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