AS THE WEATHER warms up, we all want to enjoy the outdoors. With the sun shining, there’s only one thing we can think of: enjoying our gardens and terraces! But how can we take care of the planet while enjoying our lovely outdoor spaces? By choosing certified tropical timber! Certified tropical timber has natural characteristics that allow it to withstand the weather and sun without the need for any further finishing.
Recognised as tools for economic, social and cultural development, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC-PAFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification — Pan-African Forest Certification) forestry eco-labels provide a clearer picture of tropical wood consumption. Choosing the right wood to decorate your outdoor space is not easy, but these labels are a good reference tool.
With this in mind, the International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT) aims to help consumers become more aware of sustainable management certification through the Fair&Precious programme. This initiative is committed to the respect of flora and fauna, as well as to an economic and social development model that respects local populations.
Fair&Precious aims to encourage consumers to choose FSC and PEFC/PAFC certified tropical timber for their outdoor decor.
Consumers are increasingly attracted to environmentally friendly products and certified tropical timber is one such product. Tropical timber has a unique, natural durability, without the need for any treatment agents. Tropical wood’s hardness, resistance and stability in a humid environment give it excellent structural qualities. Its colour, texture, graining and consistency also give it a remarkable aesthetic appeal.
The timber decking market has grown steadily since 2015, reaching global sales total of 16 million m2 in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in home improvements have contributed to an acceleration of this growth between 2019 and 2021, with an increase of 34%. Professionals forecast continued growth of more than 10% per year, which could bring sales up to 25 million m2 by 2025.
Choosing certified tropical timber is an investment in the future, sustainable living and environmental responsibility.
When buying tropical timber, consumers can send out a strong message against illegal logging and untransparent distribution channels. To do so, it is necessary to ensure that the wood is sourced from responsible companies, certified by independent monitoring bodies and whose supply chains can be accurately traced.
Such is the case of the ATIBT’s Fair&Precious programme, which is committed to sustainable forest management, the preservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of local jobs and social initiatives in the wood processing industry. Supporting these companies is a contribution to the preservation of tropical forests and to the well-being of their inhabitants.
For contact details, see page 34 of our June/July 2023 issue on our Back Issues page.
