At Australian Panels, our commitment to sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood to our NSW Central Coast site. This visit further solidified our shared dedication to promoting sustainable forest management and the responsible sourcing of forest products.
Who is Responsible Wood?
Responsible Wood is an Australian non-profit organisation that sets globally recognised standards for sustainable forest certification, ensuring the responsible management of forests.
As Australia’s representative of PEFC International, the world’s largest forest certification system, Responsible Woods’ mission is to uphold globally recognised standards for sustainable forest certification. Their vision is to ensure that Australia’s forests, and all products sourced from them, rank among the most sustainable in the world.
A strong partnership in sustainability
During his visit, Matt had the opportunity to observe our manufacturing processes firsthand. He emphasised the importance of certification in ensuring that forest products meet stringent requirements for ethical timber harvesting and sourcing. As a certified supplier, Australian Panels is proud to work closely with Responsible Wood to ensure our products are sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.
“Our mission is to uphold globally recognised standards for sustainable forest management,” said Matt. “Observing Australian Panels’ operations firsthand reinforces our belief that Australia’s forests, and the products derived from them, are among the most sustainably managed in the world.”
Leading the market with sustainable solutions
At Australian Panels, we are proud to lead the market in manufactured board products for joinery and structural applications, backed by over 30 years of experience. We continuously invest in state-of-the-art machinery and cutting-edge production techniques to ensure our products remain at the forefront of durability and sustainability.
Australian Panels CEO Jim Snelson explains: “Our products are designed with the unique Australian environment in mind. We ensure that our offerings are crafted to meet our sustainability objectives, balancing ecological, social, and economic needs.”
This commitment is reflected in our entire product range, from flooring to wall panels, all engineered to withstand Australia’s demanding climate while minimising environmental impact.
The importance of certification
As highlighted during Responsible Wood’s visit, certification plays a pivotal role in promoting the responsible sourcing of forest products. The chain of custody certification ensures that consumers can trust the products they purchase, knowing they are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. Certification systems such as Responsible Wood and PEFC help us not only protect biodiversity but also contribute to the fight against climate change and deforestation.
Left: Stuart Toakley, Sales Manager – Australian Panels. Right: Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager – Responsible Wood
Strengthening industry collaboration
The visit from Responsible Wood also provided an opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration. By working closely with Responsible Wood, we can help drive positive change in the industry and encourage the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices. This partnership helps us understand stakeholder concerns and allows us to continually meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and industry partners.
Moving forward together
At Australian Panels, we believe that sustainable forest management is essential for the future of our industry and our planet. Our ongoing partnership with Responsible Wood reflects our commitment to responsible sourcing, innovative product development, and meeting the highest sustainability standards. Together, we are proud to lead the way in promoting sustainability in the Australian timber industry.
