Publix Gets Green Certification for In-house Printing Services

Publix Super Markets’ in-house printing services department has garnered Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certifications. The certifications, granted earlier this year, tell internal and external customers that the Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer observes FSC or SFI forestry management practices and has followed a rigid chain of custody process.

Before receiving the certifications, Publix underwent an audit by a third-party provider and had to comply with the following criteria: accurate identification of certified materials and products on inbound and outbound shipments, the ability to segregate and clearly identify certified from non-certified inventory, efficient communication of certification numbers, and documentation of procedures and training of associates.

“Publix has been committed to going green long before sustainability went mainstream,” said the Maria Brous, director of media and community relations for the grocer, which operates 1,023 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.. “During our review process, we discovered that 90 percent of the paper we use is certified as FSC or SFI, excluding our pressure-sensitive label paper. This meant we were already doing the right things and only had to make slight modifications to our current processes. Now, we can further communicate our responsibility to our customers and associates.”

The certifications are valid for five years. Customers will see either an FSC or SFI logo on widely circulated communications that meet certification guidelines, including the Publix weekly ad and direct marketing mail pieces.