Forest certification systems are essential to enable sustainable timber traceability

11 May 2022 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue

"What I'm most looking forward to at the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue are practical and informed discussions on the crucial role of forests and certification to support net zero emissions by 2050," says Dr Dorothy Maxwell, Sustainability Director at Davy Horizons and a moderator of tomorrow's Stakeholder Dialogue.

In our interview, she gave us an insight into her job as Sustainability Director, the role of forests for tackling climate change, and what difference certification makes for businesses.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello – I'm Dr Dorothy Maxwell. I'm a sustainability professional with over 20 years international experience working with business and government on sustainability. My training is a MSc and PhD in Environmental Science from Imperial College London. I’m a Fellow and, board member of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.

Can you tell us more about the role of a Sustainability Director, and the main tasks and responsibilities it includes?

I am currently Sustainability Director with Davy Horizons – sustainability and ESG expert advisory unit in financial services firm Davy Group. We support businesses – PLC to private – understand what investors require across ESG and then support them integrate sustainability credibly in their business aligned to best practice and science.

What sparked your interest and made you see the importance of sustainability in business?

In my career I have chosen to work in most capacities possible for a sustainability practitioner so I could learn and evolve my skills with our fast-changing field.

I have worked in government with the European Commission and DEFRA, been a Head of Sustainability in two FMCG retailers, worked with Accenture and Willis Towers Watson as a sustainability consultant and worked as an advisor to HRH Prince of Wales sustainable finance NGOs.

I have chosen to work in capital markets sustainability advisory to business now as the investor is becoming the most vocal stakeholder for good ESG practice. Working with large businesses, especially PLCs, to achieve this is challenging, but rewarding as it can fast track the sustainable market transformation we need so urgently.

Is the FMCG industry facing any issues related to sustainability? How could they be solved?

To prevent being complicit in deforestation it is essential for FMCG and construction sectors to track timber supply chains back to the forest of origin. For timber products, packaging and viscose fashion certified supply chain traceability and independent certification systems like PEFC are key supports to achieve this.

How do you see the role of forest certification in building a greener future? Can forest certification systems, such as PEFC, make a difference?

Forest certification systems like PEFC and FSC are essential to enable sustainable timber traceability in supply chains to prevent deforestation.

From my experience working with PEFC over the years with FMCG brands – the certification systems provided are essential in complex global supplier chains. Also, PEFC provides valuable, practical training from foresters that shapes the business case for sustainable timber with buyers and procurement teams.

What are you most looking forward to at the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue? Which insights do you hope for and what can our audience expect?

Practical and informed discussions on the crucial role of forests and certification to support net zero emissions by 2050. The role business can take to support this and how they can engage.