US retailing giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc has joined WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network, with commitment to phasing out illegal and “unwanted” wood sources from its supply chain.
The company’s commitment includes the importation and sale of all wood-based products with an initial focus on furniture.
Within one year, Wal-Mart says it will complete an assessment of where its wood furniture comes from and whether the wood is legal and from well-managed forests.
It will then eliminate wood from illegal and unknown sources within five years.
By making its commitment, Wal-Mart says it will increase its proportion of wood products originating from credibly certified sources.
