The Council says government leadership in recognising that third party certification to a credible standard demonstrates sustainable forest management is seen as positive, and can be used to clarify and simplify the certification concept for consumers.

In May 2009 the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) agreed that Victoria would provide a report to the Council on its proposal to require government endorsed procurement and sustainability guides for wood and paper products to recognise the Forest Stewardship Council and Australian Forestry Standard as international third-party forest certification systems.

Richard Stanton, CEO of the A3P told Australian Printer that while the amount governments are adopting certified paper purchasing policies varies, and purchasing is still dictated by price, most governments have some mechanism in place that encourages an increasing focus on sustainable material purchases.

He says, “We are not necessarily calling for every government to do the same thing but our members are advising governments to avoid products that are not sustainable. Price is still the fundamental purchasing factor however interest in sustainability is defiantly growing.”

Stanton continues, “Governments are heading in the right direction but we would like to see more focus on ensuring products do what they say they do. Governments should be confident that their purchases are not adversely affecting the environment in other parts of the world.”

Strategies the A3P have received from governments include:

• Being signatories to sustainable procurement frameworks that provide a national approach to integrating sustainability into public procurement

• Development of tools and guidelines that promote a consistent approach to sustainability criteria and standards, supporting procurement of third party certified sustainable goods and services

• Development of sustainable buying guides; and commitment to sustainable procurement practices and policies for wood and paper products

The A3P has recognised the Victorian State Government as being the body who has looked at the issue in the most comprehensive manner.

A statement to the A3P this month outlines that the Victorian Government will require government and government endorsed procurement and sustainability guides to recognise international third party certification as meeting the highest possible environmental standards.

Stanton says, “A3P looks forward to working with the Australian and State Governments to encourage recognition and procurement of wood and paper products certified as being sourced from sustainably managed forests.”

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