The event provided a unique opportunity to see firsthand the sustainable forestry requirements under which FSC-certified products are sourced and engage with those who uphold these standards. With over 1.1 million hectares of FSC-certified forest and more than 260 FSC-certified organisations across Australia, the commitment to responsible forestry continues to grow.
Why FSC Certification Matters
Forests are vital to Australia’s environment, economy, and communities, providing critical ecosystem services, livelihoods, and resources. FSC certification upholds the highest standards of responsible forest management—safeguarding biodiversity, respecting the rights of First Nations Peoples, workers, and local communities, and ensuring forests can continue to provide essential materials and services for generations to come. The FSC Forest Walk provided a unique, firsthand experience of FSC’s standards in action, demonstrating why FSC-certified products are the most trusted choice for businesses and consumers committed to sustainable forestry.
Industry Leaders Gaining Firsthand Knowledge
Leading Australian companies, including Woolworths Group, Coles Group, Bunnings, Visy, Essity, Kimberly-Clark, Australia Post, and more, attended the event to deepen their understanding of how FSC certification supports sustainable supply chains. These organisations source FSC-certified materials for packaging, furniture, and household products, ensuring that forest resources are managed in line with their ambitious responsible sourcing commitments.
Kimberly-Clark Professional, an FSC chain of custody certificate holder, reflected on the value of seeing FSC-certified forestry in practice. “Understanding the FSC system in a real-world setting was an invaluable experience,” said Julian Westcott, Account Manager at Kimberley-Clark Professional “Seeing firsthand the commitment of forest managers to responsible practices gives us even greater confidence in the materials we source. It strengthens our ability to make informed decisions and communicate the importance of FSC certification internally and to our customers."
For Coles Group, an FSC promotional licence holder, the event reinforced the significance of responsible sourcing. “Being on the ground and speaking directly with the HVP Plantations team managing these forests gave us a much deeper appreciation for the rigorous work behind FSC certification,” said Coles Own Brand Lead Sustainable Packaging Manager Emma Buchanan. “It’s one thing to read about sustainability standards, but witnessing them in action drives home why FSC certification is so important to our business and the products we offer consumers.”
A Milestone for Responsible Forestry
HVP Plantations, the first-ever FSC-certified forestry organisation in Australia, celebrated 20 years of FSC certification in 2024. As the event’s host, HVP showcased the robust environmental stewardship practices that underpin FSC certification, including fire management, native forest care, and plantation thinning operations designed to maintain forest health.
HVP’s Environment and Certification Manager shared insights on how two decades of FSC certification have shaped their approach to sustainable forestry, contributing to the protection of waterways, cultural heritage sites, and threatened species habitats.
Mick Evans, HVP Plantations Northern Region General Manager noted that “HVP was delighted to take part in the FSC Forest Walk — a great opportunity to engage with others in our value chain and share how we grow and harvest our products responsibly. Our 20 years of certification reflects our enduring commitment to stewardship and sustainable plantation forestry.”
Australia’s Growing FSC Network
The FSC system continues to expand in Australia, with businesses across industries recognising the importance of responsible forestry. FSC ANZ CEO Melanie Robertson addressed attendees, marking 30 years of FSC’s global impact and outlining the organisation’s strategic priorities for the future.
"As the demand for forest-friendly products grows, FSC-certified forests provide a solution that balances environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability," said Robertson. "The presence of so many leading organisations today highlights the critical role businesses play in supporting responsible forestry."
Strengthening Commitments to Sustainable Forestry
With the combined efforts of forestry organisations, manufacturers, and retailers, FSC certification is helping to ensure Australia’s forests remain healthy and productive for generations to come. Events like the FSC Forest Walk are key to bridging the gap between sustainable forest management and the businesses that rely on forest resources, driving informed decisions across supply chains.