Sappi joins PEFC
Sappi has become an International Stake-holder member of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Said Sappi CEO Steve Binnie: “Credible, internationally recognised, robust forest certification systems like PEFC are fundamental to Sappi’s commitment to sustainability. These systems give assurance to our value chain of the origin of our woodfibre and responsible forest management practices.”
“This membership aligns with our focus on sustainable forest management and responsible procurement throughout our supply and value chains,” commented Graeme Wild, Sappi’s Group Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations. “Through voting in PEFC's General Assembly and joining Working Groups and Committees we look forward to sharing our expertise and contributing to the mission of PEFC.”
SA Forest Assurance Scheme
PEFC is becoming an increasingly important forest certification option in South Africa. Over the past few years Sappi has been collaborating with national stakeholders, including NCT, FSA and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, to develop a national forest certification system. These efforts have now delivered the South African Forest Assurance Scheme (SAFAS) – which has recently been assessed and endorsed by PEFC.
Through this it is hoped that the smaller forestry farms, including thousands of small-scale growers located on tribal land, may be able to get their forestry operations certified thus improving their market access.