Representatives of BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers (Image: Timber Development UK)
  
BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers have formed a new partnership to promote the use of UK-grown timber and reduce reliance on imports. Backed by trade bodies the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor) and Timber Development UK (TDUK), the initiative calls for a more sustainable and economically resilient construction sector.

Although the UK has a developed sawmilling industry, it remains the world’s second-largest net importer of forest products, bringing in around 80% of its timber needs each year, worth about £9bn. This reliance on imports, the sawmillers say, weakens the domestic supply chain, drives up carbon emissions and limits opportunities for rural employment.

The campaign focuses on C16 graded timber, grown and manufactured in the UK. C16 is suitable for most standard construction applications and offers comparable strength and versatility to imported grades such as C24, but with a lower carbon footprint. It is a renewable, biophilic material that supports wellbeing and contributes positively to the built environment, which currently accounts for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions.

The collaboration supports the UK government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap and aligns with national goals for decarbonisation, economic growth and forestry expansion. It advocates for increased tree planting and replanting across the UK to ensure a sustainable supply of productive woodlands, supporting future timber resources while enhancing carbon sequestration, biodiversity and water quality.

The initiative also aims to harness advanced harvesting and sawmilling technologies to maximise the value of UK-grown timber and help decarbonise the construction sector. In addition, it encourages architects, engineers and contractors to specify C16 timber more frequently in projects, reducing dependence on high-carbon materials such as concrete, steel and imported alternatives.

Finally, the campaign seeks to demonstrate the potential of C16 timber in cost-effective, sustainable construction that supports rural employment and strengthens the wider economy.

Together, the three sawmillers produce the majority of the UK’s C16 sawn timber and are working with Confor to help rebalance supply chains and strengthen domestic production.

“Global demand for timber is projected to rise significantly given its low-carbon benefits. If the UK wants a secure, consistent, and sustainable supply of timber material, now is the time to invest in our industry,” said Confor chief executive Stuart Goodall. “Confor supports this collaboration as an important initiative to highlight how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term future of UK timber.”

Through joint advocacy, public engagement and cross-industry alignment, the campaign marks a step towards a stronger, greener future for the UK’s construction sector, using one of the country’s most underutilised natural assets.

“Our Plan for Change is focused on creating new, green jobs, planting more trees, increasing access to nature and reducing carbon emissions. We currently import 80% of the timber we use and that needs to change,” said Mary Creagh CBE, Minister for Nature. “Our Timber in Construction Roadmap and the C16 campaign will boost the use of UK timber to help build the homes and schools we need faster and more sustainably.”

Source:  panelsfurnitureasia.com