February 13, 2012 14:37
What are SFI and FSC and why do we work with them?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was founded in 1993 as a response to concerns with global deforestation. FSC is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization whose goal is to promote and coordinate responsible economical management of forests worldwide. FSC sets high standards in order to keep our forests clean and green. Products that have an FSC logo on them have met the requirements of the FSC, and therefore came from a well maintained forest.
Founded in 1994, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is an internationally recognized independent, non-profit organization whose focus is on North American Forests. It is the largest single forest certification standard in the world with over 180 million acres of registered forestland. Within these millions of acres, SFI strives to encourage and promote responsible forestry management. Some of its main goals include the following: protecting water quality, biodiversity, species at risk, wildlife habitat and Forests with Exceptional conservation Value. Products that have an SFI logo have met the requirements of the SFI, and therefore, like FSC certified products, came from a well maintained forest.
How do you decide whether to use FSC, SFI or both?
Listen to your customers. Ultimately, the goals and missions of the FSC and SFI are the same. Therefore, research and discuss the needs and expectations of your customers. Choose a certification aligned with not only your customers', but also with your company’s values and commitment to sustainability. You can also receive dual certifications for both SFI and FSC as well. For more information visit:
Forest Stewardship Council
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
In the end...
Both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) are organizations who manage responsible forestry practices. Researching what each organization specializes in and then considering your customer’s needs will point you in the right direction. The organizations have different certification policies―choose the one that is best for you and your company. At the end of the day, both organizations are focused on maintaining our world’s forests and ensuring responsible forest practices which is a win for the environment.
Happy #EcoMonday!
http://www.fsc.org/. 6 Feb 2012
http://www.fscus.org/. 6 Feb 2012
http://www.sfiprogram.org/. 6 Feb 2012
http://www.yale.edu/forestcertification/pdfs/auditprograms.pdf. 6 Feb 2012