Environment minister Elliot Morley has welcomed the Timber Trade Federation‘s (TTF) new Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) during a meeting with traders in London.
Mr Morley, who met 16 traders in the TTF delegation, said: “We must all play a part in promoting the sourcing of legal and sustainable timber. The TTF’s responsible purchasing policy is an excellent example of industry good practice in this endeavour and I recommend it wholeheartedly.”
TTF head of public affairs Mark O’Brien said the main intention of the meeting on December 9 was to present the RPP, which acts as a tool to help companies deliver the commitments of the federation’s Code on Conduct.
Mr O’Brien described the meeting as “upbeat” and “positive”.
Other subjects discussed include the
possibility of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs seconding a staff member to the federation, plus the idea of a supplier database of timber companies which meet the government’s procurement criteria.
The TTF also highlighed its involvement with Naturally Wood, the UK forest industries sector sustainability strategy, and ConFor.
Hoppings Softwood Products plc chairman Charles Hopping described the meeting as “very useful”.
He said: “What struck me was how well informed the minister was and he had clearly grasped a number of key issues.”
Mr Hopping said it was important that central government and local authorities ensured that their timber deliveries matched what they specified.
