Evolution of the SFI Standards: SFI Launches Standard Revision

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) launched the process to revise and update the SFI standard requirements at the SFI Annual Conference today. A conference workshop marked the official start of the revision process with over 200 members of the SFI community taking part.

“The SFI Standards are developed through an open and inclusive process involving the many different people and groups who know and care about our forests including forest sector representatives, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc.

This diversity of stakeholders represents the users of the three SFI standards, including the SFI Forest Management Standard, which covers almost 370 million acres/150 million hectares of SFI‑certified forestland in the U.S. and Canada. Tens of millions more acres are positively influenced by the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard. Finally, more than 2,300 company sites around the world use the SFI Chain-of-Custody Standard to make SFI claims or to use SFI on-product labels demonstrating their support for responsible forest management.

SFI’s international recognition is increased by the endorsement of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). SFI’s standard revision process is aligned with the PEFC revision process.

The transparent process of revising the SFI standards is overseen by the SFI Board of Directors and the SFI Resources Committee. This diverse membership is also reflected in the volunteers who make up the three SFI Standard Revision Task Groups. The Task Groups are established for the duration of the standard revision until completion in 2021. They prepare the first and subsequent drafts of the revised SFI standards for review by the SFI Resources Committee and ultimate approval of the SFI Board of Directors.

SFI’s External Review Panel, an independent panel drawn from academia, state, provincial, and federal agencies and conservation organizations ensures the development and revision of the SFI standards embodies a transparent and inclusive process that addresses all comments submitted. All comments and how they are addressed are publicly posted on the SFI website throughout the standard revision process.

The standard revision process includes two inclusive public comment periods with the first beginning October 23, 2019 and running through November 22, 2019. During this period, respondents can suggest improvements to the current 2015-2019 SFI Standard Program requirements. The second public comment period begins May 4, 2020 and runs for 60 days. During this period the any member of the public can solicit comments on a working draft of the new SFI standard requirements.

The process includes 10 public standards development workshops across the U.S. and Canada including a dedicated workshop for Indigenous Peoples and a facilitated webinar workshop to accommodate those stakeholders that cannot make any of the regional workshops.

SFI Inc. completes a periodic review of its standards requirements and supporting documents consistent with international protocols for forest certification. SFI requirements for forest management, fiber sourcing, chain-of-custody and certified sourcing all require independent third-party audits by accredited certification bodies. This marks the fifth public review of the SFI standards.
https://www.sfiprogram.org/evolution-of-the-sfi-standards/

Related Posts

Unmasking Greenwashing: The Consequences and the Cure

In our increasingly environmentally conscious world, it’s common for companies to tout their green initiatives and environmentally friendly practices, and that’s just good business. But all too often, companies claim benefits – like the environmental superiority of “recyclable plastic” packaging or “going green” by switching from paper to electronic communications — as a way to cloak poor environmental performance or mask cost-cutting efforts. With no sound scientific evidence to back them up, these types of claims are textbook greenwashing. Some of the consequences of greenwashing are obvious. Clearly, unsubstantiated environmental claims mislead consumers, often causing them to take actions they would not otherwise consider. Greenwashing claims can also cause reputational harm, not only damaging the credibility of companies that make such claims, but also casting doubt over the valid claims of companies that are contributing to real environmental progress. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides” provide very specific guidance related to environmental claims, stating that “claims must be truthful, not misleading and supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.” Unfortunately, this guidance is often ignored.

Indonesia and Japan take the spotlight at PEFC General Assembly award ceremony

With an increase of almost two million hectares of PEFC-certified forests in Indonesia over the past year, the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) took top prize for growth during our PEFC Forest Certification Week award ceremony. “Without the tremendous support from everyone within the PEFC family and without the strong commitment and hard work from all members of the IFCC family, we would have never arrived at this proud state,” said Dradjad Wibowo, Chairman of IFCC. “So, IFCC thanks everyone from the PEFC and IFCC families for this! Though we still face huge challenges, we are confident, that together we will prevail," Mr. Wibowo concluded. Click Read More below for additional information.

NWTF and SFI Sign Agreement for Forest Health

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today an exciting new partnership for future forests. The two organizations have established a memorandum of mutual support that promotes forest management for the benefit of the nation’s forests and wildlife. “Every year, millions of people enjoy recreational opportunities in forests managed to meet SFI standards,” said NWTF Chief Conservation Officer Becky Humphries. “If we hope to achieve the conservation goals of the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, partnerships like this one with SFI are critical.”
Back To Top
×Close search
Search