FPAC encourages inclusive consideration of forest certifications. Here are samples of inclusive recognition statements by organizations and authorities.
The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers recognizes CSA, FSC and SFI as setting thresholds that forest companies must clear, in addition to Canada’s tough regulatory requirements. They provide third party (independent) assurance that forest products have come from forests where comprehensive environmental, social and economic standards are met, and are tailored to consider global forestry issues and circumstances specific to the Canadian landscape, such as the livelihood of local communities and the interests of Indigenous people.
Duck Unlimited Canada: “Forest certification standards are one mechanism of demonstrating and measuring sustainable forest management. There are three internationally recognized forest certification standards in Canada: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Canada is a leader in forest certification and is ranked first in the world in total acres certified by third party audits and fifth in total percentage of forestland under certification.” (2012)
Public Services and Procurement Canada: Green criteria for standing offers and supply arrangements include the following sample environmental criteria:
- Furniture (N71) for Work Spaces: The materials used in the manufacturing of the product must have attributes that include sustainable wood originating from sustainable managed forests.
- Office Supplies and Devices (N75): Certifications include … Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), etc.
United Kingdom Central Point of Expertise on Timber: “The assessment indicated that the [FSC and PEFC] system is adequate to ensure that certified forests meet UK Government requirements for legal timber. In addition, the requirements for control of uncertified material in mixed source products are adequate to deliver legality. Therefore, all [FSC and PEFC] -certified products deliver UK Government requirements for legality.”
Office of Consumer Affairs, Government of Canada: Forest certification logos on forest products, such as wood and paper, claim to help consumers identify that the product comes from sustainably managed forests. These are examples of internationally recognized forest certification systems you may see on products in Canada: Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.