ARLINGTON, VA — The non-profit Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), one of the major forest-certification bodies, recently revamped its web site to provide more information about sustainable forestry practices and SFI services. Among the new features is a database for finding certified forestry products.

“Whether buying 2 x 4s to build a deck, paper for a printer or the packaging your favorite product comes in, this search tool will help you to purchase responsibly and find SFI-certified products,” SFI president and CEO Kathy Abusow says.  The new site also provides a clearer explanation of SFI labels, details on critical forestry research sponsored by SFI-certified organizations and partners, and a lengthy list of useful links.

The enhanced web site comes on the heels of tremendous growth in the SFI program.  Nearly 600 organizations across Canada and the United States are now involved, more than twice as many as at the start of 2007. In addition, the SFI program accounts for 294 chain-of-custody certifications at 788 locations, 223 program participants, and 150 million acres (60 million hectares) of certified forestland.  
 
A recent trend among paper companies, merchants and printers is to become “tri-certified” by the major certification bodies: SFI, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Some organizations are adding additional eco-endorsements from groups such as the Rainforest Alliance and Markets Initiative.