The matrix was created in 2000, and contains clear and comparative data on all 39 different forest certification schemes.

CEPI forest director Bernard de Galembert said that, while sustainability was a major issue, when clear information is unavailable companies can lose sight of the real issue sustainable forest management.

"We recognised the need for transparent information and that is why we created the online matrix."

Debate in recent times has hinged around the differences between the two main certification schemes, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).

De Galembert said CEPI was well placed to provide a platform for access to certification information.

The site has continually been updated since its inception in 2000, and has now been translated into Russian and Chinese.

Plans are already underway for the matrix to be translated into French and Spanish.

Users can compare information on all existing European and International certification schemes and draw their own conclusions.

The rate of forest certification  has increased vastly over the past decade, from just a few million hectares in 1994 to more than 200m hectares in 2005.

The matrix has been compiled on behalf of CEPI by consultant Rupert Oliver, a partner with Yorkshire-based consultant Forest Industries Intelligence.

Visit: www.forestry certification.info

By Andy Scott