On 15 March 2002, the Rhône-Alpes forest certification association, PEFC Rhône-Alpes officially obtained PEFC certification. This certificate, issued by an independent certifying organisation, certifies that the structure, operating rules and actions taken by PEFC Rhône-Alpes in forestry management comply with the French standard for sustainable forest management, drawn up by PEFC France.

PEFC MARKING

PEFC certification (Pan European Forest Certification – a programme to recognise European and now international forestry certification) aims to guarantee to consumers that the wooden products (or by-products) they purchase have been manufactured using wood harvested in sustainably managed forests. PEFC labelling on products ensures that consumers have this information at their fingertips when they purchase products.

PEFC certification is based on an agreement between all the economic and social players in the wood sector and citizen and forest user associations wishing to take part in this procedure.  
All the decisions taken by the PEFC Rhône-Alpes have been unanimously passed, a sign that positive and constructive dialogue can take place between a professional sector and civil society.

- They meet the demand of the region's businesses that need wood from certified forests to supply markets requiring certification (paper mills, public local authority contracts and distribution).
- They help promote wood in a competitive context.
- They support sustainable forest management for current and future generations.

An inspection chain is set up in each company involved in product manufacturing or distribution, providing the basis for PEFC-certified product guarantee. The inspection chain is independently verified and meets PEFC requirements in terms of product monitoring.
Graph - growth in the number of certified companies and forests over the past 5 years

• Finding a PEFC-certified company in Rhône-Alpes - link to the PEFC France database

• Inspection chain
• Specifications
• Membership form

Audrey CELARY, chargée de mission PEFC RHONE-ALPES Parc de Crécy 18 avenue Général de Gaulle 69771 St-Didier-Au-Mont-D'or

Tél. : +33 4 72 53 64 84 Mobile : +33 6 16 12 09 22 Fax : +33 4 78 83 96 93 mail : pefc.rhonealpes@free.fr