Members of the Royal Netherlands Timber Trade Association (NTTA) just missed their target for importing “demonstrably sustainable” wood in 2009. However, the association is now raising concerns over the impact of recession on demand for and ultimately supply of the material.
In 2006 the organisation set members the goal of ensuring that by 2009 “75% of the timber [they import] must originate from demonstrably sustainable sources”. A study by analyst Probos Foundation showed that only 62% of their imports were backed by chain of custody last year, but, taking into account material without this proven sustainable wood rose to 72% of the total.
The NTTA said that the main reason they fell short of their goal was because demand for sustainable timber was lower than expected. It also said the recession was making it difficult for suppliers to secure a premium for this material and, with supply exceeding demand, traders were having to mix it in with other stock and sell it as uncertified.
“This undesirable development poses a threat to sustainable forestry,” said the organisation. “Lower demand may lead to a drop in certified sustainable forestry, a development of which the first signs are becoming visible.”
The NTTA and Dutch joinery association are now jointly developing “policy and action” plans called “Smart with timber” and “Conscious with timber” to boost demand for sustainable wood with chain of custody.
