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| New standard for legal timber sourcing: join the consultation |
17-12-2011 |
 NEPCon has developed a new standard for the sourcing of legal timber products. The standard effectively offers a framework and provides assurance for the quality and implementation of organisations' due diligence systems, such as required by the EU Timber Regulation Read more
| Environmental devotion propels success for greeting cards |
15-12-2011 |
 As the festive season begins, shoppers across North America, Australia and the United Kingdom can send their loved ones messages on a unique line of FSC-certified greeting cards that has garnered a devoted following and won numerous awards thanks to its environmental devotion Read more
| Responsible timber trade: tears, sweat, and optimism |
15-12-2011 |
 Imagine a company selling a product which is in short supply and for which there is no market. What odds would you give this business project? After ten years of seemingly impossible aspirations, prospects look good for Kasper Kopp, owner of TRACER ApS. He has all the perseverance it takes to open doors for his sustainable tropical timber products on the marketplace Read more
| Leadership needed in absence of global climate deal |
14-12-2011 |
 Nations and industries urgently need to take leadership in the fight against climate change in the absence of an international, legally-binding agreement in the near future. NEPCon reports directly from COP17 in Durban on the impact and opportunities to the forestry and timber sectors Read more
| Outlook 2012: sustainability trends in the timber market |
10-12-2011 |
.jpg) During 2011, certification again proved itself to be a viable business lever for sustainable forest management and a great market differentiator. Will this still be the case in the face of continued financial uncertainty? CEO of NEPCon Peter Feilberg believes that the future looks bright for those who make serious commitments to forest- and climate-friendly business Read more
| Corruption Index: Nine EU countries “unspecified risk” for timber legality |
09-12-2011 |
 New figures for the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) imply that Lithuania and Costa Rica are now listed as “unspecified risk” for timber harvesting legality under the FSC Controlled Wood system. Nine EU countries fall into this
category, which raises the question of how the EU Timber Regulation will affect operations located in these countries Read more
| FSC and PEFC requirements: update on key changes |
08-12-2011 |
 A number of changes and amendments to the FSC and PEFC certification requirements were adopted during the past year, with deadlines towards the end of 2011 or during 2012. Other changes are in the pipeline and likely to be phased in during 2012. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important changes Read more
| FSC aligns itself with the EU Timber Regulation |
23-11-2011 |
 Minor non-certified components will need to be completely phased out of the FSC system within a year's time. FSC has found this to be a necessary move in order to ensure recognition of FSC certified products as conformant with the coming EU Timber Regulation. The process of alignment involves amendment of three core FSC standards READ MORE
| FSC Controlled Wood standard to be amended |
23-11-2011 |
 A new draft version of the standard for Company Evaluation of FSC Controlled Wood is open for public consultation until 30 November. It includes several new requirements, which have been added in order to ensure that FSC products will meet the EU Timber Regulation Read more
| Survey underpins market strength of FSC |
22-11-2011 |
 FSC certificate holders are happy with their certification, and almost 90% plan to continue with their certification. A new market survey report reveals that FSC certification is an important business asset in a number of aspects, including some that were not expected by the certificate holders Read more
| Malaysian timber scheme rejected by Dutch board of appeal |
21-11-2011 |
 The Board of Appeal of the Dutch Environmental Foundation has ruled to uphold a judgement made last year by the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC). TPAC found that the PEFC endorsed, Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) fails to meet key sustainability criteria Read more
| Group FSC scheme unlocks potential for UK small enterprises |
15-11-2011 |
 Oxford Timber Audit Certification, the largest FSC Group of small-to-medium-sized enterprises in the UK timber and paper supply chain, is now certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Certification under the group scheme offers an avenue for these enterprises to FSC certification where individual certification is too burdensome. Additionally, access to the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certified seal positions these businesses well within a competitive market READ MORE
| NGOs: PEFC fails to deliver key values |
09-11-2011 |
 A new report jointly released by nine leading NGOs – including Climate for Ideas, the Netherlands Center for Indigenous People and Greenpeace– questions the validity of the PEFC scheme as a sustainable forestry assurance scheme. Based on studies covering thirteen countries, it concludes that the PEFC scheme does not consistently deliver key social and environmental benefits normally associated with sustainable forest management Read more
| Contractors may hold key to concerns over European forestry |
04-11-2011 |
 The biodiversity status in Europe’s forests is ‘worrying’, say the European Environment Agency in a new report, which calls for improved sustainable forest management in Europe. Contractors hold a central role in the management of Europe’s forests – a region where more than half of forestland is managed by smallholders Read more
| Register for first UN Global Business of Forests Symposium |
03-11-2011 |
 Experts from around the globe will gather
this month for the world’s first UN Global Business of Forests Symposium. Catch
the early-bird registration to attend this high-
level event in the UK to discuss the issues
at the heart of environmental concerns and
learn where business opportunities are
emerging Read more
| FSC makes headway in Greenland |
31-10-2011 |
 FSC certified wood is now available for the booming housing construction sector in Greenland. STARK, the Danish chain of professional builders merchants has expanded its multi-site FSC certificate to cover its stores in Greenland. The five STARK stores are the first FSC-certified businesses in Greenland. The initiative is part of STARK’s overall approach to CSR and business on the ice-clad island Read more
| Barbie goes for sustainable packaging |
06-10-2011 |
 On Wednesday 5 October, Mattel, producer of the iconic Barbie dolls, announced a new fibre sourcing policy that excludes controversial
sources and preferences FSC for certified fibre inputs. Ken and Barbie may now be able to re-establish their relationship, which according to Greenpeace had suffered from Barbie's lack of commitment to responsible sourcing Read more
| Seven more brands move away from SFI |
05-10-2011 |
.jpg) ForestEthics has announced that the next seven major US companies are stepping away from the Sustainable Forestry Intiative (SFI) scheme. This follows a similar move by seven other leading companies earlier this year. Simultaneously, a group of 21 North American NGOs led by ForestEthics have sent a petition to the CEO of SFI, asking SFI to move away from greenwashing Read more
| Rhett Butler: using the power of words to transform forestry |
03-10-2011 |
.jpg) Over the past decade, a young man by the name of Rhett Butler has built what is perhaps the world’s most successul one-stop site on tropical forests, Mongabay.com. Attracting more than a million visitors every month, Mongabay is a real powerhouse in the global forestry debate Read more
| Celebrate FSC Friday today |
30-09-2011 |
 A great way to celebrate the International Year of Forests is by doing your bit on FSC Friday. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you can do something today to celebrate forests. Find out what is happening near you READ MORE
| Are you a green buyer? |
20-09-2011 |
If not, you can green up by looking for the little green Rainforest Alliance frog. And watch out if you don't! To understand the perils of non-green buying, watch this funny (and scary!) video:
| FSC remains the sole choice of Tetra Pak |
19-09-2011 |
.jpg) Despite FSC supplier bottlenecks, leading beverage carton producer Tetra Pak is not likely to start sourcing PEFC-certified fibre just yet. An analysis carried out by ProForest on behalf of Tetra Pak reveals that PEFC certified timber from Australia, Sweden, Finland and the US does not offer the full assurance required by the company. Only timber from Southern Sweden would qualify Read more
| Celebrate Rainforest Alliance Week! |
12-09-2011 |
 In just seven days, we will begin one week of celebrating the Rainforest Alliance. We’ve got a few things up our sleeves, but you’ll have to wait until 19 September 2011 to see what our little green frog is up to. In the mean time, make sure you're following the frog! READ MORE
| Leading printing house: positive outlook for certified sales in Eastern Europe |
08-09-2011 |
 The largest printing house in Central Europe, QuadWinkowski, sees clear business benefits of its dual FSC and PEFC certification. Demands for certified products are growing across all of the company’s markets including countries where consumer demands for eco-labeling are only emerging Read more
| Social issues move into the FSC Chain of Custody standard |
24-08-2011 |
 FSC has launched a revised Chain of Custody standard including new requirements related to social issues, such as occupational health and safety and workers' rights. In addition, companies will need to adjust their chain of custody procedures to other changes in the standard, such as revised claims for invoices and transport documents. Here’s an overview for you of the key changes Read more
| Social issues in the FSC supply chain: real change in sight? |
24-08-2011 |
 The launch of FSC’s new Chain of Custody standard could mark a new era for FSC, adding significant value to chain of custody certification by providing assurance for social aspects along the supply chain. The new requirements look good on paper, but will they change anything on the ground? Read more
| Germany low risk for Controlled Wood |
22-08-2011 |
 Buyers of Controlled Wood for manufacturing FSC MIX products may now safely source timber from any forest in Germany. FSC recently endorsed a new national risk assessment that found Germany to be low risk for all five Controlled Wood risk categories Read more
| New PEFC Chain of Custody standard soon mandatory |
18-08-2011 |
 Reminder: PEFC certificate holders need to be aware that the transition period for phasing in the new PEFC Chain of Custody standard ends on 26 November 2011. After this date, all PEFC certified companies need to be in conformance with the new standard, including new social requirements a suite of new or changed requirements Read more
| FSC renames certified products |
18-08-2011 |
 Looking for FSC-certified saunas, matches, mousetraps, coated paperboard, or finger jointed wood? In the future, it may become easier to find these and a host of other certified products using the FSC database. With a revised classification of FSC-certified products, certificate holders have more options to classify their product Read more
| Certified, but not for the money |
15-08-2011 |
.jpg) Why do some forest owners choose certification but opt out of the certified market? In the case of Gran Canaria, there are quite different benefits at stake. Not a single certified log has been sold during 8 years of certification, yet the island decided to quadruple its FSC-certified forest area Read more
| Rainforest Alliance seeks feedback on core legality standards |
05-08-2011 |
 As demand for stringent legality verification services unfolds, the Rainforest Alliance has announced its plans to phase out the first tier of its Legality Verification programme and focus on its second tier, now called Verification of
Legal Conformance (VLC). Interested parties are invited to comment on the proposals
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| Lego adopts forest-friendly packaging |
08-07-2011 |
 The world's largest construction toy maker, LEGO, yesterday announced a new policy for responsible sourcing of packaging material. Through a mixture of reduced packaging volumes, increased use of recycled material, and specification for FSC-certified material, LEGO aims to avoid any linkage between its packaging and deforestation Read more
| FSC GA 2011: Voting on FSC's future - part II |
07-07-2011 |
 LAST REPORT: On Friday 1 July, the final voting took place at the FSC General Assembly, and important work now lies ahead for FSC to enhance the system's transparency, credibility, inclusiveness, and market penetration. We present news and views on the difficult issue of plantations. FSC-Africa shares news from the continent where the integration of FLEGT into the FSC standard may be the way forward. Meet the legendary Timothy Synnott, FSC's first Director. We also present another popular figure in the FSC system, John Ramsay, who facilitates the FSC General Assembly like a conductor does a jazz orchestra Read issue 6
| FSC GA 2011: Voting on FSC's future - Part I |
01-07-2011 |
 The first voting day of the 2011 FSC General Assembly began yesterday. We share results and our persective on key decisions made, and update you on some continued motion negotiations that have resulted in revised motions to be voted on today. FSC Columbia shares their perspective on the increasing disparity between private and community certification in Latin America. Further perspective in this region from Jaime Levy from neighbouring Ecuador is today's FSC Mover & Shaker. Robert Simeone talks of the need for propagation of lesser known species to boost sustainable forest management in the tropics READ ISSUE 5
| FSC GA 2011: Motion on motions - Transparency wanted |
30-06-2011 |
 The General Assembly atmosphere intensified yesterday as the formal General Assembly proceedings drew to a close. We share some of the changes to key motions that will be put to the vote today and tomorrow. Transparency and stakeholder engagement are two cross-cutting themes in today's issue. But we also shine the light on long-time supporter WWF, celebrating its 20th years of GFTN success and today's Mover & Shaker Margareta Renström. Read on to find out about potential strategies that could propel FSC into the future, brought to the table by thought leaders today at the one-day Forest Conference organised by FSC IC READ ISSUE 4
| FSC GA 2011: Kingfisher: Traceability top agenda for retailers |
29-06-2011 |
 In focus today: timber traceability and the retail industry. Timber traders are also scrambling to secure supplies to match the growing demands for certified timber products. We look at how DLH is working to expand its certified product range and grow new markets. The featured FSC Mover & Shaker of today’s issue is FSC’s Knight in Shining Armour. Charles Thwaites from FSC UK offers his perspective of what it's like to co-exist with PEFC on the British Isles. In his editorial, NEPCon’s CEO Peter Feilberg points out that someone will have to swallow hard if we're serious about bringing smallholders into the FSC system READ ISSUE 3
| FSC GA 2011: Beyond timber - will FSC put a price on the wider forest values? |
28-06-2011 |
 Nineteen side events at the FSC General Assembly venue yesterday involved FSC stakeholders in discussions on a wide variety of topics. In today's and tomorrow's issue, we report on these open events where lessons learned are shared, old discussions are remembered and new ideas introduced. Today's topics include smallholders, ecosystem services, "ISOfication", the modular approach and an intriguing concept of underwater logging. With a fast growth in certification, Asia could become the next “FSC Tiger”, and don't miss out on today’s FSC Mover & Shaker: Grant Roseman from Greenpeace > READ ISSUE 2
| FSC GA 2011: Freitas: Integrity remains our top priority |
27-06-2011 |
 Today marks the beginning of FSC's most important important event - a trinneal experience that will guide FSC through its next most crutial phase. The first events at the 6th FSC General Assembly have already begun; the venue in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is buzzing with FSC talk. We are excited to bring you the first issue of the Special Edition of our newsletter, reporting directly the 2011 FSC General Assembly in Malaysia. Make sure you keep up to speed with the official happenings and unofficial 'word on the street' READ ISSUE 1
| FSC to create online tool for timber traceability |
21-06-2011 |
 FSC has launched a project that may result in a step-change for the system's credibility and impact worldwide: an online platform for timber traceability. This may also enhance the assurance provided by FSC for compliance with the EU Timber Regulation Read more
| New tool helps importers transition to new EU timber law |
21-06-2011 |
 NEPCon has launched a new tool today that will propel importers to take the necessary steps to prepare for the new EU timber regulation, effective from March 2013. Screening and management of supply chains is urgently needed for almost all EU companies importing timber and paper products READ MORE
| Sustainability buzz at global furniture trade fair |
21-06-2011 |
 The buzz word at Germany's global trade fair Interzum was sustainability. While discussions over FSC growth showcased the business case for certification, concerns loomed over new EU timber regulation as time draws closer to March 2013 READ MORE
| Latvian private forest owners take advantage of supply deficit |
21-06-2011 |
 While the Latvian state forests remain suspended, private forest owners in the country are moving ahead with FSC certification, filling in the void left in the market. A new FSC certified group of forest owners are sucessfully involving smallholders in certification Read more
| The Netherlands: endorsement of PEFC reconfirmed |
20-06-2011 |
 The Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) has announced its positive judgment of the PEFC International scheme, following a renewed assessment. The reassessment was prompted by complaints filed by NGOs Read more
| Icecream with a touch of frog |
12-06-2011 |
 Thousands of UK consumers are being exposed to the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal every day as they pass by one of the busiest London tube stations, Oxford Circus Read more
| Increased flexibility for using reclaimed materials in FSC products |
09-06-2011 |
 FSC has released a second version of its standard for sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC-certified product groups. It offers enhanced flexibility to certificate holders, for example in terms of supplier auditing programs Read more
| Graphic industries embrace forest certification for comeback |
05-06-2011 |
 Historically, the paper and print industry has been an important driver of forest certification worldwide. Now this role is set to grow even stronger. Forestry certification schemes play a major role in the strategy adopted by European graphic industries, for staying competitive on a tough market Read more
| McDonald's gives preference to FSC for packaging |
01-06-2011 |
 McDonald's has launched a policy for its food packaging that preferences FSC-certified materials. McDonald's wood fibre sourcing policy requires suppliers to deliver products in compliance with legal requirements and several sustainability criteria Read more
| Maersk Line launches responsible container flooring |
29-05-2011 |
 One of the world’s biggest sea carriers, Maersk Line, has announced an ambitious procurement policy for container floorboards. The aim is to ensure that any wood in the container flooring derives from responsible sources. The company plans to invest in 3 million new containers over the next 5 years Read more
| Carbon investors turn to forestry |
27-05-2011 |
 As investors warm to the carbon market, how do forests compare to other carbon offsetting initiatives? At an event organised by Environmental Finance this month, a clearer picture emerged as to the upcoming opportunities and challenges of investing in forestry READ MORE
| Timber legality verification well received by the Brazilian forest sector |
26-05-2011 |
 The timber supply chain in Brazil is reacting positively to the introduction of the Brazilian version of the Rainforest Alliance Verification of Legal Origin (VLO) standard. Last year, the first forest operation in Brazil successfully completed its verification process. The availability of VLO timber has now prompted local companies in the supply chain to follow suit Read more
| Indonesia and Liberia sign deals with EU to cut illegal timber trade |
24-05-2011 |
 FLEGT-licensed timber products could start appearing on the EU market in just two years’ time. The first Asian country and the fifth country in Africa have signed Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with the EU. The two deals, covering more than 135 million hectares of tropical forest, aim to put an end to illegal timber trade worth more than 1 billion USD Read more
| Pilot tests bring contractor certification closer to reality in Spain |
20-04-2011 |
 Pilot projects in Spain show promising results for the Certification of Forest Contractors (CeFCo) project, and is likely to boost certification among small and medium sized landowners. This innovative NEPCon, FSC and ENFE joint project aims to certify forestry contractors to allow forest owners to reduce the costs and work load of becoming certified Read more
| Australian timber act under way |
19-04-2011 |
 The Australian government has released an "Illlegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2011" for public consultation. The proposed Act bans illegal timber products from entering the Australian market and importers of illegal wood products risk a penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment Read more
| Seven major brands move away from SFI |
06-04-2011 |
 Seven leading companies, including four on the Fortune 500 list, are withdrawing their commitment to using the PEFC-endorsed certification scheme Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) in their sustainability approach. The moves follow sustained campaigning by ForestEthics and a scathing report exposing the SFI scheme Read more
| Portugal low risk for FSC Controlled Wood |
04-04-2011 |
 Good news for buyers of FSC Controlled Wood: all wood from continental Portugal is low risk for illegal harvesting as well as the other four categories of controversial wood covered by the controlled wood system. That is the outcome of a new national risk assessment endorsed by FSC Read more
| Will the EU Timber Regulation be effective? |
30-03-2011 |
 Tim Grabiel from the organisation of activist lawyers ClientEarth puts the EU Illegal Timber Regulation on trial: will it effectively preclude illegal timber from the EU marketplace? The answer rests in the detail where the interpretation of even a single word could be a determining factor Read more
| Sourcing Controlled Wood from UK made easier |
22-03-2011 |
 FSC-certified companies are no longer required to carry out their own Controlled Wood (CW) risk assessments when sourcing timber from Great Britain. Companies will now simply refer to a newly approved FSC risk assessment for the UK Read more
| Greenpeace: FSC needs to work harder |
16-03-2011 |
 Rapid expansion of the FSC system combined with long-standing issues affecting the system’s credibility. That is a cocktail which stakeholders of the FSC system are increasingly unwilling to swallow. Greenpeace has reviewed FSC’s progress since its critical 2008 report "Holding the line with FSC" Read more
| Consultation: help buyers find your FSC products |
03-03-2011 |
 Help FSC improve its product classification system! This helps ensure that your buyers will see just those product categories that they are looking for when using the search function in the FSC Certificate Holder Database Read more
| New member of NEPCon’s management |
28-02-2011 |
.jpg) NEPCon has appointed Peter Sørensen as Chief Operational Officer (COO) for Western Europe. He is now in charge of supporting and managing the steep growth of NEPCon’s service portfolio in the region Read more
| Large concessions in Africa embark on legality verification |
25-02-2011 |
.gif) Three concessions held by the company SODEFOR in the DR Congo have successfully gone through Verification of Legal Origin (VLO) assessments carried out by the Rainforest Alliance. The concessions total to 621,225 ha of African rainforest Read more
| Help us report directly from the next FSC General Assembly |
16-02-2011 |
 Did you find our newsletter covering the 2008 FSC General Assembly valuable? Help us report again this year! NEPCon and the Rainforest Alliance are now offering sponsorship opportunities and we invite you to contact us right away READ MORE
| Facts and fiction in Al-Jazeera's "Latvia's Pulp Fiction" |
09-02-2011 |
 Last week, the TV Channel Al-Jazeera aired the program "Latvia's Pulp Fiction," telling a sad story about the damage caused by high logging rates in the Latvian state forests. The program implies the FSC system sanctions these practices, despite the fact that the FSC forest management certificate covering Latvia's state forests remains suspended since 17 July 2010 Read more
| Transitory FSC requirements: register for extended deadline |
03-02-2011 |
 Two separate transitory FSC requirements are about to expire. These concern 1) permitting certain exceptions from FSC Controlled Wood requirements for co-product inputs in FSC products, as well as 2) lower thresholds for labeling FSC Mixed chip/fiber products. A new FSC directive enables companies to obtain an extension of the transitory requirements by registering with their certification body Read more
| Report: FSC an asset for timberland investment in Canada |
02-02-2011 |
 A new report advises institutional investors in Canadian timberland to look for FSC certification. It concludes that FSC out-competes its rival schemes in terms of minimizing investment risks and providing market advantages. Several large institutional investors reportedly focus on FSC in their forest investment policies Read more
| Chatham House event: EU illegal timber law requires urgent action |
01-02-2011 |
 What steps can European companies take to keep up to speed with the new EU timber legislation? And do they have enough time? At Chatham House last week, the European Commission shed some light on the next steps for implementing the EU Illegal timber law READ MORE
| Finnish national FSC standard in place |
01-02-2011 |
 FSC International Center has endorsed the national FSC forest management standard for Finland. Following a decade of tough negotiations, the FSC National Office achieved consensus on the proposed standard in October last year. The new standard is welcomed by the Finnish forest industry Read more
| FSC Denmark polices its trademarks |
31-01-2011 |
.gif) FSC-Denmark is now taking new steps to crack down on trademark misuse. With effective branding and a growing number of daily consumer goods carrying the FSC logo, public recognition of the tickmark-tree is soaring in Denmark. As the value of FSC’s trademarks grows, their protection becomes increasingly important Read more
| FSC pushes ahead in three tropical countries |
19-01-2011 |
 FSC has endorsed three new forest standards adapted specifically to the conditions of smallholders and communities. The tailored standards are anticipated to advance certification in Cameroon, Brazil and Mexico Read more
| FSC remains the only forest scheme for LEED Green Building |
18-01-2011 |
 Should the forestry benchmark of LEED - the US rating system for green building – be changed, permitting non-FSC schemes to earn green building credits? This question has been buzzing in the forestry and green construction communities for years. Now it’s decided: architects, developers and construction companies still need to specify FSC to gain LEED timber credit Read more
| New PEFC Chain of Custody standard: deadline for transition |
18-01-2011 |
 All PEFC asssesments and audits will take place against the new PEFC Chain of Custody standard from 26 November this year. It is possible to switch earlier on a voluntary basis Read more
| New PEFC logo usage toolkit launched |
18-01-2011 |
.gif) PEFC has published a revised logo usage toolkit for companies that have switched to following the new Chain of Custody standard Read more
| New Google tool revolutionizes forest monitoring |
17-01-2011 |
.gif) Determining the exact rate of deforestation is set to become a piece of cake, even in the remotest of locations. Google Earth Engine is a new tool that makes an astonishing amount of global satellite data available Read more
| Australia gets ready to ban illegal timber import |
13-01-2011 |
.gif) The land down under will soon have its own Illegal Timber Law. The Australian government has announced the introduction of new legislation aimed at restricting the import of illegal timber and creating a level playing field Read more
| Furniture design inspired by nature |
07-01-2011 |
 As the importance of social and environmental issues prevails, furniture manufacturers are increasingly integrating sustainability into their designs. By creating furniture that is responsibly produced without sacrificing design, Cisco Brothers is putting sustainability on their clientele’s check-list Read more
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