The relaunch of Soda Stream is not the only carbonation story in the news. The Sunday Times this week reported on a company that’s developed a new process for locking CO2 into slag, which can then be used to make concrete blocks. It’s further proof that other construction and manufacturing material sectors are firmly focused on developing their sustainability stories.
Which is why the positive conclusions of the Chatham House report on illegal logging last week are doubly welcome. With rival materials snapping at the wood industry’s heels on the eco credentials front, illegal logging and its role in deforestation is more than ever its weak spot. The environmental impact of the crime aside, as other industries get their own green acts together, it’s also increasingly a marketing stick they can beat timber with.
But, while the Chatham House report was clear the war on the illegal logging is far from over, it provided dramatic evidence that battles are being won. Globally, it states, it has been cut by 22% since 2002.
Most impressive has been Indonesia’s progress. Previously a virtual environmental pariah in the trade, it has slashed illegal timber production by 75%.
The UK also got plaudits for government action to tackle the illegal trade and support development of sustainable forestry in supplier countries. And in this the politicians have been backed and, in some cases, spurred on by timber firms and The Timber Trade Federation.
The latter’s chief executive John White enthused about Chatham House’s findings.
“The illegal logging reduction is excellent news,” he said. “Besides the morality aspect, it’s unfair competition for those doing the right thing to ensure their timber is legal. We want a level playing field.”
The Chatham House report concludes by saying there’s a lot of hard work ahead if illegal logging is to be eradicated. But it also says that the progress made recently shows that, with concerted effort from government, NGOs and business, it can be done.
