SFI 2008 Annual Conference
"SFI- From Forest to Store Shelf"
Minneapolis, MN
Sept. 23-25, 2008
The 13th annual SFI Inc. conference – “SFI - From Forest to Store Shelf” – explored issues such as illegal logging, carbon markets and bioenergy, and looked at the role of SFI certification in meeting and encouraging market demand throughout the supply chain, from certified forests to labeled products, and everything in between.
The more than 170 delegates included customers throughout the print, packaging and solid wood supply chain as well as SFI Implementation Committees, SFI-certified organizations, certification bodies, consulting foresters, the independent SFI External Review Panel, state and provincial agencies, professional loggers, academics, researchers and conservation groups.
Delegates heard that over the next year, SFI Inc. will:
- Move to a simpler on-product labeling system that provides more detailed information – this will begin immediately and the transition will be completed within a year.
- Complete an open review that will result in a revised SFI 2010-2014 Standard, with opportunities for public comments and regional workshops across North America.
- Continue to work with conservation partners to improve forestry practices locally, regionally, and globally.
- Continue to show the world that SFI certification it is a sound environmental choice for producers of paper, packaging and wood products.
President and CEO Kathy Abusow presented awards to organizations and individuals involved with the SFI program to recognize their conservation or promotional activities. Winners included Forest Capital Partners LLC, Harden Furniture Inc., JELD-WEN Windows and Doors, the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee, National Envelope, Rayonier Inc., Sierra Pacific Industries and Smead Manufacturing Company.
Abusow ended the conference by pointing out SFI Inc. is in a truly enviable position to meet corporate and consumer demands for environmentally responsible forest products. “Market research shows the only thing stronger than the demand for eco-friendly products is concern about unsubstantiated claims,” she said. “The SFI program addresses both, with a comprehensive standard grounded in science and backed by third-party audits, and on-product labels that tell you what you are buying.”
SFI Inc. wishes to thank the delegates, speakers, sponsors and everyone else who made the 2008 annual conference a great success.