A Welsh company has won the backing of Greenpeace for its plans to import plywood from Latin America.
Green Tree Plywood, which will be imported and distributed by leading Newport timber importers Premier Forest Products, will be launched in the UK this month. It has been welcomed both by the environmental pressure group and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Premier believes there is a gap in the market for a quality and cost-effective sustainable plywood product. This follows nearly a year of research and development work.
Premier has agreed an exclusive supply deal and committed to a promotional campaign featuring a South American model.
Terry Edgell, director at Premier Forest Products, said, "The demand for fully certified plywood which meets social, economic and ecological needs has never been higher. Growing public awareness of forest destruction and degradation has meant that our customers and the industry as a whole now expects quality products at a realistic price which also have increasingly important green credentials.
"That's exactly what Green Tree Plywood is. There quite simply is nothing else like it in the marketplace."
He added, "We've invested heavily in the product not only because we're convinced it's what our customers want and need but also because as a company we recognise the importance of responsible environmental practices."
FSC UK construction adviser Beck Woodrow said, "Premier Forest Products' commitment to sustainable timber is very welcome, and a clear answer to those who say that FSC timber is hard to find or vastly more expensive. I deal with inquiries ranging from multi-million-pound projects to local authority renovation, so knowing that we have such dedicated and knowledgeable suppliers as Premier on hand is very encouraging and gives assurance that it is possible to put environmental policies calling for FSC timber into practice on site."
Patrick Venditti, Greenpeace's senior forest campaigner, said, "Buying FSC is the best assurance of environmentally and socially responsible timber sourcing. We're pleased that Premier Forest Products has responded to environmental concerns with this move to FSC certified product."
Over the past two years, Premier has stepped up its environmental activity. The company has recently gone through the BM TRADA certification process.
To achieve certification, companies must undergo an assessment from an independent, qualified and accredited expert who verifies in writing that the wood flow from forest to business follows and meets the exacting requirements of the certification scheme.
Green Tree Plywood is available in a variety of grades, widths and sizes from this month. In addition to the commercial grade, marine grade specifications will soon be added to the range - this is understood to be a first for the industry.
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international network to promote responsible management of the world's forests. Its goal is to promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests, by establishing a worldwide standard of recognised and respected principles of forest stewardship.Western Mail
