12 SEPTEMBER 2011
Media release from Rainforest Allaince regarding a six month suspension of FSC Chain of Custody accreditation service.
Media Releases
For background information on FSC and FSC Australia see here.
SmartWood Program, Rainforest Alliance Suspends FSC Chain of Custody Services
12/09/2011
Rainforest Alliance Media Release August 22nd - Australian Paper
23/08/2011
August 22nd, 2011: Rainforest Alliance has issued a media release regarding Australian Paper's certification status. Please follow the link above.
If any other FSC members would like to place their media releases in this location, please contact FSC Australia.
Gunns certification processes
08/02/2011
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Australia said today the certification process for Gunns Limited was proceeding as anticipated. Gunns began work to secure both Forest Management and Controlled Wood certifications under the FSC Standards in early 2010, a process all parties agree may take a number of years to complete. Download the PDF to read the full release.
FSC Australia awards for 2010
16/12/2010
The winners of FSC Australia's awards were announced on 17 November 2010.
In recognition of their achievement with Australia's first project certification and ongoing commitment to responsible wood sourcing, Grocon was recognised as the FSC Builder/Developer of the Year (sponsored by Bunnings).
Other category winners were:
* Large Chain of Custody Supplier - Carter Holt Harvey (National) (Sponsored by Brookfield Multiplex)
* Small Chain of Custody Supplier - The Woodage (NSW) (sponsored by Scientific Certification Systems)
* Large Forest Manager - Albany Plantation Forest Company (WA)
* Small Forest Manager - Lagoon of Islands, Downie family (Tas)
* Printer/Publisher - Vega Colour Group (Vic) (sponsored by Fuji Xerox)
FSC Australia acknowledged the support of Australia Post as the main sponsor for this event.
FSC, Tasmanian Native Forests and Gunns
26/05/2010
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Australia has described comments in a news release by Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck today as inaccurate, misleading and unhelpful to the Tasmanian forests and forest products industry.
FSC has not certified Tasmanian native forests or forest products. No forest or plantation in Tasmania has been certified to FSC standards and no forest or plantation has been certified as complying with the minimum requirements to enter the FSC supply chain (FSC Controlled Wood).
Tasmanian company Gunns has embarked on a process toward FSC certification but it is at the beginning of this process and it will take time and change in practices before its eligibility for certification can be evaluated by an FSC accredited certification body. Nevertheless we commend Gunns for embarking on this process.
In relation to yesterday’s announcement by Gunns, the statement merely indicated that Japanese customers, who are already FSC certified, have had their verification process for making sure that wood from ‘controversial sources’ – most notably high conservation value forest areas – do not enter their supply chain, accepted by their certification body. That means they can obtain non-FSC certified controlled wood from Gunns on the basis that wood from controversial areas – at this stage coupes listed by environment groups as containing high conservations values - will be excluded from any shipments to these Japanese customers.
Senator Colbreck is not helping anyone in Tasmania – particularly the communities and contractors that work in the forest and forest products industry – by overstating the real situation and creating false expectations in relation to the future.
Contact: Michael Spencer (0439 381144)