Why WWF selected Rockhill Asia to support Vietnam’s FSC Chain of Custody for rubberwood
- Thu Uyên Đỗ
- Jul 21, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading producers of rubberwood furniture, and global buyers are demanding higher levels of transparency, sustainability, and certification. Rockhill Asia has been appointed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to support Vietnam’s FSC Bottleneck Initiative, with a focus on strengthening the FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) for rubberwood.
This initiative reinforces Vietnam’s role in global sustainable sourcing and highlights Rockhill Asia’s capability in supply chain documentation, supplier management, and responsible production systems.
Why rubberwood matters in global supply chains
Rubberwood is a byproduct of latex production, harvested at the end of a rubber tree's life cycle—typically after 20-30 years. This makes it one of the most sustainable hardwoods exported globally, with minimal environmental impact.
Vietnam is the third largest global rubber producer, with natural rubber production reaching 1.3 million tonnes in 2024. According to the Vietnam Rubber Association (VRA), Vietnam's rubber industry achieved record export value of US$10.2 billion in 2024, with rubberwood exports estimated at US$2.3 billion. This growth in value reflects the industry's successful shift toward higher-quality, certified products—exactly where FSC certification creates competitive advantage.
Vietnam's Position in Global Rubberwood Markets
Vietnam is among the top global exporters of rubberwood furniture, serving major markets in North America, Europe, and beyond. The country's expertise in rubberwood processing and furniture manufacturing makes it a critical node in global sustainable supply chains.
Forest Protection Through Rubberwood Production
Because rubberwood repurposes plantation trees rather than harvesting from primary forests, it dramatically reduces economic pressure to convert natural forest areas to timber production. This protection of existing forests represents one of rubberwood's most significant environmental contributions.
Growing International Demand for FSC-Certified Rubberwood
Demand for FSC-certified rubberwood is accelerating among major retailers and global furniture brands, driven by evolving sustainability requirements in the US, UK, and EU markets. Buyers increasingly view certified rubberwood as a preferred material—sustainable, verified, and commercially viable.
Regulatory Compliance and Traceability Requirements
International buyers now assess Chain of Custody traceability as a core part of due diligence obligations. Regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the US Lacey Act require importers to demonstrate legal, deforestation-free sourcing. FSC CoC certification provides the documentation framework to meet these increasingly stringent requirements.
What is FSC and why does it matter for US & EU buyers?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the world's leading authority on responsible forestry standards. FSC certification represents independent verification—not corporate self-assessment—ensuring sustainability, legality, and complete traceability from forest source through finished product.
Why FSC Certification Has Become Essential
Regulatory requirement: Sustainability is moving from optional differentiation to mandatory compliance. The EUDR now requires proof of legal, deforestation-free sourcing.
Buyer mandates: Major international retailers require FSC certification from suppliers seeking contracts.
Market premiums: Products with verified FSC certification command material price premiums in EU and North American markets.
ESG compliance: FSC-certified supply chains strengthen corporate sustainability reporting and investor confidence.
Consumer trust: Verified sustainable sourcing strengthens brand reputation and customer loyalty.
What is FSC Chain of Custody (CoC)?
The FSC Chain of Custody standard ensures that FSC-certified materials are tracked and documented at every stage of production—from forest harvest through manufacturing, processing, and export. It proves that materials remain verified as sustainable throughout complex supply chains.
FSC CoC documentation tracks
Plantation origin
Harvest records
Processing facilities
Material segregation
Documentation flow
Export and manufacturing steps
Why FSC CoC is essential for supply chains
It proves that certified materials remain credible from forest to finished product, maintaining accountability across every step of the production journey.
What is Rubberwood Chain of Custody and Why it matters in Vietnam
The rubberwood Chain of Custody (CoC) is the backbone of a transparent and accountable timber supply chain in Vietnam. It verifies that rubberwood products originate from legally harvested and responsibly managed plantations, and that every movement of the material is documented from the farm to the final customer. With global retailers demanding higher sustainability standards, CoC has become non-negotiable for companies exporting to the US and Europe.
Certification Systems Shaping Vietnam's Timber Sector
Vietnam relies on internationally recognized certification frameworks to validate responsible sourcing. The key systems include:
FSC, the world's leading standard for sustainable forestry.
PEFC, often implemented locally through the Vietnam Forest Certification Scheme (VFCS), which provides a nationally adapted pathway to responsible forest management.
These certifications act as third-party confirmation that rubberwood is traceable, legal, and sustainably produced.
How Chain of Custody Ensures Traceability
CoC certification requires strict controls across every stage of the supply chain. This includes:
Material tracking and segregation
Detailed documentation and record-keeping
Verified processing and manufacturing workflows
Full accountability from plantation to export
This level of traceability enables buyers in the US, UK, and EU to confidently confirm the true origin of every wood product they purchase.
Supporting Global Laws and Market Access
A robust CoC system helps Vietnamese suppliers comply with both domestic and international regulations. These include:
Vietnam's forestry laws
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The VPA/FLEGT agreement between Vietnam and the European Union
Compliance is critical for maintaining access to high-value Western markets, where environmental due diligence is now a legal requirement rather than a branding bonus.
Adoption Across Vietnam's Rubberwood Industry
Industry leaders such as the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) have made CoC certification a core part of their operations. Many plantations and processing facilities under VRG now hold PEFC/VFCS certifications, signaling a nationwide shift toward documented sustainability and responsible forest management.
Advantages for Factories, Exporters, and Forest Communities
A strong rubberwood CoC brings tangible benefits across the sector:
Higher competitiveness for manufacturers and exporters
Greater confidence from international buyers
Stronger ESG credibility for Western retail partners
Better livelihoods for smallholders who gain access to certified supply chains
In short, Vietnam's rubberwood CoC provides independently verified assurance that products such as furniture, panels, and flooring come from a responsible, transparent, and legally compliant origin. It's a critical piece of Vietnam's evolution into a global leader in sustainable wood manufacturing.
The FSC bottleneck initiative in Vietnam
WWF designed the "bottleneck" program to identify and address specific obstacles preventing wider FSC certification adoption. Rather than assuming certification should be universal, the initiative asks: What are the genuine barriers? Which materials face the most significant challenges? Where do practical solutions matter most?
Current Challenges in Vietnam's FSC Adoption
Limited certification knowledge among smallholders
Fragmented supply chains
Documentation gaps
Low CoC adoption in upstream processing
Lack of consistent traceability standards
WWF's Goals for the Initiative
Strengthen FSC CoC adoption across the supply chain
Improve traceability for rubberwood
Support long-term sustainability through standardized systems
Enable manufacturers to meet US and EU regulatory standards
Why did WWF select Rockhill Asia?
Rockhill Asia was appointed for its deep, practical experience in supplier management, compliance documentation, and sustainable sourcing ecosystems across Vietnam. Success requires operational expertise, not just regulatory knowledge.
Rockhill Asia's Role in Strengthening FSC CoC
Our role in this initiative leverages our strengths in:
Engaging Vietnamese manufacturers: With support from FSC specialists, we identify and collaborate with manufacturers to facilitate FSC-certified production.
Addressing material supply challenges: We analyze which key input materials—such as lumber, MDF, particleboard, and plywood—are limited in FSC-certified supply or are cost-prohibitive.
Expanding sustainable alternatives: Exploring opportunities for FSC-certified bamboo and rattan production.
Facilitating industry matchmaking: Connecting manufacturers with suppliers to overcome production barriers while respecting confidentiality and industry standards.
Curating actionable insights: Delivering a final report summarizing key findings and actionable recommendations for scaling FSC-certified production.
Our on-the-ground presence in Vietnam and expertise in sourcing and supplier engagement make us uniquely positioned to accelerate sustainable forestry practices in the region.
What Sustainability Benefits Do Western Buyers Gain?
A stronger FSC Chain of Custody system in Vietnam directly benefits global importers and brands:
Reliable certified sourcing: Consistent access to FSC-certified rubberwood at commercial scale.
Reduced compliance risk: EUDR and Lacey Act compliance through verified CoC documentation.
Supply chain transparency: Visibility into material sourcing and handling practices.
Stronger ESG reporting: Verified claims about responsible sourcing for investor and consumer audiences.
Competitive advantage: Vietnam becomes a leading sustainable manufacturing destination, attracting long-term sourcing partnerships.
Rockhill Asia's Broader Role in Responsible Sourcing
Beyond this WWF collaboration, Rockhill Asia supports global brands through services including:
Rockhill Asia actively helps brands build resilient, transparent, and ethical supply chains across Asia.
Work With a Verified Responsible Sourcing Partner
Rockhill Asia helps global brands navigate Vietnam and China's supply chain ecosystem with clarity, transparency, and a commitment to responsible sourcing.
