Some 20 chief executives from forest industries of 12 countries met at a round-table event in London last weeky, which was arranged by the International Council of Forest and Paper Association (ICFPA).

They warned that government subsidiaries risk creating deep distortions in competition and that protectionism and a focus on regional economy will lead to a reduced global trade, potentially deepening the crisis.

They also said that forestry companies will be setting the standards for successful business models once the worst of the recession is over with its use of renewable materials, sustainable production processes and its adaptation to nature’s carbon cycle.

Even so, the forestry chief executives also said that the sector has not reached its full potential in terms of sustainable production.

ICFPA comprises of trade associations in 43 countries that represent industries accounting for 90% of the world’s paper and more than 50% of the world’s wood production.

Read the original article at www.printweek.com.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter