Deforestation Regulation also doesn’t help the global trade either. Importing tropical timber takes several months, so changing the rules just weeks before implementation is bound to cause stress to supply chains. We’re all for no-deforestation products, but we need regulation that is simpler to interpret and to prepare for.
TTJ: HOW HAS ECOCHOICE’S BUSINESS DEVELOPED AND WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PRINCIPAL MARKETS? MB: We’ve stuck to our speciality, dense tropicals such as ekki and cumaru. But we have also worked with lots of merchants needing the convenience of reaching out to us as their partner for importing other products such as decking and even cladding.
TTJ: HAVE YOU ENTERED ANY NEW MARKETS OR SEEN TROPICAL TIMBER USED IN PARTICULARLY INTERESTING APPLICATIONS? MB: We’ve developed our French oak importing side and are delivering full loads of sleepers as well as beams to merchants. But the most interesting order we had was for some large hexagonal ekki “rollers” to be used in a textile factory – that was pretty cool!
TTJ: HAVE YOU INTRODUCED ANY NEW PRODUCTS INTO THE ECOCHOICE RANGE? MB: After the embargo on Russian timber imports we had to find an alternative to the much sought-after unsorted Siberian larch. So, we’ve added clear Canadian Douglas fir as a good substitute. Clear thermo radiata has also been well received due to its price/grade combination.
TTJ: ARE YOU SEEING UPTAKE OF LESSER KNOWN/SECONDARY TROPICAL SPECIES? MB: On top of our core range of FSC and PEFC certified timbers, we continue to push lesser-known species as a responsible option, since they lower the forest harvesting footprint and therefore make for even more sustainable timber. This year we’ve pushed tali and angelim pedra, which are excellent decking species.
TTJ: HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS IN MODIFIED SOFTWOOD ORGANO WOOD, THERMOWOOD AND WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE (WPC) DEVELOPED? MB: We’ve dropped WPC as we just couldn’t see the point of pushing plastic when timber is so much better, thus sending a clearer message to customers and the wider market in general. Modified woods, however, are still a key part of our portfolio, as are the different grey stains we’ve developed for projects wanting a ready pre-weathered look to their cladding and decking.
Above: Thermo radiata pine
TTJ: HAVE THERE BEEN ANY FURTHER ISSUES WITH SUPPLY/AVAILABILITY OF YOUR TROPICAL RANGE ? MB: Apart from the severe impact that the West African log export ban caused, CITES has also added some of the famous species we trade, such as FSC cumaru and FSC ipe. But while lead times are longer due to the paperwork involved, we can still offer them, so don’t be shy!
TTJ: HOW DO YOU SEE THE EUDR IMPACTING THE EUROPEAN AND UK TROPICAL MARKETS? MB: All our European suppliers are ready, so regardless of what happens this December, our imported timbers will all comply with EUDR. We hope the EU will ultimately go ahead with and implement all traceability requirements. When it goes ahead, we should be able to extend this extra level of scrutiny and due diligence to our own customers in the UK, even though the EUDR does not apply here.
TTJ: HOW DO YOU VIEW LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITH THE EUDR, WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION NOW PROPOSING A RANGE OF SIMPLIFICATIONS IN TERMS OF BUSINESS OBLIGATIONS AND A PHASED AND STAGGERED INTRODUCTION ? MB: After weeks of uncertainty, the EU has finally decided to tweak the regulation’s requirements, rather than apply a full further blanket delay again as initially proposed in September. We’re pleased they’ve listened to the concerns of SMEs and small holders who are worried with the cost of compliance, but also with the decision to go ahead rather than delay the implementation date. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of teething problems, not least with the DDS platform. What remains to be seen now is whether other importing countries such as China, UK and US will align their regulatory frameworks with the EU’s or if the regulation will lead to long-term chasm in the global supply of key commodities. And I must add the caveat that the latest changes to the EUDR suggested by the EC are in proposed form and still need to be ratified.
Above: Opepe decking
TTJ: WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK FOR THE TROPICAL TIMBER MARKET AND ECOCHOICE? MB: Tropical timber, especially when it’s independently certified by FSC and PEFC is a niche. But we think it’s an important one and we’re here to take care of it. ■
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2025 | TTJ
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