Chain Reaction

IT’S AS IMPORTANT AS EVER TO CONDUCT YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A SOUND FSC® CHAIN OF CUSTODY TO EFFECTIVELY VALIDATE CLAIMS MADE ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS, PROCESSES AND SERVICES.

It’s estimated that the value of illegal timber imported into Australia each year stands at around $400 million. This can be the result of logging done in contravention of forestry protection or labour laws around the world, meaning that the timber has come from protected forests or production where child or slave labour has been involved.

Certain regions are in a constant battle to identify the origination and stem the sale of illegal timber. In Africa and South America, for example, between 50% and 90% of timber is harvested and traded illegally. The chain reaction of this is equally severe, with a huge range of products made from illegal sources. This is where the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®-C117930) Chain of Custody – which guarantees products have been produced in a way designed to protect the health and resilience of forests worldwide –plays an important role.

At a time when sustainability and corporate social responsibility is becoming a key priority across every industry, it’s vital that businesses are not only aware of the FSC® Chain of Custody, but can ensure they are purchasing from compliant companies.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CHAIN OF CUSTODY?

As a rule, a chain of custody is a process used in supply-chain management to record and disclose the origins of materials, as well as provide a regulated chain of custody that identifies each step of production before their sale. In short, it’s a system of traceability and accountability. This is especially important as a way of enabling businesses to avoid purchasing products that may have been produced illegally, whether at source or somewhere else along the chain. When it comes to forest-sourced products –which can mean anything from paper towels and disposable plates to rubber gloves and wooden furniture – the FSC® Chain of Custody is essential. Particularly in hospitality, healthcare, food processing or large event facilities where purchasing timber-derived products is common practice.

Ensuring Accountability

When purchasing materials or products that are derived from a forest source, it’s important to look for FSC® certification, which is used on labels worldwide and is recognised globally. If a product has FSC® chain of custody certification, >