We have a strong commitment to preserving the temperate hardwood forests which supply our raw material. We work with timberland owners to responsibly harvest their trees in a selective manner to preserve our forests for future generations.
Through selective harvesting, America's hardwood forests have been able to regenerate more trees than are harvested. Over the last 50 years, forest regeneration has produced more hardwood trees than what was harvested during that same time. Most trees we use today come from third or fourth cut hardwood stands, meaning the temperate hardwoods of North America are able to regenerate to full mature age within one human lifetime. Only mature trees at the end of their life cycle are viable for veneer manufacturing. Young trees do not yield a fine veneer product.
We purchase our logs from private landowners and state forests who hire state-certified foresters to mark mature trees for harvest. The foresters identify and mark the trees available for harvest. The smaller trees are left for further growth and future generations.
Responsible utilization of timber requires that we are productive in manufacturing to produce high yields from our raw material. For years M. Böhlke Veneer has invested, developed and patented the latest technology to produce the most out of logs. From our knife grinder with super finisher to our patented vacuum flitch beds, we have been able to increase the yield. A sharper and stronger knife edge has allowed us to slice our veneer to a more consistent thickness with less damage to the fibers. Our vacuum bed has yielded us an additional seven to fifteen percent of usable veneer that was once left in the backing board. These, along with many other continued advances in our manufacturing technologies, have allowed us to make the most out of our natural resources.
M. Böhlke Veneer supports and complies with the standards of the following organizations who are all dedicated to preserving and enhancing our natural resources.
Policy for Sourcing Wood for All Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Products
It is the policy of M. Böhlke Veneer Corp. to avoid using wood from forest areas where it was illegally harvested; traditional or civil rights are violated; high conservation values are threatened by management activities; areas being converted from forests and other wooded ecosystems to plantations or non-forest uses; genetically modified trees are planted. M. Böhlke Veneer Corp. has a comliance person, Steve Smith with the assistance of Jeremy Jones, responsible for implementing this policy.
M. Böhlke Veneer Corp. is committed to making best efforts to identify the sources of wood used for products labeled according to the FSC rules, and to establish the origin of materials used in the products affected with sufficiant geographical resolutions to ensure compliance, we are commited to replacing them with materials, which can be sourced with confidence.
M. Böhlke Veneer Corp.
Leed Credits
M. Bohlke Veneer Corporation can be your material resource partner in earning LEED points for new construction projects. To see how you can earn 4 and up to 7 credits please download our LEED Credits PDF from the link below. For more additional information you can visit U.S. Green Building Council's website:
Hardwood Forestry Fund (HFF)
Since 1990 the Hardwood Forestry Fund has been dedicated to establishing sustainable hardwood forests. Through tree planting on public land the HFF promotes hardwood timber growth, management, environmental education as well as wise use of our nation's renewable forest resources. Furthermore the Fund provides grants to public partners (like state forests) to plant and manage hardwood forests. In order to learn more about this organization please visit their website:
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC is an international network with a mission to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. One of the main goals of this organization is to find solutions to improve forestry practices and reward good forest management. Its label allows consumers to recognize products that support the growth of responsible forest management world wide. For more details please visit their website:
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)
The FSC accredits SCIENTIFIC CERTIFICATION SYSTEMS (SCS) as a certification body, enabling them to evaluate forests according to the FSC principles and criteria. To insure our compliance with FSC standards the SCS performs an annual audit of our processes and documentation. Our certificate of membership and certification can be found here. For a full range of their services please visit their website:
Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
These certificates are issued by a governmental agency in the country of origin to document that the wood product was properly harvested with governmental approval. We have some rare and exotic veneer that carries these certificates. If you are looking for truly unique and rare veneer that has been harvested in accordance with the world CITES convention, please inquire with one of our sales associates.
Metafore
Metafore sees the power of business markets as the principal tool for improving global forest conditions. By tapping into the power of the market, business, social and environmental leaders can develop highly effective non-regulatory solutions that meet a diverse range of objectives from business profitability to forest sustainability.
Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
The PEFC Council (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainable managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.