Chain of Custody
Chain of custody
Wolseley believes that whilst sustainable sourcing is vital, it is also key that illegal timber be eliminated from the supply chain, from the forest of origin to the end user.
The chain of custody scheme, introduced in Build Center in the UK in 2003, now covers 3,660 products and certification has been achieved at a further 85 branches during the year (exceeding the target of 59 branches). Products within the chain of custody scheme have been independently audited and approved by, or on behalf of, both the FSC and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (‘PEFC’). The scheme provides evidence that products originate from certified, well-managed forests at any point in the supply chain, giving our customers an independent guarantee that the timber we are supplying is from a legal and sustainable forest source.
Some 68 per cent of the timber purchased by Wolseley UK during the year was controlled within the chain of custody scheme, an increase of over 130 per cent from 2006.
During the year, chain of custody certification was awarded to PBM’s softwood import business, following such certification of its hardwood business and its garden products business in 2003. In line with its targets, 100 per cent of PBM’s timber purchased during the year had either FSC or PEFC chain of custody certification.
Stock does not have a formal chain of custody procedure for its timber as it relies upon the chain of custody procedures in place within its suppliers. However, the vast majority of purchases made by Stock are from suppliers who hold recognised certifications and whose harvests are strictly controlled by US and Canadian Federal and State law. Stock maintains an extensive dialogue with its suppliers regarding sustainability issues, including chain of custody.
Accreditations during the year
- Wolseley UK attained ISO 14001 accreditation in a further eight branches.
- Mart in Hungary and Cesaro in the Czech Republic continued ISO 9001 accreditation for their quality management processes.