Perceptions of Virginia's Primary Forest Products Manufacturers regarding Forest Certification

Abstract

Abstract Some forest products companies have enrolled in forest certification and chain-of-custody certification programs due to a perceived increase in demand for certified products. The results of studies on certification conflict in regard to whether certification provides a competitive advantage and enhances market access. There is a lack of information regarding forest industry perceptions of forest certification, including potential barriers and challenges. To address these shortcomings, a survey was mailed to forest products manufacturers in Virginia to study their opinions about forest certification. The majority of respondents believed there were few benefits to certification programs; in particular, a majority perceived limited to no benefit with regard to market share, exports, future demand, and gaining a competitive edge. A similar number also reported that they associate little to no environmental benefits or improvements to company image associated with certification. The top barriers to certification identified by forest products manufacturers were that certification systems do not add value to their products and there is a lack of certified raw material. The top challenges that certification faces in regard to acceptance by manufacturers included limited to no perceived financial benefit and lack of market demand. The barriers and challenges identified will likely have to be overcome to increase the number of firms enrolling in certification programs.