What is Forest Certification?
Forest Certification is a method that forest owners, the forest industry and the entire production chain for wood products can use to show consumers that products are made from wood that comes from well-managed forests. A well-managed forest is one which is ecologically, socially and economically sustainable.
What is Chain of Custody?
Consumers in growing numbers are seeking evidence of environmentally sound business practices. Public authorities and enterprise procurement policies increasingly demand reassurance and proof from the wood-processing industries that the wood they use comes from sustainable managed sources. Businesses therefore need a reliable and credible mechanism to prove to their customers where their products have come from. Every business is a link in the overall 'chain' for the wood from the forest to the finished product. So it is important all business are certified by independently accredited third parties to demonstrate that the 'chain' is complete.
Why are there Different Certification Systems?
There are dozens of regional and national certification systems throughout the world. Nearly 250 million hectares of forests have been certified under these systems. This equates to slightly less that 7% of the world's forests. Below is a guide to how the different certification schemes make up this ratio.
The first forest certification system, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), was established in 1993. It was designed mainly with large forest owners in mind but was also adapted to suit the needs of small forest owners. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) system was established in 1999.
How does this affect Elliott Baxter & our customers?
Elliott Baxter has achieved chain of custody for both FSC & PEFC. Chain of Custody is an additional statement that demonstrates our support for the sustainable management of forests around the world. It also secures and increases our access to markets demanding eco-friendly products, helping our customers make informed decisions.
This does not mean that all the products we carry can be sold and advertised as FSC or PEFC certified products. For a full and up to date list, please consult your local sales team.
Our customers can expect the service which has made us the leading independent paper merchant in the UK, but they now can also address the environmental concerns of their customers. They will be able to print the relevant logo on any material they produce that is printed on certified paper, but only if it is sourced from a supplier with a chain of custody like EBB.
The printer, must also have a chain of custody certificate. If he does not have a chain of custody certificate, he can not print the logo on the finished material.
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