TFT RESPONSIBLE STONE PROGRAM

MISSION:To diminish the negative impact ofnatural stone mining and processingby sourcing responsibly-quarriedstone that respects the environmentand improves people’s lives at theraw material extraction stage andthroughout the supply chain.WWW.TFT-FORESTS.ORG/STONETFT RESPONSIBLE STONE PROGRAMWE ACT, WE ARE ON THE GROUNDWHY?Ethical and environmental concernsexist about how natural stone isquarried, processed and traded.Many quarry owners have littleawareness of the environmentalimpacts of quarrying leading todeforestation, pollution of groundwater and failed rehabilitationof abandoned quarries. Mediareports highlight labour abusesand other social issues in thequarried stone industry.WHERE?TFT has offices in 14 countries worldwide and an on-the-ground presence in even more.In 2012, the TFT Quarry WorkingGroup joined forces with the WorkingGroup on Sustainable Natural Stone(Werkgroup Duurzame Natuurvgsteen– WGDN), a Dutch-based group ofretailers and manufacturers, to createthe new TFT Responsible StoneProgram.

HOW?Members include retailers,wholesalers, importers andtraders.TFT works with members inthe following way to tackleissues associated withquarries and factories:Work within supply chainsto ensure standards areimplemented and adhered to;find solutions to inappropriatesourcing, and driveimprovement.Arrange member meetings toshare learnings and facilitatediscussion on various topics.Work with members todevelop practical tools to aidthe improvement of standards.Promote stone that has beenresponsibly quarried.CODE OF CONDUCTWWW.TFT-FORESTS.ORG/STONESupply chain transparency is key to transforming conditions in thestone industry. Our code of conduct shows the aims of factories andquarries participating in the TFT Responsible Stone Program.LEVEL 1: AIM OF FACTORIES AND QUARRIES AFTER ONE YEARQuarries and factories must operate legallyWages and hours of work must meet legal minimumChild, bonded or forced labour must not be usedGood health & safety standards must be in place in all work sitesBasic environmental impact is managedLEVEL 2: AIM OF FACTORIES AFTER TWO YEARS, QUARRIES AFTER THREEContractual relationships exist with all employees and are documentedAll accommodation on the production site is safeFurther environmental requirements regarding emissions to water and airFreedom of Association and Collective BargainingCompany must have a policy of non-discrimination in the workplaceLEVEL 3: NOT COMPULSORY, BUT RECOMMENDEDWages could be independently verified as a living wageThe site has good relationships with local stakeholders, including communitiesCODE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM (CIP)AIM: FACTORIES & QUARRIESACHIEVE LEVEL1AIM: FACTORIES ACHIEVELEVEL 2AIM: QUARRIES ACHIEVELEVEL 2Year 1:Baseline auditWorkplanTrainingReportingWORKINGTOWARDS>Year 2:Re-auditWorkplan revisionTrainingReportingWORKINGTOWARDS>Year 3:Re-auditWorkplan revisionTrainingReportingWORKINGTOWARDS>LEVEL 3(optional)CLAIMSMEMBERSHIP STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE FOR SUPPLIERS PRODUCT LABELCommitment to comply withmembership requirements(progress will be reviewedevery year throughverification of execution ofmember’s workplan).TFTACTIONON THEGROUND>Factories and quarries canrequest a statement ofcompliance as soon as theyreach Level 1, 2 or 3 in theCIP. This statement willbe issued after 2nd partyverification of complianceby the supplier.SUPPLYCHAINTRANSPARENCY>Product is sourced fromsuppliers that are compliantto Levels 1, 2 and 3.MORE INFORMATIONPlease contact Lindsey Malcom at TFTTel: +44 (0) 2380 111220 Email: l.malcom@tft-forests.orgInnovation Centre, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, UK SO16 7NP