The studies were conducted by WWF (the World Wide Fund for Nature) and the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), which provides certification of sustainably and ethically produced forest products.
The findings were discussed at the World Forestry Congress, hosted in Africa for the first time, and the FSC’s In Good Company workshop, both in Durban in September.
Kim Carstensen, Executive Director of the FSC, says the organisation’s Global Market Survey found that 90% of respondents reported that becoming FSC-certified added value to their business and their products, and increased the demand for the products. 80% felt that FSC labelling added value to their products’ market appeal.
Carstensen explains: “Respondents say the FSC helps to create a positive corporate image because of the rigour of the certification system. An important finding is the role that consumers play in driving sustainable business: 52.5% of new FSC certificate holders say that client demand is the main reason for them to become FSC certified.”
Obviously certification requires investment and rigorous oversight, but Carstensen says that investment delivers a return, as evidenced by a WWF study, which found that FSC certification earns enterprises more money for their wood sold. The study, conducted across seven countries, found that the benefits – financial and otherwise – outweighed the investments required to integrate the environmental and social practices stipulated by certification.
Enterprises earned on average USD 1.80 extra on every cubic metre of FSC-certified wood, over and above the cost of certification. That, says Carstensen, is clear evidence of the return on investment driven by conscientious consumers and business.
“Tropical forests are vital to the future of our planet, and the communities who rely on them for their livelihoods need better market access. FSC certification helps provide that, and the price premiums reflect the high-end and niche markets they tend to supply,” noted Carstensen.
He added that consumers increasingly expect business to act on climate change, for example, and are likely to make purchasing decisions on the basis of business’s commitment.
“Thus we have two authoritative studies which point to sustainable business delivering competitive advantages for brand. Investing in sustainable tropical timber is essential to the future of our forests. Businesses are on the front lines in securing that and securing our children’s future. Corporations that make sustainable choices are vital to saving our forests, and our planet".
What the results in this survey suggest is that it’s also sound business practice – profits don’t have to come at the expense of environmental and social benefits. If your business is not FSC certified you are not yet taking advantage of the competitive edge it can provide, and the opportunity to be a leader in your sector. Looking ahead to the next 20 years our commitment is to make sure that to Choose FSC is no longer just an option – it is good business for our certificate holders.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) currently certifies more than 180 million hectares across 80 countries.
Carstensen says: “The World Forestry Congress and the FSC’s In Good Company workshop are pivotal events for the sustainable use of Africa’s forests, which in turn are linked directly to biodiversity and livelihoods on the continent and ultimately, to life on Earth,” Carstensen adds.
The importance of forests can’t be overstated, he explains: they help mitigate climate change, ensure adequate supply of fresh water, enhance biodiversity as well as sustainable incomes, livelihoods and food security.