The first PEFC group certification scheme for small companies in the UK has been established by chain of custody management company Independent Forestry.
The scheme, which will be overseen by BM TRADA Certification Ltd, will be run by Independent Forestry managing director David Ogg who was the first to establish a similar FSC scheme two years ago
Nineteen companies, including timber importers, sawmillers and manufacturers, have already joined the PEFC scheme and Mr Ogg believes membership will grow fast.
Independent Forestry’s scheme – the largest in the world – has 208 members, many of whom are now interested in obtaining PEFC certification.
Mr Ogg said even the smallest companies can achieve certification in a cost-effective way, adding that timber purchases by group scheme members vary from 120m3 to 5,000m3 a year.
While Independent Forestry carries out audits for all its members, it is audited itself by BM TRADA. Alasdair McGregor, BM TRADA‘s timber and products manager, said this is carried out on a sampling basis.
Independent Forestry has introduced a new condition for members that certificates will state clearly that only invoices bearing the company’s PEFC registration number can be deemed to be covered by the certificate.
Mr Ogg said members join because they want to show they take their environmental responsibilities just as seriously as larger companies who can afford to do it on their own.
