Akzo Nobel and Forest Stewardship Council Agree on Landmark Partnership

The agreement makes Akzo Nobel the FSC's first global partner outside of products that are FSC certified. Both parties will now cooperate to increase understanding of the organization's work in promoting responsible forest management, and to boost awareness of FSC certification being a label for wood and paper from well-managed forests.

Under the terms of the agreement, the brands Cuprinol, Pinotex, Xyladecor, Ceta Bever, Sparlack, Flood and Sadolin, will now work closely with the FSC to promote forest stewardship and drive demand for responsible products.

"We are proud to be involved in this partnership with the FSC, which underlines our intention to develop more eco premium woodcare products and emphasizes our ambition to retain a top ranking on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes," said AkzoNobel CEO Hans Wijers.

Added Corporate Director of Sustainability, André Veneman: "Including sustainability in all aspects of the value chain is at the heart of our commitment. Developing partnerships such as the one we have agreed with the FSC is a clear illustration of our willingness to achieve transformational change, take positive action and help to protect the source of wood for future generations."

FSC Director, General Andre de Freitas, commented: "As a global leader in sustainability, AkzoNobel is an ideal partner to promote awareness of FSC worldwide. Both FSC and Akzo Nobel are committed to the care of natural resources, and the partnership draws on the synergy between sourcing from well-managed forests and maintaining long-term objectives for the life cycle of forest products. By working together through the FSC Global Partner Program, we will not only raise awareness of FSC certification, but will also bring attention to innovations that address environmental, social and economic issues in forest management."

The agreement includes setting up a global partnership fund with the FSC to support agreed social policy projects; educating customers about the FSC and its objectives; and helping to drive demand for FSC certified products. A new partnership logo has also been developed which will be used extensively on all branded material, including packaging.