2017 Timber Scorecard

• A quarter of companies reviewed, scored ‘zero trees’ meaning they are failing to disclose their policies and performance on sustainable timber. This includes many of the UK’s globally recognised luxury brands
• 27% of companies scored only one tree meaning they are still only taking limited action to guarantee that the timber or wood products they sell are not contributing to deforestation or illegal logging. They may have a policy, but it is unclear if they are monitoring progress against this
• Of the 30 companies with a zero score, more than half were furniture retailers
• The musical instrument sector lags on performance with the highest performance only scoring a rating of one.
• 50% of all companies reviewed scored either two or three trees, which demonstrates they are making good progress
• Some of the best performing companies include B&Q (Kingfisher), Boots, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Tetra Pak, the Co-Op, WH Smith’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Balfour Beatty, showing that it is possible for big names in diverse sectors to promote sustainable timber practices.
• The construction sector leads on performance with all but one of the companies rewarded top marks

What we want companies to do

We’re calling on UK businesses to pledge to buy timber products from sustainable sources (with high proportions of FSC and recycled timber) by 2020 to support the transition to a 100% sustainable timber market. We believe it’s important to highlight company performance to encourage transparency and action to implement and report on sustainable timber procurement.

If your company would like to know more about sourcing responsible and sustainable timber, you can find out more through our Global Forest & Trade Network.