From earning the first-ever organic certification for bamboo to having the only USDA organic cooking utensils, we’ve had a long path with the iconic green and brown logo. Here’s why we’re stepping away (and- where we’re going):
Going forward, we will no longer continue with certifying the USDA Organic certification. We’ve been certified organic every year since 2007, so this might seem like a big change for us. In reality, less will change than you might expect. Here’s the details:
Why We’re No Longer USDA Organic Certified
Like most decisions made related to sustainability, the conversation is nuanced. But at the heart of our choice is a commitment to our core values. Due to recent changes in the organic certification process, named SOE (Strengthening Organic Enforcement), continuing to pursue it would require us to increase our packaging and unnecessarily triple the audit inspections significantly. The substantial increase to our carbon footprint is in direct conflict with our mission and goals. And, while these updated regulations simply don’t match the Bambu ethos and product range, they’ve been put in place for good reason.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement
The USDA organic certification has long been one of the most trusted markers of safety and sustainable products. It’s most commonly seen on edible food items. Organic promises a high standard of quality and no use of pesticides, leading to safer working conditions, healthier land, and of course- a clean product for its end user. These values drew us to pursue the USDA organic certification over 15 years ago, And they’re why we still support the certification today.
USDA regulations for organic have always been stringent. However, in the last few years, there’s been a spike in cases of organic fraud and contamination of organic products. Because of these issues, the USDA introduced updated rules and regulations to ensure transparency and organic purity throughout supply chains.
Supporting The Changes While Going Separate Ways
Since the USDA organic certification launched in 2002, demand for organic products has grown into a $63 billion+ dollar industry. What was once short, farm to retailer supply chains have become international, multi-step supply chains. With so many steps, organic items are ripe for potential contamination and, in some cases, fraudulent practices. To maintain the stringent and valued standards of the USDA organic certification, changes had to be made. Now, along with the requirement of tamper-proof packaging, every member of an organic products production line, from material growth to some retailers, must attain organic certification.
Bambu supports the need for more stringent regulations. And- it’s become increasingly clear that the USDA organic certification is much more fit for consumable food products than it is for housewares.
What’s Changing?
So- what does this all mean for Bambu? Once our USDA certification expires, you’ll no longer see our products labeled with and marketed as USDA organic. However, that doesn’t change how our materials are grown or how our products are finished.
Bamboo Forests: Naturally Pesticide Free & Renewable
We first applied for USDA organic certification in 2007. At that time, we aimed to assure our customers that our products are a step above in sustainability and safety. Other plant materials are often grown with the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Bamboo is a wild crop that is harvested after 4-6 years. With such speedy growth, bamboo farmers find no need to accelerate growth with pesticides or fertilizers. In fact, not once in our 20 years of business (even prior to becoming certified organic), have we witnessed the use of pesticides in our bamboo forests.
Certifying our forests and products as organic was the best way to prove what we already knew. That bamboo is naturally organic and chemical-free! As the USDA certification becomes less relevant to our company standards, we want our customers to be confident in the quality and safety of our products. That’s why we’re continuing to certify our products with the organization leading the way for sustainable forestry.
The Path Forward: FSC® Certified 100% Products
The Forest Stewardship Council® certification is the gold standard for sustainable forestry. And we are proud to have 100% of our bamboo products FSC®-certified.
The FSC® Standards
Sustainable forestry is about more than a clean end product. Choosing FSC® certified products impacts local communities, high-risk species, and entire ecosystems. And the FSC ethos is a clear fit for our products and brand values. Here are some of our favorite aspects of having FSC® certified products:
The Highest Standards Of Any Forestry Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council® requires the most stringent forestry certification standards worldwide. Here at Bambu, we’re committed to being at the forefront of sustainable practices. This is why we’ve chosen to seek FSC® certification for our products for the third year in a row, and why our products are made with 100% FSC® certified bamboo.
The Highest Protection For At-Risk Species And Forests
Forests and ecosystems they hold are home to immense biodiversity. FSC® certified forests are required to offer meaningful protection and risk mitigation for endangered species. These regulations ensure that forestry operations work in harmony with the existing flora and fauna.
Always Maintaining Or Improving Standards
The FSC® certification renews each year with third-party verification. So you know that any product with the FSC® label was made with materials sourced from a responsibly managed forest. Our FSC-certified products are sourced from certified suppliers who are audited annually to the FSC® standards.
At Our Core: Sustainability From Start To Finish
Moving away from a certification that has been a pillar of our sustainable mission for so many years isn’t a decision we took lightly. But we know it’s the right one. Because true sustainability is about moving toward a greener future with actionable steps. And we’re excited about where this path is headed...
