Duro Bag brings FSC and the frog to consumers worldwide

Now Duro Bag Mfg, the world’s largest paper bag manufacturer, is changing the way consumers transport their goods by sourcing 40-55% of their incoming paper from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved sources.

This percentage equates to a whole lot of paper bags, marketing shopping bags, grocery bags and sacks, many of which display the FSC label and the Rainforest Alliance Frog. 

A vast number of companies are using these bags, including iconic brands such as Starbucks Coffee Company, Whole Foods Market, outdoor gear company REI, and the international clothing company Zara.

Why Duro chose the frog

The decision to pursue FSC certification by the Rainforest Alliance was in large part due to the consumer recognition of the Rainforest Alliance Frog Seal in the marketplace. 

According to Paul Leonhard, Technical Manager of Duro Bag, “If you’re paying attention to packaging like we obviously do, you see the Frog as you pick up tea, on coffee, at Home Depot, and on many wood products. I was well aware of the brand long before we started down the path to certification.”

The reputation of the Rainforest Alliance was also an important factor. “We have seen a significant trend in consumer packaging towards increased use of post consumer recycled materials, sustainability and the responsible use of the earth’s resources", says Jon Veeder, Director of Market and Product Development. "Sustainability is a vital component for the healthy growth of the paper and packaging industries and the Rainforest Alliance frog logo is certainly well recognized for their work to promote responsible forestry and recycling". 

Consumer recognition of eco-labels is vital, Vedeer explains: "Consumers notice the frog logo on many teas, coffees, building materials, consumer products, envelopes etc. Our customers must be confident that the paper we produce their bags from is from responsible sources or is reclaimed fiber. The FSC and Rainforest Alliance logos give them and their customers the assurance this is the case”.
 

Demands from green shoppers

Duro Bag is no stranger to sustainable sourcing, making efforts to green their supply chain as early as during the 1990s. However, the current push to certify their bags is coming from their clients, who in turn are being influenced by discerning consumers. 

“You find customers that take the time to flip the bag over to look at it, because they want to be aware and know exactly where the package has come from …It’s gotten to that point where they are very involved, very aware and they want to know everything about the packaging,” says Jon Veeder.

Transforming the packaging sector

In addition to promoting FSC with all their clients, Duro Bag is engaging in sustainable practices within their plants and operations. 

“We have a variety of internal initiatives from reducing waste to energy reduction, to exploring the use of wind power credits. 

Along with a more efficient and environmentally friendly plant design layout, we recycle all of our paper from each plant.

The waste is a byproduct of the conversion process and we recycle all of that. All of our inks and adhesives are recycled and most are water based,” says Chris Klein, Environmental Manager. 

With its global reach in virtually every market sector in the world, Duro Bag is helping transform the packaging industry and making that next shopping spree a little more carefree for conscientious consumers. 

Duro Bag Mfg is a US based company with over 2,500 employees working at 10 manufacturing facilities across the country, with the corporate office located in Northern Kentucky. Five facilities are currently covered by Duro Bag’s FSC multi-site certificate (SW-COC-003922).