What questions should you ask when buying green forestry products?

New "guide of guides" aims to demystify sustainable forest product claims

A new report and online toolkit that provides a guide to forestry-related ratings, resources and programmes was launched last week to advise businesses on how best to find and purchase sustainable forest-based products.

The Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-Based Products report was produced by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and aims to help businesses navigate the glut of sustainable forestry, timber and paper labels that have emerged in recent years.

The report includes the top 10 questions procurement professionals should ask when purchasing forest-based goods as well as references to resources to help firms find those answers.

It also contains a so-called "guide to guides" online toolkit what compares various wood and paper ratings and certification systems to show companies which criteria they adhere to.

The WRI said the new tool is intended to help sustainability managers’ design and implement purchasing policies for the entire range of forest-based products, from paper to furniture.

Corporate managers are taking increasing notice of paper-based product purchases as consumer preference for sustainable goods, competitiveness, production costs, and the prestige of having a green brand is rising in importance, said Jonathan Lash, WRI president. "We want to help them make smart choices – both for the bottom line and to benefit the environment, particularly in addressing climate change," he added.