A glossary of commonly used terms that businesses can use to describe their environmental sustainability efforts and achievements has been published, according to the Consumer Goods Forum.

Since its formation in 2009, the CGF has made significant progress in supporting consumer goods retailers and manufacturers in acting to improve the sustainability of the industry. Most noticeably this has included public resolutions to tackle deforestation and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by refrigeration, and the publication of a framework and measurement system for product packaging and sustainability.

The latest output from the programme, the glossary, provides a common way for companies across the industry to communicate among each other and to consumers using commonly defined and understood terms such as 'Life Cycle Assessment', 'Sustainable Sourcing', 'Natural Refrigerants', and 'Recyclable'. The Consumer Goods Forum members will use this glossary for consumer and company-to-company communication.

Gavin Neath, senior vice president of sustainability for Unilever, said, "Until now, a common, well-defined lexicon of environmental sustainability terms has been lacking. The release of 'The Glossary' bridges that gap, and is an important step forward for our industry."

The glossary can be accessed using this link.

Source: Consumer Goods Forum