The last year heralded a “growing preference for certified products” according to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Inc, and the organisation says it has the “supply to meet this new demand”.
The North American certification scheme, which has certified 135 million acres of forest and has 216 companies involved in its programme, said that the growth in demand for proof of legality had been accompanied by a growth in its own operations, including establishing a board covering social, economic and conservation issues, a 90% increase in the number of certificates issued and an increase in international recognition of its work in countries such as the UK.
“The market demand for certified products is growing worldwide in response to a growing number of companies who want to make product choices that are best for the environment,” said SFI president Kathy Abusow.
“The market has clearly demonstrated a growing preference for certified products and as the only North America-wide standard, SFI has the supply to meet this new demand.”
John Luke Jr, chair of the SFI board, added that he believed the “global recognition of SFI certified products” will allow the organisation to continue to grow.
