Four leading retailers yesterday launched the Timber Retail Coalition to support moves to introduce European regulation aimed at curbing illegal logging.
Kingfisher, which runs B&Q, M&S, IKEA and Carrefour unveiled the grouping before the European Parliament’s environmental committee met in Brussels for a debate on proposed legisation to stop the flow of illegally-logged wood products into the EU.
The group is designed to provide a single platform for engaging politicians and policymakers at national and EU levels.
“The coalition’s ultimate aim is to provide our customers with the reassurance that every single wood product they buy has been ethically sourced,” said Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher plc group CEO.
“We now need Brussels to take the action necessary to achieve this, by regulating against imports of illegal timber to the EU.”
M&S CEO Sir Stuart Rose said the coalition members were committed to responsible procurement but a lack of regulation meant illegally harvested timber products could still enter the market.
The European Parliament’s environment committee will vote on a second draft of Green MEP Caroline Lucas’ amendments to proposed legislation in May. A full plenary session of the European Parliament will then take a vote in June.
