Matt de Jongh is a passionate forester and advocate for sustainable forest management, championing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of responsibly sourced forest and wood-based products. With a deep belief in wood as the ultimate renewable material, Matt brings a practical and policy-driven perspective shaped by years working across both operational and strategic roles—particularly within regional and rural communities.

His career has been grounded in understanding how policy decisions affect people on the ground, and he is known for building strong, collaborative relationships across government, industry, and community stakeholders. At Responsible Wood, Matt plays a key role in promoting the value of PEFC certification and fostering greater awareness of Australia’s commitment to sustainable forestry.

Sustainable packaging starts long before the print press — it begins in the forest.

Discover how Responsible Wood and PEFC are shaping the future of sustainable fibre.

In the first of a two-part Ecoporium by Ball & Doggett series, Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, joins Zaidee Jackson to break down the essentials of forest certification.

As a forester, Matt has seen first hand how sustainable forest management safeguards biodiversity, supports regional economies, and ensures that fibre harvested today sustains future generations.

Together, we explore:

• The difference between virgin and recycled fibre — and why both have a place in circular design.
• How PEFC & Responsible Wood certification builds traceability and trust from forest to finished packaging.
• Why credible certification is key to deforestation-free claims and brand credibility.

Gain insight into:

• How PEFC certification safeguards Australia’s 16 million hectares of managed forests
• The balance between virgin and recycled fibre
• What chain-of-custody means for printers, converters, and brand owners