Posted on April, 26 2002

Toronto, Canada - Two Canadian companies made big announcements on progressive forestry management techniques at the Forest Leadership Forum in Atlanta this week. Domtar launched a new line of paper certified to the highest management standard of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Tembec updated its partnership with WWF-Canada and said that it will have FSC certified telephone book covers ready by August 2002. The announcements were made on Thursday when major forestry companies, billion-dollar retailers, buyers and environmentalists from around the world met in Atlanta to discuss the changing future of forestry and wood products. Billion-dollar retailers like Home Depot and IKEA have committed their purchasing power to FSC products as consumers grow increasingly aware of the environment and realize the global imperative for responsible forest management. "The Forest Stewardship Council and the international phenomenon of responsible forest management are changing the marketplace and the industry," said Annette Verschuren, President, Home Depot Canada. "Buying FSC products is not only a smart business decision for Home Depot, but one that can help save the environment." In February, Westwind Forest Stewardship Inc. (a business partner with Tembec) announced 840,000 FSC-certified hectares, twice the size of any forest certified to FSC standards anywhere in North America. Tembec has committed to certify 12 million hectares by 2005, representing 50 per cent of all the land that FSC has certified to date worldwide after nine years of efforts. A WWF report shows that just ten of the largest companies and one fifth of the world's forests could provide the industrial wood and wood fibre necessary to meet projected future needs. "Forests the world over are facing increasing pressure," said Steven Price of WWF-Canada. "Consumers who buy FSC wood and paper products can be confident that they are part of the solution. Domtar and Tembec are showing the way." The Forest Stewardship Council was established in 1993 by WWF and other organizations to certify forests and forest products as responsibly managed. Almost 700 companies that produce and use wood have now joined the Global Forest and Trade Network of FSC supporters, co-ordinated by WWF. Over 20 million hectares of forest in 35 countries have been certified. For further information: Susan Viets WWF-Canada Tel: +1 416 489-4567 ext. 253