Environment/sustainability - Page 1
Stay up to date with the latest environment/sustainability features from the global timber industryLatest Environment/sustainability Update
Best for forests, best for business One of Indonesia’s leading timber companies sees both bottom line and environmental benefi ts in the country’s engagement with the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade timber legality assurance initiative. Mike Jeffree reports
UK agencies ready for FLEGT licensed cargo After a long wait, FLEGT licensed legally assured timber is expected to arrive in the EU, and most likely the UK this year. Mike Jeffree reports on the preparedness of the UK authorities
FSC makes headway two decades on The FSC has made major headway in forest and chain of custody certifi cation since launching two decades ago, but is aiming higher. FSC UK communications manager Tallulah Chapman reports
New voices speak out on forestry, environment and FLEGT A technically aware, environmentally committed new generation in supplier countries is increasingly shaping the development of the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA) initiative, and other forestry and timber sector legality and sustainability programmes worldwide. Mike Jeffree asked a range of them in VPA signatory countries worldwide about their views, outlook and aspirations. Here are the responses from Indonesia, Ghana and Honduras
Mining a green seam Julia Young is a passionate environmentalist, but not an ivory tower one, bringing an industry background to her role heading the WWF UK Global Forest Trade Network. Mike Jeffree talked to the former miner and GB rowing medalist about her life, career and love of the great outdoors.
PEFC chain circles the globe The PEFC certification scheme is growing through combining a global and small scale local perspective, reports its UK executive director Alun Watkins.
Building bridges, making waves The UK’s EU Timber Regulation enforcer sees close, collaborative relations with the trade as key in implementing and policing it. Mike Jeffree reports
Zero Benefits of Scrapping Code Wood for Good project director David Hopkins slams the UK government’s shift on housebuilding sustainability as bad for the bottom line as well the environment
Going with the Grain Timber in furniture making has an incredible past – and promising future. Keren Fallwell reports
Big Brands back EU Battle against Illegal Timber Some of Europe’s biggest consumer brands in timber products not only back the EU Timber Regulation and wider anti-illegal timber measures, they want them to be tougher and wider ranging. Mike Jeffree reports.
AHEC’s Eco Passports Passports Mike Jeffree asked American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) consultant Rupert Oliver about AHEC’s American Hardwood Environmental Profile (AHEP) – described as a ‘green passport’ for US hardwood exports
Life Cycle Learning Curve A showcase creation in US hardwoods takes two species into new technical territory – and boasts a better carbon profile than an iPhone. Mike Jeffree reports
Sector Focus: Panel Products, “The China Question” China has rapidly grown from being one of the world’s largest importers of plywood to one of the largest exporters and that shift has brought recognised sourcing problems for the timber industry, highlighted by recent issues on EUTR compliance. Keren Fallwell reports.
Face to Face: Dan Rogerson In a new series of face-to-face interviews with important decision makers, Stephen Powney talks to UK forestry minister Dan Rogerson
What’s a FLEGT VPA worth? A new market analysis initiative will assess the potential European tropical timber market value of licensing under the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade scheme. Mike Jeffree reports.
Sustainability and sales are key Ensuring sustainable wood supplies and defending and developing their market are mutually dependent imperatives for the tropical timber trade, according to speakers at the ATIBT International Forum. Mike Jeffree reports.
Despatches from the Malaysian forest Turnstone Singapore’s Michael Buckley recently visited Malaysia and discovered a country that is keen to make the most of its timber resource but that also values its environment.
Widening the scope WWF-UK’s Forest Campaign aims to influence the business community, the public and the government on sustainability issues – and to encourage a tightening up of the EUTR. Sally Spencer reports.
Climate talks yield new opportunities Dave Hopkins, executive director of Wood for Good, says the EU’s targets for emissions reduction and energy efficiency should be welcomed by the timber industry.