Premier Forest Group, one of the UK’s leading timber groups, is marking International Day of Forests 2021, by reconfirming their commitment to promoting the sustainable trade in timber and timber products from well-managed forests.

21 March was designated the International Day of Forests by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of different types of forest. The theme for 2021 is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”.

Premier believes that timber is one of the earth’s most important resources and works closely with other organisations to protect the natural environment and provide a renewable source of materials. It also works with relevant trade organisations, NGOs, and governments to develop and evolve responsible purchasing policies.

James Pickford, Procurement & Environmental Director of Premier Forest Group, said: “We enthusiastically support international efforts to improve forest management, such as the development of credible timber certification schemes. We believe that the independent certification of forest and other processes in the supply chain is the most useful tool for providing assurances that timber comes from legal and well-managed sustainable forests.

“We have a commitment to only purchasing timber and timber products from legal sources that can satisfy our robust due diligence process, seeking evidence of compliance from our suppliers in line with the requirements of UKTR to demonstrate that they are operating in accordance with applicable law.

“International Day of Forests is celebrated across the world and the more awareness that is raised about ensuring that forests are well managed, the better. Timber is such a vital resource, and when it is grown and sourced in a sustainable manner, it is to the benefit of everyone on the planet as a truly renewable resource”

People can take part in International Day of Forests by:

• Watching and sharing the International Day of Forests video
• Organising or joining events celebrating forests: tree plantings, symposiums, art exhibitions, photo competitions or host a student debate.
• Sharing the logo, banner and posters.
• Joining the conversation on social media using the #IntlForestDay hashtag to pass on some of this year’s key messages.

As well as their support for sustainable forest management, Premier Forest Group has made significant investments into green technology, achieving renewal of their ISO 14001 accreditation which is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).

James said: “All Premier’s members of staff have a role to play in protecting the environment and developing our environmental aims. That’s why we train our staff to fulfil their role in our environmental commitments.”

Premier is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody certified under certificate INT-COC-002108 to supply wood-based products originating from responsibly managed forests. As well as Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) Chain of Custody certified under certificate INT-PEFC/COC-002108 to supply wood-based products sourced from sustainably managed forests.