Tuesday, 03 February 2004
Norm Thompson Chooses FSC Catalog Printing
In December 2003, Norm Thompson circulated approximately 1.5 million copies of their Winter Sale catalog, the first catalog to be printed on FSC-certified paper, with the back cover displaying the FSC logo and product claim. Quad/Graphics (SW-COC-1081) printed the catalog on paper manufactured by Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget of Sweden (SA-COC-1207).
John Emrick, Norm Thompson Outfitters CEO, said “using FSC-certified paper in our catalogs, such as Norm Thompson, Solutions and Early Winters, has been a goal for several years.”
Derek Smith, Corporate Sustainability Manager for Norm Thompson, said that, “we are thrilled to purchase FSC-certified paper and promote the FSC brand in our catalog. We are very appreciative of our valuable supply chain partner, Quad/Graphics, who made this a reality by seeking chain-of-custody certification [for their printing processes].”
Smith also noted that, “forest conservation is one of [Norm Thompson’s] central sustainability priorities. Accordingly, we aim by 2005 to have all catalogs printed on paper that derives from well-managed forests certified to a standard endorsed by credible NGOs. FSC best meets this criteria.”
Michael Washburn, Vice President of Forestry and Marketing for FSC-US, said that, “the printing of this catalog is a great demonstration of corporate responsibility, and how by working together, the FSC supply chain can and does work to fulfill the needs of customers requesting FSC-certified products.”
Norm Thompson is widely known for their corporate commitment to sustainability. Their headquarters, located on a protected wetland, is a literal demonstration of this commitment. The building makes significant use of energy and water conservation, and much of the woodworking in the 54,500 square foot building is FSC-certified, including the posts and railings for the balcony, architectural veneer panels, and the furniture (including end tables, the coffee table, and the 21.5’ x 5.5’ conference table).
In 2000, Norm Thompson Outfitters formed a partnership with the Alliance for Environmental Innovation, a non-profit environmental group that works cooperatively with companies to reduce waste and build environmental considerations into decisions, creating solutions that make both environmental and business sense. Norm Thompson’s goal is to become a model for the retail catalog industry on paper and forestry issues.
Norm Thompson Outfitters is a $200 million retailer based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, please visit www.normthompson.com