Industry collaboration launches new film to champion UK C16 timber

The Trust UK C16 Timber collaboration has launched a new film highlighting the journey of UK-grown C16 timber from forest to end use. Showcasing the people behind the UK timber supply chain—from architects and specifiers to foresters, sawmill operators, timber merchants, timber frame manufacturers and the many skilled professionals who help bring timber from forest to finished building—the film demonstrates the value of supporting UK C16 timber.

By specifying more UK-grown C16 timber, the construction sector can help support jobs and rural communities, strengthen domestic supply chains, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Despite the UK having a world-class sawmilling industry, it is the second-largest net importer of forest products, with 80%—worth around £9 billion— of its requirements imported annually. This over-reliance on imported timber not only weakens our domestic industry, but also undermines environmental progress, contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions, and reduces the potential for rural job creation.

Launched as an industry-first partnership between the UK's three largest sawmillers—BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers—the Trust UK C16 Timber campaign was established to promote the use of domestically grown and manufactured C16 timber and reduce the UK's dependence on imported materials.

The new film brings together voices from across the timber value chain to demonstrate how greater use of UK-grown C16 timber can deliver economic, environmental and social benefits while supporting a more resilient and sustainable construction sector.