Melissa & Doug Receives Forest Stewardship Council® Certification for Its New Stationery Line
Certification lets customers know products are sourced from FSC®-certified responsibly managed forests
WILTON, Conn., May 12, 2020 /3BL Media/ - Melissa & Doug, the trusted toy and children’s product company known around the world for its commitment to open-ended play, announced that their first stationery line, which includes a variety of sticker and activity pads, among other products, has met the requirements for the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody (CoC) standard. This FSC CoC certification communicates to customers through product labeling that materials in that product have been sourced from FSC-certified responsibly managed forests. The third-party audit and certification was conducted in April by SCS Global Services (SCS).
“At Melissa & Doug, we believe in giving close attention and scrutiny to the materials used in our products,” says Fernando Mercé, CEO of Melissa & Doug. “It is part of our overall commitment to quality and safety in our manufacturing processes. Not only do we care deeply about creating the healthiest and most beneficial toys and other products for children, we are also committed to being a steward of the environment when it comes to our ongoing business and production decisions. Currently, we implement all the industry and regulatory best practices for our materials, including our wood, and we continue to adopt sustainability measures that help us in our role as a good corporate citizen in our industry and community.”
An FSC CoC certification requires a business to demonstrate detailed documentation and adherence to certain processes in the handling and identification of materials throughout a product’s manufacturing.
“As one of the first major toy brands in the U.S. to earn FSC certification, we applaud Melissa & Doug for recognizing that sharing the ‘Power of Play’ includes protecting the world’s forests for future generations,” said Chris McLaren, Chief Marketing Officer of the Forest Stewardship Council U.S. “By making this commitment – and by telling their customers about it – Melissa & Doug is building a movement to protect forests by choosing products that keep them intact and healthy, for people and animals, for all, forever.”
Melissa & Doug received its certification following an audit by third-party certifier SCS Global Services, an internationally recognized inspection and verification company accredited by Assurance Services International (ASI) to certify responsible forest management around the world, as well as companies purchasing forest and wood products from certified sources.
“With this certification, Melissa & Doug has demonstrated its commitment to responsible sourcing,” says Maggie Schwartz, Director of Chain of Custody Services in SCS’ natural resource division. “For parents and kids alike who treasure our forests and want to make purchases consistent with their values, this certification will be especially meaningful.”
Learn more about FSC CoC Certification Here
About Melissa & Doug
From classic wooden toys to crafts, pretend play, and games, Melissa & Doug products provide a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. According to NBC News, “The [Melissa & Doug] brand of low-tech, mostly wood toys has become the gold standard in early childhood play.” In February 2020, Melissa & Doug announced it is now proudly partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics to foster early brain development and to champion the health benefits of open-ended play through their joint Power of Play alliance.
PRESS CONTACT: PR@MelissaAndDoug.com
About the Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Since FSC’s Founding Assembly held in Toronto in 1993 and its first certificates issued, a lot has been accomplished and much more needs to be done. In 25 years, FSC has certified over 200 million hectares of forest, in over 80 countries worldwide. An FSC chain of custody certification verifies that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified and non-controlled material, as it makes its way along the supply chain. For more information visit https://us.fsc.org/en-us.
PRESS CONTACT: B.Kahn@us.fsc.org
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Established in 1984, its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in forestry, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture and more. SCS was among the first third party conformity assessment bodies accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council, and has been conducting such audits for more than 25 years. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the world. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to many environmental NGOs due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information visit www.scsglobalservices.com.
