Coir Audits in Southern India: Next Steps for RSS Members

The Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) has arranged a series of on-site audits in Southern India to gather robust, independently verified data on coir production. This initiative was launched in response to questions about the environmental impact, sustainability, and overall integrity of coir supply chains. By examining operations directly at the source, RSS aims to provide members with clear, factual information that can help strengthen their Responsible Sourcing scores.

Why Coir?

Coir is an increasingly popular growing media substrate, valued for its water-holding capacity and reduced reliance on peat. However, there have been concerns regarding its sourcing, processing methods, and environmental footprint. These on-site audits will assess each stage of the coir journey, from initial processing to arrival at the UK port, giving members the evidence they need to demonstrate responsible sourcing.

Audit Arrangements

An independent recognised auditor, supported by RSS, will conduct these visits across various coir facilities in Southern India. The focus is on capturing accurate data regarding environmental practices, logistics, and working conditions. To facilitate this process, we kindly ask all RSS members to provide the name, address, and main contact of any coir supplier they use, if not already submitted.

One-Off Contribution

To help cover the practical costs of these audits, each RSS member is asked for a £300 one-off contribution. This fee supports travel, accommodation, and other logistical elements necessary to ensure the audits are thorough and effective.

Validation by Supply Chain Insites (SCI)

The data collected through these on-site assessments will be a valuable resource for members completing the coir section of their RSS scoring. Please note that final validation of your full audits is still required by Supply Chain Insites (SCI). The insights gained from the on-site audits are intended to streamline the validation process but do not replace the essential review and verification steps performed by SCI.

Next Steps

Submit Supplier Details: If you have not yet done so, please send the key information (supplier name, address, contact) to the RSS team as soon as possible.
Arrange the Contribution: Kindly organise your £300 contribution to support the audit costs.
Stay Informed: RSS will share further updates on audit findings and how you can make the best use of the verified data.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that coir sourcing remains transparent and responsible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the RSS team.