Canadian Forest Products Retain World's Best Environmental Reputation

OTTAWA, March 21, 2016 /CNW/ - On this International Days of Forests, the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to note that as a supplier of forest products, Canada comes out as number one in the world in terms of environmental practices and reputation among international customers. 

A study undertaken late in 2015 by Leger the Research Intelligence Group asked international buyers of wood, pulp and paper in the United States, Europe and Asia about their perceptions of forest products and environmental issues.   (fpac.ca/leger) The results are comparable to a similar survey done by Leger two years ago.

"Once again the Canadian forest products industry is getting top marks when it comes to our environmental credentials," says Derek Nighbor, the CEO of FPAC.  "Our sector has worked hard to reduce our environmental footprint and we are committed to continual improvement.  This survey shows international customers feel confident when they source forest products from Canada."

The customers surveyed said they appreciate Canadian forest products because of their quality and sustainability, with the most positively perceived attributes related to assurance of legality and forest management practices.  

The majority of purchasers also said that forest certifications are important when it comes to choosing forest products.  Canada is a world leader in forest certification – an independent assessment that forest companies follow progressive environmental and social forest management practices.  In 2015, Canada had 166 million hectares of certified forests, about 40% of the world total or almost four times more than any other country.

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $59-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and is one of Canada's largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

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SOURCE Forest Products Association of Canada

For further information: Susan Murray, Vice-President, Public Relations, Forest Products Association of Canada, [email protected], 613-563-1441 x313