A new online platform, anticipated for full launch in mid-2012, is being phased in country by country.
The FSC Marketplace will make it easier for companies around the world to find buyers and suppliers for their FSC certified products.
Companies across the full supply chain are invited to take part, including pulp and paper producers, timber merchants, brokers, manufacturers, furniture producers and primary logging companies, among others. The initiative is being tested in a growing number of countries. Currently, the list includes Brazil, Denmark, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, the UK and USA.
“We’ve already received positive feedback from companies profiling themselves in the FSC marketplace, especially valuing the inclusion of product information”, said Morten Brodde, communications manager from FSC Denmark, who is managing FSC participation in piloting the initiative in Denmark. “Companies have indicated the importance of standing out from their competitors, which they can do by upgrading to a premium profile offered at 100 Euros annually”.
It’s free and it’s easy
It is free for all certified companies to have a profile on the database, and some FSC National Offices have already created a profile for companies in their respective country. The profile allows companies to enhance the value of their certification by:
- Being visible to partners and customers
- Advertising FSC-certified products
- Promoting their FSC-certified status for free
- Tracking how often your profile has been shown in searches
Any businesses that are already visible in the Marketplace can update their profile today. They can register using your FSC License code, and any questions about being featured in the FSC marketplace should be directed to FSC.
Upgrade for better ranking
You can upgrade your profile to a premium status at any time. If you would like to stand out in the crowd, you may wish to take advantage of the benefits of a premium profile:
- Gain a competitive advantage by being visible higher in search results than standard profiles
- Stronger branding by adding product images and logos
- Display personal contact information such as names, phone numbers and email addresses directly in profile
- Promote company website directly in the profile
For premium profiles, opportunities are available for companies to advertise their business using animated advertising banners in in designated spaces on the FSC Marketplace. The cost of upgrading to a premium account varies from country to country, and interested parties should contact FSC for further information.