Why do we use FSC-certified wood?
At IKEA, we believe we can accomplish more by working together. For many years, we have been committed to working together with different stakeholders to protect and strengthen the world’s forests. One of our key partners is the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) – an organisation that brings together different voices that represent a wide range of needs for responsible forest management. IKEA was one of several founders in 1994.
An important additional safeguard
Through enforcing our strict wood control system, we have put many of our own checks in place to ensure that any wood which enters our supply chain comes from responsibly managed forests. In our commitment to only use wood from more sustainable sources, we also require that our suppliers use FSC-certified wood as a fourth safeguard.
Beyond requiring that suppliers use FSC-certified wood, IKEA also funds projects, supports development, and opens up supply chains to pilot innovations to help further strengthen FSC.
Wood which is FSC-certified means it comes from sources where the forest is always regenerated as trees are replanted. This means there is no net loss of forest cover over time.
More than just harvesting
FSC is an independent global forest certification system which develops national forest management standards for responsible forest management and sets strict rules for harvesting and maintenance practices. The FSC chain of custody system ensures that the wood meets the requirements of the certification from the forest to the final product.
At IKEA, we believe FSC is currently the most credible global forest management certification available, as it covers far more than just harvesting practices. FSC certification also includes requirements for biodiversity protection, such as identifying and setting aside critical high conservation value forests, it supports community rights and takes action to develop a fair and safe environment for those working in the forest.
And what clearly, currently, sets FSC apart from any other forest management certification on the market is its democratic, inclusive and transparent approach to decision making. Everyone from businesses to environmental groups can join FSC and use their voice and their vote to further strengthen the certification system. Today, IKEA is one of more than 1,000 members of FSC, and we encourage even more stakeholders to get involved and contribute with their knowledge and insights.