As responsible sourcing claims come under greater scrutiny, being able to back them up with credible, independently verified evidence is becoming just as important as making them in the first place.
The FSC® logo is widely recognised across the construction industry, but it's the systems behind that logo that provide confidence. As we've recently passed our annual FSC Chain of Custody audit, maintaining certification (FSC® C158894) for another year, it seemed like a good opportunity to explore what the certification means.
Backing up responsible sourcing
For many projects, it's no longer enough to simply state that materials are responsibly sourced. Being able to demonstrate responsible sourcing through independently verified processes gives specifiers greater confidence in the products they select.
The FSC Chain of Custody Certification means our forest supply chain is unbroken for our FSC-certified products and supports responsible forestry. It confirms that the timber, bamboo and wood composite decking and cladding materials we use come from well-managed FSC-certified forests, or other reclaimed or controlled sources. This is checked through independent, third-party evaluations.
An example of FSC in practice is Phase 1A of Wood Wharf in London's Canary Wharf.
Behind the scenes
Maintaining FSC Chain of Custody Certification is part of our day-to-day operations, with every certified purchase and sale recorded in accordance with strict procedures.
Helen King, Sales and Operations Manager, who oversees our FSC records, explains:
"People often see the FSC logo without realising the amount of work behind it. The audit isn't something we prepare for once a year; it's about following the right processes every day. Every certified purchase and sale has to be recorded correctly, so when the auditor visits, they can see that our systems are working consistently throughout the year."
More than responsible sourcing: FSC provides traceability through machining, supply and installation.
Certification in practice
One example of FSC in practice is Phase 1A of Wood Wharf in London's Canary Wharf, which has achieved Full FSC Project Certification (FSC-P001864). The Outdoor Deck Company supplied FSC-certified Cumaru decking for the marina boardwalk.
All forest-based materials in the project are FSC-certified and come from FSC-certified forests, recycled or controlled sources. This mitigates the risk of forest-based materials contributing to illegal logging, human rights violations and the destruction of critical ecosystems.
Why it matters
Maintaining FSC Chain of Custody Certification requires ongoing investment in systems, staff training and independent third-party evaluations.
For us, it's an investment worth making because it gives our customers confidence that our FSC-certified products are supported by an independently verified, unbroken supply chain.
Passing our annual audit is an important milestone, but for our customers it's what sits behind that certification that matters most. Confidence comes not just from the FSC logo itself, but from the independently verified traceability behind it.
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