Fredericton, N.B. – AV Group NB Inc. has announced it has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®-C174919) Forest Management Certification on its freehold land situated in York County, New Brunswick.
Certification of the 41,000 hectare Acadian Forest type under FSC’s National Forest Stewardship Standard, is a first for New Brunswick.
“AV Group is proud to have achieved this forest management first for New Brunswick. Acquiring this world-class certification is integral to not only the sustainability goals of AV Group but our parent company Aditya Birla Group as well,” stated AV President and CEO Mike O’Blenis.
Under the FSC standard, the certified area requires adherence to ten core principles including principle three which moves forward an expectation for meaningful consultation, engagement, and collaboration with our First Nation partners.
“We applaud AV Group on receiving FSC certification on its freehold land in New Brunswick. They are setting an example of environmental and social responsibility for other forest companies,” said Francois Dufresne, President & CEO of FSC Canada. “FSC Canada is proud to partner with the AV Group in their commitment to responsibly managed forests.”
AV Group considers this a transition point for the company and a game-changer for their forest management activities in New Brunswick moving forward. Pulp produced by AV Group mills is used in the manufacture of textiles for woven and non-woven applications and is found in the apparel lines of many major clothing brands.
“As a key link in the man-made cellulose fiber (MMCF) supply chain we must document and verify important aspects of our environmental, social, and governance values for our customers. This certification will greatly enhance our credibility as a supplier of responsibly produced fibers from nature through the textile value chain,” added O’Blenis.
“For AV Group NB Inc. to obtain this certification on their private land is proof of their commitment to good management and governance. I applaud their efforts and foresight in pursuing this and congratulate their success,” Mike Holland, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development.
The certification became effective March 4, 2022, is subject to annual audits and is valid for five years from the date of issue.
