You want to buy timber. We want to sell you timber.

We know you have questions on sustainability, environmental responsibility, Chain of custody, certification , due diligence and illegal logging. We are confident we can answer these vital and necessary questions. We take your environmental concerns seriously.

Sustainability

Sustainability, a phrase barely in the public consciousness thirty years ago, has rapidly become a concept that permeates policy discussions in all spheres of public life. It is no longer adequate to centre our thinking on what will work in the short term; our eyes must instead become trained to see what impact the choices we make now will have in the future. ( Wood for Good )

With the emphasis so often on innovation, it will probably surprise many that the most sustainable building material is completely natural, and has been around for thousands of years. Wood! ( Wood for Good )

‘Timber is one of the greenest materials available. It absorbs carbon while growing, uses low energy in conversion to wood based products and is a renewable material . Woodtrend recognises that forests are critical for sustainable development. They provide a wealth of goods and services that are essential for people's lives, livelihoods and the green economy. Maintaining and enhancing our planet's forest resources is essential if we are to succeed in the global efforts to alleviate poverty, address water scarcity and biodiversity loss, and mitigate climate change.

‘Climate change, environmental concerns and issues surrounding sustainable materials are now part of everyday living and work life and are increasingly high on the political agenda. Across the construction trades and many professions involved in the built environment including architects, contractors and building owners, the focus is on sourcing responsibly and using low carbon, energy efficient materials..’ (TTF)

Environmental Responsibility

Woodtrend recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment, customers, suppliers and staff to base commercial activities on well-managed forests. We are aware that culturally and historically, the intrinsic value of forests, and the spiritual and sacred use of forests, is of great importance to local communities and to all our cultural identities. We are committed to the responsible management of forests to maintain their full range of environmental, social and economic values.

Certification and Chain of custody:

Woodtrend is proud to have achieved FSC and PEFC chain of custody certification

‘Chain of custody is defined as ‘the path taken by raw materials, processed materials and finished products from the forest to the consumer including each stage of transformation, manufacturing, storage and transport where progress to the next stage involves change of ownership of the materials or products ’ Forest Stewardship council ( FSC )

FSC and PEFC are currently the two main sustainability certification providers. For the certification to be awarded all stages of the process must have been inspected and certified. We are audited each year by one of the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification companies.

Due Diligence

Woodtrend is proud to have the UK Timber Trade Federation (TFF) Responsible Purchasing Process certificate. This is an internationally recognized due diligence System developed exclusively for TTF members to meet the requirements of its Sustainability Code of Conduct and EUTR Timber Regulation

Where products are not available as FSC or PEFC, Woodtrend will work with you to understand how you will use the product and if there is not an alternative certified product on the market, we will be able to source the product for you, working with our own supply chain to ensure that the product is at the minimum from a known legal source. All TTF members have verified due diligence systems in place as part of our Environmental Code of Conduct; these systems help to manage and minimise the risks.

UKTR

The European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) came into force in March 2013 and prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the European market. Following UK leaving the European Market (Brexit), the United Kingdom Timber Regulation (UKTR) came into force in Jan 2021 and prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the UK market. All products supplied by Woodrend comply with the UKTR/EUTR requirements.

Code of Conduct

You can take comfort in the knowledge that Woodtrend operates under a Code of Conduct as proof of their integrity. Woodtrend is committed to the Timber Trade Federation Code of Conduct and applies the Environmental Code of Practice to all wood procurement activities.

Legal Source

Woodtrend is committed to purchasing all timber from legal sources and will seek evidence of compliance from suppliers that they are operating in accordance with the laws of the country. The company unreservedly condemns illegal logging practices and will keep informed of international processes and changes in legislation.

Endangered Species

Woodtrend will not trade in timber species prohibited under Appendix 1 of the CITES legislation and will obtain the appropriate documents for trade in all other CITES listed timber species.

Continuous Improvement

Woodtrend is committed to adapting to the changes that occur within our wider society and that we are well positioned to meet the changing expectations of their customers as a result. Leadership in responsible sourcing has been the key to support the trade's development in buying increasing volumes of certified sustainable timber products for the UK market.

Reporting and Audit

Woodtrend reports annually to the appointed auditors. The auditors will assess and verify the company’s progress and compliance under the policy.