Symphony expands Chain of Custody

Leading UK furniture supplier Symphony has received Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody certification across its kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture ranges.

The certification, which guarantees that wood used in the manufacture of Symphony's products comes from well managed forests, according to strict environmental, social and economic standards, means that FSC-accredited products are now available to all Symphony's customers, from private developers and affordable housing providers to export markets and Symphony's over 1,000 retail outlets.

Beck Woodrow, FSC's Construction Adviser comments: "Achievement of higher EcoHomes and BREEAM ratings is fundamental to achieving national targets for the industry, so it is very good news for the sector that a major provider like Symphony has achieved certification for products available to developers and consumers across the UK".

The FSC accreditation is the latest in a series of environmental measures by Symphony to support the use of sustainable materials across all aspects of its operation and supply chain.

The company, through its logistics contract partner C Butt, recently invested in new delivery vehicles, which are among the cleanest, most fuel-efficient trucks on Britain's roads.

The Bluetec Euro 5 Mercedes Actros utilise the latest SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to convert polluting nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water.

Symphony is also able to minimise the amount of product it transports by road, through its choice of suppliers.

The company's largest materials supplier is based in Belgium and utilises the canal network to transport raw materials and finished products.

The cut and edged panels are then taken the short distance by road to Zeebrugge for transportation by ferry to Hull, then by road to Symphony's Leeds and Rotherham plants.

The company, which employs more than 1,000 people, operates to stringent waste management targets with some 80% of its waste segregated for recycling and re-use, including burning scrap wood and wood dust to heat their factories.

As a member of Valpak, Symphony also complies with stringent waste packaging regulations, keeping packaging to a minimum without compromising product protection.

Assembled cabinets are wrapped in blankets during the loading process and Symphony has designed special recyclable cardboard sleeves, to protect frontals in transit.

Paul Kettlewell, Group Sales Director, comments: "In an ever more environmentally aware market place, it is vital that we support sustainable production and help the housing sector deliver stringent Government EcoHomes standards.

"It is also important that we ensure our own workplace and operations are as environmentally sound as possible, so our Group Environmental Management Committee, constantly measures and reviews our performance.

Back to top