I’m always apprehensive when it comes to the legislation of business practice, especially at European level. But this time it appears common sense has prevailed. The European Commission’s proposed “illegal logging legislation” has been approved by parliament and, while sending a clear message that trade in illegal wood is no longer acceptable, it should actually be realistic for the wood industry to implement.
A minority of environmental radicals wanted full legality licensing for all wood products, regardless of whether they’re from a low risk source or not. This would have been virtually impossible to implement and has cost implications that would make it even harder for wood to compete with materials which have no such pressure to prove they’re legal. But the good news is that “due diligence” and “risk assessment” will now form a key part of any timber legislation and, in fact, the new law replicates many measures contained in the amended Lacey Act, passed in the US in 2008.
This is good news for the American hardwood industry. In 2008 we produced independent research to demonstrate that our resource is legal and sustainable. This concluded there is very low risk that US hardwoods contain wood from illegal sources and that they could be considered Low Risk under the FSC Controlled Wood standard.
Now AHEC has commissioned what is probably the largest life cycle assessment (LCA) study ever conducted by the hardwood sector to further ensure fair recognition of American hardwoods’ environmental profile. Inevitably, I get asked about the CO2 emissions related to the transport of American hardwoods to Europe. With the largest part of this transport chain done by sea, they are minimal. But we must provide the science-based facts and figures to support our case and the LCA will review the carbon footprint of American hardwoods in line with international standards.
All of this is crucial to the future of American hardwoods in an increasingly competitive world and reinforces our commitment to complete transparency in the promotion of our sustainably-grown timber.
