Double certification continues to grow, joint PEFC/FSC data shows

There has been a further increase in in double certified forest area in absolute terms, according to the most recent data released by PEFC and FSC, the two global forest certification systems.

While the total global certified area grew between December 2016 and June 2017 by 3.7 million hectares, the double certified area increased by almost one million hectares (or 25% of the growth).

In total, 431.4 million hectares of forests were certified to either PEFC or FSC in mid-2017 (2016: 427.7) of which 71.1 million hectares (or 16.5%) were double certified (2016: 70.1 million/16.5%).

Help avoid double certification
“This is at odds with our common objective to expand sustainable forest management”, said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “Every single hectare of double certified forest area is a hectare too much.”

“One cause of double certification is market access, and here companies have a role to play: by accepting both PEFC and FSC, they remove the pressure on forest owners to double certify.”

“In turn, this will help precious financial resources to be focused on expanding certification to forests that are not yet certified to either system,” reminded Mr. Gunneberg.
more at:  https://pefc.org/news-a-media/general-sfm-news/2494-double-certification-continues-to-grow-joint-pefc-fsc-data-shows

Related Posts

Kimberly-Clark Issues Annual Report on Sustainability

Highlights of the past year include: •Co-founded the Alliance for Period Supplies to help women and girls in need access period supplies; •Met absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals four years early, down 27% (vs. 2005 baseline); •Reduced use of fiber from natural forest landscapes by 30% since 2011; •Diverted more than 21,000 metric tons of material to higher value alternatives; •Reduced our water use at our facilities in high-stress regions by 24%; and •Introduction of alternative energy sources across six manufacturing sites, including wind, solar and cogeneration projects. Click Read More below for additional information.

SFI Celebrates the International Day of Forests

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative celebrates forests every day, but every year on March 21 we join so many others to formally recognize the United Nations International Day of Forests. This year’s theme is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well‑being.” SFI’s mission directly supports this theme and the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals. SFI-certified forests and products are powerful tools to achieve shared goals such as mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, protecting clean water, reducing waste, educating current and future generations, and supporting sustainable economic development that creates jobs and improves lives. There are more than 375 million acres/150 million hectares of forests certified to SFI with tens of millions more positively influenced by SFI fiber sourcing. And every day, SFI-certified organizations plant 2.5 million trees across the U.S. and Canada. This year, SFI is pleased to share the first in a series of story maps—interactive tools to provide users with a new and immersive way to engage with SFI content.

Paper Bag Provision is Short Sighted

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Massachusetts Senate Bill 424, “Act Reducing Plastic Bag Pollution.” The bill seeks to place a 10-cent tax on recycled paper bags beginning on August 1, 2018. “This bill, intended to reduce plastic pollution, wrongfully penalizes paper bags—a commodity that is highly recycled, recyclable, compostable and made from a renewable resource. Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to differentiate paper bags as an environmentally responsible option. Paper bags are a sustainable packaging option for consumers who need carryout bags. “This policy takes Massachusetts in the wrong direction and sets a poor example for the region. AF&PA looks forward to continuing to work with the state of Massachusetts on this provision.”
Back To Top
×Close search
Search