It’s been a while since the UK timber trade has been the focus of Greenpeace attention, but it’s under the spotlight again.
The latest target is DLH Timber (UK) whose customers have received a ‘briefing’ from the NGO on what it claims are the company’s links with illegal logging. DLH is unlikely to be the only target; in fact the TTF has issued a warning that anyone importing Brazilian mahogany runs a substantial risk of being ‘Greenpeaced’.
However, while the scourge of illegal logging should not be ignored and the influence of Greenpeace on the buying public should not be under-estimated, these days the timber industry is much better placed to deal with negative publicity.
It has robust support from the TTF, for example, which has announced an ‘enhanced’ legal service to its members and there are encouraging signs of a closer relationship between the timber industry and the government, represented by Elliott Morley.
It also has the energy and commitment – not to say finances – of the wood. for good campaign which is making enormous strides in improving timber’s profile and usage. At the campaign’s halfway stage it is reporting increased sales of wood and higher standards across the board.
It is clear from the pages of this week’s issue, that timber is constantly gaining ground. In the construction market, timber frame designer and manufacturer Pace Timber Systems reports a staggering increase of more than 270% in turnover, while Nexfor‘s Addspace timber frame kit is receiving 100 enquiries a day at the Ideal Home Show. Meanwhile James Jones is hoping to expand its I-beam facility and treble production capacity – all on the back of growing demand.
Of course, the more the timber industry gains, the more it has to lose but it seems to me there is a new determination among its key players to defend its territory. I think it’s on a winning streak.
