DUBLIN: Grafton Group’s GB merchanting businesses have been recognised by the Timber Trade Federation for adopting the Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) for timber and timber products. Buildbase, Jackson Building Centres and Selco Builders Warehouses are some of the first builders merchants to commit to the TTF policy.
The RPP is a tool that helps TTF members to implement the Environmental Code of Practice in the TTF Code of Conduct. This states that ‘members are committed to sourcing their timber and timber products from legal and well-managed forests’. It complements the UK/EU global policy objective to stop illegal logging.
RPP helps TTF members assess the risk of illegal and unsustainable wood products entering their supply chains. The policy is complementary to the internationally recognised environmental certification systems for wood products such as FSC and PEFC.
“We place great emphasis on responsible purchasing and made it a priority to commit to the TTF’s RPP,” says Kevin Middleton, managing director, Grafton Merchanting GB. “We are among the first merchanting organisations to take this progressive stance on timber procurement environmental issues.
“With greater awareness in the industry, more customers are enquiring about our procurement policy, particularly our partnering clients, and this interest in environmental issues will only intensify. At Grafton we are working hard with our suppliers to look into every aspect of responsible procurement.”
