Today FSC launched a market information pack that provides many indicative and revealing figures and statistics on FSC growth, market share, label recognition and other strong indicators of the growth in supply and demand for FSC products.
Updated figures indicate that the global market for FSC products has now topped 20 Billion USD and shows continued signs of growth. The FSC supply chain is strengthening with a record growth of 40% in 2007.
The FSC market share for roundwood is growing despite a decline in global production levels. This is a strong indicator of the strength of FSC in forests around the world. It shows that the market demand for FSC is affecting forests in a positive way by driving demand for improved forestry practices and recognition for independent review.
More than 95 million ha are now certified to FSC's high social and environmental standards. This represents the equivalent of 7% of forests identified primarily for production. Distributed over 85 countries, FSC is a truly robust system.
The latest UN FAO report confirms FSC to be the fastest growing forest certification scheme in the world (http://unp.un.org). In 2006 FSC certified acreage grew 20 million ha, roughly 33%.
The information pack reveals strong indications from the FSC certificate holder community - now over 9 000 globally - that FSC offers market value and has positive impacts on the environment.
Public recognition of the FSC brand is growing worldwide. In the Netherlands, the FSC logo is the fourth best-known trademark in the country. Prompted recognition of the brand tops 60% in several countries and unprompted recognition continues to grow. These are strong indications of market strength.
For the full market information pack visit www.fsc.org/charts.FSC News
