Deforestation-Free

What does “deforestation-free” mean? 

Deforestation-free refers to products or supply chains that do not contribute to the destruction of forests. This means the raw materials are sourced from land that has not been recently deforested, ensuring the preservation of forest ecosystems. 

Why is achieving a deforestation-free supply chain important? 

Achieving a deforestation-free supply chain is crucial for protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and ensuring sustainable land use. Forests act as carbon sinks, help regulate water cycles, and provide habitat for countless species. Preventing deforestation helps maintain these vital environmental functions. 

What are some challenges companies face in creating deforestation-free supply chains? 

Challenges include tracing the origin of raw materials, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain, dealing with complex and often opaque supplier networks, and verifying compliance with deforestation-free commitments. Additionally, there can be significant costs associated with implementing and monitoring these practices. 

How can technology help achieve deforestation-free supply chains? 

Technology can play a key role in achieving deforestation-free supply chains through the use of satellite imagery for monitoring land use, blockchain for ensuring transparency and traceability, and data analytics for assessing and managing risks. These tools can help companies verify that their products are sourced responsibly and sustainably. 

What are some examples of deforestation-free certification schemes? 

Examples of deforestation-free certification schemes include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Rainforest Alliance, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). These certifications provide guidelines and standards for sustainable sourcing practices and help companies ensure their products are deforestation-free.