Hoover & Strong and United Precious Metal Refining Earn Recognition Under SCS Certified Responsible Source Program

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has awarded third-party certification to two companies, Hoover & Strong and United Precious Metal Refining, Inc., for their responsibly sourced gold and silver products. The "Certified Responsible Source" designation provides jewelers and their customers with an independent guarantee that precious metals have been obtained from recycled sources, that conflict metals have been avoided, and that fundamental environmental and social criteria have been met.

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"Designation as a Certified Responsible Source enables companies to demonstrate that they are actively helping to reduce demand for metals from controversial sources, working in support of human rights, and taking care of the environment," said Michael Wolfe, SCS Managing Director of Environmental Certification Services.

Precious metals jewelers, retailers, refiners and fabricators are eligible for certification. Using recycled gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals helps reduce the demand from mining operations that are often environmentally destructive and exploitative of communities. In addition, certified operations ensure safe and fair working conditions, and use procurement strategies that exclude corrupt or unethical sources. Other measures to protect the environment include energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities, water conservation in process and operations, and proper disposal of material waste. Companies are also required to make continual environmental impact improvements over time. These improvements range from use of energy from renewable sources to requirements for providers of packaging materials.

Other SCS Certified Responsible Source companies include Ohio Precious Metals LLC, and Metalor USA Refining Corp. 

SCS will be presenting details of the Certified Responsible Source standard at the upcoming International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) annual conference in Las Vegas on June 11th, 2012.    

For More information on Certified Responsible Source, visit www.scscertified.com/ResponsibleSource.

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than 25 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retailing, and more.  SCS is a Certified B Corporation™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. www.scscertified.com

Hoover & Strong has provided socially and environmentally responsible products for over 96 years. Hoover & Strong is a manufacturer and refiner of 100% recycled precious metals. www.hooverandstrong.com

United Precious Metal Refining, Inc takes environmental concerns and natural resource conservation very seriously. United provides precious metals, sourced from industries other than mining, to jewelry markets worldwide. www.unitedpmr.com        

Ohio Precious Metals, LLC is one of the largest U.S. owned refineries and continues to upgrade the quality, content, sourcing, and environmental footprint of the precious metals used in all industries. www.opm-llc.com

Metalor USA Refining Corp. is a leading global refiner of precious metals and provides gold and silver to the jewelry, and financial markets through its Refining division. www.metalor.com