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Sustainable Production
As a direct importer of tropical woods, we strive to make responsible choices in the suppliers we deal with. Our suppliers have regulations in their own countries that require them to obtain cutting permits before felling any logs. There are also restrictions on certain species which at times drive the prices on these woods. Below is some information which can explain Sustainable Production of the Earth's forests.
Wood, an eco-material
- Wood retains carbon during processing: using wood reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- A managed forest absorbs CO2 (carbon dioxide) and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
- Using 1 m3 of wood enables 1 tonne of CO2 to be stored.
- Only renewable forestry offers the chance to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and to store it for long periods.
By consuming very little energy, the life cycle of wood products is highly beneficial.
Result: few chemical and toxic products and less ecological recycling.
Forestry management in the Tropics
- Planned felling.
- Long felling rotation to enable regrowth.
- Minimum diameter for use (depending on the species)
- Combating illegal logging.
Sampling based on selective felling (2 to 5 m3 per hectare)
Result: forest certification and eco-labelling of timber.
Some important statistics
- 90% of tropical timber is used in producer countries (mainly as firewood)
- The international tropical timber trade only accounts for 3 to 4% of the world consumption of these products (3.4 billion of which 50% is for firewood)
- Tropical wood exports account for 56 million m3.
Here is a picture of Rocky at one of our suppliers mills in Central America. You can see the FSC logo displayed prominantly. This shows that this supplier abides by the guidelines for managing the forests properly.
