The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has invited companies to participate in testing its revised timber and wood-fibre pathway, a core element of the organisation’s Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) framework.
The call specifically targets producers of wood-based man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) including viscose and lyocell manufacturers along with businesses sourcing pulp, paper, and other timber-derived products. The six-week testing initiative is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
According to SBTi, the updated pathway introduces more stringent near- and long-term target-setting approaches for land-related emissions across wood-fibre value chains. The revision addresses key gaps in the existing FLAG guidance, particularly for sectors whose climate impacts are closely linked to forestry practices, land use, and resource extraction.
SBTi confirmed that the revised pathway will feature an upgraded Target-Setting Tool, a detailed Technical Foundation Paper, and a Synthesis Report to support companies in aligning land-use emissions trajectories with the 1.5°C climate goal. The framework also improves alignment with leading deforestation-risk and forest-management standards, including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Accountability Framework Initiative.
Eligibility is open to companies for which timber and wood fibre account for 10% or more of total FLAG-related emissions. SBTi emphasised that the testing phase is designed to gather practical industry feedback and technical insights before the pathway is formally deployed across global supply chains.
The development holds particular relevance for the MMCF sector, which depends heavily on wood-derived pulp. Environmental organisations have long highlighted concerns over deforestation, forest degradation, and land-use pressures associated with fibre production. Through the testing initiative, MMCF producers will have the opportunity to trial sector-specific methodologies to reduce land-use emissions and improve responsible forest sourcing.
Industry experts suggest that participation could help fibre manufacturers advance supply-chain traceability, strengthen reporting processes for land-sector emissions, and demonstrate enhanced climate responsibility a growing priority for global apparel brands, investors, and sustainability-driven stakeholders.
