Construction companies could look elsewhere for building materials if timber suppliers are unable to provide proper paperwork for certified wood, The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has warned.

The TTF is advising members to ensure they automatically pass on chain of custody information to ensure maximum use of timber for construction.

Its advice follows a meeting with the Construction Confederation’s environmental forum where the issue was flagged up.

“There is a clear win-win situation, if the timber industry tightens up on labelling and documentation, the construction industry will be more willing to use timber and benefit from timber’s unique environmental credentials,” said TTF sustainability policy manager Rachel Butler. “Don’t wait to be asked for certified [timber].”

The Construction Confederation’s environmental forum usually has around 30 representatives from main construction companies attending.