Sustainable Retail Summit 2020

Event

We took a deep dive into the science behind forests and how they contribute to climate change mitigation through sequestration, storage and substitution, at the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Retail Summit (CGF SRS).

Sustainably managed forests are the most significant nature-based solution for action on climate change and carbon emissions. But how can global manufacturers and retailers play a meaningful role? We teamed up with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to discuss this with two leading forest science experts at our CGF Special Session on 15 October.

Together, we looked at how sustainable procurement policies that fully leverage forest certification support global action on climate and other key sustainability action targets.

How can CGF manufacturer and retailer members get involved?

Move from managing sustainable procurement risk to being a Climate Action Champion

Procurement of PEFC and SFI-certified forest products supports sustainable forest management. It also helps to deliver on a wide range of corporate sustainability targets for climate action and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, as well as clean water, biodiversity conservation, sustainable production and consumption and stakeholder partnerships. 

Use credible supply chain assurance to achieve procurement and climate action targets

Many CGF members, governments and civil society stakeholders already realise the value of third party certification in expanding consumer markets for sustainable products, and in achieving corporate deforestation-free supply chain commitments. 

An inclusive and consistent approach to procuring certified forest products is a key tool for CGF members to manage deforestation risks and meet corporate performance targets on climate and carbon.

Forest certification is a key tool for a forest positive future

When fully implemented by consumer facing manufacturers and retailers, forest certification provides many scale-up (within multiple supply chains), scale-out (across landscapes), stakeholder engagement and consumer trust building opportunities for a forest positive future.