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Your assurance that forest products come from a certified forest
The new way to mark products originating from certified forests.
CSA: Setting the standard for sustainable forest management.
CSA has been working in the environmental area for the past decade. During that time, there has been heightened awareness about forest management practices. As a result, there has been a growing consumer demand for homebuilders and manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices by delivering forest products that have come from certified forests.
In response, Canada's National Standard on Sustainable Forest Management, CAN/CSA Z809 A Sustainable Forest Management System: Specification Document was developed. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) refers to the way a forest is managed to maintain and enhance the long-term health of forest ecosystems for current and future generations. This Standard, which utilizes a continual improvement approach, requires public participation, practical demonstration of sustainable forest management practices, and management commitment. SFM takes into account environmental, social and economic factors. CSA's Standard for sustainable forest management is the standard that gives the community a voice in the way their forests are managed. To date over 5 million hectares have been certified to the CAN/CSA Z809 standard. To obtain a copy of the Standard, go to our on-line store.
Introducing CSA's Forest Products Marking Program
Now, to further encourage the benefits and economic viability of sustainable forest management, CSA has created the Forest Products Marking Program which involves the monitoring of all steps from the time a forest product leaves the forest until it reaches its final destination, such as a retailer's shelves. With the advent of this new marking program, retailers, manufacturers, homebuilders and consumers who support responsible forest management will be able to more easily identify which products come from forests certified to CAN/CSA Z809 Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management.
CSA's Forest Products Marking Program:
Your assurance that products come from a certified forest.CSA's Forest Products Marking Program starts with the certification of a forest to the SFM standard CAN/CSA Z809. Once it has been established that products come from a forest that is being managed in accordance with the CSA SFM standard, these products are then tracked from their origin through all phases of ownership, processing and transportation to the end consumer. This tracking system is known as a "chain-of-custody". If all requirements are met, and verified through an independent third party audit by CSA, these products can then qualify to bear a CSA SFM mark. This mark will tell consumers that the forest products they purchase originate from a certified forest. These products can include everything from lumber, paneling or plywood, and pulp and paper to specialty forest products such as maple syrup and Christmas trees.
| "We know that consumers are looking for more products that are less harmful to the environment and the new CSA program should help meet this need," says Jenny Hillard, Consumers Association of Canada. "As forest products come to market with the CSA SFM mark, consumers will be able to support companies with clearly defined forest management practices that address their concerns about sustaining Canadian forests for the future." |
CSA SFM marks: A recognized source of information
The CSA mark, which has appeared on millions of products, has given consumers confidence for decades. Over 80% of consumers recognize the CSA Mark, traditionally found on everything from computers to kettles and from toasters to hot tubs. Now CSA is introducing the SFM mark. Within the CSA Forest Products Marking Program there are three marking options. These marking options are based on how the inventory of certified forest products are managed. The marking options include:
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a) 100% of the product has been tracked and monitored from its point of origin (a Z809 certified forest) to the end consumer. This mark appears on the product and/or the packaging. |
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b) At least 70% of the input used to make this product line has been tracked and monitored from its point of origin (a Z809 certified forest) to the end consumer. This mark appears on packaging only. |
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c) At least 70% of the content of this composite product has been tracked and monitored from its point of origin (a Z809 certified forest) to the end consumer. This mark appears on the product and/or the packaging. |
| Paul Perkins, Vice President, Forestlands and Strategic Planning for Weyerhaeuser in Canada commented favourably "We applaud this announcement by CSA. The new CSA chain-of-custody program and mark are a logical complement to the CSA Sustainable Forest Management System Standard. It will further enhance the credibility and recognition of the standard in the marketplace." |
Show the world your commitment to sustainable forest management.
Get involved in CSA's Forest Products Marking Program.- Demonstrate your commitment to Sustainable Forest Management
- Purchase products that meet rigorous SFM standards
- Choose a mark that tracks forest products from origin to shelves
| "Customer service excellence is a priority and this new program gives consumers product information that has not been available before", says Bruce White, Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing Building Supply, Home Hardware Stores Ltd. "We look forward to having products bearing the CSA SFM mark on our store shelves. Our forests are one of our most precious assets and we are pleased to provide this valuable option for consumers." |
CSA can help you make your mark in Europe
If you are exporting forest products to Europe and want to mark your products with the Pan-European Forest Certification Council (PEFC) logo to help gain acceptance, CSA International can help. Call us and find out how.
Interested in participating?
If you are interested in getting involved in our Forest Products Marking Program, you can call the Forest Products Group at: 1-866-CSA-WOOD or (905-275-0284) or contact us at csawood@csa-international.org