PEFCcertified

PEFC certified refers to products or materials bearing the PEFC label, indicating that the wood or fiber content originates from forests certified to PEFC’s sustainable forest management standards and that the material is controlled through a chain of custody from the forest to the final product.

PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is an international, non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainable forest management by endorsing national forest certification schemes that meet its requirements. Through the PEFC endorsement, these national schemes align to common criteria for environmental, social, and economic performance.

PEFC certification covers two main pillars: forest management certification, which assesses the sustainability of the forest itself, and chain of custody (CoC) certification, which tracks wood and fiber from certified forests through the production process to the end product. The standards address areas such as biodiversity, climate protection, workers’ rights, and forest governance. Certification is awarded by independent, accredited bodies after audits and is subject to surveillance and periodic recertification.

Labels carrying the PEFC mark are used on a range of wood, paper, and forest-based products, including packaging, furniture, and stationery. To qualify, products containing or derived from PEFC-certified material must maintain a verifiable chain of custody and meet rules on mixed or non-certified content.

Global reach and impact: PEFC operates through national schemes in many countries, creating a market-based incentive for sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing. While widely recognized, certification is not without criticisms, including concerns about cost, scope, and the consistency of standards across endorsed schemes.