PEFC on the verge of big expansion

PEFC is reaching a “tipping point” in further expansion of the certification system globally, according to PEFC secretary-general Ben Gunneberg.

Mr Gunneberg, speaking prior to a visit to Australia where he will update stakeholders about PEFC developments, said with recently approved revised standards, PEFC had introduced several unique criteria specifically focused on advancing social aspects in forest certification.

“PEFC International’s Sustainability Benchmarks are now world-leading and perfectly placed to expand forest certification specifically in regions such as Asia, Africa and South America, which still make up less than 10% of the total global certified area,” he said.

Mr Gunneberg said PEFC was on the verge of a major growth in certified area, having recently endorsed certification systems in Uruguay, Latvia and Australia, as well as lifting the suspension of the Russian system.

“In addition, countries such as Ireland have applied for endorsement, and a range of countries in eastern Europe have set up initiatives with the aim to develop national standards.”