Bunnings accused of ‘greenwashing’ timber amid concerns about supplier’s illegal logging
Bunnings accused of ‘greenwashing’ timber amid concerns about supplier’s illegal logging
The Wilderness Society has urged the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate Bunnings for alleged greenwashing, claiming the retailer sells timber potentially harvested illegally by the New South Wales Forestry Corporation. Despite Bunnings’ public commitments to responsible sourcing and its reliance on third-party suppliers, the environmental group argues that the timber’s origins are questionable due to the state agency’s history of environmental convictions. The core allegation is that Bunnings’ marketing makes its products appear more environmentally friendly than they truly are, potentially involving the destruction of critical habitats for endangered species. By maintaining that its supply chain is compliant with rigorous certification standards, Bunnings may be engaging in misleading conduct if the timber is indeed linked to unlawful logging activities, thereby deceiving consumers who wish to support sustainable practices. This case highlights the complex challenges of verifying supply chains when state-owned suppliers have criminal records, raising doubts about the efficacy of current forest certification schemes. It underscores the danger of greenwashing, where strong reputations and third-party endorsements can obscure illegal environmental damage, leaving retailers vulnerable to accusations of facilitating the sale of tainted goods.
Source: theguardian.comPublished on 2026-01-26