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28th January 2021
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Marks & Spencer supplier Yonga is first non-EU FISP member
The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced that Turkish furniture manufacturer, Yonga Mobilya, is the first non-EU based manufacturer to become a full member of The Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme, and the first from the Marks & Spencer supply chain. Full membership was granted in August this year and the membership certificate was presented to Yonga's factory manager, Gokhan Sertdemir, by Lord Hoyle of Warrington at FIRA's recent reception at the House of Lords.
Yonga was founded in 1974 by Turkish guest workers in Germany; today the company, based in Turkey, employs 230 people and is an exclusive supplier to Marks & Spencer.
As a Marks & Spencer supplier, Yonga is fully committed to the retailer's Plan A scheme to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services, and ensuring that it becomes the world's most sustainable major retailer by 2015.
FISP is an initiative developed by the furniture industry to recognise those businesses that are operating environmental and sustainable best practice, and to encourage and advise other businesses to adopt and implement sustainable practices. This focus on environmental management and corporate social responsibility issues demonstrates the considerable synergy between the FISP scheme and the goals of Marks & Spencer's Plan A.
"We are very pleased that the FISP scheme is becoming the benchmark for recognising those companies committed to reducing their environmental impact," says Phil Reynolds, Senior Manager - Technical Services at FIRA. "Yonga had to undergo a rigorous independent audit by FIRA, which they passed with flying colours.
"We are also pleased to be working with Marks & Spencer's supply base, and endorse the Plan A scheme and its goal to become the world's most sustainable major retaile."
FISP is an independent scheme supported by the whole industry, including FIRA, the British Furniture Manufacturer's Association, the British Contract Furniture Manufacturer's Association, the National Bed Federation, the Association of Master Upholsterers and the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
For manufacturers FISP has two key benefits. Full members get recognition for the fact the fact that they are operating in a sustainable way. This is strengthened by independent third party auditing.
Associate members get clear advice on how to improve their operations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, and thus achieve full FISP membership.
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3rd December 2010