Sustainability

Sustain-ability

Sustainability at Pollmeier

Of all countries around the world, the principle of sustainable forestry is most well established in Germany. This concept was developed more than 300 years ago and, since then, has been seen as a guiding principle for German forest management. In Germany sustainability is mandatory as per the Federal Forest Act (Bundeswaldgesetz) and anchored in Section 11 of this Act.
All of Pollmeier’s products come from sustainable forestry; all the timber is felled legally and is subject to state controls. This is the most important basis for proof of legality within the framework of the various international laws such as the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), the Lacey Act in the USA and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Act.
In addition to the statutory requirements, there are further (forest) certification systems such as PEFC (PEFC/04-31-0545), MTTC, SFI and FSC® (FSC-C111902) which guarantee consumers a range of minimum standards with respect to sustainability and other criteria. However, with these certification systems the standard stipulated by the relevant organisation is certified, and not the statutory framework conditions. Depending on the legislation, certification can be seen as an important reference point for legality, yet is not automatically proof of legality.

We have also made a commitment to continually improve upon our energy efficiency. For this purpose, we have introduced a company-wide energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001, which is certified by independent auditors on an annual basis. In times of alternative energies and climate change, it makes perfect sense for us to exercise this social and environmental responsibility. We have managed to reduce our power consumption (per product produced) annually by 3 to 7%. What’s more, the thermal energy required in the wood-drying process and in the factory halls and office areas is generated entirely from the energy recovery of waste products such as sanding dust – CO2-neutral and environmentally friendly.

 

Important independent (forest) certification systems:

 

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) www.pefc.org

+   good availability of large volume thanks to comprehensive certification in the forest sector
+   prestigious label
+   relatively unbureaucratic
+   recognition of other systems such as MTTC® and SFI®
+   there is normally no surcharge for certified materials Disadvantage of PEFC:
+   less well known amongst end consumers than FSC®

All Pollmeier products are certified to PEFC as a matter of principle.

SFI® (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) www.sfiprogram.org

+   most important certification system in the USA and Canada
+   recognised by PEFC

 

MTCC® (Malaysian Timber Certification Council) www.mtcc.com.my

+   important certification system in the Asia-Pacific region
+   first certification system for tropical wood which was recognised by the PEFC

FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) https://ic.fsc.org/
FSC®-certified products are available from Pollmeier on request FSC®.

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POLLMEIER IS A MEMBER OF GERMANY'S FEDERAL ASSOCIATION OF SAWMILLING AND WOOD INDUSTRIES​