“Forests Matter” – The Why and What of PEFC for Companies

The second public consultation on the revised FSC® Trademark Use Guide for Promotional Licence Holders ends on 1 October 2018. Please submit your comments by then through our online consultation platform. The aim of the revision is to streamline the trademark use requirements to make it easier for non-certificate holders to promote FSC-certified products while ensuring that the changes do not compromise the credibility of FSC. It will also address Motion 29/2014 ("The Logo Motion").

Sustainable packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has announced that it has slashed the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in its water discharge three years early. The company had set an ambitious goal to improve the quality of its water quality by reducing the COD by 1/3 per tonne of produced paper by the end of 2020 compared to 2005. This significant improvement in water quality is an important step for protecting aquatic life and comes after extensive research and development. Smurfit Kappa invested over €60 million in sustainable water treatment technology installing anaerobic water treatment processes that do not need oxygen and subsequently use less energy, followed by aerobic treatment to ensure low COD results. The treatment transforms water pollutants into biogas which is then reused as fuel in the company’s combined heat and power plants. Click Read More below for additional information.

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a transformative piece of legislation aimed at halting global deforestation by imposing stringent compliance measures on businesses importing or exporting commodities associated with forest degradation. While its environmental impact is undisputed, the ripple effect on global supply chains is profound, influencing not only operational frameworks but also the future landscape of supply chain management. 1. Redefining Supply Chain Transparency - The EUDR mandates companies to prove that their supply chains are deforestation-free, requiring traceability of products from their origin to the point of sale. 2. Increased Costs and Compliance Burden - Businesses must invest in data collection technologies, hire specialists, and reconfigure their supply chains to guarantee that raw materials sourced are in line with EUDR mandates. 3. Risk Mitigation and Strategic Shifts - Companies are prioritizing partnerships with suppliers that can provide clear evidence of sustainable practices, while others are exploring new sourcing regions where deforestation concerns are less pressing. 4. The Role of Technology in EUDR Compliance - Technology plays a critical role in ensuring EUDR compliance, with digital solutions offering the most promising avenue for companies to track, verify, and audit their supply chains. 5. The Future of Global Supply Chains Under EUDR - As the EUDR continues to reshape the regulatory landscape, the future of global supply chains will see a heavier emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and accountability.