FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are two of the most widely recognized international certification systems for sustainably managed forests. Both systems provide a way for consumers to identify products that have been made with wood from well-managed forests, ensuring that the forests are protected and the rights of local communities are respected.
There are some key differences between the FSC and PEFC certification systems:
- Governance: FSC is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards and certifies forests and forest products around the world. PEFC, on the other hand, is a federation of national certification organizations that work together to promote sustainable forest management.
- Standards: Both FSC and PEFC have strict standards for sustainable forest management, but they differ slightly in their approach. FSC focuses on protecting forests, wildlife, and the rights of local communities, while PEFC emphasizes the importance of forests as a natural resource and the role they play in mitigating climate change.
- Certification process: The certification process for FSC and PEFC also differs slightly. FSC requires a full assessment of the forest management practices, including on-site inspections and stakeholder engagement, while PEFC relies on third-party certification bodies to assess the forests.
- Scope: FSC and PEFC have slightly different scope when it comes to the types of forests and products they certify. FSC covers a wide range of forests, including natural and plantation forests, and certifies a wide range of forest products, including paper, wood, and non-timber forest products. PEFC mainly focuses on natural and semi-natural forests and certifies a wide range of forest products, including wood, paper, and non-timber forest products.
Overall, both FSC and PEFC are important tools for consumers who want to support sustainable forest management and protect the planet’s forests. By choosing products that are certified by one of these systems, you can be confident that you are making a positive impact on the environment.
At retasta, we have chosen to follow the FSC system and are a fully FSC certified manufacturer. While manufacturers can be certified in both, we believe that FSC is more universal and adhering to one system is less confusing to consumers. Furthermore, the FSC tree logo is widely recognized and accepted as a symbol of responsibly managed forests.