The GCA has just ‘gone live’ with its green guidance resource for members. This new GCA resource, entitled ‘Into a Greener Future’ provides an overview of the developments and options within various aspects of greeting card production – from raw materials to finishes right through to their ultimate disposal by the consumer, taking into account the environmental impact of the different options.
Many months in the making, involving input and research findings from various respected sources, the new guidance has been sent to all members and is also hosted within the members’ resource area of the GCA website. Its publication comes hot on the heels of the strong environmental bent of the recent GCA AGM and Conference, during which president Ceri Stirland and The Eco-friendly Card Co made potent eco double act, ramming home the message that those in the greeting card industry have a collective responsibility to help safeguard this beautiful planet.
Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA (who sees its publication as a fitting finale to her 20 years in the role, as she leaves on November 30) says: “I hope all GCA members will read this read this. The greeting card industry needs to be able to demonstrate that it is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously and that we are doing our utmost to face and deal with any problematic areas. Into a Greener Future has been kept clear and concise, I hope everyone will find it useful.”
The resource covers paper/board, flitter, foiling, cello wrapping, manufacturing, recycling as well as the kerbside recycling issues. Under most headings, as well as guidance and substantiating information, the GCA makes its recommendations.
As Amanda Fergusson, who takes over officially as GCA ceo on December 1 underlines, “Into a Greener Future is very much a ‘living resource’ in that it will be added to and adapted, as and when new pertinent information comes to light and developments come to fruition.”
She highlights how this is the latest step in the GCA’s long term commitment on the environmental front: “It is now over 10 years since the GCA issued its Green Claims Guidance advice to members to safeguard the industry from potential criticism of making bogus or vague claims on the backs of greeting cards regarding its environmental credence, but so much has happened since then – and so much will change, hopefully for the better, in the future.”
Jeremy Corner, md of Blue Eyed Sun very kindly videoed the speeches at the recent GCA AGM and Conference.
Watch Ceri Stirland, GCA president and UKG channel and customer director present her Going Naked speech.
Watch Sue Morrish, md of The Eco-friendly Card Co deliver her Plastics or Compostables talk.
