Media News Bulletin from PEFC Asia Pacific January 2021

LABELS ON PRODUCTS DEMONSTRATE BUSINESS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
 
 
All businesses in Asia Pacific which are selling PEFC-certified products are encouraged to use the PEFC label on both products and all promotional materials, such as brochures, posters and websites. The label enables a business to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, as well as to highlight its engagement with sustainable forest management. By generating awareness and demand for products from PEFC-certified forests, businesses are helping to increase the value of forests and therefore reduce the risk of deforestation. PEFC has introduced a Label Generator so businesses can customise the label to suit every need, while being assured that the label remains in line with prescribed graphic requirements. Read more here.
 
Malaysia To Showcase the Role of Forests at Expo in Dubai
 
 
More than 50% of the Malaysia’s landmass is still blanketed by forests after 63 years of post-independence nation-building. How did a country that relied so heavily on its primary resources, manage to maintain so much of its forest areas amidst population growth and meeting demands for more infrastructure and pressure to extract more timber? The answer lies in the appreciation and far-sighted vision of the country’s leadership towards sustainable development. That’s one clear message in Malaysia’s participation at Expo 2020, scheduled for 1 Oct. 2021 to 31 March 2022. More from MTCC here.
 
Sustainably Produced Energy from Rubber Wood Pellets
 
 
A Thailand manufacturer is producing high quality and environmentally-friendly wood pellet biomass fuel, using wood from rubber trees, which contributes to, and promotes, sustainable forest management through PEFC certification. “We aim to increase using renewable energy, especially from wood pellets, which are environmentally-friendly”, says Surapol Siripongsakorn, Chief Executive of PHATTANAPHAN CHEMITECH. Their wood pellets have high density, low humidity, producing a very high combustion efficiency, with less ash and are easy to transport, thereby reducing its carbon footprint and attaining PEFC certification. More on the process here.
 
Myanmar Making Good Progress with Sustainable Forestry
 
 
“Myanmar has demonstrated a very good commitment to the Sustainable Forest Management in the last few years, not only in the project but also in the development of the international scheme, and PEFC looks forward to the continued cooperation and collaboration with Myanmar Forest Certification Committee' (MFCC)” said Ben Gunneberg, Secretary General/CEO of PEFC. “Without the support from the PEFC and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we (MFCC) cannot be here right now, it is not the end but just the beginning,” said Win Hlaing, CEO of MFCC-PEFC Project. More from Myanmar here.
 
Australian Supermarket Offers PEFC Certified Paper Bags
 
 
Responsible Wood has welcomed an announcement by the leading retail chain Woolworths that it will be stocking PEFC-certified Australian-made paper bags in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Woolworths’ paper shopping bags were first launched in June 2020 in response to customer demand for a paper carry bag option. Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Natalie Davis said: “Earlier this year we introduced the option of a paper bag, which can be recycled at home, and the feedback from customers has been positive.” More and more, shoppers are ditching plastic packaging and instead opting for environmentally friendly alternatives including naturally recyclable, fibre-based products. More from Responsible Wood here.
 
Sustainably Sourced Home Office Furniture on the Rise
 
“In times of a pandemic such as this, we’re obliged to make sure our homes are equipped to serve as a workplace – office, study, studio or even factory – as more and more of us have been forced to stay at home. So what really matters to consumers these days when furnishing the home or office?” This was the question asked and answered in a PEFC article in the December 2020 issue of Panels and Furniture Magazine. It drew attention to the importance of sustainability and responsible sourcing, which is at the heart of Singapore-based Soul & Tables, which imports finished furniture from Europe to sell in Singapore and South East Asia, making sure that all its wood products are ethically sourced and from sources certified by PEFC. More in Panels & Furniture
 
Achieving Balance between Conservation & Development
 
 
Ensuring a balance between the development of the timber industry and the conservation of forests - numbered among the world’s oldest forests - is the role of certification, said Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) chairman Kamaruzaman Mohamad. He added, “Ensuring proper balance between development and nature preservation is not a walk in the park, especially when Malaysia depends on timber resources as one of its income earners. The only way to achieve this balance is by managing the resources sustainably and when it comes to timber, certification is the key.” Read the full report in The Star. 
 
IFCC & PEFC Alternatives to CertiSource in Indonesia
 
 
On 28 December 2020, Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) notified that Double Helix Tracking Technologies has been appointed to perform Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification against the PEFC/IFCC ST 2002:2013 standard in Indonesia. Also, as the CertiSource Legality Assurance System (CLAS) is ceasing operation in Indonesia on 21st January, and as DoubleHelix is now accredited to offer PEFC Certification there, all existing customers are being notified and advised of alternative schemes, including PEFC Controlled Sources, as well as the IFCC-KSK Forest Management certification scheme. Read all about it.
 
Celebrating 40 Years of Transforming Lives on PEFC Paper
 
 
PEFC has its stamp on the long-awaited 40th anniversary commemorative book for the Lions Home for the Elders, the leading seniors care home charity in Singapore. After an 18-month journey, with troublesome delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, the hard cover 100-page well-illustrated coffee table book appeared. Like his earlier book, “Race for Sustainability”, author Ken Hickson insisted this should be printed on PEFC-certified paper. Thanks to the co-operation of Times Printers and OVOL (formerly Spicers), who ensured that the best papers were available - Gold East from APP and Paperone from April – the book was delivered before the end of 2020. Go to SASA for more.
 
If you need more information on any of the items above, or any other work by PEFC in Asia Pacific, feel free to contact:
Or go to PEFC International: www.pefc.org
 
 
 
 

Media News Bulletin from PEFC Asia Pacific December 2020

Webinar: Building a Better Future with Certified Timber
 
 
As countries throughout Asia Pacific - and around the world - aim for net zero carbon emissions, the global construction sector has a key role to play, as buildings account for 39% of global emissions of CO2. PEFC believes that building with low carbon certified timber is a key part of the solution, so its webinar on 16 December on “Building a better future with certified timber” will help all participants better understand how timber construction supports climate mitigation, along with other global sustainability targets. Alongside Paul Jarquin, President and founder of REI Habitat and Mark Thomson, architect and Director of Eco-Effective Solutions, is Mark Wayne Probert from Binderholz, who will go through the manufacturing journey, from PEFC-certified forests to innovative mass engineered timber (MET). Read more & register here
 
Malaysia Sees Biggest Increase in Certified Forest Areas
 
 
A Gold medal was awarded to the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) for achieving the biggest increase in PEFC-certified forest area in 2020 – the best in the world - with over 950,000 hectares in 10 forest management units in Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. With PEFC's 25th General Assembly held virtually for the very first time, the Awards ceremony went online too. More than 100 representatives called in from all over the world to learn that Asian member countries won the top three PEFC awards for 2020. For top prize winner Malaysia, this represented an annual increase of over 20%, taking the PEFC-certified forest area in Malaysia to over 5.2 million hectares. Read all about it.
 
Going from Zero to 450,000 Hectares Wins Silver for India
 
 
Asia was the big winner in the global 2020 PEFC awards, with second place going the Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF), the PEFC member for India. This award was particularly special, as the increase of 450,000 hectares represented the first PEFC-certified forest area in the country – this time last year, there were no certified hectares. Apart from certified forest areas, NCCF currently has 33+ PEFC-certified wood based brands under chain of custody certification. Read more.
 
Korea Grows Forests by 150% to win Bronze PEFC Award
 
 
Bronze position in the PEFC awards went to the Korea Forest Certificate Council (KFCC) for growing their certified forest area by more than 150%, up to 706,000 hectares. Korea achieved their first PEFC-certified forest area in 2019. In a country where 65% of the national area is made up of forests, "sustainably managed forests in Korea are essential and have a very important meaning,” said Ahn Kyu Hwan, Head of Project and Development at KFCC, as well as the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute (KOFPI). “In the future, KOFPI will continue to cooperate with PEFC to contribute further to the sustainability of domestic forests. There's more
 
Recognition for 10 Years on PEFC International Board
 
 
After ten years on the PEFC International Board of Directors and two years as vice Chair, Genevieve Chua steps down with these words to say about her experience: “Over the years, I have seen with great pride and satisfaction how PEFC has grown in size and recognition. We don't have it easy and have numerous challenges, yet we punch above our weight.” As head of OVOL (formerly Spicers) in Singapore - one of the largest paper companies in the world - she will continue to promote certified paper and printing. Read more.
 
Indonesia Wins "Experience Forests" Global Photo Prize
 
 
Indonesian amateur photographer Keril Chairil beat 8000 other entries from 12 countries to win the 2020 “Experience Forests, Experience PEFC” contest. His award-winning image ‘Morning Activities’, was taken at Situ Gunung Lake in West Java, Indonesia, capturing the magical atmosphere at a forest lake in the early morning. Chairil hopes his win encourages more to be aware of the beauty of the forest and respect for the environment surrounding them. This winning image will help promote Indonesia Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) and how it promotes sustainable forest management in Indonesia. Go here for more
 
Setting Sustainable Goals Despite Pandemic Disruptions
 
 
While the pandemic has disrupted progress on implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) Group - PEFC International Stakeholder member - has reinforced its commitments to achieve sustainable business growth, as well as to bolster the government’s endeavours to achieve the SDGs’ targets. The sustainable fibre and bio-based products producer has released “APRIL2030”, a transformative sustainable commitment that contains a series of tangible actions that are expected to make positive contributions to the climate, nature and the development of people. Read the full report in the Jakarta Post
 
Sweet Spot for PEFC on Confectionery Products in Japan
 
 
Glico - one of the Japan’s leading confectionery and beverage businesses - decided to use PEFC certified paper with its logo mark on more than 300 million packages a year for their products, including Mild Cafe au lait, its beverage for infants. While it was difficult to find space on some products, with the cooperation of related parties, the PEFC logo mark is successfully incorporated “under the roof” of the package. To express gratitude for Glico’s decision, Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC) - representing PEFC in Japan - presented a certificate of appreciation to the company. Read More
 
APP Sponsors LOO Awards to Advance Certified Paper
 
 
Following the successful launch of the LOO (Let's Observe Ourselves) Campaign in 2008, the Restroom Association (Singapore) or RAS, further reinforces its four pronged approach by initiating the LOO Awards, sponsored by Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). This recognises any organisations and individuals who have contributed to help Singapore achieve a world recognised standard of restroom cleanliness. Here's more on The Loo Awards are here
 
UPM, Operating in 10 Asia Pacific Countries, Joins PEFC
 
 
“We look forward to joining PEFC to further strengthen our role in promoting sustainable forest management globally,” said Inka Musta, Senior Manager, Global Forest Affairs at UPM, our new international stakeholder member. UPM, headquartered in Finland, owns 770,000 hectares of PEFC certified forests and operates throughout the world, including in 10 Asia Pacific countries. Pictured is UPM's Changshu mill in China. The 25th PEFC General Assembly, the first one to ever be held virtually, has welcomed two new country members: Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read all about it.
 
Collaborative Projects for Smallholder Rubber Producers
 
 
CEO Ben Gunneberg presented at the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) webinar in November, elaborating on PEFC’s approach to standard-setting and certification. He also showcased some of the current collaborative projects with their national members and companies to support smallholder rubber producers, and how these will benefit all GPSNR members and the work of the global platform which is based in Singapore. Southeast Asian countries account for 97% of global natural rubber production. Listen in to what Ben Gunneberg has to say.
 
 
If you need more information on any of the items above, or any other work by PEFC in Asia Pacific, feel free to contact:
Or go to PEFC International: www.pefc.org
 

PEFC Webinar: Building a better future with certified timber

Countries around the world are aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as a response to the Paris Agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. The global construction sector has a key role to play in achieving net zero, and PEFC believes that building with low carbon certified timber is a key part of the solution.

Join our PEFC Webinar: Building a better future with certified timber to learn how timber construction supports climate mitigation and other global sustainability targets, and the important role that PEFC certification plays. The webinar is free to attend and takes place 16 December at 11:00-12:00 CET. Register now.

We will be joined by three experts in the field of sustainable construction and strong advocates of timber as a building material:

Mark Wayne Probert from Binderholz will take us through the manufacturing journey, from sustainably managed forests to innovative mass engineered timber (MET) technology. Highlighting why the use of PEFC-certified timber is so important to the company, and showcasing MET projects.

Paul Jarquin, President and founder of REI Habitat, the first property developer in France to become PEFC certified, will focus in on the situation and opportunities in France. With the French government mandating that all new public buildings will be built from at least 50% timber or other natural materials, France is leading the world.

Finally, Mark Thomson, architect and Director of Eco-Effective Solutions, will focus in on why architects should be specifying certified timber. He’ll explain the inherent properties of timber in building, from their role in climate change mitigation, to their aesthetics.

Please note that the webinar will be in English, and you need to register in advance in order to receive the link. 

Spaces are limited – register for free now!

Why should you attend?

This webinar will provide you with a solid background on the sustainability wins for timber construction. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the social, environmental and economic benefits of designing and building with certified timber. 

Our expert speakers will share with you a range of innovative projects, illustrating the numerous and varied advantages that building with certified timber brings.

Finally, the webinar will demonstrate why sourcing and building with certified timber is so critical, and how PEFC certification provides assurances of responsible sourcing.

Don't delay – register now!

Who should attend?

While everyone is welcome, the webinar will be of particular interest to those working in the construction sector – whether you are already using timber, or are interested in finding out more about the sustainability advantages of timber construction.

From architects, specifiers and developers, to structural engineers, contractors, house builders and the timber supply chain, join us to learn how together we can build a better future with responsibly-sourced timber.

Register now!

Source: https://www.pefc.org/news/pefc-webinar-building-a-better-future-with-certified-timber

 

Media News Bulletin from PEFC Asia Pacific

Consumer Choice:
Buy Products from the Forest
PEFC has a distinct message for the consumer this month. On the occasion of the end of PEFC's 20th anniversary year, CEO Ben Gunneberg says we must "choose forest-based materials instead of alternatives such as plastic. If we don’t use our forests, the land will be used for other purposes, such as cattle ranches or soy plantations. Buying forest products, such as wood and paper, gives the forest value, it creates demand, and provides a financial incentive to keep a forest a forest." There's plenty of news here about products from the forests of Asia Pacific and further afield.
 
 
Sustainable Management for Vietnam's Rubber Plantations
The Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) has awarded the first Vietnam Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certificates, covering more than 11,400 ha of plantations, belonging to three Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) companies. VRG members own about 300,000 ha rubber plantation in Vietnam. Tran Ngoc Thuan, VRG’s Chairman said he aims to get SFM certificates for over 50,000 ha of rubber plantations in 2020, along with PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certificates for 21 factories.Read more.
 
 
Indonesia's Forest Certification System Gets Top Score
SLVK, KAN, IAF, TPAC, IFCC and PEFC. Lots of acronyms at work for Indonesia. A clear sign that sustainable forestry management is being taken seriously. SVLK (Sistem Verificasi Legalitas Kayu) is Indonesia’s national timber assurance process, a mandatory, legality and sustainability certification system built on a national multi-stakeholder consensus. KAN (Komite Akreditasi Nasional) is the National Accreditation Body of Indonesia and is, in turn, a member of the IAF, the International Accreditation Forum. Additional support for forest management in the region is coming from the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC). While its main job is to make sure Netherlands keeps its commitment to 100% sustainable timber, it has also given Indonesia’s forest certification system a top score, thanks to the work of IFCC, the national governing body for PEFC. Read how PEFC manages these standards.
 
 
Global Webinar Highlights Value of Sustainable Packaging
While studies are showing that the majority of consumers say they would change their consumption habits to reduce environment impact, never has it been so important to use sustainable materials, to know that your products come from sustainable sources and to prove that to your customers. PEFC strongly believes that increasing the use of sustainable, certified forest-based packaging has huge potential to not only help companies meet sustainability targets, but also to have a positive impact on the world’s forests and forest communities. Stakeholders and industry watchers - including dozens from Asia Pacific countries - joined the 23 June Webinar on "Creating impact through responsibly sourced packaging". Read More
 
 
Celebrating the Power of Trees & the True Value of Forests
Besides alleviating the effects of climate change and natural disasters, forests represent some of the richest biologically diverse areas on Earth. The true value of a forest is recognised by Responsible Wood, the Australian National Governing Body for PEFC, which also plays an important role supporting the Australian Made Campaign, promoting the many benefits of using renewable, locally-made timber framing products to build new homes. Responsible Wood also draws attention to artists who are working with wood - see image of wood sculpture by Dave Hickson - as it offers great flexibility for expression, is natural and is sustainably sourced. You can read more here.
 

With PEFC, Global Timber Asia has Sustainability Credentials
With its origins in Europe, Global Timber - as its name implies - operates in the global market place, now with a base in Malaysia to serve the Asia Pacific. As a player in the international wood industry, it is at the forefront of contributing to the preservation of global forests through sustainable behaviour, environmental certifications and compliance with various important environmental certifications. With that in mind, Global Timber states categorically: "PEFC is a good way to document and prove the sustainability of our products." Read More
 
 
Venturer Wins Chain of Custody Certification for Projects
Venturer Timberwork is the first Singapore business to obtain PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, issued by Double Helix and authorised by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC). Venturer, with several building projects in the region lined up, is looking to be the first PEFC Project certified company in Singapore. Venturer is also believed to be the first timber contractor in Asia to be CoC certified. Not only a strong advocate for responsible sourcing and sustainable forest management, but Venturer also promotes the greater use of certified Mass Engineered Timber (MET), Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam. Read More
 
 
SIIA: PEFC Engaging Consumer for Sustainable Sourcing
In the latest Haze Outlook for Southeast Asia, the Singapore Institute for International Affairs (SIIA) acknowledges the role of certification: "While plantation and forestry certification schemes naturally target resource-producing countries, efforts are also under way to engage with consumer markets. In the wood and paper sector, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), a global alliance of national forest certification systems, is now promoting chain of custody (COC) certification within Southeast Asia to ensure traceable and sustainable sourcing of forest-based products." Read More
 
 
Furnilac First for Chain of Custody in Indonesia
Furnilac Primaguna, PT is the first furniture manufacturer in Indonesia that is certified against the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC). Besides being committed to the principles of design thinking and styling, sustainability is now uppermost in the minds of Furnilac, as it makes sure all the wood material it uses comes from legal and sustainable sources, approved by Indonesia’s timber legality system, SVLK or Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu. Panels and Furniture has the story.Read More
 
 
APR Adopts Vision to Build Resilience for Man-made Fibres
With COVID-19 and climate change causing lasting disruption in the textile and apparel industry, Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) joins other significant industry players and stakeholders to adopt an ambitious shared vision, MMCF 2030, for unleashing the man-made cellulosic fibres’ huge untapped potential for building resilience in the global textile industry. APR - the first fully integrated viscose rayon producer in Asia with its 240,000-tonne capacity mill co-located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Indonesia - has also joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). It will use the group’s sustainability measurement suite of tools to drive environmental and social responsibility throughout its supply chain. Read more.
 
 
Fragrance from the Forests Goes Global with OPSO & PEFC
ÖPSO is a sustainable home fragrance series made from natural tree resin. Both fragrance and packaging are PEFC certified. This is a world first. OPSO says its innovative and sustainable composition replaces artificial ingredients in traditional fragrances with natural resin from Mediterranean pine trees, thus helping to preserve the forests of our planet. Read More
 
 
If you need more information on any of the items above, or any other work by PEFC in Asia Pacific, feel free to contact:
Or go to PEFC International: www.pefc.org

2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year – winner announced!

12 countries, 8000 photos, 1 winner. We are delighted to announce the 2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year, chosen from nearly 8000 photos entered into the ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest.

The Award went to Keril Chairil, for his beautiful image ‘Morning Activities’, taken at Situ Gunung Lake in West Java, Indonesia. The image captures the magical atmosphere at the forest lake in the early morning.

“Thank you to the judges for choosing my photo as the winner of the 2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year Award! It is great that my photo can open people’s eyes for the importance of forests,” said Keril Chairil.

“We received so many stunning forest photos this year, choosing a winner was really not easy! But the whole jury agreed that Keril’s photo is exceptional,” said Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO.

“We just love the fishermen, the greenery, the water reflections – what is not to like about this photograph?”

Victor Rodriguez, a photographer and member of the PEFC International jury, shares why the jury chose this photo as the winner.

“The action is eye-catching and is the key to this image – the casting of the net and the link between the fishermen and life under water. This reminds us that humans can be part of nature in a beautiful way,” he explains.

“The fishermen are surrounded by a peaceful, and almost static environment. The light is really soft and adds some magic to the scene, while the colours contribute to the general serene mood.”

The contest

For the fourth time, our ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest invited photographers and forest lovers from around the world to show us their best forest photos – and again, we received thousands of stunning images!

National contests were run by our members in 12 countries, and the photos entered show the beauty of forests worldwide. The winners of the national contests entered the international contest to compete for the ‘2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year’ Award.

The top 12 images were presented on Facebook Live and will star in our 2020 photo calendar.