The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies forests that have been grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. It attempts to increase market share for certified paper via a Business Development Plan (BDP). This thesis provides analysis of the FSCs marketing using a survey and case study approach. The survey of institutional paper buyers reveals trends that suggest that the market for FSC and other certified papers is gaining popularity with institutional buyers, even though final consumers remain price sensitive. Components of institutional behavior that might cause an organization to adopt FSC are analyzed. This analysis reveals that adoption is more likely if it is important to an institution’s stakeholders and if reputation can be increased, even given increased costs. However, much of the growth in market share of FSC remains unexplained by the BDP. Hence the market for FSC and certified paper may be expanding independent of FSC and BDP. / Agricultural and Resource Eonomics

Nobia AB i Tidaholm tillverkar kompletta kök till privatpersoner och byggprojekt. I samhället har hållbarhetstänket ökat markant vilket betyder att kunderna ställer högre krav på det de konsumerar. För att producera hållbara kök med hänsyn till miljö och människor i enlighet med deras affärsstrategi krävs det att verksamheten är certifierad. De certifikat som är av intresse är Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) och Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).  För att erhålla ett certifikat krävs det att vissa krav uppfylls och att spårbarhet finns i verksamheten. För att erhålla ett av certifikaten måste bristerna identifieras och förslag på åtgärder tas fram. För spårbarheten gäller det att produktionen granskas och att verksamheten jämförs med de ställda kraven. Efter utförd studie har det påvisat möjligheten till certifiering för Nobias verksamhet i Tidaholm. Teorin samlades in genom litteratur, standarder och artiklar. Metoder som användes för att undersöka nuläget var diskussioner, processkartläggning och observationer. Utifrån teorin och undersökningen av nuläget tillämpades en gapanalys för att jämföra differensen mellan certifikatens krav och den befintliga uppfyllandegraden. Flertalet brister påvisades och de största mest påverkningsbara sammanfattades i en prioriteringslista. Utifrån analysen togs förslag arbetssätt och åtgärder fram för att uppnå spårbarhet. Resultatet innefattar teoretiska åtgärder relaterat till arbetssättet och praktiska åtgärder för hur spårbarheten kan uppnås. Slutligen har Nobia goda möjligheter att på ett strategiskt sätt möjlighet till att utveckla sin verksamhet till en certifierad produktion med hjälp av ett teoretiskt arbetssätt samt praktiska åtgärder. / Nobia AB in Tidaholm manufacture complete kitchens towards private persons and building projects. With the increasing awareness of sustainability in the society, there is an increase of sustainable consumption by the customers which leads to higher demands on sustainable kitchens. To produce kitchens with the environment and people in mind in line with their business strategi, their organization needs to be certified. The certificates of interests are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). To acquire certification Nobia will need to fulfil the demands in the standard and have traceability in their production. To acquire traceability, it is needed to review the production and to compare the organisation with the standards demands. After the completed study it has been proven that there is a possibility to certify Nobia’s organization in Tidaholm. The theory chapter was collected through literature, standards, and articles. Methods that were used to examine the current situation was discussions, process mapping and observations at the company. From the theory and the examination of the current situation was a gap analysis completed to compare the difference between Nobia’s current situation and the demands in the standard. Multiple breaches were discovered and the changes that would help the traceability the most was summarized in a priority list. The result includes theoretical measures related to working practice and practical measures as to how traceability can be achieved. Lastly is that Nobia has a good possibility, in a strategic way, to develop their organization and produce certified production with the help of a theoretical and practical measures.

A Certificação do Conselho de Manejo Florestal (FSC) é um instrumento de gestão que tem como objetivo estimular manejo sustentável dos produtos florestais considerando aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Nos últimos anos, os esforços em promover a certificação comunitária como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento das populações rurais enfatizou os produtos florestais não-madeireiros (PFNM´s), gerando benefícios e inúmeros desafios, inclusive o de conciliar as normas de certificação às práticas tradicionais de manejo. Mesmo considerando que os PFNM´s representem a principal fonte de renda de milhares de famílias em todo mundo, poucos trabalhos científicos têm questionado a percepção das comunidades envolvidas. Diante da experiência das Associações dos Seringueiros Porto Dias (ASPD) e dos Moradores e Agroextrativistas do Remanso de Capixaba (Amarca), ambas certificadas pelo FSC com madeira e produtos não madeireiros, este estudo objetivou avaliar a percepção a respeito deste processo nas duas comunidades do estado do Acre, na Amazônia ocidental brasileira. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada, com perguntas do tipo semi-abertas e fechadas sobre as dificuldades encontradas para cumprir ações relacionadas à certificação, além de questões a respeito da satisfação, perspectiva e credibilidade do processo. Foram entrevistados 100% dos representantes das famílias das associações ASPD (n=7) e Amarca (n=10). As entrevistas foram individuais e realizadas por um único entrevistador, garantindo a independência e uniformidade das análises. As dificuldades relatadas foram tabuladas através de uma escala tipo Likert, sendo que os pontos mais críticos estão relacionados à gestão de resíduos sólidos e ao manejo de animais silvestres. O aspecto positivo mais considerado pelos entrevistados (35,3%) foi o aumento no valor comercial do produto, embora nem sempre isso ocorra. Em relação aos aspectos negativos da certificação, foi relatada a dificuldade em cumprir normas e acordos de comercialização, além do manejo mais trabalhoso. A maioria dos entrevistados não considera nenhum aspecto negativo relevante. Constatou-se que 88,23% dos entrevistados recomendam a certificação a outras comunidades não certificadas e que a intenção em dar continuidade ao processo é unânime, com restrições de melhoria na captação de novos mercados. Em relação à credibilidade no processo de certificação, 76,47% dos entrevistados acreditam que a certificação possa trazer benefícios sociais, 82,35% benefícios econômicos e 94,12% confiam nos benefício de caráter ambiental como a conservação da floresta Amazônica. Agregar valor ao produto manejado e contribuir para melhoria das condições de vida dos associados são desafios para a consolidação da certificação florestal comunitária dos PFNM´s no estado do Acre. / The certification of the Forest Stewardship Council is a management tool that aims to encourage the sustainable management of forest products considering social, economic and environmental aspects. In recent years, there have been efforts promoting community certification as a tool for developing non-timber forest products (NTFPs), hence generating many benefits and challenges, including that of reconciling the certification standards to the traditional management practices. Even considering that NTFPs are the main source of income for thousands of families worldwide, few scientific studies have questioned the perception of the communities involved. Given the experience of the Associações dos Seringueiros Porto Dias (ASPD) and of the Moradores e Agroextrativistas do Remanso de Capixaba (Amarca) associations, both certified by the FSC with NTFPs, this study aimed to assess both communities\' perception regarding this process in the state of Acre, in the brazilian Amazon forest. Data were collected through structured interviews, with semi-open and closed type questions on the difficulties encountered to comply with the actions related to certification, in addition to questions concerning the satisfaction, perspective and credibility of the process. 100% of the representatives of the families pertaining to the ASPD (n=7) and AMARC (n=10) associations were interviewed. The interviews were individual and conducted by only one interviewer, thereby ensuring the independence and uniformity of the analyses. The difficulties reported were tabulated using a Likert scale, with the most critical points related to solid waste management and to the handling of wild animals. The positive aspect considered by most respondents (35.3%) was the increased market value of the product, although this is not always the case. Regarding the negative aspects of certification, the difficulty in meeting the standards and marketing agreements was reported, in addition to a more difficult management. Most of the respondents do not consider any negative aspect to be relevant. It was found that 88.23% of the respondents recommend certification to other non-certified communities and that the intention to continue the process is unanimous, with restrictions on the improvement of gaining new markets. Regarding the credibility in the certification process, 76.47% of the respondents believe that certification can bring social benefits, 82.35% believe in economic benefits and 94.12% believe in the environmental benefits, as for instance the preservation of the Amazon forest. Adding value to the managed products and contributing to improving the living conditions of the members are challenges for the consolidation of the community forest certification of NTFPs in the state of Acre, Brazil.

A Certificação do Conselho de Manejo Florestal (FSC) é um instrumento de gestão que tem como objetivo estimular manejo sustentável dos produtos florestais considerando aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Nos últimos anos, os esforços em promover a certificação comunitária como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento das populações rurais enfatizou os produtos florestais não-madeireiros (PFNM´s), gerando benefícios e inúmeros desafios, inclusive o de conciliar as normas de certificação às práticas tradicionais de manejo. Mesmo considerando que os PFNM´s representem a principal fonte de renda de milhares de famílias em todo mundo, poucos trabalhos científicos têm questionado a percepção das comunidades envolvidas. Diante da experiência das Associações dos Seringueiros Porto Dias (ASPD) e dos Moradores e Agroextrativistas do Remanso de Capixaba (Amarca), ambas certificadas pelo FSC com madeira e produtos não madeireiros, este estudo objetivou avaliar a percepção a respeito deste processo nas duas comunidades do estado do Acre, na Amazônia ocidental brasileira. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada, com perguntas do tipo semi-abertas e fechadas sobre as dificuldades encontradas para cumprir ações relacionadas à certificação, além de questões a respeito da satisfação, perspectiva e credibilidade do processo. Foram entrevistados 100% dos representantes das famílias das associações ASPD (n=7) e Amarca (n=10). As entrevistas foram individuais e realizadas por um único entrevistador, garantindo a independência e uniformidade das análises. As dificuldades relatadas foram tabuladas através de uma escala tipo Likert, sendo que os pontos mais críticos estão relacionados à gestão de resíduos sólidos e ao manejo de animais silvestres. O aspecto positivo mais considerado pelos entrevistados (35,3%) foi o aumento no valor comercial do produto, embora nem sempre isso ocorra. Em relação aos aspectos negativos da certificação, foi relatada a dificuldade em cumprir normas e acordos de comercialização, além do manejo mais trabalhoso. A maioria dos entrevistados não considera nenhum aspecto negativo relevante. Constatou-se que 88,23% dos entrevistados recomendam a certificação a outras comunidades não certificadas e que a intenção em dar continuidade ao processo é unânime, com restrições de melhoria na captação de novos mercados. Em relação à credibilidade no processo de certificação, 76,47% dos entrevistados acreditam que a certificação possa trazer benefícios sociais, 82,35% benefícios econômicos e 94,12% confiam nos benefício de caráter ambiental como a conservação da floresta Amazônica. Agregar valor ao produto manejado e contribuir para melhoria das condições de vida dos associados são desafios para a consolidação da certificação florestal comunitária dos PFNM´s no estado do Acre. / The certification of the Forest Stewardship Council is a management tool that aims to encourage the sustainable management of forest products considering social, economic and environmental aspects. In recent years, there have been efforts promoting community certification as a tool for developing non-timber forest products (NTFPs), hence generating many benefits and challenges, including that of reconciling the certification standards to the traditional management practices. Even considering that NTFPs are the main source of income for thousands of families worldwide, few scientific studies have questioned the perception of the communities involved. Given the experience of the Associações dos Seringueiros Porto Dias (ASPD) and of the Moradores e Agroextrativistas do Remanso de Capixaba (Amarca) associations, both certified by the FSC with NTFPs, this study aimed to assess both communities\' perception regarding this process in the state of Acre, in the brazilian Amazon forest. Data were collected through structured interviews, with semi-open and closed type questions on the difficulties encountered to comply with the actions related to certification, in addition to questions concerning the satisfaction, perspective and credibility of the process. 100% of the representatives of the families pertaining to the ASPD (n=7) and AMARC (n=10) associations were interviewed. The interviews were individual and conducted by only one interviewer, thereby ensuring the independence and uniformity of the analyses. The difficulties reported were tabulated using a Likert scale, with the most critical points related to solid waste management and to the handling of wild animals. The positive aspect considered by most respondents (35.3%) was the increased market value of the product, although this is not always the case. Regarding the negative aspects of certification, the difficulty in meeting the standards and marketing agreements was reported, in addition to a more difficult management. Most of the respondents do not consider any negative aspect to be relevant. It was found that 88.23% of the respondents recommend certification to other non-certified communities and that the intention to continue the process is unanimous, with restrictions on the improvement of gaining new markets. Regarding the credibility in the certification process, 76.47% of the respondents believe that certification can bring social benefits, 82.35% believe in economic benefits and 94.12% believe in the environmental benefits, as for instance the preservation of the Amazon forest. Adding value to the managed products and contributing to improving the living conditions of the members are challenges for the consolidation of the community forest certification of NTFPs in the state of Acre, Brazil.

La industria de envases de cartón ha ganado protagonismo durante los últimos años, pues el mercado opta por envases ecofriendly y el cartón es considerado como una alternativa. Esta industria se viene fortaleciendo mediante certificaciones que acrediten que se mantiene un proceso responsable en la obtención de materia, por lo cual, una alternativa ha sido la certificación Forest Stewardship Council bajo el estándar de cadena de custodia que no solo acredita que es respetuoso; sino que brinda beneficios en el ámbito económico, ambiental y social en la cadena de suministro. En función a ello, el objetivo de la presente investigación es conocer la percepción de los beneficios de la certificación Forest Stewardship Council en la cadena de suministros de las empresas peruanas de envases de cartón, durante el periodo de 2017-2020. Por ello, se realizó una investigación con enfoque cualitativo con teoría fundamentada. Por lo cual, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a diez profesionales que se desarrollan dentro del sector de envases de cartón, pertenecientes a empresas e instituciones más importantes en el Perú, dentro de su rubro comercial. Como resultado de la investigación se validó que a raíz de la implementación del certificado Forest Stewardship Council bajo el estándar de cadena de custodia se perciben beneficios positivos en el lado ambiental, social y económico como contribución a la cadena de suministros de empresas peruanas de envase de cartón, durante el periodo 2017-2020, como un mejor posicionamiento de la empresa, percepción de confianza, fortalecimiento de la imagen empresarial en el ámbito social y ambiental. Sin embargo, se obtuvo como hallazgos la dificultad de certificación y rol del Estado que impide que el sector de envase de cartón siga desarrollándose, teniendo un impacto en los ingresos del sector. Con referencia a ello, se realizarán las recomendaciones pertinentes a los actores involucrados; así también a los futuros investigadores. / The paperboard packaging industry has gained prominence in recent years, as the market opts for eco-friendly packaging and paperboard is considered an alternative. This industry has been strengthened through certifications that certify that a responsible process is maintained in the procurement of material, for which an alternative has been the Forest Stewardship Council certification under the chain of custody standard that not only certifies that it is respectful, but also provides benefits in the economic, environmental, and social areas in the supply chain. Based on this, the objective of this research is to know the perception of the benefits of Forest Stewardship Council certification in the supply chain of Peruvian carton packaging companies, during the period of 2017 -2020. Therefore, a research with a qualitative approach with grounded theory was conducted. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten professionals who work in the cardboard packaging sector, belonging to the most important companies and institutions in Peru, within their business field. / Tesis

The aim of this diploma thesis was to analyze the current effects of FSC production on the Czech market. The analysis of certified products in the Czech Republic was performed from the perspective of consumers and companies. The first step was a short consumer survey, which was distributed among respondents in electronic and paper versions. The main objective of this research was to measure awareness of FSC logo and its effects in the consumer choice process. The second part of this research was dedicated to companies producing or selling certified furniture. The field research was conducted among selected stores situated in České Budějovice.

Forest and product certification was initially promoted as a means of enhancing sustainable management of forests in the tropics. However after almost two decades, there is still very little evidence of certified timber products originating from tropical countries. A number of approaches have been suggested to enhance the growth of forest certification in the tropics. These approaches such as that of the Forest Stewardship Council, Global Forest Trade Network of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Sustainable Forest Initiative and various private sector initiatives have all failed to facilitate forest certification. Therefore to enhance the development of forest certification in Ghana, the research work amongst others, draws on experiences in certification from other sectors such as cocoa, fisheries, tourism and oil palm to develop a model for promoting forest certification in Ghana. The research work uses elements identified in the literature review in developing a questionnaire for the survey of timber firms in Ghana. The research work identified stakeholder consultations, legal framework, resource rights, and the regulation of the domestic market as key elements for promoting forest certification in Ghana. The research recommends a phased approach to promoting forest certification with the first phase being verification of legality that adopts the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) and the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) initiative. The study identifies this approach not only as a means of reducing cost to the private sector in pursuing forest certification but a means of drawing on support measures to enhance the regulation of the domestic market; a key component for promoting forest certification. The report argues that it is only through a well regulated domestic market can tropical timber producing countries achieve sustainable forest management and hence forest certification. The domestic market is therefore seen as a strong means of promoting certification since it will be internalised in the producing countries. None of the research on certification has so far identified the domestic market as a key factor to promoting forest certification and the research work argues that the slow pace of certification has been the lack of demand for certified products on the domestic market. Developing the domestic market is therefore seen as a key policy instrument for promoting the uptake of forest certification in Ghana and the tropics in general.