How dual certification is helping Rowlinson Garden Products Ltd strengthen supply chains, reduce risk and support responsible forestry.
Rowlinson Garden Products (PEFC/16-37-2478) is a long-established UK supplier of timber garden products, working across retail and trade markets. Its range spans fencing, garden buildings and other outdoor structures, products where durability, consistency and material quality are critical.
That reliance on timber brings a clear responsibility. Sourcing decisions directly affect not only product performance, but also long-term availability of raw materials.
In 2023, Rowlinson achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification as part of a wider effort to strengthen how it manages and ensures the responsible sourcing of timber across a complex network of both domestic and international supply chain.
Why Dual Certification Matters
Timber supply is becoming more complex. Availability, regulation and customer expectations are all shifting at the same time.
Rowlinson was already FSC™ certified, but adding PEFC chain of custody certification was a deliberate move to increase flexibility and reduce exposure to supply risk.
Rather than relying on a single certification system, dual certification allows the business to:
- Access a broader pool of certified timber
- Respond to different customer and market requirements
- Maintain continuity when supply conditions change
“We chose to become PEFC certified in addition to being FSC™ certified to strengthen supply chain resilience, ensure full market access, support regional forest owners, and demonstrate an enhanced commitment to responsible forestry.” says Peter Penlington, Quality Management Representative at the Rowlinson Group.
This approach reflects a wider trend across the timber sector, where businesses are looking to build more inclusive, adaptable and resilient sourcing strategies.
Strengthening Supply and Supporting Forests
PEFC chain of custody certification provides a structured way for Rowlinsons to manage its supply chains as it ensures certified material is clearly identifiable and traceable, thereby providing a framework for them to demonstrate compliance with applicable legislation such as the UK Timber Regulations (UKTR) for imported goods.
In practice, certification provides greater control over sourcing decisions and provides more confidence in product claims and specifications from suppliers.
At the same time, sourcing PEFC-certified timber supports sustainably managed forests, where harvesting is balanced with regeneration and long-term productivity.
This is particularly important as demand for timber continues to grow, especially in construction and landscaping, placing increased pressure on global forest resources.
Making Certification Visible
For Rowlinson, communication is kept simple and practical.
Where possible, the PEFC trademark logo is used directly on barcode labels, ensuring certification is visible at product level. This allows both retailers and end customers to quickly identify responsibly sourced products without needing additional documentation.
In a market where sustainability claims are often questioned, this ability for Rowlinson to provide clear, on-product verification on the responsible sourcing of timber used in its products, plays an important role in building trust with customers.
What this Means in Practice
Since becoming PEFC certified, Rowlinson has strengthened its position in several key areas:
- Greater flexibility in sourcing across different regions
- Improved resilience against supply disruption
- Ability to meet a wider range of customer requirements
- Stronger, clearly evidenced sustainability credentials
For customers, this provides reassurance that products meet recognised standards for responsible sourcing, supporting both procurement policies and ESG commitments.
The timber sector is entering a period of increased scrutiny and regulation, with growing focus on traceability, legality and environmental impact.
Businesses that can demonstrate clear, credible sourcing practices will be better positioned to respond.
Rowlinson’s approach shows how certification can be used not just as a compliance tool, but as a practical way to strengthen operations and future-proof the supply chain.
By combining PEFC with existing certification, the business has created a more balanced and resilient model, one that supports both commercial performance and responsible forestry.
If you want to strengthen your supply chain and demonstrate responsible sourcing. PEFC Chain of Custody certification provides a practical, credible way to do both.
