In June 2020 we reported on an extension to the transition period for the revised FSC Pesticides Policy. The extended transition period came to an end on 31 December 2020, and all Forest Management certificate holders must now be in compliance with Policy requirements for environmental and social risk assessment (ESRA) when using any chemical pesticides.

Since March 2020 FSC has responded to the health risks and travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic by publishing, and updating in line with the developing situation around the world, derogations for FSC certification bodies unable to conduct on-site audits.

A new report from Soil Association highlights the benefits of certified paper packaging and some of the innovations in the industry.