Hundreds of small businesses wanting to handle Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber will benefit from a new initiative.
FSC has unveiled its group chain of custody certification scheme aimed at clusters of small enterprises who already have a legal organisation or the support of an external support organisation such as a trade association or co-operative.
Eligible small businesses are those employing fewer than 15 people, or fewer than 25 where turnover is less than £700,000.
Group certification schemes could cost as little as £250 per business to join and £125 per year thereafter, compared with current costs for individual chain of custody certification which range from £900-2,000.
