Feature image courtesy of PCM.

Quintis has achieved certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)/Responsible Wood, both of which validate Quintis’ sustainable management of its Indian sandalwood forests.

Internationally recognised, FSC promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests and has certified Quintis to its Forest Management standard.

“This certification confirms that Quintis is managing its sandalwood plantation estate in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, whilst ensuring it sustains economic viability,” said the Australian supplier of Indian sandalwood oil.

PEFC is another international body providing best practice international benchmarks for sustainable forest management. Responsible Wood is the National Governing Body representing PEFC in Australia and has certified Quintis to its Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) standard.

“Both accreditations represent significant recognition at a global level for Quintis Sandalwood’s commitment to, and investment in, sustainable forest management practices,” the company added.

Quintis manages over 5.5 million Indian sandalwood trees across 12,000 hectares of land in the north of Australia.

“Our goal at Quintis is to become the world’s most trusted source of ethical and high-quality Indian sandalwood materials. For this reason, sustainability – particularly in reference to forest management – has always been at the heart of our strategy,” said CEO Richard Henfrey.

The company’s plantation estate is located on Traditional Land encompassing the land of the Wagiman, Jawoyn, Dagoman and Yangman people in the Northern Territory; the Bindal people in Queensland; and the Miruiwung Gajerrong people in Western Australia, with some areas designated as indigenous ‘sacred sites’.

Quintis has open channels of communication with Traditional Land Owners and involves them in the management of the sacred sites, working with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority to ensure official consent for new projects occurring on traditional land.

The company also works with a local indigenous recruitment agency in Kununurra to provide employment opportunities on a casual and permanent basis.