IKEA: 'Stronger Leadership' Needed for Future of Forestry

Responsible forest management lies at the heart of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

In 2025, global deforestation rates declined slightly for the first time in two decades – yet 10 million hectares of forest continue to be lost each year, according to the UN FAO. 

Forests absorb roughly 7.6 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually, making them indispensable natural climate solutions. To safeguard this capacity, responsible governance, transparent certification and collaboration across industries are more critical than ever.

From from 26 to 31 October, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) comes together for its General Assembly “to discuss a responsible future for the world’s forests and the people and animals who inhabit them".

So – what can we expect from the assembly?

The role of the Forest Stewardship Council

Established in 1993, the FSC provides a globally recognised certification system that ensures forests are managed according to rigorous environmental, social and economic standards. 

Today, more than 220 million hectares of forests across more than 80 countries are FSC certified. Despite this progress, it still represents less than 10% of the world’s forest area – a gap the organisation is working hard to narrow.

FSC certification is built around three pillars:

• Protecting biodiversity and high conservation value areas
• Ensuring fair and safe working conditions
• Maintaining economic viability for forest owners. 

Yet, FSC’s strength also lies in its ability to unite diverse stakeholders – from industries and NGOs to Indigenous Peoples – under one shared goal: the responsible stewardship of forest landscapes.

The system faces criticism from both ends of the spectrum. Some industry voices regard FSC’s standards as overly demanding; others argue they could be stricter. 

In FY24, furniture retailer IKEA used 13.4 million cubic meters of wood in its products - 10.2 million of which was virgin wood material.

IKEA requires that suppliers use Forest Stewardship Council-certified or recycled wood in its home furnishing products, 

“FSC often finds itself in the middle of opposing criticism: Industry voices say its standards are too stringent; NGOs argue they’re not strict enough,” explains Mikhail Tarasov, IKEA's Head of Forestry.

“We see this tension not as a weakness, but as a sign of FSC’s strength — proof that it continues to navigate the complex realities of responsible forest management.

“By engaging in tough conversations and seeking common ground, FSC is forging a path few others dare to take. That is why IKEA remains a strong advocate for FSC.”

FSC General Assembly 2025

More than 800 FSC members representing environmental organisations, businesses and social groups convene at the 2025 FSC General Assembly in Panama. 

“The General Assembly has become the place where our members come together to share knowledge, confront challenges and shape the future of responsible forest management,” Stuart Valintine, Chair of the FSC International Board of Directors, said in his opening statement.

“Today, we come together as global citizens to share our voices and make decisions that will carry the FSC legacy forward. We are here to grow our influence on how forests are managed, enabling them to provide the products and services people rely on while remaining resilient and supporting the communities whose lives depend on them. 

“I know that reconciling the needs of communities, forests and national interests will not always be easy. There will be tough discussions. But I am confident that, as members of the FSC, we will carry forward the spirit of our founders and keep building solutions together.”

Throughout the week, delegates – including companies – will debate key priorities to transform FSC into a stronger force for positive change in climate resilience, biodiversity protection and social responsibility. One such company is IKEA. 

“From Inter IKEA Group, we are joining to make our voice heard and to help shape FSC’s future,” Mikhail says. 

“Our message is simple but urgent: it’s time to transform, strengthen capabilities and grow impact — to reach a new level of integrity, climate resilience, biodiversity and social responsibility.

“It’s time for FSC to take the next step and show even stronger leadership.”

In collaboration with the European Forest Institute (EFI) and Preferred by Nature, IKEA has begun testing pioneering methods for climate-resilient and biodiverse forest management in Latvia, with plans to expand across Europe.

IKEA’s hopes for the future of the FSC

Mikhail highlights five key hopes of IKEA for the FSC General Assembly:

“If FSC is to remain relevant and impactful, it must take decisive steps now: enhanced membership, stronger conflict resolution, improved verification, greater transparency, climate resilience and expanded certification,” he says.

“Only together can we ensure that forests are not just protected — but actively improved for the sake of people, planet, and future generations.”

The message from IKEA’s forestry leadership to the global sustainability community is clear – the time to act is now.