All paper used by HSBC Bank Malta is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), reinforcing the Bank’s tangible efforts to run an environmentally-friendly operation. FSC is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1993 with the aim to focus on the environmental, social and economic management of the world’s forests to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

HSBC is the first bank in Malta to use exclusively FSC-certified paper. This environmental achievement follows a deal between HSBC Malta and Kasco Ltd, which is the only FSC-certified paper supplier in Malta. Furthermore, HSBC has also entrusted Kasco with the collection of its shredded paper and cartons, which are baled according to the various grades of paper and then shipped out for repulping.

Environmentally appropriate forest management ensures that the harvest of timber and non-timber products maintains the forest’s biodiversity, productivity and ecological processes. Socially beneficial forest management also helps both local people and society at large to enjoy long-term benefits and also provides strong incentives to local people to sustain the forest resources and adhere to long-term forecast plans.

As from January 2007 HSBC became the first financial institution to join the Tropical Forest Trust (TFT). The trust works to conserve threatened tropical forests through sustainable management, and all members commit to sourcing wood only from TFT or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests.

“HSBC Group is committed to run a carbon-neutral operation using resources which leave the least impact on our fragile environment,” said HSBC Malta’s CEO Alan Richards. “The HSBC Group honours its commitment to the environment not only by supporting organisations working for sustainability but also by training its people and constantly upgrading its operations to respect the environment. The recent deal for HSBC Malta’s FSC-certified paper supply is a good example of the HSBC Group environmental policy in action.”