Natural stone

Natural stone for the European market is used in construction and gravestone industries. The growing demand for this product in Western Europe, has resulted in increased production in countries like China and India.

Unfortunately, most digging and processing coincide with poor environmental and labour conditions. Major issues with respect to labour are low wages, excessive overtime, debt bondage, child labour, and dangerous and unhealthy circumstances (lung disorders are common among mine workers). At environmental level some of the sustainability bottlenecks are land degradation (e.g. use of forests and arable land for mining) and loss of biodiversity.

Within the context of the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative a multi-stakeholder programme has been developed to address these issues. Importers, processers, branch organisations and NGOs have joined forces to improve the working conditions and environmental impact in quarries in China and India. They will start in four different locations, and will then roll out the programme to other quarries and countries.

The Netherlands only uses one percent of the natural stone produced worldwide. Cooperation with other European companies should allow for really making a difference within the sector.

An important instrument in this programme is a code of conduct that has been jointly developed by the participants. All companies participating in the programme are going to implement this code in their supply chains, negotiating sustainability criteria with wholesalers, suppliers, quarry owners and operators. In order to verify code implementation, the verification body Fair Stone Foundation will be established.

In addition, the programme is aimed at raising awareness among consumers and governments. Important end-users, such as Dutch municipalities, will be actively stimulated to buy natural stone that has been dug and processed with respect for people, planet and profit. By adopting sustainability criteria in their sourcing strategies they can play a significant role in improving sustainability in the sector.

Bert Ruebsaet, director of RMP Grafmonumenten about  the need for sustainable natural stone