Pukka Pads are a familiar name in UK stationery and office products. Founded by Chris Stott in 1999, the company is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality notepads, filing, stationery and packaging products, first gaining PEFC certification in 2010.
“Pukka Pads has always been an industry leader in sustainability and quality,” says Compliance Co-ordinator Andrew Murray. “Our CEO has over 35 years of experience in the paper industry and understood that supporting sustainable forest management is the only way to ensure a stable, long-term supply of high-quality paper for future generations. Achieving certification was an important early step in our ongoing journey to ESG responsibility.”
Embedding Sustainability into Product Design
The ‘Pukka Planet’ range, launched in 2022, is the embodiment of the business’s sustainability strategy and PEFC certification supports the company’s broader sustainability aims to reduce its environmental impact. Pukka Pads has committed to move to 100% fully recycled material across 50% of its range by 2030. “Our certification credentials allow us to source from the widest possible network of certified forests,” adds Andrew. “Our strict procurement policy integrates PEFC-certified material into our supply chain. This supports our strategy to reduce environmental impact by reducing the risk of deforestation and promoting active regeneration of forests.”
PEFC certification plays a key part in Pukka Pads’ approach to circular design, recyclability and renewable material use. “While we promote our Pukka Planet 100% recycled range, virgin fibres are still necessary for paper strength,” says Andrew. “PEFC Certification ensures that these virgin fibres are a renewable resource rather than a finite one. We ensure our products are fully recyclable at the end of their life, keeping the fibre in the loop for as long as possible. Reducing our impact on the planet is very important to us as a company.”
The adoption of PEFC-certified products helps customers meet their own sustainability goals and ESG reporting requirements. For its B2B customers and retailers, the stocking of Pukka products gives confidence and clear reassurance of legality and sustainability. “By providing detailed insights and data, we ensure our B2B customers have everything they need to report accurately on environmental and social performance,” adds Andrew.
Visible Supply Chain Transparency
The PEFC logo is clearly visible on Pukka Pad’s products and packaging, which provides an immediate, visible assurance to customers that the product they are buying is responsibly sourced. Its annual official product catalogue also features a dedicated two-page environmental section displaying the PEFC logo prominently. The pukkastationery.com B2C online shop, includes sustainability credentials in the product descriptions so consumers can choose products that align with their values.
For Pukka Pads, the integrity of its supply chain is as important as the quality of its products. “We view the PEFC Chain of Custody as a rigorous management system that ensures every sheet of paper in our notebooks can be traced back to a forest that is being managed sustainably,” says Andrew. “Transparency is reinforced by the fact that all the paper mills we use are ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) accredited. This ensures that our suppliers operate under a standardised framework for accountability.
“PEFC traceability is important to eliminate corporate greenwashing in an era where consumers are rightfully sceptical about vague environmental claims. There is an all-round benefit to being PEFC certified. It aligns with our brand, demonstrating a commitment to quality, sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. PEFC certification maintains the stability of our supply chain, by supporting sustainable forest management, we are helping to ensure that the raw materials we all need remain available and affordable long into the future.”
The implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), due to be formally introduced at the end of 2026 is a significant shift for the industry and a key market trend that will impact everyone trading in forest-products. As a global brand, Pukka Pads are well prepared for these strict regulations to come into effect as they require strong relationships throughout the supply chain. “By embracing these trends, particularly in the areas of data transparency and global compliance, PEFC will continue to be the cornerstone of our commitment to the consumer,” says Andrew. “With Pukka Pads, you never have to choose between a quality product and ethical sustainability.”
Find out more about PEFC certification and how it can strengthen your supply chain.
