FSC cracks down on free riding fakes

Growing pressure forces FSC International to develop tighter regulations on certified companies after criticism that its label should be taken at face value.

Speaking out against FSC, Simon Counsell, director of the Rainforest Foundation in London told media that: "You probably should question the value of every FSC label."

His outburst came after FSC deviated from its original procedures, where in order to be officially certified, pulp and products had to consist of wood that was 100 per cent harvested by sustainable methods. These standards were later revised, allowing those using only 50 per cent of sustainable pulp to be granted certification.

Now, after cases of FSC misuse, the group is pushing for new, tougher regulations to stop any groups or companies involved in rainforest destruction of illegal logging to be granted FSC certification.

FSC has also proposed a policy for dealing with companies that certify only part of their operations, allowing FSC to withdraw the use of the logo if companies are acting against the spirit of the FSC system.

Michael Spencer, director of FSC Australia, said that the push for tighter measures was a positive step to healing the damage caused by companies exploiting FSC.

"I welcome the measures FSC International is currently proposing," he said. "As systems such as FSC become more valuable through the market rewards they offer businesses ... there will always be a temptation for people to free ride."

"FSC needs to make it clear that it is aware of the free rider problem and that it will deal decisively with that problem."

Some critics believe that the action has come too late to repair FSC's reputation.