Environment

Éditions de Villers inc. is committed to protecting the environment and to the responsible use of natural resources. We are concerned about the future of the world's remaining ancient forests and in particular about rare, threatened forests such as temperate rainforests and boreal forests. We are committed to implementing policies that will facilitate the meaningful conservation of ancient forests globally and make sure that we are not contributing to the destruction of these irreplaceable natural treasures.

As a book publisher, paper is obviously our core business. To this end, it is also a product through which we can have a significant impact on the environment. It is our intention to ensure that all wood-based products that we will consume in the future are derived from ecologically sustainable sources, i.e. wood fibre and chlorine-free, which come from intact and threatened forests. 

We will inform our suppliers/printers of our purchasing preferences and will work with them as well as with our purchasers to make sure that our company's supplying policies are implemented.

Starting May 1st 2008, the following guidelines will apply to all Éditions de Villers locations and subsidiaries.

1. We will identify the products we use that contain wood fiber. We shall contact our suppliers/printers and carry out several checks of these products to determine what fibers they contain and where they come from. Suppliers will have to provide written evidence proving that wood containing products they sell to our company comply with this policy. They will also be asked to agree to periodic random checks to make sure they comply with our policy.

2. If we find out that we are receiving products that contain forest fiber coming from intact and threatened forests, we will implement a plan and a timeline to phase out these products by June 30th 2008 (however, see point 4 for exceptions);

3. If the paper suppliers refuse to take part in our intact and threatened forests protection initiative, we will no longer do business with them and will start looking for alternative suppliers. The new suppliers will have to satisfy our requirements;

4. We will privilege products made from recycled paper, products coming from secondary forests and certified by an independent organization which meets high ecological standards as well as agriculture residue fiber based by-products. We will examine the possibility of finding supply lines for products coming from the exploitation of intact forests by native communities which are dependent on these forests or by communities which have been living there for a long time, if these operators are certified by an independent organization that satisfies strict ecological standards (Forest Stewardship Council certification);

5. We will privilege chlorine-free products.

6. We have decreased our wood fiber consumption by setting up internal business processes in order to maintain and increase our effectiveness. We have decreased our company's wood fiber total consumption by 85% since 2008-01-31 and we commit ourselves to continue this way.

We are very concerned about the activities of companies exploiting intact forests including those of Russia, the Amazon and Canada. It is our intention to phase out our worldwide ancient forest products supply starting immediately.

In recognition of the need to protect our planet's ancient forests, we also commit to encourage other publishers and printers to adopt and develop similar strategies and policies. Preserving the remaining ancient forests of the world for future generations will require that all companies join us in these efforts.

Sincerely

Steve Fortin, President