Forest Stewardship Council Services
Introduction
The FSC® promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial & economically prosperous management of the world's forests. Bureau Veritas is accredited for the following FSC® certifications:
Forest Management (FM) certification lends credibility that the forest or plantation is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people & workers; while ensuring it sustains economic viability.
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification provides credible confirmation for products with environmentally and socially responsible sources to access the market.
Sectors:
1.Forest Owners/Managers:
Individual farmers/villagers (smallholders) in certification groups.
State-owned entities managing forestlands on behalf of the government.
Large private companies with forest holdings or concessions.
2.Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification:
Small family sawmills.
Wood processing industry (e.g boards, construction timber).
Furniture manufactures (indoor and outdoor).
Big retailers.
Printing industry.
Paper mills.
Non-timber forest product processors or producers.
Any company using or selling/buying wood-based products.
As of 28 January 2025 – key FSC® statistics:
Challenges
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global forest area encompasses 4 billion hectares, constituting 31% of the total land area. Of this, 54% are managed forest areas under management plans, and over one-third are classified as primary forests.
The timber industry holds vital significance for sustainable development, providing indispensable materials for construction, furniture, and energy production while supporting rural economies. It fosters biodiversity and promotes responsible forest management practices that mitigate climate change. As the demand for timber persists, companies face increasing expectations to demonstrate rigorous adherence to labor and social standards throughout the supply chain.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certification plays a pivotal role in promoting environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. By obtaining FSC® certification, businesses can navigate this complex landscape and unlock the potential for sustainable growth within the industry.
CRITICAL USE CASE
Bureau Veritas holds a prestigious certification contract for multiple sites of one of the world's largest wood industry companies, a leader in the sustainable use of natural forest resources, spanning across approximately 20 countries. Through our comprehensive approach, Bureau Veritas continues to make a tangible impact on sustainable forestry and wood industry practices globally.
Bureau Veritas is the leading certification body driving the development of natural rubber plantation certification in Southeast Asia. Our expertise has empowered state and private companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible latex production, while enabling thousands of individual farmers and smallholders in Thailand and Vietnam to improve their economic and social well-being. Bureau Veritas was involved in the first natural rubber plantation certification in China's Hainan Province.
Our Impact
In China, Bureau Veritas' activities over the last five years have significantly increased the total certified forest area, including plantations and natural bamboo forests, as well as the total number of FSC® certificates. This has helped thousands of wood industry companies implement sustainable practices.
Bureau Veritas has also played a key role in certifying natural rubber plantations (natural latex) in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. This has enabled thousands of local farmers to diversify their economies, while providing major industry players, such as tire producers, access to sustainable and renewable raw materials.
Through its work with companies like IKEA or Stora Enso, Bureau Veritas has demonstrated its expertise in driving sustainable forestry and wood industry practices on the ground.
WHY BUREAU VERITAS?
Bureau Veritas brings unparalleled expertise and credibility to the forestry and wood industry. With seasoned teams across North America, the Congo Basin, China, Sweden, Poland, and Southeast Asia, Bureau Veritas offers deep regional knowledge and a proven track record in forest management certification. Complementing this, our strong presence across all continents (excluding South America) positions us as a trusted partner in chain of custody auditing. Leveraging our long-standing experience, Bureau Veritas' forestry services are often regarded as the benchmark, empowering businesses to navigate the complex landscape of sustainable forest management.
OUR SERVICES
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