Platowood is sustainable in every aspect. Not only does our hydro-thermal modification process ensure a longer lifespan, but the wood we use is also sustainably harvested. Our wood comes exclusively from responsibly managed forests. By using only certified wood, we actively contribute to improving forest management worldwide and supporting the sustainability goals of architects and builders. From time to time, we travel to the cold forests of Scandinavia or the warm jungles of West Africa to visit the sawmills we work with.
Just a few weeks ago, Han van Rooijen (Commercial Director) and Luc Bosman (Supply Chain Planner) visited FSC-certified forests in Scandinavia. At a time when sustainable building and responsible forest management are increasingly prioritized, wood certifications are more important than ever. In addition to FSC® certificates, Platowood also holds PEFC certifications. We also have a generic COC certificate, which allows us to purchase and sell OLB-certified wood from Africa. But what do these certifications actually mean, and how do they differ? Here's a brief overview:
| FSC® | PEFC | OLB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict socio-economic requirements | Yes | No | No |
| Legal harvesting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wood traceability to the log | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Approved by Keurhout Legal System | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The FSC® Certification
Since 2002, Platowood has held Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) 'Chain of Custody' certificates (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1 and FSC-STD-50-001). This global organization has been committed since 1994 to the preservation and responsible management of forests around the world, guided by strict ecological, social, and economic criteria.
During our recent trip to Scandinavia, it became clear that applying FSC® can be more challenging due to the rights of the region's Indigenous people — the Sami. On the other hand, the level of efficiency and automation in the sawmills there was so impressive that we learned a great deal from it!
The PEFC™ Certification
PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is the fastest-growing independent certification for sustainable forest management. Platowood has been PEFC 'Chain of Custody' certified since May 2022 (PEFC ST 2002:2020 and PEFC ST 2001:2020). This organization emphasizes sustainability while being accessible to forest owners, resulting in broad availability of certified wood at Platowood — without compromising on quality.
OLB certification
OLB (Origine et Légalité des Bois) focuses on the origin and legality of wood. Platowood is also generically COC certified (SGS-GEN/COC – 030003), which means we can process wood that has been legally harvested and is fully traceable within the supply chain.