"Together, let's replant the forest" operation

 

KLAUS STORM: DRASTIC REPERCUSSIONS

 

This past January 24th, 2009, for the second time in ten years, the Landes de Gascogne region was pummelled by a storm of exceptional severity.

In a matter of hours, no less than 300,000 hectares (over 740,000 acres) of forest were destroyed. Some 38 million cubic metres of wood was left on the ground, i.e. the equivalent of 6 to 7 years to harvest. The Landes Forest - a historic national treasure and the largest cultivated forest in France - is both a keystone in the economy of the entire Aquitaine region and an important factor in maintaining environmental equilibrium.

 

GASCOGNE COMMITMENT...

 

The Gascogne Group, created in the heart of the Landes woodlands in 1925, and a leading player in the France wood-paper industry was compelled to take action to preserve this valuables resource. It contribuates to the development of the wood industry (sawing, home improvement and decoration products, timber frame walls, natural kraft paper, sacks) and the promotion of biomass. Compared to a regular year, the Group has more than doubled the volumes it has processed. It has created directly 5 storage areas and participates to 3 more as a partner. Gascogne also originated the big replanting operation "Together, let's replant the forest", symbolised by "The Landes forest, a special place in my heart" logo.

 

 

EXTENSIVE PARTICIPATION

 

In partnership with home improvement distributors and retailers, Castorame, Point P, Gedimat, Leroy Merlin, Panofrance, Reseau Pro and Weldom who welcomed the iniative with enthusiasm, Gascogne set up this first major action in april 2009.

 

This operation mechanics : Gascogne has pledged to have one tree replnated for every purchase of a product from the Gascogne Wood Products range ( wood flooring, panelling, siding, mouldings and cleats) from a participating retailer.

Over 450 stores are taking part in the operation in mainland France.

 

« This purpose was to involve French consumers in the regeneration of the Landes Forest and make a concrete contribution in favour of the environment » explains François Vittoz Gascogne ‘s CEO.

 

This multi-faceted cooperative operation has been extended to all the Group divisions with customers partnerships:

 

• Royal Canin, a leading petfood manufacturer and customer of Gascogne Sack rallied immediatly after Klaus storm and is participating financially in the replanting, as part of the "Together, let's replant the forest" operation.

 

• Quick, the French fast food chain, has been raising awareness since July 2009 by using Gascogne's natural kraft paper for its take-away bags. These bags feature the "Landes Forest, a special place in my heart" logo and a message to heighten awareness for the ecological disaster thathas hit the Landes Forest. By the end of 2010, all of Quick's bag will be produced from natural kraft paper.

 

ENCOURAGING RESULTS SO FAR

 

According to the first report, thanks to the "Together, let's replant the forest" operatio, and the active participationof Gascogne's customers and partners, 46,328 pine tree i.e. 37 hectares (over 91 acres) will have been replanted 1 to 2 years time (following completion of the cleaning and preparation of the tracts of forest concerned) and the beneficiaries will have been selected.

 

The consumers and customers participating in the operation will all be kept informed of the replanting scedule, the districts concerned and the tracts of forest replanted through their contribution. "We wish to ensure the total transparency and traceability of the operation, along with its success, naturally." concludes François Vittoz.