PulpWatch.org - Ratings Criteria

RED category ratings mean this mill does not meet expectations of the Common Vision. The mill is in serious non-compliance with basic standards set out in the Vision on this issue. Mills with red ratings pose a risk to buyers of products from the mill in terms of their own environmental footprint.

YELLOW category ratings indicate the mill is not in full compliance with standards set out in the Common Vision, but has made real progress toward goals set out in the Vision. Buyers of products from mills with yellow ratings should work with these suppliers to ensure the mills achieve green ratings.

GREEN category ratings means the mill has achieved the minimum standard set out in the Common Vision.

Endangered Forests

• Green: The mill is verified not to be sourcing from Endangered Forests, has worked with Environmental Paper Network members or other stakeholders to ensure this is the case.
• Yellow: The mill is (a) not suspected of sourcing Endangered Forests, or (b) is working closely with relevant NGOs or stakeholders to eliminate Endangered Forest fiber sources.
• Red: The mill is (a) known to be sourcing from Endangered Forests, or (b) in a high-risk region with no reliable verification.

 

Bleaching Technology

• Green: The mill is totally chlorine-free or process chlorine-free (TCF or PCF).
• Yellow: The mill uses Enhanced Elemental Chlorine Free (Enhanced ECF) technologies. The mill must employ oxygen delignification prior to the chlorine dioxide bleaching stage.
• Red: The mill uses elemental chlorine (EC) or chlorine dioxide (ECF) bleaching processes.

Forest Certification

• Green: The mill is FSC Chain of Custody certified with 50% or greater FSC output or input for virgin fibre.
• Yellow: The mills is FSC Chain of Custody certified, with less than 50% input or output (or an unknown quantity) of FSC product for virgin fiber.
• Red: The mill is not FSC Chain of Custody certified.

Social Rating

• Green: EPN members and allies (e.g., frontline communities) agree that there are no issues with the mill; the mill is pro-active on these issues if they arise.
• Yellow: Some social issues exist, but the mill is working in good faith to resolve the issues.
• Red: Social issues exist and mill a fair resolution has not been reached.

PulpWatch.org has attempted to record all data as objectively and fairly as possible. If you believe we have omitted or misinterpreted data, please contact us. PulpWatch.org works with stakeholders to reassess both the criteria and ratings on a regular basis.