B&Q tightens tropical ply sourcing

B&Q has announced that it will now only buy Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified tropical hardwood plywood.

B&Q, the UK’s largest DIY retailer, claimed certification for its entire supply of tropical plywood was a “global first”. “Historically it has been difficult to secure FSC certification for this volume,” it said.

The retailer believes not only consumers, but also companies doing public work will be interested in the development, since the government tightened up its timber procurement policy earlier this year.

B&Q’s tropical hardwood throughout plywood is manufactured in Acre, western Brazil.

“Until now some FSC-certified tropical hardwood plywood has been available from retailers but none have secured certification for their entire supply in such volumes,” it said.