FSC's response to SCA's decision on its forest management certification

On 10 April 2025, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was notified of Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget’s (SCA) intention to self-terminate its forest management certification in Sweden as of 1 June 2025, while keeping their forests in the Baltics certified and maintaining the Chain of Custody certification as well as membership in FSC Sweden. We regret this decision, but acknowledge SCA’s continued commitment to FSC, and its openness to finding a solution through engagement with FSC and other stakeholders.  

FSC, a membership-based organization, is founded on the belief that lasting solutions to complex problems require diverse voices at the table. Our unique three-chamber governance structure brings together environmental, social, and economic interests, ensuring that no single perspective dominates, and that consensus guides our decision making. It is this inclusive, democratic model that gives our system its strength and resilience. Choosing to step away rather than engage in the critical process of finding consensus means missing the opportunity to directly influence the responsible management of forests worldwide. 

Forests are not just a vital line of defense against climate change; they are the lifeblood of our planet. They regulate water cycles, preserve biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods for millions of people. Without healthy forests, entire ecosystems and communities would be at risk, underscoring the urgent need for their protection and sustainable management. Our global standards ensure that forests are managed in ways that support both climate action and biodiversity conservation, leveraging their synergies. 

Forests not only mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, they also help local areas against the catastrophic impacts of climate change like draughts, floods, and  heatwaves, the likes of which Europe has faced in increasing numbers in recent years. This is why FSC does not buy into quick fix arguments putting forests against renewable energy, and climate against biodiversity. It recognizes the need for nuanced understanding of the issues based on local realities.  

FSC’s standards are among the most rigorous and inclusive in the world. They are developed through a participatory process that brings together environmental, social, and economic interests - balancing science, practicality, and diverse perspectives. Today, more than 160 million hectares of forest are FSC certified globally, managed by around 1,500 certificate holders. In Europe alone, over 60 million hectares are certified, reflecting the region’s commitment to responsible forest management. Companies like SCA, Holmen and others have played a central role in advancing this vision in Sweden and beyond by participating in FSC’s standard-setting processes and meeting the requirements for FSC certification.  

FSC certification stands for more than environmental protection and market relevance. It includes strong safeguards for workers’ rights, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. These values are embedded into our system at every level; shaping our global framework and guiding our National Forest Stewardship Standards (NFSS), which ensure that local realities and ecological needs are respected and addressed.

In today’s polarized landscape, public expectations are high, and trust is hard-earned. The challenges facing forests require greater cooperation between all stakeholders with divergent interests, and a willingness to engage with the interconnected nature of global environmental issues. Now more than ever, we need  constructive dialogue, solidarity, and the willingness to work through complexities together.  Finding a common ground is crucial in Sweden’s current debate, among companies, environmental advocates, local communities and policymakers and customers.  

FSC was founded to create space for diverse voices to shape the future of forests, and that mission has never been more important. With over 30 years of experience in fostering dialogue across competing interests, we know that now is not the time to give up on the values of inclusion and solidarity. We remain committed to facilitating open, inclusive processes where all stakeholders can work together to find durable, long-term solutions that benefit both people and the planet. 

We encourage SCA and other companies in Sweden to raise their voice and actively participate in the FSC dialogue processes both on this issue and in the longer term. Opportunities include : 

• Revision of the Swedish National Forest Stewardship Standard; 
• Revision of FSC’s Principles and Criteria; 
• FSC General Assembly 2025.