Chinese suppliers start working with the code of conduct

Many European natural stone importers are interested in the Code of Conduct Implementation Program in China. Eleven of them have recently made a start by selecting one or more Chinese suppliers to sign up for the program. In October 2010, these suppliers were visited by a WGDN team. At six of the companies a quick scan was carried out (a “light” audit), with the aim of showing the supplier where It stands in relation to compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Training for natural stone suppliers in India

Suppliers who have committed themselves to the Code of Conduct have nominated an employee responsible for working with the labor and environmental standards. This employee is called the social compliance officer (SCO). WGDN has developed a training program for sco’s in India. In October two trainings were carried out in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, where seven suppliers participated.

Certificate for sustainably produced natural stone

WGDN is already working with other European initiatives in the execution of the Code of Conduct Implementation Program. Also for the certification program the WGDN is seeking international cooperation. The certificate will probably be launched in 2011, when the first suppliers are ready for it. Also the certificate for sustainably produced natural stone should preferably be managed by an international organization with the support of relevant international stakeholders. End of November the WGDN will participate in a consultation with other European initiatives on further collaboration in this area.

WGDN visits to natural stone suppliers in China in October

Importers of natural stone from five different countries in Europe, have agreed to cooperate with WGDN on the implementation of the code of conduct for with selected suppliers in China. A number of suppliers already indicated their interest in participating in this programme

Cooperation with Scandinavian importers

On the 8th of June the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH) and the Ethical Trading Initiative Norway (ETI-N) brought together Scandinavian natural stone importers to discuss  a common approach towards ‘sustainable‘ natural stone. WGDN and ETI (UK) also participated in this meeting which was hosted by Dansk Byggeri (Danish Construction Association).  As members of DIEH and IEH the stone importers have been invited by WGDN to engage in projects of code of conduct implementation for  which selected Chinese suppliers will be invited to participate. The meeting was an important step for further cooperation around natural stone between the Ethical Trading Initiatives from Denmark, Norway and UK and the WGDN.

Read more about international cooperation

FEBENAT and five more companies join the working group

The Belgium natural stone wholesaler’s federation (FEBENAT) has joined  the Working Group on Sustainable Stone. Febenat represents eight major Belgium importers. Besides Febenat,  the following five companies are new members of the working group : Arte, Hofman, Jetstone and Struyk Verwo Infra. 

All of them have started with a step-by step implementation of the code of conduct with  a number of their suppliers.

More about implementing the code of conduct…