Bunnings Accused of 'Greenwashing' Timber Amid Illegal Logging Claims
The Wilderness Society (TWS), a prominent Australian environmental group, has formally accused Bunnings of "greenwashing" its timber products. The accusation centers on claims that the hardware giant may have sold timber sourced from operations of the NSW Forestry Corporation alleged to involve illegal logging.
ACCC Investigation Requested
TWS has escalated its concerns by requesting that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigate Bunnings. This request stems from apprehensions that Bunnings may be distributing unlawfully logged timber, potentially contradicting the company's stated policies and online promotions concerning responsible sourcing.
The complaint lodged with the ACCC highlights the NSW Forestry Corporation's extensive history of convictions for environmental regulation breaches. It posits that timber from operations later identified as involving unlawful activity could have entered Bunnings' stores via third-party wood suppliers.
TWS has asked the ACCC to determine if Bunnings' responsible sourcing claims created an impression that its timber was environmentally superior to its actual origin. The group argues that if substantiated, this could constitute misleading or deceptive conduct.
The ACCC has confirmed receipt of the TWS complaint, stating it will be assessed according to its Compliance and Enforcement Policy. An ACCC spokesperson noted that the commission typically refrains from commenting on received reports or potential investigations.
TWS Alleges Contradiction in Sourcing Claims
Victoria Jack, TWS's NSW campaigns manager, emphasized consumer expectations regarding ethical sourcing.
"Customers do not wish for their projects to harm native forests."
She further asserted that Bunnings' claims of legally sourced timber, free from endangered species impact, are contradicted by TWS's research. Jack suggested that products purchased could be timber from habitats of vulnerable species like the greater glider or swift parrot, potentially logged unlawfully.
Bunnings' Sourcing Policies and Certification
Bunnings sources timber from the NSW Forestry Corporation through various local suppliers. A spokesperson for Bunnings reiterated the company's commitment to sourcing timber from compliant and well-managed forest operations.
The spokesperson clarified that Bunnings mandates natural forest timber products to originate from forests independently certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). They added that the NSW Forestry Corporation meets this certification requirement.
NSW Forestry Corporation's Record and Certification Concerns
The state-owned NSW Forestry Corporation has faced numerous legal consequences, having been convicted of over a dozen environmental offenses, with additional charges pending. A land and environment court judgment last year notably concluded that the agency was likely to reoffend and demonstrated limited prospects for rehabilitation.
In November correspondence with TWS, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) indicated that it had not previously seized timber associated with alleged native vegetation offenses to prevent its entry into the supply chain.
Despite its record of convictions, the NSW Forestry Corporation's native forest operations maintain certification under the PEFC-endorsed Responsible Wood scheme.
Expert Commentary
TWS's complaint expresses significant concern that the NSW Forestry Corporation retains its certification despite its history of environmental offense convictions.
Professor David Heilpern, a former magistrate and dean of law at Southern Cross University, voiced his hope for a thorough consideration of the TWS complaint.
Heilpern characterized the situation as "unprecedented," involving a government product supplier convicted of multiple illegal activities on public land. He noted this creates significant challenges for consumers and retailers aiming to ensure products are untainted by illegality and raises questions about managing products that should not have been logged.
NSW Forestry Corporation Defends Operations
A spokesperson for the NSW Forestry Corporation affirmed that timber harvesting in NSW public native forests is lawful. They stated that operations are conducted under strict regulations, approvals, and oversight. The spokesperson claimed the agency operates within one of the world's most stringent forestry regulatory frameworks, with logging subject to detailed planning, environmental rules, regular inspections, and third-party certification. They concluded by stating that the corporation regularly audits its operations and cooperates with regulators to address findings and implement process improvements when issues are identified.