Lonely Planet Recognized for Commitment to Responsible Forestry

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 26, 2013 / 3BL Media /PRNewswire/ -- More than 98% of Lonely Planet's paper consumption is now Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, as confirmed based on an independent assessment conducted by SCS Global Services (SCS), an internationally recognized certification body.  Nearly all of Lonely Planet's print publications, including travel guides, phrasebooks, calendars and activity guides, are now printed on 100% FSC-certified paper. The largest travel guide publisher in the world with a portfolio of more than 500 titles published across nine languages, Lonely Planet's commitment to responsible forestry practices and supply chain traceability continues to stand out as an important precedent in the publishing and travel industries.

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"Travelers around the world can take comfort in the fact that their Lonely Planet guidebooks and phrasebooks are being printed with paper that has achieved FSC certification," said Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President at SCS. "Lonely Planet clearly walks its talk."

With offices in Melbourne, Oakland, London, Beijing and Delhi, Lonely Planet believes that travelers can make a positive impact all across the planet. That value is at the core of Lonely Planet's mission to create the world's best travel content, whether through its guidebooks, mobile apps, ebooks or award-winning website.

Lonely Planet first achieved FSC certification for its print publications in 2008 and has been sourcing FSC-certified paper ever since. Lonely Planet chose SCS, a FSC chain-of-custody accredited body, as its recertifier in 2013.

"Our decision to source paper from responsibly-managed forests not only helps conserve valuable natural resources, but ensures that the destinations we love will be protected and continue to support communities and visitors for years to come," said Florian Poppe, Supply Chain Manager at Lonely Planet.  

SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in forestry, fishery management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retail, and more. SCS has been conducting assessments under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard since its inception, both for responsibly managed forests and for wood and paper products made from FSC-certified wood. The chain-of-custody certification traces FSC-certified timber throughout the value chain, ensuring that it remains separated and distinct from non-certified wood in all stages of harvesting, transport and processing.

About Lonely Planet:
Lonely Planet started in 1973 and is now the world's leading travel media company. Lonely Planet covers the must-see spots, but also encourages travelers to get off the beaten track and understand more of the nature, culture and environment in each destination. For more information, visit lonelyplanet.com or and join its engaged travel community on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet) and Twitter (@lonelyplanet and #lp).

Elise Hunter
ehunter@scsglobalservices.com
510-452-68

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