Canada’s largest DIY retailer RONA is set to increase the level of FSC-certified wood products in its stores as part of a recently agreed timber procurement policy.
RONA, which has 680 corporate, franchised and affiliate stores, said it would now favour FSC because of the scheme’s “higher standards” with regard to environmental and social aspects of forest management.
“RONA will give preference to wood certified under the FSC standard, subject to availability and price competitiveness,” it said.
About 95% of spruce, pine and fir lumber in the company’s corporate and franchised stores are currently certified, with FSC products making up a 2% share. By the end of 2009, RONA intends to double FSC products, and by the end of 2012, to reach 25%.
Less than 5% of wood products are currently labelled in the stores. RONA has set a 30% labelling target by the end of 2010.
RONA also recognises other certification schemes, including the Canadian Standards Association, Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
