Sustainability
Certifications
What is SVLK?
As a leading producer of many forest products, the Indonesian government has taken steps to assure the international market of the legality and sustainability of its timber products through Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) certification, also known as the Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System (INDO-TLAS).
SVLK certification not only ensures that only legal timber is exported from Indonesia, but effectively manages sustainable forestry practices while reducing illegal logging and trading. The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, through its state-owned enterprise Perum Perhutani, manages its teak forest plantations with agroforestry, ensuring biodiversity and providing additional economic benefits to the local economy. SVLK certification is required by law for Indonesian timber to be exported into many major wood product import countries. With Westminster Teak's SVLK certified teak, you can be assured that the furniture you purchase is a finely crafted product, from legally and sustainably harvested wood.
Rain Forest Preservation & Teak Wood
As one of the leading online distributors of teak furniture in North America, Westminster Teak recognizes the influence it plays on the industry and the impact it has on the environment, specifically in regard to forest conservation and management.
We have made our company's policy to source our teak wood from well managed, credibly certified plantations. Our factory is a certified manufacturer under the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), assuring the legality of products from point of harvesting, transporting, trading, and manufacturing through SVLK verification. SVLK (Wood Legality and Verification System) verification ensures that export of timber products comply with Indonesian forestry laws and is designed to stop illegal logging, establish a culture of using legal products, and contribute to sustainable forest management. We purchase teak wood only from Perum Perhutani, plantations managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, which promotes biodiversity and the livelihoods of the people that depend on them. And, because it is the only source in our supply chain for teak wood base material, we have 100% transparency; we know exactly where all our teak lumber comes from for every component of our furniture, from the forest-floor to retail floor.
Teak wood does not grow naturally in the rainforest in any sufficient numbers to warrant commercial logging in the way pine does. Historically, the Dutch started teak wood plantations in Indonesia, perhaps some 200 years ago, and the government of Indonesia has since taken over and developed it to what is today the world's largest teak plantation, managing nearly 13 million acres of sustainable forests. Through careful and responsible forest management, trees are constantly being planted at a rate that far exceeds those being felled.
Because teak wood is, by far, a slow growing crop, the Perum Perhutani managed system incorporates agro-forestry for the locals to farm other crops between the alleys or rows of planted teak trees, throughout the life cycle of the trees. This process provides the locals additional economic revenue along with what the industry brought about by means of the teak enterprise to the local economy.
A Farm That Grows More Than Food
At the heart of the company, Westminster Teak operates its own farm and garden, a space where fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are cultivated to nourish its employees. This project not only ensures access to healthy, high-quality food but also reflects the company's philosophy of sustainability and social responsibility.
“We believe that well-being starts from within,” explains Jim, CEO of Westminster Teak. “By offering food grown with care and respect for the land, we’re investing in the health and happiness of our team.”
A Sustainability Ecosystem
This initiative goes beyond simply providing food; it's a shining example of how Westminster Teak integrates sustainability into all its operations. The farm is managed with responsible agricultural practices, minimizing environmental impact while fostering self-sufficiency.
Additionally, the project strengthens a special connection between employees and their workplace. Some team members even participate in maintaining the garden, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging.