THE PEFC LABEL

WHAT CERTIFICATION MEANS

Many products carry endorsements and logos. For the

future of the worlds forests, look for PEFCs distinctive
two trees logo.

PEFC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation promoting

sustainable forest management by certifying forests and the
products that come from them.

This is your assurance that wood-based

products (timber, furniture, packaging or
paper) bearing the two trees logo come
from well-managed forests. Today it is
a recognised brand carried on many
everyday products, providing consumers
around the world with the knowledge that
the wood or fibre used in the product
originates from a responsibly-managed
forest.

WHY FORESTS MATTER

We all know that forests are wonderful places. They are a
precious living resource providing habitats and shelter. They
play a key role in regulating our climate and, of course, they
supply our need for timber and paper. In addition, 1.6 billion
people across the globe rely on forests for their livelihoods, yet
illegal logging and forest clearance for agriculture and urban
development is jeopardising their futures. The need to protect
the worlds forests has never been greater.

PEFC stands for Programme for the

Endorsement of Forest Certification,
which works in more than 30 countries
around the world, to ensure that forests
meet its high sustainability standards
and that the wood fibre and timber they
produce is carefully tracked through the
supply chain to a huge range of finished
products.

Forests are critical for sustainable development. They provide

a wealth of goods and services that are essential for peoples
lives, livelihoods and the green economy. Maintaining and
enhancing our planets forest resources is essential if we are to
succeed in the global efforts to alleviate poverty, address water
scarcity and biodiversity loss, and mitigate climate change.

As consumers,
we can make a
difference: we
can choose to
buy only certified
wood and paper
products.

PEFCs approach to sustainable forest

management includes demanding
environmental, social and economic
requirements. Independent auditors
verify that these are being met.

Certification is a two part process:

Forest certification assures that forests are managed in
line with challenging environmental, social and economic
needs, balancing People, Planet and Profit.
Chain of Custody certification covers traceability of the
wood from forest to final product.
Certification is awarded after third party audits verify that
the forestry practices and the Chain of Custody systems
are in compliance with PEFCs internationally-recognised
standards.
Today, over 15,000 companies and over 260 million
hectares of forest globally, are PEFC certified.

KEY REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE

PEFC STANDARD INCLUDE:
Ecologically important forest areas are safeguarded
Biological diversity is enhanced and protected
Plantations established by conversions from natural
forests cant be certified
The most hazardous chemicals are prohibited
Genetically modified trees are prohibited
The rights of forest workers and indigenous peoples
are protected
Local employment is encouraged
Fundamental International Labour Organization (ILO)
conventions are complied with
Local people and stakeholders are consulted
Traditional land rights and local customs are
respected.

SUPPORT FOR THE WORLDS

FORESTS
Today about 10% of the worlds forests are certified 60%
of these to PEFC-endorsed standards.
Look for the PEFC Logo to ensure you only buy
responsibly-sourced products and support businesses
which invest in sustainability.
Youll find our green trees logo on catalogues, magazines,
company literature, supermarket packaging, DIY timber
products, copier paper and envelopes, and in many other
places as more and more businesses recognise the benefits
of the PEFC programme and label.
Remember that by choosing products bearing the
PEFC two trees logo you are demonstrating your
support for the responsible management of our most
precious natural resource: the worlds forests.

PEFCs distinctive two trees logo transcends language

barriers, making it a truly global brand.
Find out more at

www.pefc.co.uk

PEFC UK Limited
Sheffield Technology Parks
Cooper Buildings, Arundel Street
Sheffield S1 2NS
t 0114 307 2334
e info@pefc.co.uk
w www.pefc.co.uk

PEFC: THE RESPONSIBLE

CHOICE FOR FOREST PRODUCTS
A CONSUMER GUIDE TO PEFC