Salvaged Honduran Wood Repurposed as Fire Starter Earns Verification

SCS Global Services (SCS), a leading international third-party certifier of environmental claims, has independently verified that Wood Products International’s “Fatwood” is responsibly and legally produced from its Honduran operations, meeting the requirements of the SCS Salvaged Wood and Fiber Standard. Wood Products International, a Savannah, Georgia-based company, is converting Ocote (pine) wood salvaged from Honduran forests into all-natural fire starters in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

Richard Davis, President of Wood Products International, explained that SCS’ verification of the company’s salvaged wood operations has produced economic, social, and business benefits.  “We employ thousands of people by harvesting and processing our Fatwood products, and substantially reduced forest fires by cleaning up the forest floor,” he said. “Our Salvaged Wood verification helps communicate our firm commitment to the environment, and gives our customers the peace of mind knowing they are purchasing a responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly product.”

The SCS Salvaged Wood and Fiber Standard and verification program was designed specifically to meet the needs of the marketplace in defining the responsible recovery of un-utilized wood and other cellulosic biomaterial resources.

“The utilization of natural resources that would otherwise go to waste is a bona fide element of environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice-President. Utilization of salvaged wood, whether it comes from the forest, manufacturing processes, or end-of-life material recovery, helps to reduce pressures on natural forests while supporting the increasing human demands for wood-based products, he explained.  “We are pleased to verify that Wood Products International’s recovery and commercial use of Fatwood are in full accordance with legal requirements.” 

More information about the Salvaged Wood and Fiber verification is available at www.SCSglobalServices.com/SalvagedWood or by contacting Evan Poirson at SCS: [email protected].

About SCS.
SCS Global Services has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, power generation, retail, and more. In addition to its Emeryville, California, headquarters operation, SCS has affiliate offices in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to many environmental NGOs due to its dedication to quality and professionalism.  SCS is a Chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

About Wood Products International (WPI)
With 31 years of industry leading methods, Wood Products International has been leading the way in modern, ecologically-sound lumber, marrying contemporary, responsible wood products to traditional designs and styles. Purveyors of quality lumber, Wood Products International leaves little or no waste behind and uses the whole tree to make a diverse selection of wood products. From large-scale rough lumber to its finished line of hearth, home and outdoor products, Wood Products International prides itself on providing dependable, timely service for all of its customers’ wood product needs. Visit www.threetreepledge.com to learn more about the company’s commitment to the country and the environment.