Södra targets FSC certification of one million ha

Södra has reported a tremendous response to its expansion into Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and is targeting one million ha of FSC-certified forest by the end of 2010.

Södra launched double certification in June last year after growing customer demand for FSC products. It had originally concentrated on PEFC certification.

Södra project manager Klara Helstad said about 850,000ha of member forests were now FSC-certified.

Andreas Jonasson, sales director of Södra Timber, said: "To be able to offer both PEFC and FSC to the market, depending on what the end user requests, is very important both for Södra Timber and for our customers. We are pleased to see that we now have a significant volume to offer in both PEFC and FSC. On top of that the double certification shows our customers that Södra has a strong environmental focus for its timber."

The group aims to pace certification to meet delivery requirements for FSC products in 2010. The strong influx of double-certified members mean it is likely to meet delivery demand.