Pan-European Forest Certification Scheme Launched

European forest industry organizations formally launched the Pan-European Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC), a sustainable forest management program that competes with the globally accepted Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Now there are two
labels for sustainable managed wood products.

PEFC was initiated by small forest owners in Finland and other European countries
who opposed FSC. Forest industry organizations in 17 European countries have
endorsed PEFC, and organizers have received interest from Australia, Canada, U.S.
and Brazil. The group expects 10 million hectares (24.7 million acres) to be certified by early 2000, possibly doubling by next summer.