Cepi says future European carbon removals certification methodologies should support the forest bioeconomy while preserving the long-term productivity of Europe’s forests.
In a position paper focused on carbon removals certification and sustainable forest management, the European paper industry association argues that climate policies should not reduce forest growth potential or restrict wood supply for industrial processing.
According to Cepi, the forest-based sector contributes to climate mitigation through three complementary mechanisms: carbon sequestration in forests, carbon storage in harvested wood products, and the substitution of fossil-based materials and energy. The association said future certification frameworks should maximize this combined climate benefit rather than focus solely on forest carbon storage.
Cepi also stressed the importance of active forest management to maintain forest resilience against droughts, wildfires and other climate-related disturbances. The organization supports practices such as thinning, regeneration of over-aged stands, fertilization under certain conditions and species diversification.
The association further argued that future EU methodologies should remain flexible enough to reflect the diversity of forest conditions across Europe and avoid a rigid top-down regulatory approach.
The paper also warns against strategies that could significantly reduce wood harvesting levels in Europe. According to Cepi, significantly longer forest rotation periods could shift harvesting and wood processing activities to other regions of the world, increasing the risk of carbon leakage and weakening the competitiveness of Europe’s forest-based industries.
Cepi added that forest certification systems such as Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification already provide credible safeguards for demonstrating biodiversity benefits linked to eligible forestry activities under future carbon certification mechanisms.
Cepi represents the European paper industry through 19 national associations, covering approximately 490 companies operating 870 mills across Europe and directly employing more than 180,000 people. The association represents packaging, graphic papers, tissue, specialty papers and bio-based products sectors.
