FSC Stories from around the world
Building on Tradition: Glenalmond and FSC COC Certification
In a company where tradition and commitment to responsible forest management are synonymous with good business, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification has played a key role in making these values more tangible. Glenalmond Timber Company Ltd (TT-COC-1630) became FSC certified in 2001 and has since expanded its position in new and existing market niches, increased sales by 26 percent in the last six months and strengthened relationships with its shareholders.
The FSC Chain of Custody (COC) system connects responsible forest management practices with consumers. It provides a consistent, international basis for claims about the sourcing of wood/fibre material and products. FSC COC certification is a requirement for labelling products with the FSC name or label.
Glenalmond Timber Company Ltd supplies the United Kingdom National Builders Merchants with FSC certified timber from the United Kingdom and Latvia. Based in Perth, Scotland, the company employs 26 full time people and produces 50,000 cubic meters of timber annually.
"Timber, correctly managed, has the potential to be one of, if not the most, environmentally friendly building material available. It was important to me that if we were to choose from the many chain of custody schemes available, it must be the scheme with the highest credentials," says Fraser Steele, Managing Director.
The family-owned company has over 90 years of experience of working with wood products. "As a third generation sawmiller with twin 5-year-old boys, I want to be able to prove to them when they are older that our family company was not responsible for uncontrolled deforestation. FSC gives me this peace of mind" emphasizes the Managing Director.
With a turnover between 20 million pounds sterling per year, Glenalmond's sales of its ultrajoist product went up 26 percent in the last six months during a pilot project implemented by FSC International Centre to test new FSC chain of custody standards.
Glenalmond's participation in the pilot project resulted in an increase in the use of the FSC logo on its products and improved assurance of the legality of its non-FSC timber. "The pilot scheme is certainly not an easy option as I now maintain traceability on every piece from every pack to every customer. However, if the pilot scheme were operational when I first started looking for FSC material, I believe FSC would be in a far stronger position today," states Fraser Steele.
During the last three years, Glenalmond has offered higher prices to its mill suppliers for FSC certified timber. From the beginning, the investment showed positive results. The mill suppliers have become FSC COC certified. Sales increases have allowed Glenalmond to cover the extra work required to ensure chain of custody traceability and annual audit fees, and to access new sales outlets.
According to Fraser Steele, "Companies that can supply FSC timber across their full product range will be in an advantageous position as many large organisations are now weeding out the suppliers with no or little commitment to certification. " This fact has enabled Glenalmond to sell increased volumes to both new and existing buyers.
In the last few years, the company has been approached by several new potential consumers looking for FSC material. Glenalmond has supplied its FSC product ultrajoist to several large construction projects in London and throughout the country for commercial, residential and social housing projects. In addition, it has submitted a tender for providing FSC certified timber and sheet material to the UK Ministry of Defence for its national construction requirements.
As a family company, Glenalmond has developed a close working relationship with its largest customers. "They were kept fully informed of our progress, and were aware of the efforts all my staff have made to ensure we are in this position today," says Fraser Steele.
"We enjoy a higher profile within the industry. However, it is now more important than ever that we constantly review and improve our management systems to ensure that we are always fully compliant, as we risk more now if we make a mistake."
"The world is looking for ways to improve quality of life in harmony with environmental, economic and social values. These issues are not going to go away, and in the future, it is my opinion that eventually certification will be a prerequisite," predicts Fraser Steele. "I would definitely recommend implementation of FSC chain of custody."
Information about Glenalmond products: www.ultrajoist.com
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