ABSTRACT
This chapter examines B&Q's timber purchasing policy and the role of this and other similar corporate initiatives in the move towards the goal of sustainable forest management. B&Q is the largest Do-It-Yourself retailer in the UK, whose products include a high proportion of raw timber and wood-based items. The chapter argues that B&Q's policy of independent certification improves forestry management along the supply chain to UK stores because the conditions required for certification to be effective are satisfied in the UK market. Translating written principles into practical projects that meet the criteria is a crucial step in reaching the goal of sustainable forest management. In the case of B&Q the approach has been one of co-operation; the company is providing funding to some suppliers in developing countries to adopt sustainable forest management. The B&Q policy has applied pressure to upgrade management practices, thereby encouraging sustainable forest management within the boundaries of its timber supply chain for UK stores.
