SAMSE, the third largest construction materials supplier in France with 290 outlets, started the rollout of PEFC certification to branches last year and is targeting 100% coverage by 2013.
If SAMSE hits its target next year, it will become the largest PEFC-certified distribution group in France. A campaign started this summer is informing customers about the gradual implementation of PEFC across the branch network.
SAMSE is also telling forest owners in the Rhône-Alpes region, where it is based, that it may no longer buy timber sourced from their forests unless it is PEFC-certified.
“The SAMSE Group’s commitment will only bear fruit if the entire value chain shares this commitment,” it said.
“If private forest owners and foresters in turn do not implement PEFC certification, we will be forced to source wood elsewhere to meet our own commitments.”
