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| Six PEFC core documents revised |
16-12-2010 |
.gif) PEFC has revised its requirements covering the following areas: forest management, chain of custody, trademark use, and standard setting. The changes were recently endorsed by the PEFC Council Read more
| Landmark progress: PEFC addresses social issues |
16-12-2010 |
 PEFC has published new certification requirements implying increased focus on social issues. Workers’ rights will need to be respected by PEFC chain of custody certified companies. In the forest,indigenous peoples' and workers' rights will need to be covered by PEFC-endorsed national standards. Read more
| Cancún climate talks led to sound forest deal |
15-12-2010 |
 At the COP 16 World Climate Summit in Mexico, the world’s nations reached historic agreements including consensus on the role of forests in climate change mitigation. The agreed REDD+ concept recognizes the wider role of forests, including the importance of social and environmental safeguards and respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples Read more
| Wood industries use the Rainforest Alliance advantage |
14-12-2010 |
 A growing number of the companies holding FSC certification issued by the Rainforest Alliance are using the Rainforest Alliance Certified TM seal to differentiate themselves on the marketplace. During 2010, the frog seal has appeared on over a thousand different materials and products carrying the FSC logo Read more
| Christmas hits for forest lovers |
13-12-2010 |
 In a hurry to find that perfect Christmas gift for friends and family? Don’t worry – it’s easy to find a gift that enhances the well-being of your loved ones as well as the planet. You can even get FSC-certified gift wrapping, as in this example from the Ethical Superstore. Here's our quick guide to Christmas shoppers looking for forest-friendly gifts Read more
| Study unveils strong business case for responsible forestry |
11-12-2010 |
.gif) Businesses that invest in maintaining ecosystem services stand to make considerable gains; those who fail to manage their impacts on nature face undefined risks. These are the findings of a groundbreaking IUCN study that highlights certification as a vital tool for safeguarding the environment. The concluding report calls for radical policy rethink and the inclusion of forest stocks into national accounts Read more
| FSC launches portal for stakeholders |
06-12-2010 |
 Are you looking for information on upcoming FSC forestry audits or want to know how FSC sees and handles hotly debated forest issues? You can find this and more on FSC’s newly launched portal that serves as a one-stop site for stakeholders Read more
| FSC permits more flexible trademark use |
03-12-2010 |
 An early Christmas present from FSC to certificate holders: FSC has adjusted its trademark standard to accommodate widespread wishes for more graphic freedom when using the FSC logo and labels. At the same time, the deadline for phasing out the old trademark standards has been postponed until July 2011 Read more
| FSC community forest label under way |
29-11-2010 |
.gif) Would you like to support rainforest communities and smallholders through your purchase of FSC products? This may soon become possible. FSC is planning to introduce a new label that will serve to differentiate these products on the marketplace Read more
| NEPCon Quality Manager sought |
24-11-2010 |
.gif) NEPCon is looking for candidates to fill in a newly created position as Quality Manager. The key task will be to ensure consistent high-quality service delivery across 30 countries, in the face of sharply increasing customer demands and fast organizational growth Read more
| Sourcing FSC Controlled Wood? Beware of new corruption figures |
19-11-2010 |
 Transparency International has released new figures for the level of corruption across 178 nations of the world. The new figures make Lithuania a low-risk country for sourcing controlled wood, exempting buyers from conducting expensive field assessments. Other countries have moved in the opposite direction Read more
| Dutch recognition of Malaysian MTCS scheme at stake |
17-11-2010 |
 The Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee has re-assessed the PEFC-endorsed MTCS scheme. Based on audit reports, it was found that MTCS does not consistently ensure indigenous peoples’ rights and permits conversion of natural forest into plantations Read more
| Austrian public buyers to focus on FSC and PEFC |
17-11-2010 |
.gif) From now on, Austrian public buyers will often be looking for FSC or PEFC certification when purchasing wood products. Austria has launched an action plan for green public procurement that mentions FSC and PEFC certification as key options for ensuring the legal and sustainable origin of wood products Read more
| Dress yourself up in FSC bamboo |
16-11-2010 |
.gif) Bamboo may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you contemplate what you will wear for the day. But that may change: the next generation of bamboo viscose is on its way, with the FSC label showing the responsible origin of the bamboo fibers Read more
| FSC certification pays off for Brazilian rainforest people |
10-11-2010 |
 Mobile connection and better education: Deep in the Amazon jungle, indigenous people are improving their lives based on FSC certification of their forests. A special label for FSC-certified community forests could enhance the market value of rainforest non-wood commodities further Read more
| Brazilian company ready to export legal sawn timber |
05-11-2010 |
.gif) As the first Latin American timber company, Rondobel has obtained Rainforest Alliance legality verification. The company's forest and sawmill are located in the Pará region of Brazil, known for rampant illegal logging Read more
| Heating up the market for FSC biofuel |
30-10-2010 |
 With an eco-friendly product and the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, it’s only a matter of time until the wood pellets market heats up, says the CEO of Curran Renewable Energy. The company is using the Rainforest Alliance frog strategically to create awareness of its FSC wood pellets Read more*
| FSC consumer packages spread in European supermarkets |
19-10-2010 |
.gif) Consumers in several European countries willl soon be seeing the FSC logo much more often in their daily lives. Pet food and milk are among the items offered in forest-friendly packaging. Tetra Pak is planning to supply billions of FSC-labeled consumer packages in five new markets during the next 18 months Read more
| Breakthrough for FSC in Finland |
13-10-2010 |
.gif) After almost 10 years of work, stakeholders of FSC have reached consensus on the FSC forest management standard for Finland. The Finnish forest sector is now moving towards FSC, following progress on the chain of custody side. “I expect many hectares to become FSC-certified in Finland now”, says Chairman of the FSC Working Group Tari Haahtela Read more
| Duro Bag brings FSC and the frog to consumers worldwide |
13-10-2010 |
 Duro Bag Mfg - the world’s largest producer of paper bags – is expanding its range of consumer shopping bags carrying the Rainforest Alliance frog and the FSC logo worldwide. The bags are used by iconic brands such as Starbucks Coffee Company, Whole Foods Market, REI and Zara Read more
| Are you ready for the new EU regulation on illegal timber? |
13-10-2010 |
 If you are trading in wood or paper products, then you should act now and start preparing for future demands for legality assurance. A growing number of companies are now enrolling in legality verification schemes, thus positioning themselves to meet these demands Read more
| NGO performs quality check of FSC quality control |
13-10-2010 |
.gif) Are only the right forests FSC-certified and do only the right products carry the FSC label? To ensure this, FSC has published numerous standards, policies, guidance documents and advice notes. And certification bodies check compliance of certified companies, while certification bodies are in turn checked by FSC’s main quality controller, Accreditation Services International (ASI). The NGO Nepenthes has now set out to discover just how rigorous the system is in practice Read more
| Version 2 of the Global Forest Registry launched! |
05-10-2010 |
 The Global Forest Registry - the free online tool for legal and responsible wood sourcing - has been upgraded. It is now possible to view available information about the risk of sourcing unacceptable wood from locations even at sub-country level Read more
| Verified legal teak furniture from Indonesia hits the market |
08-09-2010 |
.jpg) PT ScanCom Indonesia has successfully pursued Rainforest Alliance legality verification covering a tropical forest operation as well as 34 processing sites. The company expects the investment to bring rewards on the marketplace
Read more
| Mass launch of FSC-labeled newspapers in Denmark |
13-08-2010 |
 Since the 1st of August, nine Danish newspapers are carrying the FSC label on a daily basis Thanks to the work of the joint procurement organization of the Danish press and its suppliers, all consumer-paid Danish newspapers may now opt for the FSC label. Read more
| Brazilian cocoa producers bet on frog quality |
13-08-2010 |
.jpg) Brazilian producers of cocoa increasingly go for certification according to the standards of the Sustainable Agricultural Network (SAN), which allows the products to carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal. The frog seal is in growing demand, especially by importers and high-end chocolate producers Read more
| FSC certification of the Latvian State Forests suspended |
12-08-2010 |
The Rainforest Alliance has announced suspension of the FSC certification of the Latvian State Forests (JSC “Latvijas valsts mezi”), with an area of 1.4 million hectares. Re-instalment of the certificate is pending corrective actions to address non-conformances Read more
| FSC may soften Controlled Wood requirements for co-products |
10-08-2010 |
.jpg) The current transitory requirements for co-products under the FSC Chain of Custody standard are due to expire by New Year. However, instead of fully implementing the Controlled Wood requirements, FSC draft advice permits a less stringent approach Read more
| FSC transition period for chip/fiber labeling 50% threshold may soon expire |
10-08-2010 |
 FSC has released draft advice implying major changes for companies currently operating within the transitory chain of custody requirements for related to chip and fiber products. Companies will need to adjust to the normal Controlled Wood requirement of minimum 70% FSC-input in FSC-certified products Read more
| Cutting edge composite product boosted by FSC |
10-08-2010 |
.jpg) Many suppliers to the construction industries sadly went down during the past years of financial crisis. But not Rainier Richlite ® Company, producer of an exceptionally versatile composite product called Richlite. FSC certification has proven essential for the continued success of this amazing product Read more
| New Rainforest Alliance mark for verified companies |
10-08-2010 |
 The Rainforest Alliance has released a new verification mark that recognizes achievements verified according to 9 different programs. For example, timber legality verification (VLO and VLC), SmartLogging certification, SmartStep forestry verification, and carbon credit projects verified by the Rainforest Alliance all provide access to the new frog mark Read more
| Beefing up FSC in Argentina |
06-08-2010 |
 To an Argentinian, beef done the “asado” (grilled) way is more than just a meal. It is part of the heart and soul of Argentinian culture. But the cherished meat may leave a bad taste in the mouth as consumers become aware of the often illegal origin of the fuelwood used to prepare the meal. A new campaign urges Argentinian consumers to ask for FSC wood Read more
| EU to crack down on illegal timber trade by 2012 |
05-08-2010 |
-150.jpg) ln early July, the EU Parliament approved legislation that bans illegal timber from entering into the EU. The rest of the EU legislative process is considered a formality, and the law is likely to come into effect in 2012. The regulation implies market advantages for certified and legally verified wood products Read more
| EU ban on illegal timber trade under way |
17-06-2010 |
 According to several media, placing illegal timber products on the EU market will soon become prohibited. A majority of EU member states now support an outright ban, and they agree on a revised proposal for EU due diligence legislation. The EU Parliament is likely to pass the proposal in July Read more
| Tetra Pak launches FSC-labeled cartons in China |
14-06-2010 |
 In July, Tetra Pak aseptic cartons carrying the FSC label will become visible in Chinese stores. The company expects to increase its sales of FSC-cartons in China fast, with an aim of reaching 14 billion during 2011. Tetra Pak is also supporting FSC certification of forests in China Read more
| Big forest deal in Canada: boost or blow to FSC? |
13-06-2010 |
.jpg) Canadian timber industries and leading NGOs have turned from adversaries into allies and signed an agreement covering more than 72 million hectares of forest. The NGOs pledge to help create marketplace recognition for the companies and forest products covered by the agreement. The implications for existing forest certification schemes are unclear Read more
| PEFC Chain of Custody system to cover social issues? |
11-06-2010 |
 PEFC has launched a draft proposal for integrating social issues into its chain of custody requirements. One of the key elements is to demand compliance with the core ILO conventions on workers' rights for all PEFC certified companies throughout the supply chain Read more
| Borneo company takes legality verification one step further |
10-06-2010 |
 Borneo-based logging company Rakyat Berjaya of the Yayasan Sabah Group plays it safe: With the very first Verification of Legal Compliance (VLC) statement issued by the Rainforest Alliance in place, the company can now offer the best assurance available for the legality of a large part of its tropical timber products Read more
| Recognition for the VLC scheme by the Danish government |
08-06-2010 |
 In a new official guidance document for Danish public buyers, the Rainforest Alliance's Verification of Legal Compliance (VLC) scheme is recommended as one among five schemes providing assurance of legality for timber products Read more
| Leading UK companies set sail towards responsible wood sourcing |
04-06-2010 |
 Marks & Spencer and Unilever have both set new ambitious goals for their responsible sourcing of wood products, such as paper and packaging. FSC certified and recycled products take the front seat among preferred options. Rainforest Alliance's SmartSource Program provides the framework for achieving the targets Read more
| The Rainforest Alliance frog jumps in Europe |
04-06-2010 |
 The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal is jumping onto products all across Europe at an amazing speed. From Poland to Portugal, the green frog seal is increasingly seen on products deriving from tropical sustainable agriculture, including e.g. tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas. It is also starting to appear alongside the FSC logo on paper and wood products Read more
| The Frog leaves its print on tissue products |
27-05-2010 |
-150.jpg) Starting this June, consumers across the United States will be able to walk into major grocery stores and purchase FSC-certified facial tissue paper with the increasingly visible frog seal. Clearwater Paper is behind this landmark release Read more
| Leading retailers push to halt trade in illegal wood products |
26-05-2010 |
.jpg) Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer, IKEA and Carrefour Group have founded a discussion platform called the Timber Retail Coalition. The coalition urges the European Council and Parliament to agree a strong 'due diligence' regulation by the end of 2010 to control illegal wood products trade in the EU Read more
| Closing time for new FSC core standard |
01-04-2010 |
 Now is probably your last chance to leave your fingerprint on the FSC's core document - the FSC Principles and Criteria for responsible forest management that form the basis for the credibility and value of the FSC trademarks. FSC is inviting comments on its third draft until 10th of May Read more
| Tetra Pak and Carrefour France bring the FSC label to French consumers |
31-03-2010 |
 Tetra Pak and Carrefour France have teamed up to launch 100 million FSC-labeled liquid food cartons in French stores. The move is part of a major roll-out of FSC labeled Tetra Pak packaging. By 2010, Tetra Pak aims to supply more than 2.7 billion FSC-packages to the French market alone Read more
| Certification showdown in the US |
31-03-2010 |
 Partly spurred by ongoing debate on certified wood criteria under the green building standard LEED, supporters of the two rival schemes FSC and PEFC-endorsed SFI have now entered into open battle in the US. Formal complaints have been filed and harsh accusations made on both sides Read more
| Will US Green Building Council let the forests down? |
30-03-2010 |
.jpg) It's quite possible, judging by a new draft forestry benchmark proposed for the US LEED green building standard. Using certified wood credits you with only a single point out of the minimum 40 you need to become LEED certified. Even so, plans to lower the bar for forest certification schemes accepted under the LEED standard has fueled controversy in the US Read more
| Illegal logging in Madgascar leads to export ban |
23-03-2010 |
 If you are buying wood that might possibly derive from Madagascar, be careful to check the evidence that it is legal. NGOs warn about widespread illegal logging in the country as a result of political chaos. The French company Delmas is suspected of shipping several cargos of possibly illegal timber from Madagascar Read more
| Good news for publishers |
23-03-2010 |
 New FSC guidance enables non-certified publishers to take ownership of paper used for FSC-labeled publications on certain conditions, if the printing job is done by a certified printing house. Also, the auditing process has become smoother for certified companies outsourcing tasks to certified subcontractors Read more
| New FSC standard for Sweden |
11-03-2010 |
 From 1st of June 2010, FSC-certified Swedish forest operations need to comply with a new national standard. FSC-Sweden has worked to take operation size into account, e.g. large operations are required to place more emphasis on stakeholder consultation Read more
| Boen group: Certification a must on the UK market |
10-03-2010 |
 “Having the FSC option on our shelves is essential if we want to be part of the game on the UK market”, says Kjell Bentsen, Marketing Director of one of Europe’s largest suppliers of hardwood flooring, the Boen Group. With three FSC certificates in place, the group is well prepared to bid on sports hall projects now coming up across the UK Read more
| Wake-up call for builders: use certified wood |
09-03-2010 |
 One of Northern Europe’s largest producers of glulam for construction, Lilleheden A/S, is using its market influence to spark demands for certified wood in the construction sector. The company is launching its own campaign to create awareness of FSC-certified glulam options among its buyers Read more
| Changes in new FSC trademark standard |
03-03-2010 |
 FSC has revised its new trademark standard which came into force on 1st of March. It is now clarified that certain requirements are mandatory rather than just recommended Read more
| First discussions on a global framework for timber legality verification |
17-02-2010 |
 The need for legality assurance for timber products is growing, and so is the number of verification schemes, to the great confusion of everyone in the marketplace. Should you go for VLO, VLC, LHV, TLTV, VLTV or maybe OLB? – just to mention a few of the programs offering assurance of timber product legality. About 35 representatives of organizations engaged in timber legality verification came together at Chatham House in January to discuss the options for finding common ground Read more
| Ban on illegal timber in EU - pros and cons |
17-02-2010 |
.jpg) If imports of illegal fish can be banned in EU, then why not timber, asked the UK Minister of Environment. He also asked why EU should leave the door to illegal wood open when it has the chance to slam it. The 15th illegal logging update held at Chatham House showed that the case for a ban is strong and backed up by many European timber industries – but not all Read more
| Social criteria now considered in UK timber procurement |
16-02-2010 |
.jpg) The UK public procurement policy for timber now includes social criteria addressing the interests of indigenous peoples, local communities and forest workers. The policy is also being expanded to include performance of certification schemes on the ground and forest conversion. The next assessment of schemes will be performed this spring Read more
| UK: Strong growth in certified timber supply and demands |
16-02-2010 |
 According to a report commissioned by the UK Timber Trade Federation, one in three buyers of timber and wood panel products from UK timber companies now specifically demands certified products. This trend is accompanied by a strong growth in the availability of certified timber products on the UK market Read more
| Good news for responsible wine lovers: UK supermarkets go for FSC cork |
15-02-2010 |
-150.jpg) Two leading UK supermarket chains have committed to selling wine bottled by Amorim's FSC cork stoppers, thereby preserving ancient Mediterranean cork oak landscapes. Cork is on its comeback as the natural choice for wine stoppers. And it may just be better than its synthetic rival products for preserving good wine quality Read more
| Big brands disclose their forest footprint |
15-02-2010 |
 Brands like Mondi, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Unilever have submitted data revealing details of their 'Forest Footprint' to the Forest Footprint Disclosure Project. Companies in the timber sector came out as the most progressive of all business branches Read more
| Is it legal? New Rainforest Alliance tools offer enhanced assurance for wood products |
09-02-2010 |
.jpg) The US Lacey Act, EU due diligence, public and private procurement policies: the market is increasingly demanding assurance for the legality of wood products. Now Rainforest Alliance has released revised generic legality verification standards, helping companies to demonstrate the legal status of forest products Read more
| SIG production units FSC-certified worldwide |
05-02-2010 |
 The multinational packaging company SIG is now exclusively sourcing wood-based raw materials from well-managed forests or controlled sources for its packages. This achievement has been made possible based on FSC chain of custody certification for all of its production facilities worldwide Read more
| New FSC trademark requirements in place |
02-02-2010 |
FSC has launched a new standard for using the FSC trademarks. New protected trademark symbols as well as new label designs incorporating trademark license codes are introduced Read more
| Minor FSC components hit the marketplace |
01-02-2010 |
 Producers of minor components are now getting FSC-certified, meeting the needs of furniture makers and other manufacturers of assembled FSC products. The Danish company Nissenpack A/S is one among few suppliers of FSC small parts for the furniture industry Read more
| Ethical bank targets FSC business in developing countries |
19-01-2010 |
 Based on a new scheme set up by Danish Merkur Cooperative Bank, enterprises in developing countries can now get loans and credits at favorable terms to develop FSC-certified business and trade. Chances of financing are especially high if the company teams up with a Western buyer. Read more
| EU ministers: thumbs down to ban on illegal wood import |
04-01-2010 |
 While the Copenhagen Climate summit put forests high on the agenda, the EU Agricultural Council of Ministers failed to ban trade in illlegal wood products. However, the EU legislation is still being processed. In Australia, pressures to ban illegal timber are
continuing Read more
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