The paper maker says while it is still able to make and sell FSC certified products, it decided to remove the standard from Reflex paper after FSC International disagreed with the an audit by Australian Paper’s supplier VicForests.
Shaun Scallan, general manger for corporate social responsibility at Australian Paper says the company is waiting on clarification for the correct measurement procedure. In the mean time it elected to withdraw from FSC’s “controlled wood” certification.
He says, “We have always maintained internationally recognised certification and Reflex still holds PEFC as well as the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS). Most customers ask for either PEFC or FSC so we are yet to see how the removal will affect our sales.”
Commenting on the auditing ambiguity, VicForests – which is also a member of FSC Australia – says there needs to be improved clarity around some elements of the FSC system for organisations seeking to achieve FSC certification and for stakeholders participating in the process.
Nathan Trushell, director of VicForests says, “We are committed to working constructively with a large range of stakeholders to discuss our options for FSC certification and the governance arrangements associated with the overall system.
“Australian Paper’s decision to not seek controlled wood certification as part of its latest audit is not related to VicForests’ forest management practices.”
Meanwhile, the Wilderness Society has taken a shot at the paper maker’s environmental credentials saying rather than make a truly green paper product; Australian Paper has been content to hide behind the FSC certification whilst continuing to use timber from high conservation value native forests in endangered species habitat.
Luke Chamberlain, the Wilderness Society’s Victorian forest campaigner says, “It is time for the makers of Reflex paper to move into the 21st century and make a real green product using plantation timber and recycled fibres only.”
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