Posted on 01 November 2013

News Highlights

GFTN-UK participants score well in EEPN’s Paper Efficiency Survey
The recent survey, conducted by European Environmental Paper Network (EEPN) reveals excellent efforts towards responsible and efficient paper use by some GFTN participants.

WWF releases Environmental Paper Company Index 2013
EPCI is one of WWF’s key tools to promote and reward transparency and encourage continual improvement in the private sector. Read more here

Amur tiger habitat set aside in the Russian Far East
WWF-Russia and Terneyles, one of the biggest companies in the Russian Far East and a GFTN participant since 2006, recently signed an agreement to protect high conservation value forests and prevent illegal logging in 2.9 million hectares of timber leases in RFE.

Promoting common access to the VPA processes in Laos and Vietnam
WWF has been awarded a grant of US $2.8 million to support Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) in the Mekong region.

Features

Spreading the word on responsible forest management
WWF/GFTN holds a series of press trips under the Responsible Asia Forestry & Trade partnership to raise awareness about issues surrounding illegal logging and timber legislations.

Bolivia takes a significant step towards legality and timber certification
WWF-Bolivia and the Authority of Social Control of Forests and Lands of Bolivia (ABT) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a pilot project that promotes the implementation of traceability system for forest products.

Q&A with Scandinavian energy giant Fortum Varme
One of Sweden’s largest energy companies has committed to protecting the world’s forests. WWF/GFTN talks to Nadja Pilpilidou, Supply Chain Specialist, about the company’s commitments and responsible sourcing policies.

Pallisco-CFIM passes renewal audits to maintain FSC certification until 2018
GFTN-Cameroon participant Pallisco-CFIM successfully underwent a series of renewal audits to retain FSC certification for six forest management units.

Office Depot releases greener paper purchasing policy
GFTN-North America participant, a leading global provider of office supplies and services, has released a new policy designed to increase its use and tracking of environmentally preferable paper products.

New funding for sustainable rattan harvesting and production project in Lao PDR
WWF-Laos has received US $440,000 in new funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SIDA) for its Sustainable Rattan Harvesting and Production Project.

Growing share of FSC certified wood in the IKEA range
At the end of April 2013, the share of certified wood in the IKEA range had reached 31.2 per cent, up from 22.6 per cent in August 2012.

Tetra Pak delivers more than 26 billion FSC labelled carton packages worldwide in 2012
The number represents a 40 per cent increase over 2011 and represents continued steady growth since 2008, when Tetra Pak introduced FSC labelled packages in the market.

Arauco obtains FSC certification for 1.1 million hectares in Chile
Leading pulp producer Arauco has achieved FSC certification for 1.1 million hectares in southern Chile, which includes more than 700,000 hectares of plantations and other 200,000 hectares of natural forests.

Walking the talk in India
A look at how WWF-India is boosting awareness and demand for responsible produced forest products in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.