Certifications: PEFC

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Certifications: PEFC

PEFC Logo

The Programme for the endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) council was founded in 1999 and has become the world’s largest forest certification organization. The PEFC promotes sustainable management of forests through certification based on international standards of forest management. To date, over 1 million square kilometers of forest have been certified by the PEFC.

The PEFC is a global group promoting standardization of forest management certification through mutual recognition of different national schemes based on international standards. Currently, 35 individual national certification systems are members of the PEFC. Many other countries have programs in progress and are working towards full PEFC recognition. PEFC supported certification programs are being implemented by 149 countries and cover 85% of the world’s forestland.

Benefits

PEFC certification is an endorsement from the world’s largest forestry certification group that a product or forest is environmentally positive. There are numerous accreditation schemes available under the PEFC umbrella for being certified. These are dependent on nation and region.

There are two types of PEFC certification available:

  • Sustainable forest management certification: ensures proper stewardship of forestland with a focus on sustainable use and minimal ecological damage.
  • Chain of custody certification: independent checking provides verification that wood products are made from certified sources.

Qualification

Unlike other certification programs, the PEFC council is an umbrella organization and provides certification based on mutual recognition of regional and national programs. The majority of these programs are based on International Standardization Organization (ISO) documents. A list of PEFC members and available schemes can be found at www.pefc.org.

Certification Marks & Logos

The PEFC employs an on-product logo, or label, available for use only by participating companies. The PEFC must approve each company that uses a PEFC logo.

Logo Usage

PEFC certification is given through local accreditation bodies and their accompanying standards. Logo use is allowed for groups that hold PEFC chain of custody certification. The PEFC logo can be used with company documentation or on products. The PEFC logo can also be used by groups promoting the PEFC scheme. This can include printers using products that are PEFC certified. Designers who use printers that are PEFC certified can use the PEFC logo on their pieces.

For rules on PEFC logo use, see PEFC documentation.

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