- Feature
Increased focus on illegal logging and its numerous adverse effects, including deforestation and related climate change, has resulted in clear market demands for documented legality of wood products. As a result, a myriad of different standards and systems for timber legality verification have emerged.
- Perspective
If imports of illegal fish can be banned in EU, then why not timber, asked the UK Minister of Environment. He also asked why EU should leave the door to illegal wood open when it has the chance to slam it. The 15th illegal logging update held at Chatham House showed that the case for a ban is strong and backed up by many European timber industries – but not all.
- Market news
A new survey finds that demands for certified products have tripled, compared to the findings of a survey conducted in 2005: Specific requests for certified goods from the customers of importers and distributors have risen from around 10% of sales in 2005 to over 30% in 2008, which is good news in an area where previously there have been reports of lack of demand for certified stock.