Media News Bulletin from PEFC Asia Pacific June 2025

PEFC Forest Forum Fieldtrip

The forum concluded with an inspiring two-day field visit to PEFC-certified sites in Vietnam — from innovative manufacturing at Geuther Baby Products to research leadership at the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, and sustainable rubber plantations at DONARUCO.

Voices from the Forest: Empowering Women for Sustainable Change

 

In Indonesia, in the heart of Kebumen Regency, Central Java, Westhi Wigaringtyas known as Wiga within her community is quietly revolutionizing community forestry in a region where women’s leadership has long been sidelined. Wiga balances motherhood with her role as a forestry manager at Kostajasa Community Forest, challenging entrenched gender norms. Her journey reflects a broader struggle: women in social forestry households average just 6.6 years of education compared to men’s 8.1 years, limiting their participation in decision-making roles read more.

 

PEFC in Osaka: Promoting Cooperation for the Future

PEFC member SGEC recently hosted the conference “Promoting Cooperation for the Future Utilization of SGEC/PEFC-Certified Materials and Products” in Japan, highlighting the vital role of certification in advancing sustainable development. Held on May 12, 2025, the Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative International Forum brought together over 250 participants in person and online, marking a significant step in driving momentum for certified, climate-smart solutions in Japan and beyond.

The event was made possible through strong collaboration with key partners including the Forestry Agency of Japan, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the Osaka Federation of Wood-Industry Associations, and the Osaka Association of Architects & Building Engineers.

A key highlight was a special address by Mr. Shawn Lawlor, who underscored the global importance of using certified, sustainable materials in major projects—particularly in the lead-up to Expo 2025 Osaka.

PEFC chain of custody certificates issued against previous 2013 standard soon to be invalid

Important reminder for companies still certified against the 2013 version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, or certification bodies issuing PEFC chain of custody certificates: any certificates issued against the 2013 version will no longer be valid as of 14 November 2023.

Chain of custody certified companies

If you are a company still certified against the 2013 standard, please reach out to your certification body for assistance or to organise your next audit against the 2020 standard. It is important to note that the transition to the new version does not impact the certification cycle, so it can happen during a surveillance audit.

Find more information on how to move to the latest standard

If you still have existing stocks of products and printed material covered by a 2013 chain of custody certificate and carrying the PEFC trademarks according to the previous 2008 Trademarks standard, you can still sell them once you have transferred your chain of custody system to the 2020 version of both these standards.

You will gain access to the new Label Generator, which produces labels in line with the 2020 Trademarks standard, once you have signed the PEFC trademarks licence agreement contract or have accepted the new amendments.

For companies using the credit method, if you have credits under the 2013 certificate, from the moment you get certified against the 2020 version, the credits can last longer than 12 months, up to 24 months (or longer).

Certification bodies

If you are aware that you have client organisations still certified to the 2013 standard, please reach out to them as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements for a smooth transition by 14 November 2023.