The introduction of the Forest Stewardship Council‘s (FSC) group chain of custody scheme has helped a Kent company become the UK’s first FSC-certified independent builder’s merchant.
In the five years since it began, Ecomerchant has offered environmentally sound alternatives to conventional building materials, including lime plasters, insulations and natural paints.
It stocks Latvian FSC birch ply and now plans to expand its FSC-certified range. It acts as a timber agent for builders sourcing sustainable products, as well as supplying sawn timbers and sheet material to the general public, and anticipates that certification will increase sales.
Two years ago the company looked at FSC chain of custody certification but found costs prohibitive. However, the introduction of the group scheme last year opened a window of opportunity that was simpler and cheaper.
Ecomerchant’s managing director Joe Hilton said he has noticed a huge increase in awareness of environmental issues over recent years, resulting in rising sales. He added: “We can now offer our customers timber ftom FSC-certified, responsibly managed sources with a guaranteed provenance.”
