Environment
FSC and PEFC Accreditations
Introduction
Demand for chain of custody certification has grown dramatically in the past few years to the extent that, for many companies, the ability to prove that a timber product has been derived from a well-managed source is now a key factor in the specification of timber and paper products.
There are currently two independently accredited chain of custody programmes, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) scheme and the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) scheme. Pinstripe is accredited to both schemes and can provide chain of custody certification to both schemes.
Aims of Chain of Custody Certification
Chain of Custody certification is the unbroken path which products take from the forest to the consumer, including all stages of manufacturing, transportation and distribution.
Chain of Custody certification provides evidence that the certified product originates from certified, well managed forests, and verifies that these products are not mixed with products from uncertified forests at any point in the supply chain, except under strict controls when percentage (%) labelling is being used.
Chain of Custody certification is required whenever a company takes legal ownership of the product.
Achieving a Secure Chain of Custody System
To achieve FSC and PEFC accreditation, an organisation must have clearly defined systems for identifying material sources and movements. This applies to the whole process covering:
- Purchase of raw materials
- Goods inwards
- Production control
- Finished
- Storage and warehousing
- Sales
Traceability is key. An organisation must be certain that there is no possibility of certified and non certified materials being mixed. In addition, the chain of custody systems must be fully documented, incorporate development procedures, non compliance procedures, staff training and regular management review.
Once an organisation has set-up its chain of custody systems these need to be run and tested to ensure they are robust. Once this has been achieved the system needs to be audited by an independent audit body approved by FSC and PEFC.
Once accreditation has been achieved the systems are independently audited annually to ensure they are still compliant.
www.fsc-uk.org/about
www.pefc.co.uk
