B&Q has become the first major UK retailer to only buy timber products from proven responsible sources, the retailer announced today.
More than 20 years after becoming a founding partner of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), B&Q says it can now ensure that 100% of timber used in its products can be traced back to well-managed sources.

This includes more than 16,000 products sold by the chain that contain wood, either as timber or as a wood derivative.

B&Q is also working with organisations like The Forest Trust to help producers achieve FSC certification. According to the retailer, when surveyed, 92% of customers said they would choose responsibly-sourced wood every time if they knew there was no extra cost.

B&Q director of corporate social responsibility Matt Sexton said: "Today is a milestone for B&Q as we show our support for responsibly-managed forests. We've been working very hard to close the gap and hope that other retailers will follow as we lead the way in sustainability. Our Forest Friendly campaign continues to raise awareness of the need for consumers to demand that their timber products come from well-managed sources and now our customers can shop safe in the knowledge that B&Q only buys products that conform to this."