where to buy sustainable timber products

​Malaysia is one of the top wood product exporters in the world, with wooden furniture, plywood and sawn timber forming the majority of the items.
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As a member of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), it means that Malaysia’s timber policies and practices are in line with the ITTO Objective 2000. To be recognised by an international body for sustainable forestry management practices which were developed locally in 1901 intimates that sustainable forestry practices are more than adherence to legislation, it is a tradition. 

Another notable milestone is that Malaysia has the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) – a voluntary national scheme that provides independent assessment of forest management practices. This scheme is the only locally developed program in South East Asia that is recognized by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which is an accreditation body of the largest forest area in the world. As a PEFC-endorsed scheme, the MTCS has been accepted under the national timber procurement policies of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland and UK, and recognised by green building systems in Abu Dhabi, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, UK, USA, and UAE, as well as by the Green Building Index (GBI) in Malaysia.

"...Malaysia has been practicing sustainable forestry management since 1901..." 

Having a certification scheme is great, but enforcement is always the tricky bit. Amidst the rage against illegal logging, displacement of aboriginal people and animals, it is worth taking note that under the new government, the military, police, customs border patrol and even bush rangers have been ordered to come together and pool their resources to enforce the laws protecting the environment, human & animal trafficking as well as illegal logging.
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The Malaysian Timber Council has a database of forestry product suppliers who practise sustainable forestry management, so buyers can contact them for accredited & above-board timber and wood suppliers. You may have to pay a little more, but you know that you are funding the future of the local forests and helping Mother Nature maintain the equilibrium between commerce and conservation.

Source: National Geographic

​Alien Logistics is well versed in the wood & timber import/export procedures - for Malaysia. Work with us to avoid unnecessary worms coming out of the woodworks. Let's get chatting!