Smurfit Kappa has re-committed its pledge on International Day of Forests to its sustainable sourcing policy which ensures that all wood supplied to their virgin paper mills meets the highest sustainability standards. The company, whose wood comes from managed forests as opposed to primary forest, manages forest holdings in several countries and plants 3.5 million trees annually. Since announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, International Day of Forests aims to raise awareness of the importance of all types of trees and woodland.
“We are constantly looking at new ways to increase our sustainable practices regarding the sourcing of wood”, commented Steven Stoffer, VP Development, Smurfit Kappa Group. “For example, in Colombia where our largest forest holdings are located, we have worked on improving the pine and eucalyptus species we plant through the selection of high quality trees to create hybrids. In addition, SK Colombia developed a phytosanitary protection programme to keep our plantations healthy and follows the best nursery and silviculture practices allowing greater productivity while minimising the amount of land needed. Indeed, we were recognised by the Colombian Government and last year we also received a prestigious award for “Best Environmental Approach. Our forests provide jobs to approximately 3,000 people, have absorbed between nine and ten million tonnes of CO2 positively contributing to the local climate and provide a home to over 1,000 flora and fauna species.”
Smurfit Kappa’s forest plantations have received recognition from the two major international forest certification schemes – The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™).
