EU Commission proposes simplification measures but seeks no general delay to EUDR

At the annual meeting of Two Sides’ Country Managers in London on November 5th 2018, representatives from Australia, Europe, New Zealand, North America, South America and South Africa determined to continue efforts to stop organizations from making misleading, anti-print and paper claims in their customer communications. Since its inception, Two Sides’ anti-greenwash campaign has investigated 921 organizations worldwide. Of these, over two-thirds were found to be using unsubstantiated claims regarding paper’s impact on the environment, usually in breach of local advertising regulations. After being challenged by Two Sides, a total of 335 organizations have now removed or changed their messaging. In a joint statement, Two Sides’ Country Managers stated: “We are thrilled to be able to report the latest global anti-greenwash results. The Anti-Greenwash campaign is such an important initiative because without Two Sides’ intervention there would be no other body holding these organizations to account. But despite the success of the campaign, as well as clear rules on unsubstantiated environmental claims, greenwash tactics are still commonplace. Everyday, new claims are brought to the attention of Two Sides, from some of the world’s largest companies telling tens-of-millions of their customers that paper is bad for the environment.” Click read more below for additional detail.

It highlights several milestones, while noting that the company’s delivery of its sustainability commitments is an ongoing process. These include: •The launch of the company’s Sustainable Forest Management Policy 2.0 in June 2015, which remains at the centre of our operations today as we implement its commitments, including the immediate elimination of deforestation from our supply chain. •The subsequent formation of the Independent Peat Expert Working Group (IPEWG) in early 2016, which is advancing science-led approaches to responsible peatland management. •The achievement of Sustainable Forest Management certification under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC) – the first Indonesian company to achieve this. •The establishment of the Fire Free Village Programme (FFVP) in July 2015 – a community-based fire prevention initiative that today continues our progress towards a fire free landscape. •The expansion of peatland restoration project, Restorasi Ekosistem Riau, to 150,000 hectares supported by US$100 million over ten years, which today continues to promote the protection of important biodiversity on the Kampar Peninsula. •The implementation of a GHG monitoring project to measure emissions across production and conservation landscapes. Click Read More below for additional information.

Just in time for our 20th anniversary, the PEFC Alliance welcomes Vietnam as its 50th national member. “Besides celebrating 20 years of caring for our forests, we have another reason to rejoice. The 50th national member marks an important milestone for PEFC,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “We started with eleven European national members, and now we have more than 50 spread across the entire globe. We are very happy and grateful to everyone who made this success possible.” Together with Myanmar, Vietnam was voted in by the PEFC General Assembly through a postal ballot. The Vietnam Forest Certification Office (VNFOREST) is actively working on the development of their national forest certification system. Click Read More below for additional information.