Are Shou Sugi Ban® Timber Responsibly Sourced?
The current and future success of our business depends on sustainable practices that ensure forests are maintained, restored and renewed. Therefore, it has always been a priority for us to only use responsibly sourced timber for our Shou Sugi Ban® cladding range.
We do recognise that not all forestry managers are in a position to achieve FSC® certification, even when they are committed to protecting habitats and biodiversity. This may be an issue of scale or affordability. However, we have an established relationship with two UK sawmills that verify ethical sourcing in line with expected standards of quality and environmental protection.
The Importance of Responsible Timber Sourcing
When timber, paper, cork and related materials derive from managed forests, they are a renewable and sustainable product. Responsible timber sourcing is a commitment to protecting the environment and people, yet it takes work to verify the supply chain. So, how do we ensure the sustainability of Shou Sugi Ban® timbers?
Why Sustainable Forestry Management Matters
As trees grow and mature, they capture carbon, oxygenate the air, and stabilise the soil. In addition, they provide a home, shade, and a source of food to hundreds of other species. With an understanding of trees and the ecosystems they support, it is possible to manage a renewable source of timber.
In responsibly managed forests, more saplings are planted than trees are felled. It’s a cyclical process that offers a continuous source of timber while protecting essential habitats.
However, the demand for wood, paper and related products is high. As is the temptation to convert forests to agricultural land. As a result, thousands of trees are illegally logged every day. Illegal logging strips an area of trees and causes long-term environmental damage that affects us all. Such habitat loss results in increased risks of flooding, drought, fires, erosion, and rising global temperatures. These issues impact us all.
Illegal Timber Imports
Anyone working in the timber industry is aware that illegal practices continue. A case shared by Timber Development UK* covered the illegal importing of timber from Russia and Belarus through Poland. This defied EU sanctions and meant a lack of transparency on the source.
This illustrates the complexity of verifying responsible timber sourcing, because the wood had initially evaded detection. That’s because the accused had knowingly falsified the country of origin and applied incorrect customs codes. Unfortunately, it is not an isolated case, and many other suppliers are under investigation.
How Do We Ensure Responsible Timber Sourcing?
As a result of the environmental and economic impact, we take responsibility to ensure that the Shou Sugi Ban® charred timbers are responsibly sourced.
Our research identified James Lathams and Brooks Bros as reputable UK timber suppliers, and we have purchased from them ever since.
Brooks Bros have a Responsible Purchasing Policy that aligns with UK regulations. In most cases, they commit to sourcing FSC or PEFC certified timber. However, some small-scale suppliers are not covered by these globally recognised standards. Therefore, they consider other legal verification, including Rainforest Alliance or Preferred by Nature certification, along with regular due diligence checks to confirm evidence of supplier compliance.
James Latham Group companies are verified by established sustainable and responsible forest management certification. In addition to environmental protection, certification confirms social responsibility, including safe and fair working conditions, with no forced or child labour. The Group is committed to operating at the highest ethical standards.
Our long-standing partnership with these companies offers supply chain transparency and confidence in sourcing responsibly managed timbers.
If you have further questions, give us a call on 01494 711800.
* https://timberdevelopment.uk/arrests-made-against-illegal-wood-product-importers/