The suspension of all teak plantation forest management certificates to Indonesian firm PT Perhutani is expected to have a major impact on the UK teak garden furniture market.
The Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood programme, accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), suspended the certification because of non-compliance of FSC certification conditions and SmartWood standards following recent audits.
SmartWood believes long-term sustainability of the plantation resources is at serious risk. Suspension is effective from October 20.
FSC UK director Anna Jenkins said: ‘Perhutani is the main source of certified teak or lumber for the European market, and we appreciate the suspension will have a major impact on the business of the companies working in Indonesia and here in the UK.’
She said the action showed the FSC system was working and advised UK countries with concerns to contact its Welsh office on 01686 413916.
Java-based Perhutani (formerly Perum Perhutani), was first certified in 1990 but has since changed from a public management company into what is described as a state-owned private business.
It manages 2 million ha, incorporating 54 forest districts, of which about 5% is under FSC certification.
