In a bid to bring forest certification schemes together the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Forests Forever (FF) have pledged to play a leading role in mutual recognition initiatives.
The TTF has produced a statement, just approved by its governing body, which sets out its position with regard to certification. In it concern is expressed that the proliferation of schemes – none of which has universal support from all stakeholders – is in danger of diluting the significant market opportunities provided by certification.
Mark O’Brien, TTF head of public affairs, said: ‘The document is our statement policy in which we are trying to clarify the federation’s position. For too long we have let the technical details obscure the fact that we are in favour of certification.
‘We want to end the tribal warfare between the Forest Stewardship Council and the Pan European Forest Certification Council and get people to start looking at the bigger picture.’
The TTF/FF acknowledge that considerable work needs to be done to make mutual recognition a reality. It also accepts that sound forest management can be practised without the forest concerned being independently certified.
In its policy statement the TTF says it will encourage suppliers to work towards certification although it realises that some, particularly in developing countries, may face considerable difficulties.
It will not demand that all suppliers should be certified, accepting that sound management practice can be practised without independent certification – but adds the proviso that where suppliers are unable to supply certified product they will be asked for evidence that the timber they supply comes from legal and well-managed forests in line with the TTF/FF environmental policies.
