ScanCom acknowledges that it has a major environmental responsibility and will work in every way it can to improve conditions. We also understand that it is only through working with others that we can maximise our impact. The momentum and credibility required to implement the changes and achieve our objectives comes through building a coalition of interests between businesses, civil society and governments. We work closely with parties at all levels to achieve our common goals.

Since 1998, the FSC^TM has instilled in ScanCom the clear objective of promoting Sustainable Forest Management and traceability through chain of custody.

As the market leader in forest certification standards, FSC^TM has become shorthand in the industry for much of what we want to achieve, providing a commonly recognised goal for the forest and timber industries. As a participant certified under chain of custody, ScanCom manages a group scheme that covers 15 factories – one of the first of its kind in the world. This auditing system, which is applied to all suppliers, provides the framework and independent auditing for 100% of all the timber we use in our supply chain. It has also provided the methodology for tracing all the timber we use.

The FSC^TM framework has also provided the structure for the support we have given to our forest producers. The Principles & Criteria of Sustainable Forest Management have given clear guidance to all that we are trying to achieve with our suppliers. This has allowed us to set targets for our suppliers and measure their progress in a transparent manner.

Beyond being a certified participant, ScanCom is an active member of FSC^TM. We think it’s vital that a membership organisation such as FSC^TM has the full and active support of its membership. We are also members of the Economic North Chamber and participate directly in a number of initiatives and dialogues. The integrity of the FSC trademark and logo, the integrity in the auditing of chain of custody systems, and the current review of the plantations policy are of specific interest to ScanCom.

ScanCom has made non-solicited financial contributions directly to FSC^TM on an annual basis since 2004. We intend this financial support to focus on enforcing trademark integrity and pursuing legal action against violators.

ScanCom’s connection with WWF has been strong since the first time we recognised the need to develop a staunch environmental policy. It was under their guidance that our company took up its involvement with FSC^TM. And, our close working relationship resulted in WWF granting ScanCom their Gift to the Earth award in 2001.

As a partner in the conservation field, WWF has always been a constructive critic as well as a supporter of the initiatives we have undertaken. We appreciate their role in scrutinising and improving standards with ScanCom, as well as the wider industry. We especially support their initiative to introduce a ‘stepwise’ approach to certification through the Global Forest & Trade Network and the Responsible Purchasing Guide.

As a recognisable organisation for both our suppliers and our customers, WWF has a key role to play. We welcome the establishment of the Vietnam Forest & Trade Network and we are very proud to be inaugural members. ScanCom is financially supporting the VFTN together with GTZ in a Private Partnership Project.