You may have seen a forest logo on some of the products packaging in the supermarket. Have you wondered what it represents? Well it means the product content or the packaging is certified by PEFC. But to know what it means, let’s first get to know what PEFC is!
PEFC is an international NGO dedicated to sustainable forest management. The acronym stands for Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. As the name implies, they endorse national forest certification systems through a multi-stakeholder process. In a nutshell, they provide forest owners with a tool to prove responsible practices based on global standards.
Their certification provides a mechanism to promote sustainable management of our forest. Also, it ensures that forest-based products in the marketplace came from sustainably managed forests.
Other than PEFC, there's also another internationally recognized certification system called Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). You might have also seen its labels on other products. The two organizations have very similar goals, but PEFC takes more localized approaches.
PEFC believes that forest certification should be local, so they work with national organizations to reach their goals. As an umbrella organization, PEFC has more than 70 members located around the world. Those include national certification systems, NGOs, labor unions, business, and trade associations.
Thanks to them, we can all enjoy nature's products and be sure that the forests will always be around. Isn’t it nice?
Now, the next time you see the PEFC label on a product, you know that it means that the product is manufactured responsibly. Check out our website and stay tuned to our social media accounts to find other information like this. Let’s work together to protect the environment and make sure that we will all have a brighter future!
