Crafting Excellence with Sustainably Sourced Timber
In the world of bespoke musical instruments, craftsmanship and sustainability have found perfect harmony through Mark Gilbert Guitars. Mark, a passionate luthier, is not only creating exceptional-quality guitars played by virtuosos around the world but also championing the importance of sustainably sourced, certified forest products.
As a Responsible Wood chain of custody certified holder and a proud member of Wood Connect, Australia’s largest group chain of custody system, Mark ensures that every piece of timber used in his guitars is responsibly sourced from Responsible Wood and PEFC-certified forests and supply chains. This commitment ensures that the materials used in his creations contribute to preserving well-managed forests, supporting communities’ livelihoods, and ensuring the health of forest ecosystems.
Tasmanian Master Luthier, Mark Gilbert talks through sustainable timber sourcing.
Recently, Mark’s exceptional Tasmanian guitars caught the attention of the global stage, being featured in the New York Times Style Magazine article, An Australian Island With ‘Wild’ Saunas and Pagan Festivals: A Local’s Guide to Tasmania, With Tips on Where to Sleep, Eat, and Surf. This mention is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of Mark’s work, highlighting how locally sourced, sustainable materials can produce instruments that resonate on an international level.
For Mark, the journey from forest to finished product is more than just a process – it’s a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the art of guitar-making without compromising the planet’s resources. His commitment to Wood Connect, Responsible Wood and the PEFC certification system clearly shows his commitment to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility when it comes to sourcing his timber.
The recent exposure in a renowned publication underscores the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable sourcing in the creative industries. By choosing responsibly sourced materials, Mark Gilbert Guitars can continue to deliver exceptional quality and contribute to the broader mission of promoting sustainable forests for future generations.
About Group Certification
The Wood Connect group chain of custody has helped Mark get his 100% RW/PEFC certified special timber guitars into the US market. Navigating US customs and the Lacey Act is no mean feat for a boutique bespoke producer, and certification was a critical compliance tool for Mark. It provides the mark of sustainability in the domestic market and, for exported products, enables them to navigate increasingly demanding customs clearance issues. Group chain of custody helps makers establish their sustainability credibility as licensees through Responsible Wood and PEFC recognised chain of custody.
Group certification is a valuable mechanism that allows small to medium-sized businesses, like Mark Gilbert Guitars, to achieve certification to the PEFC and Responsible Wood chain of custody standards without bearing the full administrative and financial burdens of individual certification. Through group certification, multiple members, often from similar industries or regions, are collectively certified under a single group manager who oversees the system and compliance and manages the external audit process. This approach reduces costs and fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for sustainable sourcing.
Mark Gilbert Guitars is a prime example of how group certification can benefit artisanal and small-scale producers. As part of the Wood Connect group, Mark gains access to sustainably sourced timber that meets the stringent requirements of PEFC certification. This ensures that every guitar produced is a work of art and a product that supports responsible forest management.
For more information on Wood Connect, please visit – chainofcustody.com.au
