A leading provider of temporary road and pedestrian surfaces is paving the way to help prevent climate change and deforestation of rainforests.
Ground protection solution expert, Timbermat Ltd, who supplied ground protection mats and crane mats to the London 2012 Olympic Games, is already ensuring its imported wood meets the new EU Timber Regulations well ahead of them being introduced in March, 2013.
The new ruling is aimed at prohibiting the placing of illegally produced wood products in to the EU market to help combat the illegal felling of trees without meeting a nation’s timber rules in the tropics.
The WWF estimates the UK has the biggest market in terms of value of illegally logged timber in Europe and is the third largest producer of illegally harvested or traded timber and wood products (3.2 million cubic metres RWE), after China (8.2 million cubic metres RWE) and Japan (5.3 million cubic metres RWE).
It is also estimates that the UK spends about £712 million on ‘stolen’ timber and wood products per year – the equivalent of £11.76 per person in the UK. Also, according to the WWF, the most significant proportion of the illegal trade – more than 65% of all illegal imports – goes into the construction sector.
Since 1992, Timbermat has successfully grown into one of Great Britain’s largest suppliers of temporary access solutions including temporary roadways and walkways, carrying probably the largest stock availability throughout the UK. Its wooden ground protection mats are properly tested and certified and meet the new EU regulations.
Timbermat Ltd is FSC Certified and the company’s importer is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for endorsement of Forest Certification) and SFI (Sustainable Forest Initiative) registered.
"Responsibly sourcing our wood is top priority for us at Timbermat Ltd and our customers are particularly discerning, many wanting assurances that the timber products they buy or hire meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility. In today’s market, which is increasingly driven by sustainability, we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of sustainable timber products," said Timbermat’s Managing Director, John Roberts.
"Our extensive research means we only work with reputable companies who are environmentally-conscious - from the planting of a tree to dividing it up for timber."
