Retail surgery: Our competitors are starting to use the PEFC logo on some of their products – what is it and should we certify to that standard too?

PEFC stands for the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and is the world’s largest forest certification scheme.

Many retailers may already be aware of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, and be selling products from suppliers that adhere to the standard.

PEFC shares the same objectives, but uses different processes to get there, and has focused less on marketing itself to consumers so far.

However, PEFC communications director Hilary Khawam says the not-for-profit organisation is starting to market itself more widely, and is open to working with retailers that want to promote that they are selling PEFC-endorsed products. She says: “By giving preference to certified wood-based products in their procurement policies, retailers are helping to reward their suppliers that have invested in chain of custody certification and ultimately back down the supply chain to those that managed their forests responsibly.”

She adds that the publicity for the Copenhagen climate change summit has made consumers think again about how deforestation impacts upon the environment.

The FSC and PEFC schemes are complementary, and Khawam says that by acknowledging both, retailers will be able to increase choice and availability when it comes to sourcing certified wood and paper products. Only 26% of the world’s wood grown for industrial use is certified as coming from sustainable forests.