With an estimated global demand for wood and paper-based products at least tripling by 2050, leading companies are committing to support forest certification systems such as PEFC to significantly scale up sustainable forest management. 

The statement, 'Leadership Statement on the Value and Future of Forest Certification' issued by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Forest Solutions Group (FSG) at the WBCSD Council Week in Istanbul this week, recognises that reducing forest loss and degradation is a global societal priority requiring immediate and concerted action. The FSG consists of 26 companies that are responsible for nearly 40% of annual global forest, paper and packaging sales, including Weyerhaeuser, SCA, Stora Enso and UPM.

"The WBCSD Forest Solutions Group's leadership statement calls on all stakeholders to join forces to innovate and grow markets for sustainably-produced forest products. Approaches to expand, reach and impact of existing certification standards should better address the needs of small forest owners, community forestry, indigenous peoples and agroforestry operators," said James Griffiths, Managing Director at the WBCSD.

“The statement highlights the value that business derives from forest certification systems such as PEFC in promoting responsible forest management and providing certified material to meet the growing demand for sustainably-sourced wood,” said Ben Gunneberg, Secretary General of PEFC, speaking at the WBCSD Council Week. “Forest certification has become an integral part of the business operations of leading companies, and we are looking forward to working with WBCSD members on concrete action to expand forest certification and grow the markets for certified products.”

“The support that business leaders are committing to is very much welcome, especially as PEFC is working with an ever wider range of countries to support them in their development of national forest certification systems. The WBCSD’s FSG leadership statement demonstrates that the value of the work we are undertaking to especially assist small and family-forest owners, community forestry and indigenous peoples to implement sustainable forest management practices and benefit from forest certification is recognised,” added Mr.Gunneberg. “It will now be important to see how these commitments turn into practical action.”