Responsible Timber Sourcing
Timber is a renewable natural resource, but where it comes from and how the forests it comes from are managed matter. At The Timber Profile Co., responsible timber sourcing is an important part of how we operate. We primarily work with high-quality New Zealand-grown pine from sustainably managed forests, and our FSC® certification provides an internationally recognised framework for verifying the responsible sourcing of FSC-certified timber. But what does FSC certification actually mean, and why does it matter? What is FSC? The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests. Established in 1994, FSC has developed a globally recognised forest certification system designed to support forest management that is environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable. Today, more than 160 million hectares of forest around the world are managed under FSC certification, including more than 1.3 million hectares of plantation forest in New Zealand.
What does responsible forest management involve?
FSC certification goes well beyond planting trees to replace those that are harvested. Its forest management standards address environmental, social and economic considerations. These include protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and important conservation values, supporting the wellbeing and rights of workers and local communities, and recognising and upholding the legal and customary rights of Indigenous Peoples. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard has been developed specifically for our environmental, legal, social and cultural context. Requirements include areas such as water protection, erosion risk, fair working conditions and engagement with Māori. For customers, FSC certification provides an independent system for identifying timber and forest products associated with responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources.
Our FSC certification
The Timber Profile Co. holds FSC Chain of Custody certification. Chain of Custody certification provides a system for tracking FSC-certified materials as they move through the supply chain, from certified forests through processing and manufacturing to the finished product. For us, that means having documented processes in place to identify, manage and track FSC material through our operations, providing assurance for customers who require FSC-certified timber products. Not every timber product we supply is necessarily FSC certified, so if FSC certification is a requirement for your project, talk to our team when specifying or ordering your timber.
Making more from every piece of timber
Responsible sourcing is only part of the picture. We grade and process timber at our own factory, giving us control over how the material is selected, machined and used. We work to make efficient use of the timber we process and minimise unnecessary waste wherever possible. Alongside New Zealand pine, we can also source selected native and exotic timber species for projects requiring something different. Responsible and ethical sourcing remains an important consideration when selecting these materials. Timber is a remarkable natural material. By considering where it comes from, how forests are managed and how efficiently the material is used, we can help our customers make more informed choices about the timber they specify.
Looking for FSC-certified timber for your project? Talk to our team about your requirements.
Responsible timber sourcing
