Russia joins PEFC as demand rises
Demand for certified forest products is increasing despite the global credit crunch. This is according to the PEFC, which says: “Accordingly, it is essential that supply can meet increasing consumer demand. We are pleased therefore to announce the endorsement of the national forest certification system for Russia.” The greatest potential for area growth for all certification schemes is now in Russia, and PEFC estimates that within the next ten years about 100 Mha will become certified to both PEFC and FSC forest certification systems, significantly contributing to the globally traded certified wood fibre basket. At the same time, the Gabonese and Malaysian schemes have nearly completed their endorsement process, and will, subject to endorsement, be the first national PEFC schemes in Africa and Asia supplying into the global as well as local market place.
On the supply side, PEFC International has also been active in giving development advice and input into both the developing Chinese and the Indian forest certification schemes. Furthermore, both the Chilean and Australian schemes have nearly completed their re-endorsement process (held every five years) against PEFC’s sustainability benchmark requirements. In addition, training courses for certifiers, auditors, and companies have been provided in China and Japan.
As PEFC is the only international scheme that re-assesses its endorsed scheme every five years, it is fitting that at international level its requirements too are reviewed and revised to ensure that they reflect the latest scientific developments, best practices, and stakeholder expectations. It has therefore just announced a two year review process focussing on its sustainability benchmarks and the PEFC welcomes all stakeholder input. In addition it is now in the second and final year of the revision of the international chain of custody standard. For further information contact Head of Technical Unit, Jaroslav Tymrak.
As an umbrella for numerous independent national schemes, one of the challenges is to ensure that customers are kept fully informed of latest developments and are able to supply their customers with facts and assurances about PEFC. A communications working group of European national schemes has started working on co-ordinating messaging, activities, and attendance at events. Similar work is also taking place in North America.
Companies are keen to have the planned logo usage toolkit and PEFC expects to be able to launch it in April. It will follow the revised corporate design guidelines and will provide practical advice on using the PEFC logo. For further information contact Head of Communications Thorsten Arndt.
PEFC has been active in providing input into public procurement policies around the world and requests by governments and customers for information. Senior staff have met with international companies, and participated in several interviews for Dutch and Finnish newspapers. PEFC will also be highlighted in a Finnish women’s magazine, and press conference in the UK resulted in substantive coverage in the national press.