Environmental
Resource Center
Forests & Chain of Custody
An Environmental Resource Center Asset from Graphic Communications
Forest certification is a tool that assures buyers of forest products that such products originate from well-managed forests. Credible programs are audited by third-party certifying bodies, and products are tracked from forest to end user through auditable tracking systems.
Read on to understand the importance, process and implication of working with forest-certified materials and service providers, like Graphic Communications. Put the stories below together with other resources from our Environmental Resource Center pages to increase your overall comprehension.
What’s the Future for Alternative Fibers?
Opponents suggest there is no existing infrastructure that can support alternative fibers for paper and packaging on a commercial scale.
GC Renews Chain of Custody Commitments to SFI and PEFC
Graphic Communications, the first company of its kind to be triple Chain of Custody certified, maintains its forest certification standards.
Wood – Nature’s Stroke of Genius
Wood is the world’s most environmentally friendly raw material. Watch this clever video to learn why it’s good to cut down trees and how trees help reduce the greenhouse effect.
The Big Debate – Sustainability in the Paper Industry
Five-member panel of producers, printers and environmentalists aired some of their passionate views surrounding this topic in Brussels, Belgium. View the video series.
Publishers, Paper Companies Team Up for Forest Certification Pilot Project in Maine
Time, Hearst, National Geographic, Verso Paper and Sappi project has led to 790,000 acres of additional forest lands being certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standard in Maine.
Monopoly for Forest Certification is Wrong
Greenpeace is threatening retailers and manufacturers who do not agree to a Greenpeace-backed wood fibre and paper policy that gives preference to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
What You Need To Know About The Canadian Tar Sands
The recent and ongoing Tar Sands Action in Washington, D.C. has generated significant buzz around the Canadian tar sands and the extreme price we pay for gathering oil from them.
30 Fascinating Facts About the Boreal Forest
The Boreal forest is the world’s largest land-based biome. Spreading over continents and covering many countries, the Boreal plays a significant role in the planet’s biodiversity and even its climate.
Will Greenpeace and APP Ever See Eye-to-Eye?
Greenpeace climbers rappelled off Mattel’s HQ in Los Angeles dressed as angry ‘Ken’ dolls… once again putting a powerful spotlight on the eventual target of Greenpeace’s campaign, Asia Pulp and Paper.
Verso View: A Winning Combination for Healthy Forests
Paper manufacturers and family tree farmers keep U.S. forests vibrant and productive for future generations.
How Green Is Your Paper?
Do you buy paper from a source that uses recycled content, practices sustainable forest management, actively manages environmental impacts and monitors products throughout their lifecycle?
The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement
A landmark agreement forged between forest products companies and ENGOs.
Forging a Landmark Agreement to Save Canada’s Boreal Forest
In the spring of 2010, conservation groups and timber companies signed an historic agreement to protect a large swath of Canada’s boreal forest.
SFI vs FSC
A wood certification battle with high stakes for dealers, builders and homeowners.
SFI Counters ForestEthics’ Misleading, Outdated Information
SFI sets the record straight about claims that its practices are not centered on promoting responsible forestry and a credible forest certification program.
Comparing Forest Certification Organizations
Metafore published this forest certification matrix to compare the program standards of FSC, SFI, PEFC, CSA and ATFS.
A Summary Comparison of SFI and FSC Certification in North America
This document provides a comparison of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) programs in North America.
Primary Forest Certification Systems
A comparative look at FSC, SFI, PEFC, and CSA, and how they operate.
The Noble Distractions of CSR, Part II: 3rd Party Certifications
Disruptions from pursuing authentic corporate social responsibility mean unnecessary costs and exposures that are detrimental to both financial and sustainability goals.
Forest and Paper Industry Group Announces New Sustainability Goals
As part of its ambitious plans, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) says it will push member organizations to recover more recyclable paper from office buildings.
Metafore’s Forest Certification Glossary
Refer to this glossary from Metafore to learn about forest certification terminology.
Are Environmental Campaigns Misleading the Public? Part II
There are many elements to consider in the design and production of sustainable paper.
The Fiber Cycle in Canada and the United States
This presentation from Metafore explains how tree fiber for paper products is utilized and managed in Canada and the United States.
USDA Outlines Plan To Use Wood As Green Building Material
Agriculture Secretary says wood plays vital role in meeting growing demand for green building materials and that forest service studies show it compares favorably to competing materials.
Verso’s SimplyGreen: Wood as a Source for Biofuel
Increasing the use of biofuels is becoming a hot topic as people around the globe explore options for mitigating global climate change.
Major Decline Seen in Illegal Logging
Illegal logging in the world’s forests has fallen by nearly a quarter since 2002, according to what claims to be the most thorough analysis yet.
Groups Sue to Stop GE Trees Release in Southern United States
Conservation organizations sued the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture over its approval of open-air field tests of a genetically engineered (GE) hybrid of eucalyptus tree.
Under Pressure USDA Forced to Re-examine GE Eucalyptus Permitting
Groups force USDA to re-release its draft environmental assessment on genetically engineered eucalyptus trees for southern U.S. forests.
Suburbanization Spreads Through U.S. Southern Forests
New website uses Google Earth to show impact of suburban growth, pest and disease outbreaks, surface mining and other threats to southern U.S. forests.
Destruction of Ancient Forests at Lowest Level for 20 Years, Says UN
A UN report reveals a strongly positive trend towards better protection of the planet’s most unique and sensitive areas of land and sea.
Most Polluted Ecosystems Can Recover, Study Finds
Yale researchers found forest ecosystems recovered in 42 years on average, while ocean bottoms recovered in less than 10 years.
Paper Fiber Cycle FAQs
Metafore has compiled answers to frequently asked questions about the paper fiber cycle in Canada and the United States.
Defining the Paper Fiber Cycle
Browse through this document from Metafore to learn about the paper fiber cycle.
Launch of Pilot Project to Increase Forest Certification in Maine
Time Inc. and Hearst Enterprises will work with landowners in Maine to help them achieve third-party forest certification.
Two Sides Exec Accuses WWF of Misleading Users with New File Format
Two Sides director says that World Wildlife Fund’s new, green file format, “WWF,” which doesn’t allow printing, falsely assumes that not printing saves trees.
Greenpeace’s Conservation-based Economy in Boreal Forest
Agency seeks to protect the health and integrity of forests, and guide consumers and the industry towards a new era of sustainability and accountability.
Greenspirit: For a Sustainable Future
Greenpeace and Greenspirit founder Dr. Patrick Moore believes “Trees are the Answer.” He writes and speaks about ecology and society all over the world.
Trees are the Answer
Greenpeace founder Dr. Patrick Moore spoke at AbitibiBowater Sept. 08 event about how forests can play a powerful role in the environment.
What is Chain of Custody?
This diagram from Graphic Communications shows the trail of certified paper from the forest to the printer.
SFI Chain of Custody Guidelines
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative provides insight into how to become certified by the SFI program.
Understanding FSC CoC Certification and Labeling
This document from Verso Paper breaks down the Forest Stewardship Council’s Chain of Custody definitions and requirements.
Understanding PEFC
Get to know how PEFC is committed to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third party forest certification.
PEFC Position Paper: Conversions
Get an overview of the concerns, perceptions, and reactions surrounding paper conversions.
If you have environment information or tools you’d like us to consider sharing here, please contact our Director of Environmental Affairs, Ralph O’Connor.
