The Russian system of the voluntary forest certification “Forest Standard” allows the resumption of trade in certified products and creates new market instruments for responsible forest management. The system of responsible forest management is based on the internationally accepted requirements and the best accumulated national practices.
The first Russian “Forest Standard” certificate was received by the Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill, JSC. The supply chain certificate № FC-FE-CoC-000001 states that purchase, production and sales of forest products by the enterprise complies with the requirements of this system.
The audit was conducted by the certification body “Forest Certification” LLC. The Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill was audited according to the supply chain certification standard for the “Forest Standard” voluntary forest certification system FE-STD-04-004 V 1-0.
The certificate was issued on June, 6, 2022 and is valid until June, 2027. The system envisages annual recertification audits.
“The Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill again shows its leadership in the sustainable development agenda. While others are talking and thinking, the plant is acting. “Forest Standard” certificate №1 confirms that the products of the APPM are manufactured from raw materials delivered from responsibly managed forests, and this is confirmed by an independent audit”, emphasizes Nicolay Shmatkov, Executive Director of the “National Working Group for Voluntary Forest Certification” Association (ANWG), Director of “Responsible Forest Management” LLC (RFM), which developed the “Forest Standard” system.
The “Forest Standard” system (https://forest-etalon.org/) controls the legality of wood harvesting, compliance with high social and environmental requirements, supply chains integrity, waste paper and recycled wood materials using, and also contributes to the fight against climate change.
The “Responsible Forest Management” LLC (RFM) believes that compliance with the “Forest Standard” norms will help Russian business affirm its commitment to responsible forest management in the domestic and international markets. Shipping documentation claims and related product labeling can be used by retailers and consumers as an instrument which helps differentiate products and packaging from responsibly managed forests from the rest.
The system is non-state, it is not mandatory and envisages voluntary certification of enterprises that work with wood and wood products. Currently the registration process with Rosstandart is underway.
Reference
The “National Working Group for Voluntary Forest Certification” Association (ANWG) is a non-commercial organization, established in 2011 to promote voluntary forest certification in Russia.
The Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill has been a member of ANWG since March, 2022.
“Responsible Forest Management” LLC (LLC “RFM”) is the developer of the voluntary forest certification system “Forest Standard”.