AHEP demonstrates the legality and sustainability of U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer delivered into export markets
March 10, 2016 – Following its successful introduction in 2014, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has now integrated a new American Hardwood Environmental Profile (AHEP) system into its member website (www.ahec.org). The new and improved tool, which has been rebuilt from the ground up to be more dynamic, consistent, and easier to use, is available to all the hardwood growers, producers and exporters who make up AHEC’s membership, and will enable them to provide a customized environmental profile for each and every shipment load of U.S. hardwoods shipped overseas.
The AHEP is a consignment-specific shipping document that provides access to information on the risk of illegality and sustainability of the U.S. hardwood lumber or veneer species contained in the container. The aim is to ensure that credible environmental data specific to individual consignments – adjusted according to key parameters such as kilning efficiency and transport routes and modes – can be delivered quickly and efficiently without significant cost. As such, the AHEP will provide, for every consignment, access to information on the name of the U.S. supplier, product description, quantity of wood, commercial and scientific species name, place of harvest, and documents demonstrating negligible risk of illegal harvest.
“The new AHEP tool has been designed to meet global industry and government drives to increase transparency and provide evidence for the unparalleled environmental credentials of imported timber. It is a science-based document and replaces the old RPP in Japan and satisfies multiple ‘due diligence’ laws like the Lacey Act in the U.S., the EU Timber Regulation, and Japanese ‘Green Procurement’ or ‘Gojo Wood’ laws. The included environmental impact information also encourages wider recognition of the sustainability and low carbon footprint of American hardwoods as a material,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania.
Importers looking to obtain first-hand information on the AHEP are encouraged to visit the AHEC Pavilion at the upcoming Dubai WoodShow 2016, which will take place from April 4 – 6, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC). AHEC, together with the Hardwood States Export Group (HSEG), will host an American Hardwood Pavilion comprising individual booths for U.S. hardwood exporting companies in addition to a technical information area. Participating companies include Northland Corporation; State of Indiana; Northwest Hardwoods; Nina Company; Missouri Walnut; Wheeland Lumber; Baillie Lumber; Matson Lumber; Hermitage Hardwoods; Atlantic Veneer Corporation; Midwest Hardwood Corporation; Cardin Forest Products; Republic Forest Products; Snowbelt Hardwoods; American Lumber; TYR Wood Products; and Hanafee Bros. Sawmill.
“The development of EPDs is a response from the confusion that arises from the wide variety of environmental claims made by material suppliers, some may be genuine while some may just be downright false. The true environmental impacts of materials cannot be summed up by one single attribute, and it is time that consumers and policy makers had the ability to truly compare the environmental footprint of the different products and materials they source. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service to our members so that they in turn can provide their customers with the level of service they demand. This new, easier and controlled tool means we can confirm that the choice of American hardwood is environmentally sound and exceeds all legal requirements,” concluded Wiles.