PEFC Germany and the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), which operates the first PEFC-endorsed scheme in Southeast Asia, presented a joint stand at the gardening fair “Spoga+gafa 2010” on 5-7 September in Cologne, Germany. The joint stand raffled off a swing made of certified tropical timber.
The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) operated by MTCC has been endorsed by PEFC since May 2009. With its four million hectares of PEFC-certified forests Malaysia is currently a prime example for sustainable forestry in Asia. Moreover, currently more than 137 Malaysian timber processors have been awarded the PEFC certification for the chain of custody. Therefore the chain of custody from certified forests to final products is now complete, and it is possible to use the PEFC logo on Malaysian timber products. Accordingly, PEFC-certified garden furniture and deckings from Malaysia will be available in Germany soon.
“We are supporting PEFC-certified timber from Malaysia in its market launch through cooperation in trade fairs, workshops and harmonized PR activities,” said Dirk Teegelbekkers, the CEO of PEFC Germany. “With tropical PEFC-timber from Malaysia we will become even better positioned in public procurement, especially in the outdoor area.” MTCC shares this opinion. “Sustainably harvested tropical timber from Malaysia is a valuable addition to the existing range of PEFC-certified timber and paper products in Germany,” explained Chew Lye Teng, the CEO of the MTCC.
The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) ensures sustainable forest management with a certification system of high standards, and thus protects unique forest ecosystems worldwide. Furthermore, the chain of custody control provides a reliable proof of timber origin. Over 223 million hectares of forest areas in the world are certified according to the PEFC standards, and the management of these forests is regularly reviewed by independent assessors.
Being the German market leader, PEFC can count on broad support from both the general public and the industry. With 7.3 million hectares of forests certified in Germany which amounts to the two thirds of the total forest cover, PEFC is a reliable partner for the supply of certified timber.
