The Wonderful World of Forest Certification
Originally, the FSC used what is called the threshold system for certifying paper. Only fiber sourced from an FSC-certified forest, segregated and tracked through production of a product, could be labeled as FSC-certified. This among other factors kept supply low, though demand was rising.
In 2005, the credit system was introduced, allowing manufacturers to buy and “bank” the volume of certified fiber purchased, and subsequently produce paper more on an on-demand basis, although the threshold system is still in use.
Vic Nathan Barkin has more than 35 years of experience in the printing, paper and wood products industries and currently owns a consulting practice specializing in business development, workflow, and technology implementation, focusing on “Green Procurement and Production” practices. Vic is a QMS Lead Auditor certified to ISO 9001:2008 standards, is a consultant for the Rainforest Alliance as an FSC Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood senior auditor, is an FSC, SFI and PEFC lead auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers and SGS North America, and has engaged in more than 700 site assessments and audits.
