PEFC and Ibá discuss planted forests amid growing demand for renewable materials
PEFC International, PEFC Brasil and the Brazilian Tree Industry association (Ibá) met in São Paulo to discuss how independently verified forest management and supply chain traceability can support the pulp, paper, packaging and wood panel value chains. It was the first time Ibá had hosted members of the international organisation’s board at its São Paulo offices.
As demand for forest-based products increases, reliable information about the origin and management of the planted trees used to make these products is becoming increasingly important. The meeting provided a high-level strategic dialogue on key developments shaping the future of the PEFC system and their implications for Brazil’s planted forest sector. Topics included the PEFC System Review and a proposed project to improve understanding of the role of biotechnologies in sustainable forest management. Ibá and the member companies attending welcomed PEFC’s decision to open a dialogue on this agenda, which is highly relevant to the sector.
Demand for forest-based materials is growing alongside efforts to reduce dependence on fossil resources and respond to the expectations of customers, regulators and investors. However, renewable origin alone does not guarantee that raw materials have been sourced sustainably. Reliable management and traceability information is essential for companies to understand the origin of the trees supplying these materials.
Connecting local forest management to global markets
PEFC is a global alliance of national and regional forest certification systems. These systems are developed through processes involving different stakeholders so that certification requirements reflect each country’s ecological, social and economic conditions. To obtain PEFC endorsement, systems are independently assessed against the organisation’s international sustainability benchmarks.
This approach, connecting local conditions with global requirements, is particularly relevant to a sector integrated into international trade. It allows forest management requirements to reflect national circumstances while providing customers in other markets with a consistent, recognised framework for the responsible sourcing of raw materials. PEFC Brasil connects the country to the international system and supports companies and forest managers in applying it within the Brazilian context.
“As companies increase their use of renewable forest-based materials, they need reliable information about how these materials are sourced. Certification offers companies a practical way to connect their purchasing decisions with independently verified forest management and supply chain traceability,” said Eduardo Rojas Briales, Chairman of PEFC International.
Responsible sourcing in pulp, paper and packaging
In a supply chain where fibre passes through several stages of processing and trade, the challenge is both to ensure responsible sourcing and to maintain reliable information as wood is transformed into pulp, paper, paperboard and finished packaging.
For Brazilian producers, responsible sourcing therefore involves responsible forest management, clear purchasing requirements, valid supplier information, effective traceability and accurate claims. For brands and retailers, it means correctly specifying certified material, checking the evidence supplied and communicating only what that evidence supports.
According to Ibá’s 2026 Annual Report, the PEFC-certified area in Brazil increased from 0.8 million to 1.8 million hectares in 2025. This development reflects both the planted forest sector’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and the increasing relevance of credible certification systems in the global forest-based economy.
“Brazil’s planted forest sector was a pioneer in voluntarily seeking rigorous international certifications more than two decades ago. Since then, these labels have provided evidence of companies’ commitment to responsible forest management, environmental management, good social practices and traceability. Certifications have also become increasingly important for Brazilian companies to access demanding international markets and participate in global value chains,” said Ambassador José Carlos da Fonseca Jr., Director of International Relations at Ibá.
Turning commitments into evidence
Forest certification and Chain of Custody provide established tools for turning responsible sourcing commitments into verifiable information about product origins. They can help companies establish purchasing requirements, maintain traceability and communicate information supported by independent certification.
The meeting between PEFC International, PEFC Brasil and Ibá offered an opportunity to deepen understanding of these tools and identify how further dialogue could support companies across Brazil’s value chain. Forest owners and managers interested in certification, companies considering PEFC Chain of Custody, and brands or retailers seeking to strengthen their responsible sourcing requirements can contact PEFC Brasil for guidance on the next steps.
About PEFC
PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems, established in 1999 by a group of small forest owners. It is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.
About Ibá
Founded in April 2014, Ibá represents the planted tree value chain for industrial and restoration purposes, from forestry to manufacturing, before its key stakeholders. The association represents 50 companies and 10 state associations involved in producing goods derived from planted trees.
The sector is a major contributor to the large-scale bioeconomy, providing solutions for a world that needs to decarbonise through ecosystem services, including carbon removal, while producing recyclable, biodegradable and renewable materials.
