Covered by Jason Ross, Marketing and Communication Officer
Responsible Wood and PEFC, two logos that mean much or little to different people.
But what does it mean to be PEFC or Responsible Wood certified and why is forest certification important for consumers purchasing timber or paper based products?
And with that opening stanza I had my topic for the National Sustainability Conference in Brisbane.
‘Selling sunshine’ – the compelling case for Responsible Wood
Staged annually these conferences attract a wide reach of corporates, small business owners and government and are a great way to connect with all-important specifiers and procurement professionals.
A broad church of movers and shakers, influencers and decision makers all looking to make sustainable and ethical procurement decisions.
What’s more, forest certification is being recognised by procurement professionals when making timber and paper purchasing decisions.
Consumers are now starting to understand the benefits of certification, are comfortable with ethical purchase decisions and are now searching for sustainable timber and paper based products.
But with all good intentions, procurement of Responsible Wood or PEFC certified timber or paper based products often breaks down along the supply chain.
As Responsible Wood visibility improves consumers find it difficult to source timber based products that carry the Responsible Wood trust mark.
For Responsible Wood, Chain of Custody is king.
And it is through maximising the involvement of merchants and retailers in Chain of Custody that leads to more and more Responsible Wood certified timber and paper based products being available for consumers to purchase.
Representing Responsible Wood I was fortunate to present to case for forest certification and outline the benefits of Responsible Wood certification.
Specifically how Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody works together to ensure that timber and paper is sourced using responsible forestry practices and is supported through the supply chain.
For Responsible Wood or PEFC certified timber or paper based products you can’t have one without the other.
So next time you are looking for timber or paper based products look out for the Responsible Wood or PEFC logos. And if Responsible Wood or PEFC certified product is not available ask your supplier why not.
