in your supply chain, and in some cases can take 45 weeks from the date the questionnaire is given to your supplier(s).
The Eco-Procurement Questionnaire
This gives a brief outline of what will be required in completing the WWF Eco-Procurement
Questionnaire.
Step One
The Eco-Procurement Questionnaire has 4 compulsory parts and then additional
sections which need to be completed dependent upon the type of product being
supplied. We will send the whole questionnaire to you as any product often comprises
of many different components.
Step Two
The completed questionnaire must be returned with any certificates and
supplementary information to the contact/address given in the covering letter.
Step Three
If you have any queries regarding completing the Eco-Procurement Questionnaire
please contact the person who issued the questionnaire to you.
WWF-UK's Green Tick
This is awarded to and highlights those products that have met and exceeded our strict ecocriteria, and appears as a 'Green Tick' icon in the catalogue and online shop.
WWF's Suppliers
Our suppliers take great pains to complete the WWF Eco-Procurement Questionnaire and it is
because they are willing to make the effort that WWF can offer such a varied range of
beautiful gifts and everyday essential items. Some of our suppliers remain with us for many
years, however to ensure vitality within the range offered we are constantly seeking new
products every year.
The WWF Eco-Procurement Questionnaire is also constantly reviewed and updated to take
into account any new improvements or issues thus keeping a sustained 'green' ethos for WWF
and our supporters.