Strengthening oversight of Intact Forest Landscapes in Brazil

FSC has blocked Join Bums (Shandong Join Bums Eco Tissues Co. Ltd. - FSC-C159817/SCS-COC-007503), an FSC certificate holder from China, for making false claims regarding the bamboo toilet paper rolls it sold to its clients in the United Kingdom. Between May 2021 and March 2024, Join Bums sold large volumes of bamboo toilet paper rolls with FSC 100% claims. However, the company reported zero sales and purchases of FSC-certified material to its certification body since it was granted FSC certification in 2020. Join Bums also waived two surveillance audits in 2021 and 2023. Earlier this year, FSC was alerted to a possible integrity risk in its certified bamboo toilet paper supply chain. In March 2024, a British media outlet published an investigative article, alleging that bamboo toilet paper sold by FSC-certified companies contained very little bamboo fiber, despite claims of being 100% bamboo. Tests revealed that the toilet paper rolls contained high amounts of acacia and eucalyptus instead.

In response to the global climate and energy crisis, Hachette Livre—the parent company of Hachette Book Group—has announced an ambitious carbon reduction strategy that aims to cut 30% of the company’s carbon emissions by 2030. Dubbed its “30/30 Strategy,” Hachette aims to reduce emissions annually by 2.5% by reconfiguring its operations to be greener and more energy efficient. According to a December 21 press release, the company is targeting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including a “30% reduction in the proportion of books that are shredded, a 26% reduction in carbon intensity of paper manufacturing, an 18% reduction in carbon intensity of book printing and binding, and 1% and 1.5% annual reductions in upstream and downstream freight respectively.”

On 7 February 2025, the global environmental non-profit organization CDP recognized UPM with an A score for its leadership in corporate transparency and action on climate change mitigation, and an A- for forest and water stewardship. On 11 February 2025, UPM was recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook as one of the top 10% performers in its industry. “We see sustainability as one of the most important drivers of growth and competitiveness, and we are seizing the opportunities presented by sustainable consumer choices and stricter regulations,” Sami Lundgren continues.