John Park of Canada Wood UK discusses the recognition of FSC-certified plywood versus confusion over constructional accreditation
Interesting to note FSC-certified MDO plywood arriving in the UK. Unfaced FSC-certified plywood is, of course, already widely available through many UK outlets. Also interesting to note that FSC accreditation seems to be taking priority over that required for a constructional plywood. Companies would appear to be more in fear of the potential action of environmental groups than that of the Trading Standards Office.
Under the Construction Products Directive only construction products supplied for use in permanent works will need the appropriate accreditation in accordance with EN 13986.
CE marked boards will be a reality by April 1, 2004, at the latest. There will be CE marked “load-bearing” boards and there will be CE marked “non load-bearing” boards. There will be FSC marked unfaced and overlay boards without a CE mark; these boards will not be acceptable for incorporation in permanent works. Plywood for concrete formwork will not be required to have a CE mark. All four ‘types’ will be available for purchase and all four ‘types’ will invariably be stocked by both traders and building contractors.
Can we assume that plywood carrying an FSC mark only, sold through UK retail/trade outlets, will never be used in constructional applications requiring Building Control approval?
The correct use of the four ‘types’ will be the responsibility of the contractor. The correct supply will be the responsibility of the supplier, who will be well advised to ensure, if they are keen to avoid prosecution, that come April 1, 2004, any non-CE marked boards they are supplying to building contractors will not be used in permanent construction works!
