Hurford’s: Sourcing sustainable native hardwood

Design trends evolve and customer preferences change but as far back as humans have built things hardwood timber has been an essential and much-loved building material. As global demand increases for non-extractive renewable products, there is more pressure than ever on global forest product supply chains to bring to market sustainable and responsibly sourced timber and forest-derived products. The challenge of course is tracing timber legality and the associated due diligence. Whether you’re sourcing beautiful native Australian timber like Spotted Gum or Blackbutt, or sourcing Oak from Europe or North America, knowing where your timber comes from and how it was sourced is an essential part of selling timber products.

Hurford’s is one such business that understands supply chain due diligence and sees the value in chain of custody certification as both a compliance tool and an ethical responsibility.

Right to left: Hurfords staff: Roger Brent, Ben Van de Woude, Molly Robinson, Kimberley Lingard, Clare Williams, Carmen Forsyth and Matt de Jongh (Responsible Wood)

Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager, Matt de Jongh, recently visited the Hurford showroom, offices and warehouse in Stapylton and experienced firsthand the commitment to transparent sourcing from sustainable suppliers. With responsibly and sustainably sourced Australian native engineered flooring, Hurford sets a great example of dedication to sourcing products from forests that will be around for generations to come.

Hurford’s is a third-generation family business that specialises in quality timber products and its engineered flooring range reflects this. Their products are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality. Each plank is manufactured using Australian timber that is traceable to the original forest compartment and ensures that it has been carefully harvested and processed.

Sourcing sustainably: Australian native “Blackbutt” engineered flooring

Matt de Jongh reflected on the visit, stating,

“It’s always inspiring to see a commitment to sustainability. Their sourcing of Australian native species for their engineered flooring is a testament to their efforts in promoting responsible sourcing practices. By supporting sourcing from certified Australian forests, we can make a positive impact on the environment and ensure the longevity of our forests.”

Carmen Forsyth, Certification Manager for Hurford’s, added,

 “We were pleased to have Matt visit our facility and acknowledge our commitment to sustainability. Our customers need to know that our Australian native flooring products are sourced in a way that protects important forest values and is contributing to a future where quality, renewable products are critical.”

With the growing concern for environmental conservation, companies like Hurfords need to lead the way in championing sustainable practices and use certification as both a technical tool and a unique value proposition for their customers and their projects. A commitment to chain of custody certification not only reduces the likelihood of forest products coming from controversial sources but also ensures the availability of resources for future generations.

Sourcing sustainably: Australian native “Sydney Blue Gum” engineered flooring

Carmen Forsyth emphasised the company’s vision, stating,

“At Hurford’s, we believe that sustainable business practices are not just a responsibility but an opportunity to create a positive impact.”

The recent visit further strengthens the collaboration between Responsible Wood and its members, working together to enable sustainability through forest certification. Matt de Jongh added,

“It’s collaborating on short stories like this, that help consumers make informed choices and contribute to a sustainable future. This is critically important in Australia when it comes to dispelling common myths about the sourcing of native Australian species.”