Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Timber Trade Federation has welcomed praise from Andrew Mitchell MP, Secretary of State for International Development, for its commitment to responsible business and industry leadership.
Speaking at the Timber Trade Federation’s annual dinner yesterday (March 21) Mitchell, said: “Tackling deforestation and illegal logging is a crucial part of the UK Government’s work on climate change. Our support through the International Climate Fund means we are helping protect up to 39 million hectares of forest – an area more than one and a half times the size of the UK – as well as the 1.2 billion people who rely on forests to survive.
“Illegal logging and deforestation robs poor people of their livelihoods. The Timber Trade Federation’s Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) and their work with the UK government on new regulations to make first sale of illegally logged timber an offence will make a real difference to some of the poorest people. I congratulate the Timber Trade Federation on their industry leadership in this area.”
Welcoming the comments, John White, TTF chief executive said: “I’d like to thank the Secretary of State on behalf of the entire industry. The RPP is a tool we have developed over several years with the input of a range of forestry and timber stakeholders. We have made this compulsory for members as a condition and benefit of membership. It shows our industry commitment and dedication to this most pressing global cause.”
