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Environment

Here, at West Fraser UK, we know that our operations have the potential to impact upon the environment, which is why we do our very best to negate or minimise these possible effects with our sustainable wood panels. We always work to ensure that we meet and, if possible, exceed environmental legislative criteria.

The facts:

We manufacture OSB, and because it’s made and sold here within the UK the result is a lower transportation carbon footprint than plywood, or other competitive imports
Up to 80% recycled content of particleboard
We use biomass generated energy in the MDF process
Our OSB products that are used in the construction industry achieve an A+ rating in the BRE green guide, the highest rating possible
All products are FSC® certified, made from sustainable timber sources
Timber sources in most cases are the residue of good forestry practices, sawmill residue or post-consumer waste
All West Fraser UK’s manufacturing sites are certified to the coveted environmental criteria of ISO14001
All of West Fraser UK’s wood panels can be recycled where wood recycling facilities are available
Monitored emission controls, treated water run-off, transport optimization, proactive safety and COSHH training all aid the above in helping us keep our carbon footprint as small as possible.

These innovative actions are accompanied by initiatives showing our commitment to new and on-going environmental wood industry related issues. As one of the largest producers of panel products in the UK we feel it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of our industry with regards to relevant environmental challenges.

Sustainable Timber

Better By Nature

Distribution Chain

We use a series of distributors that deliver multiple products on one truck, saving on our lorry mileage. West Fraser products are packed to use the maximum space available (double stacking) which avoids the sending out lorries half-full. We also use alternative transport – such as ship into our Inverness mill, saving ~18 lorries.

Environment Considerations

Here at West Fraser we know that our operations have the potential to impact upon the environment, which is why we do our very best to negate or minimize these possible effects. We always work to ensure that we meet and, if possible, exceed environmental legislative criteria.

On-Site Activity

As well as large scale innovative ideas to reduce West Fraser’s impact on the environment, smaller scale behaviours are practiced in order to reduce our footprint as much as possible. Effort is made to recycled as much as possible switch off lights and electricals, as well as minimise travel using conference facilities.

Packaging Reviews

We are aware of the impact excess packaging can have. That’s why we ensure that all cardboard used is made from recycled card and suitable for further recycling. The film on CaberDek can also be recycled after use. Minimal plastic is used at all times in our packaging and there is a regular review of packaging materials.

Local Communities

Whilst being aware of the potential impact our sites can have on local communities and doing everything possible to negate or reduce this impact, West Fraser also supports these communities in various ways. Local theatres, sports teams, war memorials, and school activities are just some of the project examples that West Fraser has supported.

Energy Generation

West Fraser are the largest generator of heat energy from renewable sources in the UK due to investing in biomass technology at our manufacturing sites.

Our biomass plant burns wood that would otherwise go to landfill; the heat from this powers the production process. Our £2.5million investment in biomass at our Cowie site has saved 2400 skips being sent to landfill.