the wood and wood products industry
Environmental Support
Environmental Guidance
The TTF provides a substantial environmental service including briefings, training, tools, research data and policy making. We promote the positive environmental benefits of using wood products and also encourage environmentally responsible trading practices. We are always available to offer Members advice on any environmental matter and regularly publish material for Members and their customers. TTF advises the Government on timber procurement through the Reference Board for the Central Point of Expertise in Timber (CPET).Environmental Market Outlook
The TTF undertakes market research into legal and sustainable timber, using industry analysts such as Forest Industries Intelligence and Timber Trends, and makes this information available to Members and their suppliers. TTF also monitors market drivers through frequent interaction with a wide range of national and international organisations, such as governments, NGOs and customers with environmental interests.Supply Chain Management
TTF teamed up with The Forest Trust (TFT), to launch the Timber Trade Action Plan (TTAP) in 2005. This €7 million EU-funded programme offers TTF Members support to their tropical and Chinese suppliers in the form of a complete supply chain review, from stump through manufacture, to point of export to the UK. A 72% subsidy is available to help suppliers with timber tracking, forestry improvements etc, enabling Members to have peace of mind that their suppliers are working towards legally verified timber, a big step towards certified material. The TTF can offer advice on other environmental supply chain matters.Country Guidance
A total of 18 Country Guides covering the major timber supplying countries to the UK have been published on the TTF website for the exclusive use of TTF Members. A further eight are due to be published this year. The Guides have been compiled using information from a range of third-party websites including national Government, NGO and timber trade organisations. These guidance notes are updated on a regular basis and provide straightforward advice to timber buyers on due diligence.Sustainable Construction
With the growing importance of initiatives such as BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes and Zero Carbon Homes, timber is well placed to gain market share. Tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for measuring the environmental impact of products during their entire life cycle, from cradle to grave, are increasingly demanded by specifiers. The TTF is working in the arena with policy makers and can offer advice to Members.Climate Change
Climate change is now firmly fixed at the top of the political agenda. TTF provides briefings to Members on climate change issues such as Copenhagen, Stern Report and the implications for the timber trade. The TTF is involved in policy work that seeks to ensure that climate change programmes take account of trade initiatives. We are also able to provide advice to Members on how to develop carbon off-setting.
Chain of Custody
The TTF operates a service to Members to get them through the FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody audit. The service consists of site visits and paperwork assistance to enable any Member to meet the requirements.
A Simple Guide to CITES
Obtaining the paperwork surrounding the certification documents for importing timber can be complicated. In conjunction with DEFRA, we have now put together a TTF Guide that should help members to conform to what is required.
UK Timber Industry Certification Report
The TTF have recently commissioned a report which examines the penetration of certification schemes in the imported, home, panel and harvesting sectors. It revealed that in 2008 over 80% of wood and wood products coming into the UK were certified.
