Itáu Unibanco is the first financial institution in Brazil to achieve FSC Chain of Custody (FSC CoC) certification for its own print unit. With 51 tons of paper used annually, Itaú’s decision to print invoices, statements, and other institutional documents on FSC certified paper is a milestone for FSC in Brazil.
Itaú has also started an education program to promote the benefits of FSC certification among partners and employees. Itaú’s commitment to FSC confirms the increasing awareness of FSC among Brazilian businesses and consumers. São Paulo’s daily newspaper Metro, with a circulation of over 150,000, is also printing on FSC paper.
Friends of the Earth – Brazilian Amazonia conducted a poll in 2009 to assess the knowledge of the population on environmental issues. Results showed that recognition of FSC among the Brazilian public has increased to 22% in 2009 from 1% in 2006. They also showed that 81% of the population would prefer certified forest products, and are willing to pay a little more than for non-certified products.