FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests. It was founded in 1993 in response to public concern about deforestation and demand for a trustworthy wood-labelling scheme.

Wolseley UK has been aware of concerns about the sustainability of hardwood elements in plywood for some years. The company has pruned its supplier list to ensure complete traceability of product. Many accounts have been suspended indefinitely until evidence is given that products meet government (CPET) 'legal' standards. In September 2003, Wolseley UK ceased the importation of Indonesian hardwood plywood, and in October 2005 the company responded to doubts about the provenance of plywood from Chinese mills by ceasing purchases from that country. Brazil was the most recent country to be rejected as a plywood supplier in early 2006, due to environmental concerns over its supply chain.

Wolseley UK is a leading member of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), and has worked diligently with the TTF since 2004 to develop and sign up to the TTF's industry-wide Responsible Purchasing Policy.

Wolseley UK has also contracted with Track Record, a independent third party verifier, to scrutinise its existing and our potential timber supply chain.

Wolseley UK managing director Nigel Sibley said: "As a leading importer and distributor of timber construction materials, we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously. This is demonstrated by our ambitious plans to build the Sustainable Building Center, a showpiece of practical sustainable products, in which wood will feature prominently.

"We actively work to ensure that raw material comes from legally licenced forest areas, in full compliance with relevant national and local legislation and procedures."