Two timber companies have been expelled by The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) for failing to implement Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) documentation.
The members were two of six companies suspended in March 2011 for not undertaking adequate due diligence as required by the RPP system. The other four members completed due diligence by December 2011 and were readmitted to the TTF.
“It is very sad to have to expel any of our members and we have not done so lightly,” said TTF chief executive John White. “But, in order to maintain standards in the industry we really have no choice.
“With the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) due to come into force next year, we cannot afford for any members to ignore this essential requirement.”
He said it was the first time The Federation had expelled any members for non-compliance with its environmental code of conduct and he hoped it would be the last.
But Mr White said he had been very pleased with results from the industry in undertaking the RPP.
“Clear and transparent improvements in environmental standards and supply chain management are good for the industry and essential if we are to grow timber’s market share in difficult economic conditions.”
