Forest For The Future - Podcasts

Episode 81: What Is Next in FSC Chain of Custody? A Glimpse Into the Revision Process (Episode 1 of 2)

Forest For The Future - Podcasts

Show Notes

Title: Episode 81: What Is Next in FSC Chain of Custody? A Glimpse Into the Revision Process (Episode 1 of 2) Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: In this episode of Forest for the Future, we explore one of the most significant ongoing developments in the FSC system: the full revision of the FSC Chain of Custody standard. This framework ensures that materials carrying the FSC label are tracked responsibly through every step of the supply chain, and the current revision may introduce some of the most meaningful updates in more than a decade.

Host Loa Worm is joined by César Gonçalves, Programme Manager for Controlled Wood and Chain of Custody at FSC and lead on the revision process, and Emily White, Policy Manager for the same area focusing especially on social requirements. Together they unpack why FSC is revising the standard now, how topics for revision are selected, and which of the proposed changes may have the biggest impact on companies, auditors and the system as a whole.

The conversation explores topics including simplification of the system, increased use of risk-based approaches, the potential merging of several standards into one, expanded flexibility for multi-site and group certification, updates to the treatment of pre-consumer materials, and a strengthened approach to workers’ rights. Emily provides a deep dive into the evolution of the social requirements, why further alignment with global labour expectations is needed, and how FSC aims to balance ambition with practicality for companies.

The episode also guides listeners through the current public consultation: how to participate, what to expect from the process, and how stakeholder input directly shapes the next iteration of the standard.

If you would like to participate in the consultation, find out more here: https://connect.fsc.org/chain-custody-certification/revision-chain-custody-standards

This is the first of two episodes on the Chain of Custody revision. In the next episode, we turn to reclaimed materials and FSC’s work to support circular business models with high innovation potential.

More from Forest For The Future - Podcasts

Sep 29, 2026

Title: Episode 89: Can Managed Forests Help Canada Meet Its 30x30 Conservation Goal? Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: Conservation is often associated with national parks and protected areas. But what about places that are delivering benefits for biodiversity while being managed for other purposes? In this episode of Forest for the Future, we return to Canada to explore Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures, or OECMs, and their potential contribution to the country’s 30x30 conservation goal.

Jun 17, 2026

Title: Episode 88 – Fueling the Future — or the Fire? Biofuels, Energy Security and the Pressure on Forests Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: In this episode of Forest for the Future, we step a little outside the forest itself and into the world of energy policy. With oil prices volatile and supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz under pressure, governments around the world are racing to secure their energy supply. One of the tools many are turning to is biofuels, blended into diesel and petrol and often produced from crops such as palm oil, soy, sugarcane and maize. That can sound like a climate win. But it can also mean new pressure on forests, peatlands, food systems and the communities who depend on them. Host Loa Worm is joined by Patrick Schröder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, to explore whether biofuels can really deliver energy security without driving deforestation. From Indonesia’s move from B40 to B50, to Brazil’s ethanol experience, India’s blending programmes and the challenge of indirect land-use change and deforestation, the conversation looks at how today’s political decisions on energy can ripple all the way into the forest. The episode also explores the role of certification systems such as FSC, RSPO and ISCC. Patrick explains why certification can be a genuine safeguard, but not a political shortcut. Biofuels are neither a silver bullet nor a villain. It all depends on how they are governed.

Mar 25, 2026

Title: Episode 87: The New AI Frontier in Forestry: Inside UPM’s Arnibot Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering the world of forestry. But what does that mean in practice?

Feb 24, 2026

Title: Episode 86: Climate Change and FSC – Managing for Climate Impacts featuring Christian Messier, Amy Cardinal, and Vivian Peachy Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: Climate change is no longer a distant risk for forests — it is already reshaping ecosystems, livelihoods, and forest management decisions across Canada and the world. In this final episode of the Climate Change and FSC mini-series, we turn our attention to managing forests for climate impacts.

Feb 17, 2026

Title: Episode 85: Climate Change and FSC – What Is a Climate Vulnerability Assessment? Featuring Dr. Sheri Andrews-Key and Kevin Gillis Author(s): Worm, Loa Dalgaard Description: Climate change is often described as uncertain and complex, yet forest managers still need to make decisions today. In this second episode of the Climate Change and FSC mini-series, we move from framing the challenge to exploring one of the key practical tools used to support climate adaptation in forestry: climate vulnerability assessments.

See all episodes →