The UK arm of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) is increasing its efforts to end the wrangling between supporters of competing forest certification schemes.
PEFC UK Ltd has held a series of meetings with stakeholder groups, including environmental groups and government, in a bid to focus on the common ground between the various available certification schemes in the UK.
The efforts, which form part of PEFC UK’s Building Bridges communications strategy, are planned to help grow demand for and awareness of credibly certified wood products, as well as improve PEFC’s communications ability.
PEFC UK chairman Michael Clark said: “In the UK, PEFC believes that argument among the various schemes reduces their ability to effectively promote their common objectives. The goal of increasing demand for certified forest-based products is too large to be achieved without agreement and concerted action.”
PEFC UK has met groups such as WWF, as well as given evidence to the House of Commons’ environmental audit committee sustainable timber inquiry. It is also working to make sure the certification scheme is taken off probation by the government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber.
Next year, PEFC UK will target its Building Bridges strategy at the retail sector and its suppliers and will exhibit at trade shows, including Interbuild‘s Timber Zone, plus solicit invitations for PEFC speakers at industry conferences.
Hilary Khawam of Penside Ltd has been appointed Building Bridges project manager, responsible for implementing the strategy.
