Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK has said that a draft paper on partial certification is the “first step in a consultation process that will lead to a policy on association with FSC’s good name that is acceptable to all”.
The FSC International Centre has proposed a new method of partial certification, which includes third parties proving they are not directly or indirectly involved with five prohibited activities, after concerns were raised about firms “greenwashing” their operations.
FSC UK said that it is working with the International Centre to ensure the new policy protects the integrity of the FSC trademark while satisfying UK chain of custody holders.
“FSC UK is aware of these concerns and is working with the International Centre to find a satisfactory compromise that addresses the worldwide potential to abuse the concept of partial certification, yet is sufficiently light of touch to satisfy UK chain of custody holders,” said executive director Charles Thwaites.
