In recent weeks, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF), ABC News, and key industry bodies have highlighted the importance of due diligence when it comes to timber sourcing practices, emphasising the importance of sustainable forestry and the need for a reliable chain of custody.
DAFF has conducted extensive trials on timber products, testing 146 items across 39 distinct species. These tests utilised advanced scientific methods—including DNA analysis, trace elements, and wood fibre examination—and revealed that approximately 25% of the tested products had inconsistencies regarding their declared species, origin, or both. This finding underscores the necessity for rigorous verification of timber sources and species, reinforcing the importance of knowing where your wood comes from.
In collaboration with Source Certain, DAFF is exploring effective methods to implement technology that verifies claims regarding the species and harvest origin of regulated timber. This trial represents a significant step forward in ensuring that physical samples of timber align with their digital data records.
As Australia’s only LVL manufacturer, Wesbeam is dedicated to ensuring every aspect of our timber supply chain is fully compliant —from sourcing to manufacturing to the delivered end-user product. This includes regular and detailed checking of each supply chain link. We ensure that our LVL products meet high-quality standards and adhere to sustainable forestry practices. Knowing the origin of our timber is essential not only for compliance but also for fostering trust and accountability in the construction sector.
Understanding the origin of timber products is vital for promoting responsible sourcing and sustainable forestry practices. Non-compliant or mislabelled timber can undermine efforts to maintain a sustainable industry, making it essential for all stakeholders to prioritise transparency and traceability.
For further reading, you can access the DAFF media release and the ABC News article through the following links:
ABC News Article: Timber industry leader calls for country of origin labelling on imported products
More about Wesbeam’s Chain of Custody supply chain can be found here.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact us.
