Adopt FSC Procurement Policies

Adopt FSC Procurement Policies

Developing and implementing procurement policies and product specifications for FSC-certified wood and paper products is one of the best ways companies can adopt environmentally responsible practices and help improve forest management globally.  Companies may also wish to consider adopting a more comprehensive wood and paper strategy.  Individual consumers should proceed directly to finding FSC wood and paper products.

Introduction to the Process

In developing and implementing FSC-oriented procurement policies and product specifications, companies may wish to observe the following steps and considerations:

1.  Articulate your Commitment

  • Put your commitment in writing.
  • Integrate the commitment into an environmental stewardship mission statement that complements your overall company mission statement.
  • Integrate your commitment into a formal company purchasing policy (see sample policy language). [link to below]
  • Buy-in and involvement of top management is essential.


2. Form a High Level Task Force

  • Educate top management and employees about your new purchasing policy and integrate it into employee performance measures.
  • Strong leadership is essential to ensure the commitment is taken seriously by employees and suppliers.


3. Communicate the Commitment to your Suppliers and Customers

  • Put it on your web page.
  • Inform suppliers in writing that you intend to give purchasing preference to wood and/or paper products from FSC certified forests, and wish to see a list of their products and their suppliers (see sample supplier letter).  [link to page]
  • Adapted from ForestEthics’ “Steps to Implement An Endangered Forest Procurement Policy.”

Sample Procurement Policy Language

Model corporate forest resources policy

For More Information

ForestEthics’ Corporate Action Program.

Fully independent and not overly influenced by timber industry. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong forest and environmental protection standards. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong community protection standards. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Product content monitoring (chain of custody) consistently required. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Consistent link between product labels/claims and certified forests. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Strong certification and accreditation process. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Transparency and public participation consistently required. FSC:YES SFI:NO
Certifies some of the most environmentally destructive timber companies in North America. FSC:NO SFI:YES

Certification System Characteristics

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