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In an ideal world, every piece of timber would be FSC-certified.
It’s a simple statement, and one we believe in completely. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)® sets the global standard for responsible forest management. When you see FSC® certification (Licence code: FSC-C122338) on our products, you can trust that the materials support responsible forest management, combining FSC-certified wood with controlled sources and/or recycled material.
At Broxap, we believe FSC®-certified timber is the best choice. It’s responsible, independently verified, and contributes to protecting forests and the people who depend on them. But the reality is, not all timber used in construction or street furniture is FSC-certified, and there are reasons for that.
What Is FSC-Certified Timber?
FSC® certification provides assurance that timber and timber products meet the requirements of the FSC system. This includes a chain of custody process where certified companies are audited to ensure that FSC claims on products are valid.
FSC® labels cover three types of claims:
- FSC 100%: Sourced entirely from FSC-certified forests.
- FSC Mix: Made with a combination of FSC-certified material, recycled material, and/or controlled wood. Controlled wood reduces the risk of timber coming from unacceptable sources, such as illegal logging or the conversion of high conservation value forests.
- FSC Recycled: Made from 100% recycled material.
At Broxap, the FSC® Mix claim is within our scope, meaning the FSC®-labelled products we sell fall under this category. This means that when you choose FSC® timber, you are supporting a system that promotes responsible forest management and credible verification through independent checks.
What Does “Responsibly Sourced” Really Mean?
You’ll often hear the term “responsibly sourced timber.” It sounds good, and in many cases, it is good. These are suppliers who aim to do the right thing. They might replant trees, protect local wildlife, and follow ethical practices. But the key difference is that they’re not certified. There’s no independent body checking that everything is being done properly.
Sometimes, responsibly sourced timber includes a mix of certified and non-certified material. It may come from good sources, but without independent verification, there’s no way to be completely sure. It’s not wrong, it’s just not certified, and that’s an important distinction.
Why Don't We Use FSC Timber All the Time?
Here’s the honest answer: we would if we could. But in today’s marketplace, that’s not always possible. FSC®-certified timber costs more, not just to buy, but also to manage.
In some areas and on certain projects, the budget simply doesn’t stretch that far.
While we always encourage the use of FSC®-certified timber wherever possible, we also recognise the need to provide options that balance sustainability with practical realities. Offering a responsibly sourced alternative (while being clear about what it means) allows people to make thoughtful, informed choices within their means.
The more awareness grows and demand for FSC® increases, the more accessible it will become. That’s how change happens. We’re committed to moving in that direction and supporting the shift to a future where FSC® certification is the norm.
What Timber Does Broxap Offer?
We offer both. FSC®-certified timber where it’s requested or where the project allows for it. And responsibly sourced timber where needed, clearly labelled and always explained. We won’t claim it’s the same, but we will be honest about what it is and what it isn’t.
Our preference is always FSC® timber. That’s the route we recommend to our customers whenever possible. It’s the route we’d take every time, if budgets allowed. And it’s the standard we hope will one day become universal.
The Bigger Picture
Sustainability isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about making better choices, even when those choices are hard. It’s about being transparent, honest, and always looking for ways to improve. We’re proud to say that we’re moving in the right direction.
We dream of a future where every seat, every picnic table, every bench we produce uses FSC®-certified timber. Where “responsibly sourced” and “certified” mean the same thing. Until then, we’ll keep doing what we can, offering choice, sharing knowledge, and staying committed to sustainability in everything we do.