Preferred by Nature expands PEFC certification services to Lithuania and Ukraine

Following accreditation under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Forest Management (PEFC FM), two certificates were issued within days of each other. VšĮ "Sertifikuoti miškai" became the first Lithuanian client certified by Preferred by Nature under PEFC FM. It is the country's second PEFC FM certificate and, as of now, the largest by forest area, covering 27,467 hectares, about 3% of Lithuania's 924,000 hectares of private forest. Four days later, Bilokorovychi Forestry received the first PEFC FM certificate in Ukraine. The company is part of the state enterprise "Forest of Ukraine," and its certificate covers 78,264 hectares.

A fast-growing market for PEFC

PEFC is recognized in markets across more than 100 countries. Demand for PEFC-certified raw materials has been steadily rising as buyers diversify their sourcing beyond a single scheme. The certificates for Lithuania and Ukraine mark the official launch of Preferred by Nature's PEFC FM certification services in the region, positioning the organization to respond quickly to growing demand. 

What it means for forest owners

VšĮ "Sertifikuoti miškai" was established in 2021 and now represents 183 private forest owners. Certification gives its members a competitive edge in meeting growing buyer demand for PEFC-certified material.

The State Enterprise "Forest of Ukraine" and its forestry units enjoy the same advantage, but under considerably more demanding conditions. Only the portion of Bilokorovychi's forest confirmed safe from explosive remnants of war was included in the scope and verified against publicly available government data. It's a reminder that credible certification can still move forward in the most difficult circumstances.

The real opportunity lies in dual certification. Preferred by Nature can now offer both FSC^® and PEFC forest management certifications, giving forest managers a single certification body for both schemes while simplifying processes and reducing administrative burden.

This is an important milestone for Preferred by Nature, as it marks the launch of our PEFC Forest Management certification services in Lithuania and Ukraine and strengthens our position as a provider of responsible forest certification solutions.

Justinas Janulaitis

Senior Director, Sustainability Certification at Preferred by Nature

“This achievement gives forest managers more flexibility by allowing them to work with a single certification body for the world's two leading forest management certification systems -FSC^® and PEFC. This helps simplify certification, expand market opportunities, and respond to the growing demand for responsibly sourced and certified forest products”, he added.

With PEFC FM services now live in both countries, Preferred by Nature expects these two certificates to be the first of several, as more forest owners across Lithuania and Ukraine look to combine FSC and PEFC to meet growing market demand.
 

Gallery photos credit: Giedrė Šlevinskė / Preferred by Nature