News Forestry Pulp
AV Group NB first to receive FSC certification in New Brunswick

AV Group NB has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Forest Management Certification on its freehold land in York County, N.B.

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,” said AV president and CEO Mike O’Blenis.

Under the FSC standard, the certified area must adhere to 10 core principles including principle three, which moves forward an expectation for meaningful consultation, engagement and collaboration with 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 and 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 fibre (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 fibres from nature through the textile value chain,” added O’Blenis.

“For AV Group NB 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 came into effect on March 4, 2022. It is subject to annual audits and is valid for five years from the date of issue.