Choosing a solid wood dining table is good for the planet. Compared to plastic, melamine, or laminate, solid wood is much more environmentally friendly—provided it comes from a responsibly managed forest. That’s why certifications and labels exist. They guarantee that a solid wood table was not made from trees sourced from distant, tropical regions. They attest to the quality of the wood and the sustainability of the forestry practices. Simply put, these certifications prove that the consumer is not contributing to global deforestation.
Among these labels, the one issued by the NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) PEFC is one of the most reputable in Europe. What is PEFC’s policy? What guarantees do the organization’s various certifications offer? Here are some answers.
What does PEFC certification mean?
PEFC certification (“Pan-European Forest Certification” or “Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification”)—which is awarded to certain wooden furniture items, such as dining tables—attests to sustainable forest management in more than 55 countries around the world. Founded in 1999, the NGO manages more than 303 million hectares of forest. As the global leader in forest certification, it promotes a balance among various considerations within a forest. In France, more than 3,000 companies certify their products in partnership with PEFC.
PEFC Certification: An Environmental Issue
The health of forests plays a key role in the quest for a more environmentally friendly world. In France alone, these vast ecosystems are home to hundreds of species of trees, mammals, and birds. They offer a concrete means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming. In fact, forests act as carbon sinks. They are estimated to capture more than 10% of the CO2 emitted each year in France.
PEFC Certification: A Societal Issue
By purchasing a wooden dining table that bears the PEFC label, customers help protect the people who live in, work in, and visit forests. Research has shown that living near a forest improves people’s physical and mental health.
The Economic Significance of the PEFC Certification
In France, more than 440,000 jobs are in the forestry, wood, and paper sector. Furthermore, demand for wood continues to grow, given the material’s ecological, natural, and renewable nature. PEFC’s certification bodies ensure the sustainable management of wood as a resource. PEFC is the only certification system that represents all stakeholders in the forestry sector:
- forest owners;
- companies in the industry;
- forest users;
- environmental protection organizations.
PEFC-Certified Wooden Table: What Guarantees Does the Certification Provide?
When a wood product—such as a dining table—or a wood-based product (paper, cardboard) is PEFC-certified, it guarantees several quality assurances.
Responsible and Sustainable Forest Management
A PEFC-certified product means that the forest owner and the forest operator who harvested and then transported the wood have implemented responsible and sustainable practices. Furthermore, the entire production chain—from wood processing to the sale of furniture—has followed PEFC traceability standards. Consumers thus act as “ conscious consumers ”: their purchasing decisions encourage and contribute to sustainable forest management.
A regular review of forest management rules
Every five years, PEFC reviews the rules for sustainable forest management. The consultation involves all stakeholders in the certification program. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of forest conditions allows the rules to be modified as needed.
PEFC Label: A Certification Granted by Professionals
By purchasing a PEFC-certified wooden table, you can be sure you’re contributing to a better world. PEFC members consist solely of professional organizations and associations. This ensures that its policies servethe public interest rather than private interests.
A certification that takes local characteristics into account
Every forest managed responsibly and sustainably by PEFC has its own unique characteristics. As part of its approach, the program places particular emphasis on local characteristics and acts accordingly.
The Various PEFC Labels
Companies with PEFC chain-of-custody certification may display the organization’s logo on their wood products. There are four different labels, depending on the type of product.
"PEFC Certified" certification without recycled materials
The “PEFC-Certified” label (without recycled content) ensures that the product consists of at least 70% material sourced from a PEFC-certified sustainably managed forest. The remainder comes from materials verified according to the sustainable management system established by PEFC.
The “PEFC Certified” label with recycled materials
The product contains at least 70% materials sourced from a PEFC-certified sustainably managed forest or from recycled sources. The remainder comes from materials certified under the PEFC-established sustainable management system.
The “PEFC Recycled” Certification
The product is made exclusively from materials derived from recycled sources.
The “100% PEFC-Certified” label
This certification guarantees that the product is made exclusively from materials sourced from sustainably managed, PEFC-certified forests.
A certified product displays the logo, as well as the PEFC trademark license number specific to each company. A complete list of certified owners, operators, and companies is available on the label’s website.
FSC, Bois de France: Other Wood Certifications
Other labels and certifications—both international and national—have been created with the goal of managing timber sustainably:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an environmental certification issued by a Canadian organization. Active in 83 countries, FSC promotes an independent certification system for all types of forests. The goal? To ensure that companies adhere to responsible forest management practices, thereby preserving biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem functionality. In addition, the nonprofit organization ensures fair compensation for workers;
- The "Bois de France" label appears on a product sourced from French forests, processed and assembled in France.
Other regional certifications help maximize the value of certain types of wood: Bois des Alpes, Bois Qualité Savoie, Bois des territoires du Massif central, etc.
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