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LESPROMBUSINESS 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Dates: 22 October � 26 October 2012
Country, city: Russia | Moscow
Frequency: annual
Venue: Expocentr

Description
International Exhibition:
� Woodworking
� FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
� Primary wood processing
� Dendrochemistry
� RESTORATION AND PROTECTION OF FORESTS
� TRANCPORT FORESTS AND PRODUCT woodworking
� LEASING
� RESTORATION AND PROTECTION OF FORESTS
� SUPPORTED MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
� WOODEN HOUSE-BUILDING
� Pulp and paper industry, WASTE DISPOSAL
� INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS, LOGISTICS
� Measuring and Control Instruments and apparatus
etc.

Source: http://www.expotop.ru

FSC Certification: to guarantee a responsible forest managementall around the world

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The deforestation has not decreased in the last few years and the number that indicates this thing is alarming: 13 millions hectares are disappearing every year. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is promoting a responsible forest management all around the world. Some rules have been set up being supported by non-governmental and organizations, economical actors (most of them, producers of wooden products) and social rights representatives. The forest managers must respect these rules in order to obtain the certification.
A forest manager must contact an independent auditor who controls and identify the forest management practices. The final product will have the FSC label. The FSC system maintains three label types. FSC 100% - All content in Pure products must come from an FSC certified forest. FSC Recycled - a minimum of 85% of the wood fiber content is from post-consumer sources, with a maximum of 15% coming from post-industrial sources. FSC Mixed � a mix of FSC 100%, Recycled and/or Controlled fiber.
In France, FSC was created in 2006 in order to promote a responsible French forest management. It has increased, reaching 14% of the certified forest.

Source: http://www.natura-sciences.com

Wood products and climate change. Government policies

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Within Europe, wood has particularly good sustainability credentials�
Most European wood comes from Europe. Over 90% of imports of roundwood and sawnwood into Europe are from other European countries:
� Softwood � roundwood and sawn � is almost entirely sustainable (and only 2% of imports in Europe are from outside Europe) � the few question marks extend to sources in the Russian Federation.
� Hardwood � roundwood and sawn � is mostly sustainable (only 9% of hardwood roundwood and 40% of sawnwood originates from outside Europe) � of these, some imports from Africa and South America come from certified forests, but supplies from a number of sources in Africa, South East Asia and Latin America are strongly questioned.
� Panels are mostly sustainable � Europe imports just over 20% of its total panel consumption � the main concern is over tropical hardwood plywood from South East Asia where overcapacity is a major problem.
� Secondary processed wood products are of questionable sustainability when sourced outside of Europe.

Legislation
Governments across Europe are addressing sustainability issues through legislation. France is preparing a specific decree to �define the conditions for using a minimum rate of wood material in public buildings� in the framework of its law on air and rational energy use. The Air Law (Article 21-V) identifies 12 types of buildings classified in three classes according to their wood content.
In the UK, the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act will introduce new powers to address sustainability for the first time, for example by tackling the environmental impact of materials used in new and existing buildings. A Code for Sustainable Building is to be introduced in 2006. Several countries are trying to include specific clauses in public tenders to encourage the use of wood because of its Climate Change benefits and subsidies for the use of wood as fuel already exist in some countries.
Climate change
An asset:
Wood�s carbon storage properties make it an asset in the fight to reduce Climate Change.
A target:
By 2008-2012 greenhouse gases must be reduced by 8% in the EU compared to 1990 emissions. Using more wood products can contribute to reaching the target.
A market:
With the setting up of the EU emissions trading scheme for industrial undertakings as well as other initiatives, Climate Change now has a marketable value. In the medium to long term, carbon accounting may include wood and wood products, allowing the trading of wood products carbon credits.

Source: http://www.eos-oes.eu

Tendence Expo 2012: September 13 - 16

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Tendence Expo is the international trade fair of interior design and decoration taking place in Prague, Czech Republic. It displays a huge variety of furniture and decorative items. Over 33,000 visitors including businessmen, investors, developers, architects and hotel-keepers attend the show. The exhibitors include florists, decorators, furniture manufacturers, painting professionals etc.

History

Tendence 2010
Number of exhibitors: 267
Number of visitors: 30 600
Total exhibition space: 15 900 m2

Tendence 2009
Number of exhibitors: 307
Number of visitors: 33 100
Total exhibition space: 19 570 m2

Tendence 2008
Number of exhibitors: 302
Number of visitors: 32 500
Total exhibition space: 20 958 m2

Tendence 2007
Number of exhibitors: 271
Number of visitors: 32 200
Total exhibition space: 18 013 m2

Source: http://events.hellotrade.com

2012 Wood Solutions Fair

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The Wood Solutions Fair is tentatively scheduled for October, 2012, again at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West). This one-day educational event on wood products and construction focused on wood products and their use in construction. Suppliers and technical experts were on hand to answer questions about wood. If you are an Architect, Civil or Structural Engineer, Building Designer or Contractor, Construction Technologist, Specifier or a Student or Professor you don`t have to miss this year`s event.

Source: http://www.wood-works.org

Dremasilesia - Mebeltechexpo: October 5 - 7, 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Dremasilesia - Mebeltechexpo is the leading trade event pertaining to Polish woodworking machines and tools industry. Attendees will be able to meet with technicians and consultants who would provide in-depth knowledge of latest development in the sphere and also give solutions of every challenge which is being faced by the industry. They will offer innovative ideas helpful for strengthening the business in marketplace. All the exhibitors will showcase power tools, abrasive materials, dust control systems, chemicals for wood, machinery for wood-based materials production, varnishing equipment and drying chambers. Dremasilesia � Mebeltechexpo will be a perfect venue to share technical expertise, launch new products, latest machines and hottest technologies and develop business collaborations for expanding the industry.

Source: http://events.hellotrade.com

Technibois 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Exhibition of carpentry and joinery Technibois is a meeting place for joiners and carpenters from across West-Switzerland. The exhibition is taking place from 26th to 28th of April 2012, on a surface of 5400 m2. It will feature the latest developments in machinery and tools for woodworking. Besides the exhibition area, there are several demonstrations of specialized tools, CNC lathes and more.

Source: http://www.technibois.ch

The European wood industry

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The national wood federation (FNB - F�d�ration nationale du bois) raised the alarm concerning the means we must use in order to save the European wood industry. The main reason is the acceleration of exports for hard wood logs to China or others Asian countries, such as India and Vietnam. According to the numbers that appear in a document issue on 3rd of April by FNB, the imports in China of oak logs have reached 13% in 2010 and 18% in 2011. China is the second export market of hardwood logs from France. This movement has already caused the rise of the prices of the raw material for the European sawmills. For the professionals from the wood industry, it would be recommended to adapt itself to demands in order to restore the balance.

Source: http://www.zonebourse.com

THE 24th INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR FURNITURE, FITTINGS AND UPHOLSTERY

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

THE 24th INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR FURNITURE, FITTINGS AND UPHOLSTERY
November 19-23, 2012
Expocentre Fairgrounds
Moscow, Russia

The Mebel Exhibition meets the highest exhibition industry standards. In 1997 it received a label of RUEF - the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs. In 1998 Mebel was registered by UFI - the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Since 2003 the Exhibition has been held under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the Moscow City Government.

Source: http://www.meb-expo.ru

China log and lumber imports down in 1Q of 12, with Russia and New Zealand suppliers hit the hardest, while North America gained market share, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

China�s demand for logs and lumber fell in late 2011 and early 2012 because of their slowing housing market. However, over the past ten years, importation of wood products has increased dramatically, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Lately, North American log and lumber exporters have increased their market share in China at the expense of exporters in Russia and New Zealand.

Seattle, USA. Over the past decade, China�s fast expanding economy and boom in housing starts lifted the country to being the world�s largest importer of sawlogs and the second largest importer of softwood lumber, after the US, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. China has increased the importation of logs and lumber practically every year for over ten years, with lumber imports in 2011 being 15 times higher than in 2001 and log imports being up three-fold from ten years ago. The total value of imported logs and lumber increased from 630 million dollars in 2001 to almost eight billion dollars last year.

This constant upward trend in importation came to a halt in late 2011 when construction activities slowed and inventories of logs and lumber at many Chinese ports reached very high levels. As a result of lower demand for wood products, softwood log import volumes during the first three months of 2012 were down 11 percent from the same period last year. Log shipments from the two largest supplying countries, Russia and New Zealand, have declined by 16% and 17%, respectively, from a year ago. However, not all log suppliers to China have been hit by the reduced log demand in the country. Both Canada and the US have increased exports dramatically the past few years, and this trend continued into the first quarter of 2012, when exports from Western Canada were up 23% from 1Q/11 and the US shipments were two percent higher than in early 2011.

North American log exporters have gained considerable market shares since 2009 when about one million m3 of softwood logs were shipped, which accounted for only five percent of the total imports to China. In 2011, the volume reached a new high of 7.1 million m3, which was 22% of all imported logs to the country last year.

Softwood lumber imports have shown a similar trend to that of logs, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. In 1Q/12, North American softwood lumber accounted for as much as 55% of all imports, up from only 25% in 2007.

China is likely to continue to rely heavily on North America for particularly lumber but also increasingly for logs over the next few years. When the US housing market, and as a consequence, lumber demand, eventually improve, available wood supply will tighten and costs for logs and lumber are likely to go up. This expected scenario may change how China sources logs and lumber in the future.

FSC certified forest area in Russia reaches 30 million hectares

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The FSC certified forest area in Russia crossed the 30 million hectares milestone in March, up from 20 million hectares in 2008. Currently 30.5 million hectares are certified to the FSC standards in Russia, the second largest FSC certified forest area in the world after Canada.
This milestone confirms the phenomenal growth of forest certification in Russia since the first certificate was issued to Kosihinsky Rural Forestry in 2000. With 7-8 million ha in the process of being certified in the Russian Far East, and similar amounts in the European part of Russia, FSC certification is expected to grow even more in the near future.
Capitalizing on the current growth in certification and increasing recognition of FSC among the Government and Russian consumers, leading retailer IKEA recently approved a project to strengthen FSC in Russia and help the FSC National Office to overcome existing financial and technical constraints. In particular, the project will contribute to the preparation of a new set of national standards and support the harmonization of FSC requirements and Russian forestry norms through a legally binding process.

Source: http://www.fsc-russia.com

Forest Certification LLC issued FSC certificates for 2 new enterprises

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On 2nd of December Forest Certification issued FSC certificates for LDK Igirma, CJSC and IT Bureau Zebra, LLC. FSC Forest Management certificate for LDK Igirma covers 396 432 ha of boreal forests, located in Irkutsk region. Together with this certificate, the group of companies (LDK Igirma, SEL Group and TSLK) certified 1 813 295 ha of forests. This is one of the biggest timber enterprises in Siberia. FSC Chain of Custody certificate was issued for IT Bureau Zebra. This printing company is located in Moscow. Forest Certification issued 63 FSC certificates and ranks second place in Russia on forest certification services market.

Source: http://fcert.ru

The French`s perception concerning wood

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

According to the research made by Ifop, most French people say that they would choose wood for a renovation project or for the exterior landscaping. Nevertheless, they judge the material as expensive and incredibly difficult to maintain. Women appreciate his aesthetic character and young people, his natural character. On 7th of mach, the wood defenders presented the results of a research in regard to the French�s perception concerning wood. At the question: �If you had for your home a renovation project or designing a pool, terrace or garden, would you choose wood?�, 2/3 from 992 respondents have answered �surely� or �probably�. They estimate at 10% the houses built in 2011 in France having a wooden frame. The explanation is mainly financial. The economic aspect is not the only one to divert the characteristics of wood. The difficulty to maintain the material is another factor resulted from the research Ifop.

Source: http://www.lemoniteur.fr

Wooden skyscraper

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

A wooden skyscraper may seem like far-fetched idea to those who live in cities built from concrete and steel, but architect Michael Green has developed an innovative wooden tower for Vancouver that could spark a renaissance in using wood to build urban high-rise projects. If realized, Green�s Tallwood tower could be one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world � and at 30 stories, perhaps the tallest of its kind. Best of all, Green has documented his research and design specifications and generously the results in an open source paper � a kind of instruction manual for building really tall wood buildings.
The Tall Wood project is part of a small but distinguished group of �woodscrapers� proposed for everywhere from Norway and Austria all the way to Australia. Green�s vision was inspired by the sheer amount of energy required to create the materials for a common building � most of which must be sourced long distances. Canadian forests, if well managed (a big if), can produce an abundance of raw carbon squestering materials to build our cities. While Green�s proposal is for a 30 story tower, he thinks that taller buildings could result from more research.

Source: http://www.vzavtra.net; http://inhabitat.com

The 7th International Congress Biomass: Fuel and Power

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Russian Biofuels Association invites you to attend Biomass: Fuel & Power in Moscow.

What: International Congress Biomass: Fuel & Power
When: April 17-18, 2012
Where: Iris Congress Hotel

Russian Biofuels Association is the place to go for information and help in biofuels market in Russia and neighboring countries. International Congress in Russia and CIS countries is Russia`s top renewable fuels event of the year.

Source: http://www.bioethanol.ru; http://www.biofuels.ru

Forst Live South

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Forst live in Offenburg is one of the leading demo shows for forestry technology, wood energy and biomass in Germany. Numerous exhibitors are present in the various exhibition halls and a large outdoor area with a broad range of current offerings. Visitors can experience the fascination of the raw material wood from planting to harvesting and the many possibilities of its use. In addition to the field of forest machine technology a priority issue lies on renewable energies. Forst live S�d is aimed primarily at decision makers in the forestry and agriculture, construction and municipal economy, timber crafts and energy industry as well as interested end consumers.

Source: http://www.forst-live.de

Moscow International Furniture Show

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Moscow International Furniture Show is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the latest innovations of furniture industry. Involvment of the exhibition specialists from all regions of Russia, CIS and Eastern Europe is one of priorities pursued by the organizers of a new exhibition itself. The advertising compaign includes support of leading Russian and international literature, popular profile and general political internet resources, TV and radio.
CROCUS EXPO is one of the biggest and most promising worlds exhibition complexes. As co-organiser of Moscow International Furniture Show, CROCUS EXPO garantees to provide with the exhibition place for this project. MEDIA GLOBE � is a leading independent exhibition operator. MEDIA GLOBE is the organizer of the biggest annual international construction equipment and technologies exhibition CTT and the second in order of importance exhibition for commercial vehicles COMTRANS. Experience and knowledge of the organizers as well as the large scale and circumspect advertising campaign of the exhibition guarantee that Moscow International Furniture Show will become the most significant event for professionals of furniture market.

In 2012, Moscow International Furniture Show will take place during May 15 - 19.

Source: http://mmms-expo.ru

Wood pellet exports from the US and Canada to Europe reached a record high in the 4Q of 11 thanks to increased demand in the United Kingdom, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Exports of wood pellets from North America to Europe reached a record of over two million tons in 2011, according to analysis reported in the North American Wood Fiber Review. Canada has long been the main exporter of pellets but in the second half of 2011, the US caught up and exported an equal volume to Canada.

Seattle, USA. Pellet exports from North America to Europe reached a new record high in the 4Q/11. Shipments have increased practically every quarter for four years, up from 130,000 tons in the 1Q/08 to almost 600,000 ton in the 4Q/12, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR). Export data collected by NAWFR (www.woodprices.com) from exporters and customs information in both North America and Europe show that wood pellet shipments reached just over two million tons in 2011, up almost 300% from 2008.

Pellet producers in British Columbia have been the major exporters since the first shipments 12 years ago but this changed in the second half of 2011 when expanded investments in new capacity in the US South put US shipments on par with Canada.

Six pellet export plants, widely varying in capacity, are now operating in the U.S. South. Four others have shipped trial shipments the past six months and six additional exportoriented pellet plants have been announced, making it highly likely that there will be significant export growth over the next 24 months.

In Eastern Canada, exports in the 4Q/11 remained unchanged from the previous quarter when volumes decline primarily due to the closure of the Enligna pellet plant in Nova Scotia. However, there are plans to re-start the idled plant later this year by a new owner.

In 2012, small increases in volumes from both the U.S. and Canada will likely occur, with more significant export growth due in 2013. At that time, new export-oriented pellet plants now being constructed are scheduled to begin operations.

On the receiving end of pellet exports to Europe, utilities in the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium continue to be the largest consuming destinations of North American pellets with the UK showing the steadiest and most vigorous growth.

Holzhaus 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Holzhaus is the leading Russian exhibition for wooden housing construction. The exhibition showcases the diversity of contemporary wooden architecture. Full-size beautiful, warm and eco-friendly wooden houses and saunas, built with the latest technologies, are demonstrated at the exhibition. The exhibition brings together builders, developers, architects, designers of wooden houses, and manufacturers of building, finishing and protective materials, parts and utility equipment. In autumn 2011, 10 249 visits were registered at the exhibition. The economic recovery, rising incomes and greater attention to the environment allow us to predict an increase of more than 15% in the number of visitors in 2012. In the run-up to the new construction season, the exhibitors at this spring event will receive new contracts and be able to plan their work for at least the next six months.

Source: http://www.holzhaus.ru

Doors and Accessories - April 3-6, 2012, Moscow, Russia

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Doors and Accessories is a specialized thematic exposition of the international building and interior BUILDEX exhibition. The exhibition presents: interior and front doors, interior septum, locks and locking systems, accessories and findings for door production. The largest Russian manufacturers of doors and the representatives of the leading factories of Europe and Asia will take place to this exhibition. They will discuss world trends and will determine the directions of development of the door industry in Russia.

Thematic directions of Doors and Accessories exposition:
� entrance and interior doors
� door barriers
� locks
� locking systems and findings.

Source: www.buildex-expo.com

Sustainable Packaging Conference - 29th and 30th March, Cologne - Germany

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The second edition of the "Sustainable Packaging" conference (abbreviated to "SusPack 2012") will be held at the Anuga FoodTec on 29th and 30th March in Cologne, Germany.
Current issues of sustainability in the packaging industry and their solutions will be presented and discussed at the two-day conference - Informs the press release sent by the Nova -Institut. The focus is squarely on bio-based packaging. Where and in what forms has it already taken hold? What are its advantages and what needs to be considered in its use? And, finally, what are the emerging innovations, trends and possibilities? For the first time, nova-Institut GmbH has teamed up with Anuga Foodtec to present the "SusPack Award" for the most innovative and sustainable packaging solution launched in 2011/12 at a joint ceremony. The winner will be chosen by congress participants on 29th March 2012 and announced at the evening event.

LAS-EXPO Timber Industry and Forest Resources Management Fair

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The exhibition is the showcase not only for tools and equipment for wood transport and processing, but also for pesticides and insecticides dedicated to forest protection, maps and advanced IT systems. The LAS-EXPO trade fair is also a meeting place of specialists � wood processing industry insiders and foresters; these two sectors closely cooperate in wood material acquisition and processing.
In 2010 the LAS-EXPO and the AGROTECH trade fair which is held simultaneously were recognised by Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry as Poland�s most frequented exhibitions in all business sectors. Last year these exhibitions broke another record with regards to the number of attendants as the number of visitors exceeded 50,000; the events have become the most frequented exhibitions in the history of Targi Kielce. The LAS-EXPO trade fair is complemented by a diversity of dynamic presentations of equipment as well as meetings and conferences of the business insiders. This year�s edition has been accompanied by workshops held on 16th and 18th March organised by OIKOS publishing house; the publisher of business sector magazines, i.e. Agromechanika (Agro Mechanics), Drwal (The Lumberjack) or Las Polski (Polish Forest).

Source: http://www.targikielce.pl

Wood chip exports from Australia fell in 2011 to their lowest level in 11 years and Vietnam took over as world`s largest chip exporter, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Vietnam has taken over Australia as the world�s largest supplier of wood chips to pulp mills in Asia. In 2011, Vietnam exported 5.4 million tons, triple that in 2007, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. The good news for wood chip exporters in both Vietnam and Australia has been the steady increase in demand for hardwood chips from China.

Seattle, USA. Wood chip trade flows in the Pacific Rim have changed substantially the past five years. Vietnam, Chile, Thailand and Uruguay have all been increasing their shipments of chips, while Australia and South Africa have been losing their market share as fiber suppliers to the pulp mills in Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea. Exports of hardwood chips from Australia fell eight percent in the second half of 2011 compared to the first half, making 2011 the slowest year for chip exports since 2000, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly (www.woodprices.com). Japan was a major importer of wood chips from Australia for many years, but shipments fell almost 30% in 2011 as compared to 2010, reducing Australia�s market share has declined.

The good news is that Australian chip shipments to China picked up during 2011. Total exports reached a record high of almost 700,000 ton, which was up 12 % from 2010 and more than three times as much as five years ago. With the expansion of pulp capacity in China, it could be expected that Australian exports to China will continue to increase. There is, however, a substantial difference in the average value for chips going to China as compared to chips for pulp mills in Japan. In 2011, the premium for Japan-bound chips was almost US$60 per ton.

Australia has been the largest wood chip supplier in the world for almost 20 years, but in 2011 Vietnam overtook this role with shipments accounting for about 20% of globally traded chips. Exports of Eucalyptus and Acacia wood chips from Vietnam have increased at a phenomenal pace the past ten years. In 2001, the country exported only 400,000 tons of wood chips; in 2011, a new record of 5.4 million tons was reached. Last year�s shipments were 36% higher than the previous years and a tripling from 2007.

The biggest boost to the establishment of fast-growing hardwood plantations and chipping facilities in Vietnam has been the expanding pulp industry in neighboring China. With limited domestic resources in China, the country will continue to rely on neighbors to supply wood raw-material in the future.

RUSSIAN WOOD TIMBER 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

RUSSIAN WOOD & TIMBER 2012 is a high-level, independent platform for both Russian and international forestry professionals and investors to exchange ideas with their peers. Close to 200 delegates from 15 countries took part at this event in spring 2011, where 35 speakers from key forestry companies and organisations presented detailed industry updates and strategic development plans for the future.
Participants also had the chance to visit John Deere`s state-of-the-art agricultural and forestry equipment manufacturing and distribution centre, opened in April 2010. The next event will take place in March 2012 and will offer even more opportunites for dialogue and informal networking as part of a comprehensive 3-day programme which will examine all the crucial issues in the forestry sector in Russia today.
WHO WILL YOU MEET AT THIS EVENT IN 2012?
Intergrated forestry holdings; harvesting and logging companies; saw millings plants; plywood and wood panel producers; supervisory government bodies; forestry associations; forestry products suppliers and purchasers; forestry sector experts and consultants.
LOCAL FORESTRY COMPANIES DISCOUNT: If your company operates in wood harvesting, logging or timber production, and is headqurtered in Russia, you may be eligible for a 50% DISCOUNT on your attendance fee.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru; http://www.adamsmithconferences.com

Nordbat - a show for the building industry

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Nordbat will be hosting its eighth edition in which products and services related to the construction industry will be displayed between 21st and 23rd of March 2012. The event will cover building materials, insulation materials, finishing products, technical tools, renewable energy products, hardware tools, safety tools as well as training and information services. This particular show is aimed at developing the present state of construction industry in France.
Nordbat is a show for the building industry and it is expected that clientele from the public works, building and architecture sector will find it advantageous as it will be participated by renowned suppliers, importers, manufacturers and distributors from different sections of the construction industry.
The primary highlights in Nordbat are:
+Conference
+Round tables Space Forum
+Best Innovation contest for the improving quality of life
+Demonstrations of testing air tightness of a scale model.

Nordbat will be a major event catering the demands of the construction sector from building and finishing materials to equipments, which will see the coming of professionals coming from diverse sections like like Architects, Consulting, engineers, engineering firms, unions of co-properties. This business platform will promote business in the region and establish business alliances with the exhibitors and visitors.

Source: http://www.biztradeshows.com

Agenda for European Biomass to Power in London (11-12 April 2012)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The 2012 event will once again welcome senior executives and experts from power producers, regulatory bodies, raw material providers and researchers as well as other influential contributors to the industry for two days of formal conference presentations, interactive panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities.

Click HERE is the latest agenda for the event!

ECOBAT - Ecological Building, Renewable Energies and Low Energy Construction Fair 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The 9th edition of Ecobat took place between 7th and 9th 2012, in Paris, Porte de Versailles. The fair will join 200 exhibitors and 10.000 visitors.
Areas:
- builders, town planning
- materials
- renewable energy and sustainable management
- services
- efficient building.

Source: http://www.bois-et-vous.fr

Bauen-Wohnen Salzburg - International fair for building interior, design and energy saving

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Around 500 exhibitors, including all the main market leaders, gathered for a full four days to showcase great brands and new ideas at Bauen+Wohnen Salzburg. The fair was held between 09th and 12 February 2012. The Bauen+Wohnen Salzburg is of interest to both private home builders and commercial constructors in the building trade. In 2011 the Bauen+Wohnen Salzburg attracted over 35,400 visitors � be it members of the general public looking for expert tips, new and creative ideas; or trade insiders looking to pick up and pass on experience and expertise in this field. In addition, an attractive programme of side events features talks given by the experts, information and entertainment on the stands set up by our partners in the media, plus excellent advice from all the guilds and institutions represented at the event. All of this explains the unbroken fascination of the Bauen+Wohnen Salzburg.

Source: www.bauen-wohnen.co.at

Explosion at the Austrian Binder pellet factory

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Last Thursday, in the BINDERHOLZ Austrian pellet factory had been an explosion in the filters. It was damaged a silo and a filter and nobody was hurt. Nobody knows the exact cause of the explosion. According to Natalie Binder, responsible for business with biofuels, the damages were not very big and the production of pellets can be resumed in the coming day.

Even today the Binder family still support the brand name of BINDERHOLZ. What began fifty years ago, initially in the timber trade, has now evolved beyond the saw mill to encompass a much more comprehensive wood processing operation. New standards are continuously being implemented in the domain of engineering, product innovation and architectural design. Meanwhile the third generation of the Binder family retains overall management of the company and furthermore maintains their predecessors` original inspiration for the product. A passion for wood and an entrepreneurial commitment is the ethos of the Binderholz company. 100% processing of the resource wood
Within the production plants of BINDERHOLZ, the log wood that has been delivered is completely processed into trimmed timber, solid wood slabs, glued-laminated timber, BBS cross-laminated timber, MDF slabs and biomass fuel. Our own biomass cogeneration plants provide the energy supply at the operations. Hence binderholz products make a contribution in a multitude of ways to the reduction of CO2 emissions and thus to climate protection.

Source: www.euwid-holz.de

The trade show Avenir Bois - Wood Industry Exhibition

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The trade show Avenir Bois - Wood Industry Exhibition took place in Toulouse, France, between 29th of February and 2nd of March. An unique event, Avenir Bois represents a business meeting for the wood industry, which offers a presentation of the products and innovations in the industry, but also a privileged moment to meet and share opinions.
For 3 days, the professionals and actors from the wood industry were getting back together: manufacturers, distributors of equipments for the forestry operations, equipments for the woodworking, wood treatment products.
Forest owners, forestry experts, manufacturers, people involved in trading wood etc., they were all invited to participate to the event.

Source: http://avenir-bois-toulouse.ddo.net

Eucalyptus and pine log prices in Brazil close to all-time highs in the 4Q/11, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Wood costs for pulp mills and sawmills in Brazil have gone up over the past few years, reaching their highest levels in over 20 years in 2011, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. However, towards the end of the year, Eucalyptus and pine log prices fell, mainly because of the strengthening US dollar.

Seattle, USA. Eucalyptus log prices in Brazil reached a peak in the 3Q last year, but fell back almost eight percent in the 4Q/11 in US dollar terms because of the strengthening dollar. Current price levels are still among the highest since the Wood Resource Quarterly (www.woodprices.com) started tracking Brazilian wood prices in 1990.

Prices for Eucalyptus pulpwood traded in the open market are high not only from a historical perspective, but also as compared to many other regions around the world. Only pulp mills in Europe and Australia had higher hardwood fiber costs than Brazil in late 2011, while North America, Chile, Russia and Indonesia all had lower hardwood log prices than the world�s largest market pulp exporter.

Wood fiber cost is by far the most important cost component for Brazilian pulpmills, more so than for most other pulp mills in the world. In the 4Q/11, wood costs accounted for as much as 72 percent of the total cash costs in Brazil, according to Fisher International. This is substantially higher than the global average of 61 percent.

For the sawmilling industry in Brazil, 2011 was a better year than the previous year, with higher demand both from their domestic market and from abroad. Lumber exports in 2011 were up six percent to their highest levels in three years, with shipments to China, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Morocco increasing the most.

As a result of the higher lumber production, sawlog prices have trended upward for almost three years, reaching an all-time high in the 2Q/11, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. During the second half of 2011, log prices fell in US dollar terms, while there were only small price adjustments in the Brazilian Real terms.

Domestic demand for lumber is expected to continue to improve in 2012 with the construction sector gearing up for the World Cup in soccer (2014) and the Olympic Games (2016). If the US dollar continues to strengthen against the Brazilian Real, exports may also contribute to a better year for the Brazilian lumber industry than that of the past two years. This development is likely to put upward pressure on sawlog prices in the coming year.

HAEUSLBAUERMESSE - Fair for construction and energy saving

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Who thought of engineering and energy saving, could have participated to the HAEUSLBAUERMESSE exhibition, held in Klagenfurt, between February 24 - 26, 2012. This year, a special interest was put on interior design. At the fair for construction and energy saving sophisticated systems were presented and also their results, compared with the practical requirements. The visitors were informed about the latest developments, trends, services in various fields.

Source: http://www.kaerntnermessen.at

FSC Certification

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The independent forest certification is a marketing tool for the product promotion on the timber market. Any assessment systems for forest administration, made by the third independent party add the company`s better image.
The certification of activity on conformity to principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides a global recognition of methods of forestry administration of the company.
The FSC standards compliance shows that the forest administration of the company is based on the balance of social, economic and environmental factors. Participation of various interested organizations in the process of allows the auditor companies make a more effective and objective assessment.

Source: http://lestest.net

International Bois Construction Forum, Beaune 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The second edition of Forum Bois construction will take place between 8th and 9th of March 2012, in Beaune. The first edition had been a real success. More than 540 professionals from France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, etc. had participated in this event. Architects, builders, engineers, investors, students, they all are coming in Beaune in order to be informed in regard to the news, innovations, new possibilities and opportunities. All conferences will be simultaneously translated.
Themes proposed:
- Wooden construction in France and in Europe
- Building in wood
- Ecology and energy efficiency
- Hardwood � perspectives
- Thermal rehabilitation.

Source: http://www.polefibres.fr

EXPOBOIS 2012

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

A hub for meeting contacts and sharing, a great showcase for innovation, EXPOBOIS is now the benchmarks show in France for the entire timber industry. Supported by professional organizations and federations, the show is the ideal place for visitors to check out the latest and most powerful solutions for processing and enhancing wood. Expobois (Exhibition of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers and Timber Industries) took place in Paris, France from 08.02 to 11.02.12 at Paris Nord Villepinte.
Priority for demonstrations:
With over a hundred machines in operation, EXPOBOIS met the expectations of professionals, out to see, touch, and gain insight and compare.
EXPOBOIS represented:
� 30,000 m� of display space
� 300 exhibitors
� 20,000 visitors.
The most comprehensive offer for the timber industry:
� machinery for primary processing
� machinery for secondary procession
� tooling and tools
� wood materials
� environment, promoting wood
� controlling, measuring, quality
� handling, storage
� protective and finishing products.

Source: http://www.expobois.fr

Growth of 9% in Finland`s lumber exports in August 2011

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Finnish timber exporters managed to raise their softwood lumber and planed product exports in August 2011 by 9% against the same month last year to a total of approximately 355,000 m� (August 2010: 326,000 m�). Here, growth was registered in deliveries to European buyers as well as to buyers outside Europe. With an increase by 21% to 182,000 m� (150,000 m�), however, growth in the softwood lumber exports outside Europe was a great deal higher than in the exporters to buyers within Europe, which only rose by 5% to 173,000 m� (165,000 m�).

Source: www.euwid-wood-products.com

The Global Forest Industry in the 4Q of 2011

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Global timber markets
Sawlog prices in the 4Q/11 were down both in US dollar terms and in local currencies in most of the 20 regions covered by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ) as compared to the previous quarter. The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined for the second straight quarter to $87.28/m3 in the 4Q. The Index was down six percent from the alltime high in the 2Q/11. In US dollar terms, the biggest declines from the 3Q/11 occurred in the Nordic countries and Oceania.

Global pulpwood prices
In the 4Q, the US dollar continued to strengthen against the currencies of all of the countries covered by the WRQ except Japan. This development, together with a downward price pressure on pulplog and wood chips in local currencies because of weakening pulp demand, resulted in a decline of both of the global wood fiber indices. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index fell for the second straight quarter to US$105.30/odmt in the 4Q/11. This was down 3.3 percent from the previous quarter, but 1.6 percent higher than 4Q/10. The biggest price declines from the 3Q took place in Western Canada, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Finland. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index fell 3.6 percent from the 3Q/11 to the 4Q/11, when it averaged US$113.69/odmt. Despite this drop, this was still 5.0 percent higher than in the 4Q/10 and the third highest level ever recorded. The biggest price reductions from 3Q to 4Q occurred in Spain, Finland, Brazil and Chile.

Global pulp markets
Production of market pulp on a worldwide basis was up four percent from October to November, and operating rates reached 91 percent for the 20 of the world�s largestproducing countries in the world. For the first 11 months of 2011, world production was 3.7 % higher than the same period in 2010, with production going up the most in Latin America and W. Europe. Prices for hardwood pulp (BHKP) fell more than those for softwood pulp (NBSK) last fall, but they seemed to reach a bottom in early January and have been slowly climbing during late January and early February.

Global lumber markets
Softwood lumber production and trade were down in many of the major markets worldwide during the fall of 2011. In the US and Canada, production fell sharply in November by nine and six percent, respectively, from the previous month. Production was reportedly down also in the Nordic countries, New Zealand, Latvia, Austria and Japan. Prices for imported lumber to Japan fell during the last few months in 2011 after having increased for much of the past two years. Lumber prices fell in both Finland and Sweden during the fall, reaching their lowest levels since early 2010. In China, a tightening monetary policy with a restricted money supply resulted in reduced activities in the construction sector in the second half of 2011. As a consequence, the importation of softwood lumber to China was down ten percent in the 4Q from the previous quarter.

Global biomass markets
Pellet exports from the US South showed steady shipments for three consecutive quarters in late 2010 and early 2011 before a significant increase occurred in the second and third quarter of 2011. Residential wood pellet prices increased slightly in the 4Q/11 in the three major consuming countries in Europe. Sweden continues to have the highest prices, averaging �284/ton, while prices in Austria and Germany averaged �231/ton and �235/ton, respectively.

Oxfam report: 22,500 people evicted to make way for FSC certified plantations in Uganda

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On 22 September 2011, Oxfam released a report about a UK-based company called New Forests. Oxfam`s researchers visited the company`s plantations in Uganda and found that more than 22,000 people were kicked off the land to make way for the company`s monocultures. Oxfam made public what FSC`s certifying body, SGS, had somehow managed to ignore for the past two years. Accreditation Services International (ASI) in turn found out nothing about the evictions when it carried out an audit of SGS in 2010. New Forests Company has put out a statement explaining that it "takes Oxfam`s allegations extremely seriously and will conduct an immediate and thorough investigation".
FSC`s response? Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch. There is no mention of the company on FSC`s website. It is not listed on FSC`s list of current disputes.

Source: http://www.fsc-russia.com

Assets of Ikea supplier Scanwood are sold

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

After the receivership of the insolvent Canadian Ikea supplier Scanwood failed to receive an offer for the entire company in the bidding procedure which terminated on 22 July 2011, a start was made on selling the individual assets. A total of eleven bids were made for individual assets within the deadline for submission of offers which were renegotiated according to a report by the receivership. Ultimately the bid of US$3.5m made by the media production company Tour Tech East Ltd. for the real estate consisting of the land, building and other equipment was accepted. Green Hunt Wedlake has also accepted two of the remaining offers and presented them to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia for approval. The auctioneers Danbury Industrial made an offer to auction assets to a total value of US$ 1.64m. Furthermore Klaipedos Baldai, which belongs to the Lithuanian SBA Group, bid US$176.600 for a Weeke drilling line.

Source: http://www.euwid-wood-products.com

Latin America Forest Industry Conference (LATINA) 2012

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The second Latin America Forest Industry Conference (LATINA) will take place between March 26 - 28, 2012 in S�o Paolo, Brazil and it`s entitled "How can Latin America�s forestry industry continue to innovate and address new challenges?". Organisers say the two-day conference will explore these and many other challenges faced by the region�s forest industry and provide a forum for discussion and networking for forestry specialists and for production, marketing, sales and strategic professionals in all sections of the forest industry, as well as the opportunities presented within Latin America. Speakers will include WBPI contributor Bernard Fuller of Cambridge Forest Products Associates, Tom Julia of the Composite Panel Association, Robert Flynn of RISI and many other experts from the wood products and forestry sectors.

Source: http://www.wbpionline.com

New video exposes FSC failure to uphold the Principles and Criteria: Is FSC the right choice?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Geasphere the NGO working in South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland dedicated to the protection of ecological integrity, has released a new short video explaining why FSC`s certification of plantations in South Africa are in clear contravention of the FSC`s Principles and Criteria, and how the P&C themselves are defective in ensuring that FSC certifed timber is "environmentally appropriate".
The video explains how FSC`s Principle 10 is inadequate to ensure that certified plantations are not responsible for destruction of non-forest ecosystem, such as grasslands, even if these are more biodiverse than local forests. It shows how these plantations are also in contravention of FSC Principles 5,6, 9 and 10.
Whilst the film concentrates on South Africa, what it documents also applies to many other certified plantations around the world. FSC`s flawed policies on the certification of plantations, and its inability to ensure that its accredited certifiers are respecting the Principles and Criteria, are now causing active campaigning against the FSC system. FSC should realise that it`s time for fundamental reform.

Source: http://www.fsc-russia.com

Post-release 15-16th of December 2011 The Vth international congress on wooden construction

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

From 15th to 16th of December, 2011 the Vth international congress on wooden construction took place in Saint-Petersburg. Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering have opened its doors for this event, where in the Hall of academic council and other lecture halls more than 425 congress delegates took part in the events of the intense business program. Except Russian delegates congress hosted visitors from Germany, Austria, France, Finland, Italy, Ukraine, Belorussia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.
First day of congress the work began with the general meeting of NP Association of wood housing: participants acquainted with the results of the partnership work in the year 2011, and also discussed the plans for the coming 2012. Hot discussion flared up during the election of new membership of partnership council. According to prior results of online poll and also the opinion of general meeting in 2012 21 persons have entered there. Remarkable is the fact that the representatives of new companies � participants of partnership have entered into the membership. Oleg Panitkov, development director of Velux was elected as the Partnership Council of the Association of Wood Housing.

Source: http://npadd.ru

Wood fiber costs for pulp manufacturers declined in the 4Q of 2011 as pulp prices fell

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Global demand for pulp has declined and pulp prices fell during the second half of 2011. As a consequence, prices for wood fiber, the highest cost component when producing pulp, were down throughout the world, as reported by the Wood Resource Quarterly. The Global Wood Fiber Indices for softwood and hardwood fiber declined 3.5% from the 3Q/11.

Seattle, USA. Global pulp prices fell by about 20 percent from July to December last year. Weakening demand for pulp and lower product prices squeezed pulp company profit margins, so many companies tried to reduce their costs for wood fiber, which represents the largest cost component when manufacturing pulp.

There has been a long-term trend in the pulp industry of wood costs increasing as a percentage of the total production costs. In the 3Q/2011, this share had reached 63.5 percent on a worldwide basis, up from only 53 percent in 2005, according to Fisher International. However, this share can vary substantially, from a current low of 52 percent in Eastern Canada to as high as 73 percent in China. For this reason, tracking wood fiber prices over time has become more important when comparing competitiveness of different regions worldwide.

In the 4Q/11, the US dollar continued to strengthen against the local currencies of all of the countries covered by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ) except Japan. This development, together with the downward price pressure on pulplog and wood chips in local currencies in practically all of the 18 regions in the world covered by the WRQ resulted in a decline of both global wood fiber indices. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index fell for the second straight quarter to US$105.30 per oven-dry tons (odmt) in the 4Q/11. This was down 3.3 percent from the previous quarter, but 1.6 percent higher than 4Q/10. The biggest price declines took place in Western Canada, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Finland.

The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index fell by 3.6 percent from the 3Q/11 to US$113.69/odmt. Despite this drop, this was still 5.0 percent higher than during the 4Q/10 and the third highest level ever recorded. The biggest 3rd and 4th quarter price reductions occurred in Spain, Finland, Brazil and Chile.

Wood fiber costs are likely to continue downward in a number of markets in 1Q/2012, particularly in the Nordic countries, Western Canada and the US as pulp prices continue to be substantially below the record-high levels from last summer.

Finland and Russia are discussing forest future prospects

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Finnish investors are ready to participate in Russian priority investment projects.

A meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland Jari Koskinen and the Head of the Federal Forestry Agency Victor Maslyakov took place in Helsinki. The future prospects of the development of cooperation between the two countries in the area of forestry and forest industry were under discussion. In particular, the topics of forestry cost-effectiveness and its development strategies in both countries as well as the issues connected with Russia�s entering the WTO and wood customs duties were raised. The leaders of the forestry authorities discussed the Russian program of supporting priority investment projects and the possibilities for Finnish investors to participate in those projects on the territory of Russia.
As Jari Koskinen noted, on the whole the level of interactions between the forest agencies of the two countries had reached a new level. The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland appreciated fruitful cooperation of Russia and Finland in the framework of the current international forest forums and conferences, and he expressed his hopes for the continuation of that dialogue.
Right after the Helsinki event, the meeting of Russian-Finnish working group on sustainable forestry started where representatives of forest services of both countries participated.

Source: http://lesvesti.ru

Humble eco-residence in Lyon completed using wood and wood-based products

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The DI-VA house, whose name is a play on the owners` names, occupies a previously empty space in the residential Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. Given the narrowness of the frontage, and the fact that there is a building directly opposite, the architects decided to adopt a judo-type strategy. The house turns away from direct confrontation, and exploits chinks in the landscape in order to optimise the views and ambiances. Entirely prefabricated, it was constructed in less than a week.
DI-VA occupies a site of 200 sq m that had been abandoned for some years. To the south there is a dense, homogeneous area that was constructed in the 19th century, and to the north, a group of buildings, miscellaneous in height and spacing, that express a more �modern� spirit. The street (Rue Henri Gorjus) is disparate in character, but there are two broad styles, and DI-VA marks a cut-off point between them. On the southern side, the buildings are aligned, and traditional in character; on the northern side, juxtaposing DI-VA, there is a detached house dating from the 1970s, set back from the street and surrounded by trees, which signals the start of a section that is more open and less structured.
Despite its unimposing dimensions, DI-VA plays the role of a mediator between two periods, and two visions of urbanism. It is attached to a building that terminates the classical sequence of lined-up buildings with windowless gables, while its main facade, on the other side, looks out over the contrasting part of the street. This asymmetry is accentuated by the subtle treatment of the main entrance. There is a space between the prefinished steel door and the main body of the house, separating the public and private domains, which enhances the effect made by this decentred edifice.
DI-VA is a simple volume, with four identical floors of 60 sq m each. The southern gable is attached to the house next door. The facade that faces the street has practically no openings: it is silent and abstract, apart from a vertical strip of glass behind a wooden lattice that admits light into the staircase and gives a hint of inner life, but without divulging it. There are also inset horizontal openings that bring light and air to the ground floor, but are undetectable from the outside.
The northern facade is the most exposed, being perceptible from the street. The communal living spaces have two vertical columns of picture windows that maximise visibility, including that of the neighbouring cedars. The western facade, which cannot be seen from the street, opens onto the garden, which is bounded by an aesthetically coordinated wall. It is overlooked by the bedrooms and other private spaces. The western facade, in sum, stands in contrast with the eastern. The former is transparent, the latter opaque. In order to minimise energy consumption, while maximising comfort, the design included external insulation for the walls and roof, using 160mm Trespa M�t�on panels. The outer frame is in larch, the floors in ash. In sum, all the components are made of wood or wood-based products.

Source: http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com

WOODEN HOUSE

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On March 15�18, 2012 Moscow will play host to the 8th International fair WOODEN HOUSE, a definitely one the most successful wooden industry projects, housed traditionally within the Crocus Expo Fairgrounds. Firmly established as one of the leading national wooden industry events, this venue will be home to the leading Russian and world companies. In 2011 more than 22,300 visitors from 20 countries and regions of Russia attended the show. The organizers declare 48% of professionals. The exhibition concept is a comprehensive approach to creation of a durable and trouble-proof wooden house: project selection, construction, engineering equipment, decoration. The exhibition sections complement each other.

Source: http://www.woodenhouse-expo.ru

IKEA supplier Swedwood in Karelia: TV documentary exposes impacts of FSC certified clear-cuts in HCV forests

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Another news documentary causing embarrassment to the FSC appears in its home country, exposing the questionable practices of certified companies. ARD's Plus-minus programme travelled to Russian Karelia to inspect the forestry practices of IKEA subsidiary and timber supplier, Swedwood. What it found there was not pretty. As the documentary points out, Swedwood's large clear-cuts in 'old growth' forest appear to breach FSC's requirements concerning the treatment of High Conservation Value forest. The use of heavy machinery on vulnerable soils could have a lasting impact.
In response to the concerns raised in the piece, IKEA told Plus-minus that "we are taking these charges seriously and investigating them in-depth with the help of external FSC certifiers". FSC-Watch is not quite sure what that means, given that the FSC appears to have given up any pretence of carrying out proper investigations of alleged breaches of the Principles and Criteria or other failings by the certifiers - and instead is asking the certifiers to investigate themselves. It will come as no surprise to regular FSC-Watch readers to know that Swedwood's clear-cutting of old-growth forest was certified by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood.

Source: http://www.fsc-russia.com

ForestWood 2012, New Zealand

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

ForestWood 2012 is a New Zealand pan-industry conference being jointly hosted by Forest Owners Association (FOA), Wood Processors Association (WPA), Pine Manufacturers Association (PMA), Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and supported by Woodco, NZ Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) and Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA). This is the second time that the 4 organisations have held a joint conference which builds on the successes of previous individual and combined industry events/conferences which have attracted world class speakers and presenters. ForestWood 2012 is being held on 21 March 2012 at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington and this is a fantastic opportunity for organisations and individuals, with a keen interest in forestry, to engage with decision makers and professional specialists from the forestry industry.

Source: http://www.forestwood.org.nz

Stockholm Furniture Fair 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is the world`s largest meeting place for Scandinavian furniture and lighting design, for both home and public environments. Stockholm Furniture Fair 2012 will be held between 7 - 11 ferbuary. This year`s fair will consists of two eventss: the Furniture Fair, which will present the latest products and trends in furniture, interior design and also textile articles, while the Northern Light Fair will present lighting objects.

Source: http://www.designbutorok.hu

China is now the world`s largest importer of softwood lumber and logs despite a slowdown in imports during the 4Q/11, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Reduced activities in the housing construction sector in China decreased importation of softwood logs and lumber in late 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Despite the decline in the 4Q, total imports during 2011 reached a record high, making China the largest importer of logs and lumber in the world.

Seattle, USA. Importation of softwood logs and lumber to China has increased continuously over the past 15 years, and in 2011 the country was the largest importer of softwood lumber and logs in the world, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Total import value equaled almost eight billion US dollars last year, which was an increase of 57 percent from 2010, and up from only 70 million dollars 15 years ago. Annual growth over the past five years has been almost 30 percent, and over the past 15 years, the CAGR has been as high as 36 percent.

Imports of softwood lumber have increased faster than imports of softwood logs over the past few years, but log imports still constitute a higher share of the total import value of softwood products. After having increased for seven consecutive quarters, the importation of softwood logs and lumber fell for the first time in the 4Q/11 because of reduced domestic demand and high inventories at many of the country�s ports. The decline was 14 percent from the 3Q/11, but the total import value was still higher than the fourth quarter in 2010.

By volume, importation of softwood log and softwood lumber to China fell 10 percent in the 4Q/11 as compared to the previous quarter. Importation of logs and lumber from Russia decreased the most, while lumber from New Zealand and logs from Canada actually increased slightly during the fourth quarter.

Much of the increased import demand for softwood raw-material has been, and continues to be, driven by the fast expansion in the house construction sector combined with the fact the China lacks domestic forest resources to meet the growing demand for most forest products.

A tightening monetary policy with a restricted money supply resulted in reduced activities in the construction sector in the second half of 2011. It has also been reported that there were overstocked inventories of real estate (over 20 months of unsold inventory in Beijing and Shanghai), and that housing transaction volumes in many big cities fell by more than 50 percent in the fourth quarter. Societe Generale reported that housing starts were down 25 percent in December as compared to the same month in 2010.

It can be expected that the housing market will continue to face headwinds during the first half of 2012 unless the Chinese government steps in to ease the country�s monetary policy. As a consequence, the prospects for log and lumber imports will be faced with uncertainty short-term, but will likely continue to trend upward long-term.

2011 wooden houses and pellets production statistics

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

According to Rosstat, the woodworking sector increased with 4.9%, during January - October 2011, over the same period last year. In relation to September 2011, the index of wood processing and manufacturing of wood products amounted to 97.9% in October 2011. Most of the 10 months of 2011 compared to the APPG has increased the production of wooden prefabricated houses (30%), particle boards (21.5%), flooring (43.8%), pellets (13.6%). Pulp and paper production in January - October 2011 amounted to 100.6% of APPG. Manufacture of pulp, mechanical pulp, paper, paperboard and articles thereof increased during the 10 months to 4.4%.

Source: http://lesvesti.ru

Boreal Forest World Heritage Site

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

More than 70 prominent environmental scientists support the initiative of regional first nations in partnership with the governments of Manitoba, Ontario and Canada, to create the Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Pimachiowin Aki project has been in the works since 2005. The UNESCO application is complete and the target date for submission in January 2012. The designation could help promote tourism and would permit the first nations to share their culture with the rest of the world, Gord Jones, the project manager, said in a telephone interview with the Globe and Mail. It would also help them to �keep the land and use the land,� he said. �They feel their interests and their rights would be strengthened by this international recognition.�

Source: http://www.borealbirds.org

IKEA Hosted 5 Roommates at Apartment Built in Paris Subway

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Next time you`re down in the subway waiting for your train to come, consider how comfortable it would be to live there for a week. Well, that�s exactly what IKEA France has done for five people in a Paris subway station starting on January, 9 until January, 14. Roommates Jeanne, Audrey, Anis, Lucie and Benjamin lived in public all that week in a specially built 54 square meter apartment constructed on the subway platform at Auber Station. The 5 demonstrated how IKEA can optimize a small space and make it a comfortable living space for anyone. Each day, the highlights of their adventures were posted at YouTube.

Source: http://randymatheson.com

Wood chip exports from Latin America reached a record high in 2011, with pulp mills in Japan and Europe being the major export destinations, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Global trade of wood chips has gone up substantially the past two years. Hardwood chip export from Chile, Uruguay and Brail was up 43 percent in 2011 compared to 2009, as reported by the Wood Resource Quarterly. A clear majority of the increase was Eucalyptus chips destined for pulp mills in Japan and Europe.

Seattle, USA. Wood chip exports from Latin America are on track to reach a record high of almost eight million tons in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. This would be an increase of seven percent from last year and of almost 60 percent higher than in 2006. Chile is by far the biggest exporter, accounting for two-thirds of the total shipments from the continent, while Brazil and Uruguay both account for about 16 percent each. In 2011, Chile was the world�s second largest supplier of hardwood chips after Vietnam. Latin America�s hardwood chip export volumes accounted for approximately 50 percent of globally traded wood chips, a share that has grown from 34 percent five years ago.

Historically, between 80-90 percent of the exported wood chips from Latin America have been destined for Japanese pulp mills, but there has been a diversification of consumers over the past few years. Although shipments to Japan have gone up by over 30 percent from 2006, the share of total exports has declined and is currently around 70 percent.

The biggest change from five years ago is that pulp mills in Europe have been buying much more Eucalyptus chip, particularly from Chile and Uruguay. In 2011, total shipments to Europe reached almost 1.7 million tons, which was slightly lower than 2010 but more than a doubling from 2009, according to the WRQ. The three major importing countries in Europe are Spain, Portugal and Norway. In addition, there have also been a few shipments to Finnish and Swedish pulp mills the past few years.

New destinations for Eucalyptus chips from Latin America the past five years include Morocco, Turkey and China. There are expectations that Chile will increase its shipments to China in the coming years because of higher demand from new pulp mills in the country.

INDIAWOOD 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

For over 6 editions now, INDIAWOOD and the Indian Woodworking Industry Association have complemented each other in their growth. Bangalore - the perfect location. Bangalore has been home to INDIAWOOD since its modest beginning in 1999. INDIAWOOD started with 3 000 sq. mtrs. and 103 participants from India and Overseas. The 2002 show doubled in size to a 6 000 sq. mtrs exhibition, showcasing 220 participants from 22 countries. The 2004, 2006 & 2008 editions set new benchmarks in the Woodworking Industry. The 7th Edition of INDIAWOOD is now scheduled for February 10 - 14, 2012 and is being held in Bangalore, once again.

Source: http://www.indiawood.com

Russia set to lower export duties significantly after WTO accession in mid-2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Russia looks set to reduce its export duties on roundwood in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which is expected for the middle of 2012. On 10 November 2011 a WTO working group headed by the Icelandic ambassador Stef�n J�hannesson approved a bundle of measures that was negotiated between Russia and the WTO and that Russia will implement after joining the WTO. Moreover, the working group will recommend during a conference of the WTO ministers on 15 to 17 December 2011 that Russia will be admitted to the WTO.

Source: http://www.euwid-wood-products.com

Xylexpo, Milan May 8 - 12, 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Starting from 1968, Xylexpo represents, in the even years, the most important exhibition dedicated to the woodworking machinery and furniture supplies, a place where the most innovative proposals meet the most particular requests. Six halls, for a total area of 60,000 net sqm., will host the exhibition in 2012, from 8th to 12th May, in the new and functional fieramilano fairgrounds in Rho. An opportunity not to be missed, for all those who work in this important international economy sector.

The international, the representativeness of the exhibitors and the large number of visitors belonging to the Milanese exhibition features more than 40 years and are usually confirmed by data collected during the event. Here you can download a brief presentation summarizing the characteristics of which Xylexpo as reference point for the woodworking sector.

Source: http://www.xylexpo.com

US woody biomass prices have dropped the past three years; west coast prices are the lowest in the country, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Relatively low fossil fuel prices have reduced the demand and prices of woody biomass throughout the US the past three years, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review. The Pacific Northwest currently has the lowest biomass prices, slightly lower than the South, while the Northeast continues to have among the highest costs in the country.

Seattle, USA. Prices for woody biomass in the US, whether sawmill byproducts, forest residues or urban wood waste, have been sliding for most of the past three years but were still higher in the 4Q/11 in most regions than they were five years ago, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. The price drop seen in 2010 and 1H/2011 was mainly the result of lower prices for fossil fuels, particularly that of natural gas, and reduced demand for energy. This declining price trend has reduced the interest by both commercial and residential energy consumers in switching to more expensive green energy.

The two major sources for woody biomass are bark from sawmills/plywood plants, and forest residues left after logging operations. In the major biomass-consuming regions of the US, prices for forest biomass have been $10-20/odmt higher than for mill biomass during most of 2011. The region with the lowest biomass prices in the 4Q/11 was the West, while Maine and New Hampshire continue to have some of the highest prices in the country. In the US South, prices have fallen 15-20 percent since early 2010 and forest biomass prices in the South Central states in particular have come down lately thanks to favorable weather conditions.

The much-heralded Chinese log export boom has impacted woody biomass pricing in the Pacific Northwest the past year. China does not allow the importation of logs with bark, which has resulted in an abundance of bark at export ports along the US west coast, where export logs have been debarked. This new source of biomass supply has created headaches for biomass supply managers in the region as they have had to turn away ample supplies. As a result, prices for forest biomass, mill biomass and urban wood have all declined between 5-10 percent during the fall, as reported in the North American Wood Fiber Review. Some biomass buyers have not only reduced prices, but also implemented strict quotas of delivered volumes.

As long as prices for natural gas and oil are relatively low, there will not be much increase in demand for biomass and biomass prices will continue to stay relatively low throughout the country.

DREMA and FURNICA 2012 - International Exhibition and Fair for the Furniture Industry and Timber Industry

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The 28th International Exhibition of machines and tools for woodworking - DREMA and the 7th Fair - FURNICA of accessories and semi-finished products for the furniture production will be held on 27-31 March 2012. The two industries, wish to provide a full image of current wood trends and technologies for wood finishing. Among the exhibitors will be included European leaders, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, but also the best professionals from the furniture field. At the exhibition called "furniture factory that catches life" for the visitors will be presented and described the processes of production. The fair will be organized on a 30 000 m2 area, which will be attended by over 800 companies from Poland and Europe.

Source: http://www.budapest.trade.gov.pl

The great wood trophies 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

It is organized by General Council, Creabois Isere (association from the wood industry) and CAUE (the architecture, urban and environment council) and it had a particular character, celebrating its tenth anniversary. 5 projects had been rewarded in categories such as: �private institution open to audience�, �individual house�, � collective accommodation�. For this anniversary edition, 33 wooden constructions have run the trophies with important projects.
The trophies have been intended as follows:
�Home Eco � Clelles � Category : �private institution open to audience�
�La Vierge bleue � La Tonche � Category : �individual house�
�Les Alouettes � Mens � Categorie : Collective accommodation. Group of 3 social accommodation
�L'�cole de Bri�-et-Angonnes � Category : private institution open to audience Le gymnase Charlaix � Meylan - Category : private institution open to audience.
Beginning to 2000, 138 files have been presented at wooden trophies by 50 architects and 70 companies. 8 conferences have been organized from 2002, having important guests, architects and other professionals from the wood industry. At this time, wooden construction is related to the procedure of sustainable development of General Council. Events as Wood Conference, Wood Trophies have allowed supporting companies and their accomplishments.

Source: http://www.isere.fr

What Wood Burns the Best?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

You will get the best results and more heat per wood volume when burning the highest density (heaviest) wood you can find. Dense firewood will produce the highest recoverable BTUs but all wood must be "seasoned". Seasoning lowers the moisture content and less energy is used to drive off water which limits heat efficiency.

The best burning firewood species:

Hickory - 25 to 28 million BTUs/cord - density 37 to 58 lbs./cu.ft.
Oak - 24 to 28 million BTUs/cord - density 37 to 58 lbs./cu.ft.
Black Locust - 27 million BTUs/cord - density 43 lbs./cu.ft.
Beech - 24 to 27 million BTUs/cord - density 32 to 56 lbs./cu.ft.
White Ash - 24 million BTUs/cord - density 43 lbs./cu.ft.

Source: http://forestry.about.com

The opinion poll Observatoire du bois 2011 - 2012

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The forth edition of Observatoire du bois is revealing the optimistic numbers concerning the wood industry, despite the difficult economic circumstances. The wood industry is a field, which is taking it very good. This is the conclusion of Observatoire du bois 2011-2012 through a poll organized in September 2011, among 7000 representative companies for wood industry. 541 companies had given an answer to this research that allowed highlighting the most important concerns related to this industry. The French companies show a better resistance compared to the rest of Europe. The main reason is that they continue to invest.

The investment represents a benefit of productivity (78%) and flexibility (65%) for the professionals. Besides, 73% are estimating that the investment is responding to searching new national markets.
The economic circumstances of wood industry are being seen as favorable for 60% of interviewed companies. In regard to the stakes that concern the climate change, 40% are convinced that the wood industry is in the middle of it. The professionals consider that the wood and its properties are not totally recognized and they estimate the their efforts must be related to explain and emphasize all their benefits.

Source: http://www.batiactu.com

Weaker lumber markets are causing global sawlog prices to fall for first time since early 2009, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Slowing lumber markets throughout the world have resulted in declining sawlog prices in many of the major lumber-producing regions in Europe and North America, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. The biggest price reductions occurred in Japan, Sweden, Poland and Russia.

Seattle, USA. With weaker demand for lumber around the world, sawlog prices fell in a majority of the 21 markets tracked by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined in the 3Q for the first time since the 1Q/09. With a few exceptions, prices fell in both local currencies and in US dollar terms.

The only region that saw any substantial price increase in the 3Q was British Columbia, where prices were up 5-7 percent from the 2Q. This region has benefited from higher lumber exports and production has gone up during 2011.The price for Coastal Hemlock rose over three percent in the 3Q, while the price for spruce-pine-fir (SPF) logs in Interior BC rose nearly seven percent. Prices in both regions were the highest they have been since the global financial crisis in late 2008.

The biggest price declines the past quarter occurred in Japan, Sweden, Poland and Russia; prices were down between 6-12 percent from the 2Q/11. The three latter countries are major exporters of lumber, and shipments to European markets and Northern Africa have fallen this summer and fall.

Wood costs have gone down for many sawmills throughout the European continent in the 3Q, mostly due to slowing lumber sales and an expectation of lower lumber production levels during the winter months. In the Nordic countries, there were a number of announcements of curtailments for the 4Q/11 and the first quarter of 2012. Although sawlog prices fell in a majority of the ten countries in Europe covered by the WRQ, they were still higher than the third quarter last year. For most markets, log prices have come up between $15-25/m3 during the past 12 months, with only Western Russia and Norway seeing minor price increases.

Many of the continent�s sawmills are currently paying close to the highest sawlog prices seen in at least 17 years, and this is occurring at a time when lumber prices are far from any record highs, and are even declining in some markets. Because of the weakening lumber demand, it can be expected that log prices will soften in the coming months.

Choosing wood saves CO2

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Nowadays there are many different products, materials and solutions to choose from. That choice can have a significant effect on CO2 emissions. For example, substituting wood for heavy concrete blocks would result in a saving of over a tonne of CO2 for every cubic metre of wood. The table below shows how much CO2 a cubic metre of wood can save when used instead of other materials.
Wood walls
Environmental Profile information in the UK shows you can save up to 3,45 tonnes CO2 per 50m2 wall using timber frame and softwood cladding. The table below compares CO2 emissions for different wall constructions. Methods of timber construction, and therefore wood content, vary across Europe, but CO2 savings of around 5-15 tonnes per house can be expected (5 tonnes is roughly the amount produced by a 1,4 litre car driving 23 000km). So a small increase in the percentage of houses built across Europe using timber will result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Wood windows
By substituting wood for PVC-U up to 0,5 tonnes CO2 can be saved per 10 windows, or up to 4,0 tonnes CO2 when substituting wood for aluminium.
Wood beams
A French study (see below) has shown the CO2 savings to be made by choosing wood beams, which have a negative CO2 impact - they can absorb 150kg CO2 per tonne - while aluminium, for example, emits almost 330kg per tonne.

Source: http://www.eos-oes.eu

Wood products helps low Global Warming

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Global Warming is a major concern. Reducing energy use and improving technologies will be the main ways to reduce Climate Change. But our choices about the materials we use can also have a significant effect on the carbon dioxide emissions which are one of the main causes of Global Warming. In Europe we can increase the carbon sink created by our forests by continuing their expansion. We can also help reduce CO2 emissions by choosing sustainably produced wood and paper products. These products help reduce Climate Change in four ways:

Storage
of the forest�s carbon right through the life of the products � and beyond, through recycling
Substitution
for other products which produce higher CO2 emissions
Recovery
of the energy stored in the wood at the end of the products� life by combustion as a substitute for fossil fuels
Renewal
of the forests, as timber use stimulates the expansion of Europe�s forests, increasing the carbon sink effect and sequestering more CO2 from the atmosphere.

Source: http://www.eos-oes.eu

Hettich apprentices continue project

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Promoting cross-company co-operation
A Project Days event focusing on cross-company cooperation among ten Hettich Group apprentices took place for the second time at Hettich�s die-casting and injection moulding plant in Frankenberg from 21 to 24 November 2011. In particular, the junior staff got to know the significance of working together on a co-ordinated basis in complex structures.

After the joint project started in 2010 at company headquarters in Kirchlengern, the pneumatic press that was constructed at the time has now been given a gripper and control panel in Frankenberg. Before the project comes to an end in 2013, the aim is to produce a cube sorting facility at Hettich Franke GmbH & Co. KG in Balingen that is to be used for instruction purposes at Hettich�s different operations.

For the Project Days event, the apprentices from Balingen, Berlin, Frankenberg and Kirchlengern had prepared components that were to be brought together to produce an assembly. �The organisation involved taught the apprentices that timing the various work operations demands thorough planning and coordination�, says Frank Fischer, instructor at Hettich. The apprentices soon realised that for work in the project to be successful, communication has to be transparent, comments instructor Andreas Krause.

At the end of the Project Days event, the young staff presented their work to Dr. Dieter Wirths, member of the Management Board, Uwe Kleemann, Managing Director of Hettich�s die-casting and injection-moulding plant, and Hans Riepe, Chief Instructor at Paul Hettich GmbH & Co. KG. The results left no margin of doubt and everyone involved is now looking forward to the further stages in the project that will be continued at Hettich in Berlin in 2012.

In Frankenberg, the apprentices also became acquainted with Ewikon Heisskanalsysteme GmbH, a company that makes special machinery, the Thonet Museum, the Kellerwald National Park Centre as well as the mediaeval town of Frankenberg with its many half-timbered houses.

Source: http://www.hettich.com

Forest area and stock

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Over the past 70 years Latvia has experienced a substantial increase in the forest-covered area and the stock volume. Between 1935 and 2005, the forest-covered area has increased 1.7 times, and the growing stock - 3.3 times.
Thus, there is no reason to claim that the forests are depleted. The forest area is increasing due to natural factors favouring forest growth (soils, climatic conditions, and human activities), less land used for farming, and more forests established on surplus farmlands. The higher growing stock is explained by an increase in the forest-covered area, the annual removals below the annual increment, and purposeoriented management activities like stand tending and the use of genetically improved planting stock for forest regeneration.
Conifer stands, in terms of stock volume making 59% of the total, are the most typical forests for the conditions of Latvia. However, there are some differences in tree species composition between the state-owned and private forests. In state forests the conifers predominate (69% of the entire standing volume), while in private forests the proportion of broadleaves is higher (birch 33%, grey alder 11%, aspen 4% of the entire growing stock). These differences are explained by the private forests situated mainly on former farmlands, which have overgrown by broadleaves naturally.

Source: http://www.latvianwood.lv

Branchentag Holz 2011 again attracts more visitors

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

This year's Branchentag Holz (Wood Industry Day), which was held on 2 and 3 November 2011, attracted more visitors than were registered at the last staging of the event in 2009.

According to the organiser Gesamtverband Deutscher Holzhandel (GD Holz) visitor numbers this year reached roughly 2,850.

The association reports that many visitors made their decision to participate in the event very early this year and there was a plus of 450 visitors registering online.

GD Holz expressed overall satisfaction with visitor response.

Source: www.euwid-wood-products.com

The expansion of pulp production in China continues and the lack of domestic wood fiber sources has resulted in record imports of wood chips in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Chinese pulp mills increasingly have to rely on imported wood chips for their wood fiber needs. In 2011, record volumes are being imported mainly from hardwood plantations in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Imported wood chip costs from Vietnam have gone up 40 percent in two years and are closing in on costs for chips shipped to Japan, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. With the lack of sufficient quality and quantity of domestic wood fiber supply, new pulp mills in China are looking to expand importation of wood chips from plantation-rich countries in Southeast Asia to meet their growing fiber needs. In the 3Q/11, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia were the major suppliers to China, together accounting for about 88 percent of all imports of hardwood chips, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Malaysia, Cambodia, Chile and Brazil are few of the recent and still small suppliers of hardwood chips to China. These countries, which all supply wood chips from fastgrowing Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations, are likely to expand their shipments in the coming years when Chinese pulp mills continue to diversify their supply sources.

The wood chip imports in the first ten months of 2011 already equal more than the total volume of imports in all of 2010. This year�s imports will reach around seven million tons, or 37 percent higher than in 2010. This upward trend is expected to continue in 2012 and 2013 because the Chinese pulp industry is in an expansion mode.

Pulpmills in China consume practically only hardwood fiber, so imports of softwood chips were negligible up until last year when a few shipments started to enter Chinese ports from Australia, Russia, the US and New Zealand. This year, total softwood imports may reach just above 300,000 tons, or four percent of total chip imports.

The average value for imported wood chips has steadily increased, reaching $180/ton in the 3Q/11, or about 22 percent higher than the same quarter last year, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Vietnam is the lowest-cost supplier, while the cost for Eucalyptus chips from Australia were at the high-end in the 3Q.

The costs chips imported from the major supplying country Vietnam, have gone up almost 40 percent over the past two years. Vietnam is also shipping large chip volumes to Japanese pulp mills and it is interesting to note how the price discrepancy between chips exported to Japan and China has declined from almost $60/ton premium for Japanesebound chips in 2009 to only $14/ton in the 3Q/11.

Zagorodny Proekt and VELUX Group open the first Active House in Russia

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The First Active House in Russia was designed to set a new standard for residential house construction in Russia. The design is based on the Active House principle of reaching a balance between energy saving, healthy indoor climate and care for the environment, all of which add to the architectural quality and well-being of the residents. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark participated in the official opening of the house and together with the partners behind the project and Russian officials, he cut the ribbon.
Active House is a pilot project, a prototype of an individual house construction. Its main purpose is to demonstrate that it is possible to build an energy-efficient house in Russia − with the right combination of architectural design, engineering and materials. An Active House creates healthier and more comfortable indoor conditions for occupants and ensures a generous supply of daylight and fresh air.
The project was planned and coordinated by one of the leading property developers in the Moscow region, the Zagorodny Proekt Company, in cooperation with the VELUX Group. The VELUX Group is working hard today on the solutions of tomorrow by promoting architecture that enhances our quality of life and the sustainable development of society.
�The Active House concept is the way forward. An Active House is designed to work in harmony with nature, to use the energy of the sun and wind intelligently and to encourage a sustainable lifestyle. And we must make sure that architecture and good indoor climate get just as high a priority as energy saving,� says J�rgen Tang-Jensen, CEO of the VELUX Group. �As a private company, we regard it as part of our corporate responsibility to share our knowledge of daylight and indoor climate as an active contribution to meeting the challenge of reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions,� says J�rgen Tang-Jensen.
�The Active House experience has allowed us to better understand the philosophy of sustainable development, - says Dmitry Aksenov, Chairman of the board for Zagorodny Proekt company. Our task as a company is not only to build and sell houses but also to create comfortable and healthy environments in harmony with nature. We hope that together with our partners we can lay a solid foundation for the establishment and development of sustainable building practices in Russia. The Active House will hopefully become an open forum for discussions, we will be monitoring the house all through the following year and hope that the interest in the project and Active House thinking will continue to grow.
The house is energy efficient and easy to operate. To reduce CO2 emissions and optimise energy performance, the building must be considered as a whole, not just as the sum of its components. The house exploits a variety of energy sources, all of which are integrated into the overall design; its prime energy source is the free energy of the sun. Calculations show that the house uses 4 times less energy than specified in current building regulations, and 7-8 times less than an average house in Russia. The total energy consumption is calculated to be about 110 kWh/ m2 a year.
The Active House in Russia was designed by the Russian architecture firm Polygon Lab (part of Zagorodny Proyekt). The house is situated in the outskirts of Moscow in Zapadnaya Dolina, a new residential community currently under construction and with plans for more Active Houses to come.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

International cooperation

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

At the international conference of European Federation of premanufactured building (Sopron, Hungary) Russia was represented by Oleg Panitkov, vice-chairman of the Association Partnership Council, Velux development director. He made a report on the subject "Wood House Building in Russia 2010-2011". During the event the delegates of federation on wooden construction from Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, Finland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria presented their reports.
Tree day�s conference program included: the visit of the wood sciences faculty, the timber structure testing laboratory at the University of West Hungary, planning of the event program and definition of questions for discussing for the coming period 2011/2012.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

An action plan for the wood industry

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

This action plan is supported by the state and the region Poitou-Charentes and it has the purpose to manage the human resources, participate in preventing the professionals risks, encourage de development of VAE (a procedure that allows to grant on work experience) in companies.
This plan has three actions that concern the companies and the employs from this industry:
- organize some special days with the purpose to aware and inform the managers of companies concerning the yearly evaluations
- organize a committee of prevention professional risks in order to improve the work conditions of employees from this industry, through capitalization of good practice from the companies that have already undertaken this responsibility
- develop VAE in this industry, which is practically entirely missing. By supporting the employees, they wish to undertake a procedure that allows to grant work experience.

Source: http://www.arftlv.org

The Global Forest Industry in the 3Q of 2011

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Global timber markets
With weaker demand for lumber around the world, sawlog prices fell in a majority of the 21 markets tracked by the WRQ. The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined in the 3Q for the first time since the 1Q/09 to $90.18/m3. With a few exceptions, prices fell in both local currencies and in US dollar terms. The only region that saw any substantial price increase in the 3Q was British Columbia, where prices were up 5-7 percent from the 2Q. This region has benefited from higher lumber exports and production has increased during 2011.

Global pulpwood prices
A strengthening of the US dollar against many currencies resulted in lower wood fiber costs in US dollar terms for the pulp industry in the 3Q. As a consequence, the Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) fell by less than one percent to $108.90/odmt, which was the first decline since 2Q/10. In addition to the exchange rate adjustments, prices also fell in the local currencies in Russia, France and Spain.
The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) rose for the fifth quarter in a row, reaching $117.91/odmt, an increase of 14 percent since early last year. The biggest increases from the 2Q/11 occurred in Chile, Japan, Indonesia and Brazil. The premium of $9.01/odmt for HFPI over the SFPI has never been higher than in the 3Q.

Global pulp markets
The global demand for market pulp has been weakening the past four months, particularly that of hardwood pulp. Pulpwatch reports that global shipment of BHKP pulp fell from 1.76 million tons in June to 1.41 million tons in July. Although shipments picked up in August and September, the outlook for the next six months is for lower demand and reduced pulp production as compared to the same period one year ago.
The softwood market pulp (NBSK) price has fallen from its record high in June earlier this year. In just four months, the price has come down almost $100/ton to $930/ton as of early November, according to FOEX.

Global lumber markets
Although there is limited production data available for the full third quarter, there are early reports indicating lower production levels in the US, Eastern Canada, the Nordic countries, Russia and a number of countries in Europe. In addition, a number of the largest lumber-consuming countries in the world imported less lumber in July and August than they did in the previous months. Some of these countries included the US, the UK and Germany. Even the fast increase in imports to China seen earlier in the year slowed down during the fall.
In British Columbia, sawmills have been running at an 83 percent utilization rate thanks to continued strong exports to Asia. Production during the first eight months reached 8.2 million m3, which was 7.2 percent higher than the same period in 2010.
Softwood lumber imports to Japan are up nine percent so far this year. Total imports for the year may reach around 6.8 million m3, the highest import volumes since 2007.

Global biomass markets
Prices for woody biomass, whether it was sawmill byproducts, forest residues or urban wood waste, were lower in 2011 than the previous two years in most regions throughout the US, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review. The expansion of pellet capacity in Europe over the past five years has been much faster than demand.
Pellet prices in Sweden fell for the first time in almost three years. In Germany and Austria, pellet prices only changed a few Euros. The price discrepancy between the three largest markets in Europe is currently the widest it has been since 2007.

Individual suppliers offers exerting growing pressure on prices for okoume plywood

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Prices for okoum� plywood on European sales markets have come under increasing pressure in the last few months. Suppliers are attributing this to several factors: firstly, demand was low on practically all sales markets and in all sales channels throughout the summer months and even after the end of the holiday period. Most of the blame for a certain amount of unrest in the okoum� plywood business is being put on various dumping offers from French and Italian suppliers. According to various suppliers and importers, in the last few weeks growing pressure from volumes appears to have been prompting these manufacturers to undercut by roughly 5% what have been largely stable market prices for quite some time.

Source: www.euwid-wood-products.com

Fourth German WPC Congress 13. 14.12.2011, Maritim Hotel Cologne, Germany. The European lead congress of the WPC-industry!

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Dear WPC experts and enthusiasts,

Europe`s largest WPC exhibition will be held alongside the Fourth German WPC Congress on 13th - 14th December in Cologne. WPC stands for wood-plastic composites.
Over 30 companies and research institutes from Germany and beyond will gather to present their latest products and results. There will be a special focus on innovations by companies that have qualified for the final round of the WPC Innovation Award. The outstanding innovation will then be chosen by those attending the WPC Congress, and the awards ceremony will be one of the day`s highlights. The exhibition area has been expanded to cope with continuing demand and make further exhibition booths available.

Organiser nova-Institute, based in H�rth (Germany), is expecting over 300 international participants at the congress, which is sponsored by BASF, Reifenh�user, Werzalit and Staedtler.

Detailed information about the exhibition, the Innovation Award, the congress programme, the participants (a directory of companies and participants) and how to register is easily available at www.wpc-congress.com.

Your Congress-Team Michael Carus, Janpeter Beckmann, Lena Scholz & Dominik Vogt nova-Institute GmbH

P.S. One of Germany`s largest and prettiest Christmas markets is held close to the congress venue. We recommend you take a look!

European Biomass to Power (10th - 11th April 2012 London, UK) - Special discount for WoodBusinessPortal.com End-Users!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Conference details
Event: European Biomass to Power
Dates & Location: 11th - 12th April 2012, London, UK

Contact Name: Justyna Korfanty
Contact Telephone: +44 (0) 207 981 2503
Contact E-mail: jkorfanty@acieu.net

>>>Agenda

Special discount for WoodBusinessPortal.com End-Users:
Quote special code to claim it: MPEBP2WBP

Conference Blurb

European Biomass to Power (10th � 11th April 2012 London, UK)
Join senior executives and experts from power producers, regulatory bodies, raw material providers and researchers as well as other influential contributors to the industry for two days of formal conference presentations, interactive panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities.

Exclusive Site Visit to RWE Tilbury Power Station (Tuesday 10th April 2012) included in the conference fee, places are strictly limited and will be reserved on a first come first served basis.

Key Topics Include:

� Policy & regulatory developments driving biomass use
� National biomass to power insight: UK focus
� Barriers to growth in the sector
� Raw material availability & sustainability
� Biomass storage & handling
� Biomass technologies: conversion processes
� Biomass power in the energy mix
� Biomass power production: case study examples
� Research & development in future biomass to power technologies.

For full brochure, additional information & registration
Justyna Korfanty tel: +44 207 981 2503 email: jkorfanty@acieu.net

Demand for softwood lumber still slightly declining

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The pace of business activity on German and foreign softwood lumber markets is being shaped to an increasing extent by seasonal factors and has correspondingly continued to slow slightly in the last few days. Although the outflow of contractual volumes to the building and building-related sectors remains prompt, receipts of orders from these two areas have been heading downhill recently as expected. Suppliers are working from the assumption that demand from these sales segments are going to continue to gradually decline until mid-/late November. Sales to value-adding businesses, on the other hand, are still being described as comparatively stable. A significant need for supplementary deliveries of the larger cross-sections, at steady prices, thus still exists in the finger-jointed carcassing (KVH) segment in particular. In contrast, the pressure on prices for narrower standard cross-sections has sooner risen lately. The situation is similar for gluelam lamellas as well, though customers� supplies appear to be more on a more even keel here. Prices in the packaging sector began to stabilise at the end of October after having previously been under quite substantial pressure at times for a period of several weeks.

Source: www.euwid-wood-products.com

Global hardwood pulp producers face higher wood fiber costs and lower pulp prices, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Profit margins are being squeezed for many hardwood pulp producers worldwide with higher wood fiber costs and lower product prices. The hardwood wood fiber price index (HFPI) reached a 24-year high in the 3Q/11 at the same time as hardwood pulp prices fell by 26% from June through October, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. The global demand for market pulp has been weakening for the past four months, particularly that of hardwood pulp (BHKP). The market report Pulpwatch reports that global shipment of BHKP pulp fell from 1.76 million tons in June to 1.41 million tons during July. Although shipments picked up to 1.57 million tons in August, the outlook for the next six months

Hardwood pulp prices (BHKP) have fallen steadily during the fall and were down by 26 percent from June to the early November, according to FOEX. At the same time as pulp prices have fallen, the wood costs have increased, which has squeezed the profit margins for many producers of hardwood pulp. Wood cost as a percentage of the Eucalyptus pulp (EuBKP) price has gone up steadily for five consecutive quarters, from 23 percent in the 2Q/10 to 32.2 percent in the 3Q/11, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. The relative wood cost is currently substantially above the twenty�year average of 23 percent.

Pulp mills in Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, China and Chile saw the biggest increases in hardwood fiber prices the past year, while the rise in wood costs in North America and Europe have been more modest. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) rose for the fifth quarter in a row, reaching US$117.91/odmt, an increase of 14 percent since last summer and an all-time high, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Conversely, The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) fell by less than one percent to $108.90/odmt, which was the first decline since the 2Q/10. In addition to the exchange rate adjustments, wood prices also fell in the local currencies in Russia, France and Spain.

The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index has been higher than HFPI for 21 of the past 24 years; it is only the past three years that HFPI has been sold at a premium, and the 3Q/11 premium of US$9.01/odmt is the greatest to date. This is of note because over the past few years, some softwood pulp producers had switched to hardwood or invested in hardwood pulp capacity to take advantage of historically lower hardwood fiber costs and higher profit margins. In light of these recent price and cost developments, producers might consider returning to using more softwood pulp in their product mix, whether for market pulp or in their integrated pulp and paper facilities.

The Global Forest Industry in the 3Q of 2011

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Excerpts from the Wood Resource Quarterly

Global timber markets
With weaker demand for lumber around the world, sawlog prices fell in a majority of the 21 markets tracked by the WRQ. The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined in the 3Q for the first time since the 1Q/09 to $90.18/m3. With a few exceptions, prices fell in both local currencies and in US dollar terms. The only region that saw any substantial price increase in the 3Q was British Columbia, where prices were up 5-7 percent from the 2Q. This region has benefited from higher lumber exports and production has increased during 2011.

Global pulpwood prices
A strengthening of the US dollar against many currencies resulted in lower wood fiber costs in US dollar terms for the pulp industry in the 3Q. As a consequence, the Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) fell by less than one percent to $108.90/odmt, which was the first decline since 2Q/10. In addition to the exchange rate adjustments, prices also fell in the local currencies in Russia, France and Spain. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) rose for the fifth quarter in a row, reaching $117.91/odmt, an increase of 14 percent since early last year. The biggest increases from the 2Q/11 occurred in Chile, Japan, Indonesia and Brazil. The premium of $9.01/odmt for HFPI over the SFPI has never been higher than in the 3Q.

Global pulp markets
The global demand for market pulp has been weakening the past four months, particularly that of hardwood pulp. Pulpwatch reports that global shipment of BHKP pulp fell from 1.76 million tons in June to 1.41 million tons in July. Although shipments picked up in August and September, the outlook for the next six months is for lower demand and reduced pulp production as compared to the same period one year ago. The softwood market pulp (NBSK) price has fallen from its record high in June earlier this year. In just four months, the price has come down almost $100/ton to $930/ton as of early November, according to FOEX.

Global lumber markets
Although there is limited production data available for the full third quarter, there are early reports indicating lower production levels in the US, Eastern Canada, the Nordic countries, Russia and a number of countries in Europe. In addition, a number of the largest lumber-consuming countries in the world imported less lumber in July and August than they did in the previous months. Some of these countries included the US, the UK and Germany. Even the fast increase in imports to China seen earlier in the year slowed down during the fall.
In British Columbia, sawmills have been running at an 83 percent utilization rate thanks to continued strong exports to Asia. Production during the first eight months reached 8.2 million m3, which was 7.2 percent higher than the same period in 2010. Softwood lumber imports to Japan are up nine percent so far this year. Total imports for the year may reach around 6.8 million m3, the highest import volumes since 2007.

Global biomass markets
Prices for woody biomass, whether it was sawmill byproducts, forest residues or urban wood waste, were lower in 2011 than the previous two years in most regions throughout the US, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review. The expansion of pellet capacity in Europe over the past five years has been much faster than demand. Pellet prices in Sweden fell for the first time in almost three years. In Germany and Austria, pellet prices only changed a few Euros. The price discrepancy between the three largest markets in Europe is currently the widest it has been since 2007.

Russian Timber to Face Export Quotas on WTO Entry, Interfax Says

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Russia will introduce an export quota on unprocessed timber after it is accepted into the World Trade Organization, Interfax reported, citing Maxim Medvedkov, the Economy Ministry official responsible for trade talks. Timber exported under the quota will be taxed at a rate lower than the current duty, while sales abroad exceeding the quota will be levied at a higher rate, Medvedkov was cited as saying. The agreement was reached as part of the European Union�s decision on Oct. 21 to back Russia�s entry into the global trade arbiter, the Moscow-based Interfax news service said.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com

Habitat Zero carbon: an event that you cannot miss!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The organizers of the event Batimat have decided to emphasize the energy efficiency of buildings. Presenting the project Habitat Zero carbon, an exhibition of 100m2 is related to the event�s objectives.
Wood had been chosen for the building�s frame. Built by the company Charpente C�nomane, the module is using the ecolabelled wood, local (if possible) in order to reduce the impact related to transportation. This prototype is an economical settlement; it respects the rules imposed by BBC Effinergie. In the center of the module, there is also established a scenography which emphasizes the solutions that allow to obtain a neutral carbon assessment.
The prototype Habitat Zero Carbon had obtained the financial support of two major institutional organizations: the association France Bois For�t and Codifab. This prototype is representing more than a commercial product, it is a true pedagogical demonstration presented to French and international professionals.

Source: http://www.bati-journal.com

Global hardwood pulp producers face higher wood fiber costs and lower pulp prices, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Profit margins are being squeezed for many hardwood pulp producers worldwide with higher wood fiber costs and lower product prices. The hardwood wood fiber price index (HFPI) reached a 24-year high in the 3Q/11 at the same time as hardwood pulp prices fell by 26% from June through October, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. The global demand for market pulp has been weakening for the past four months, particularly that of hardwood pulp (BHKP). The market report Pulpwatch reports that global shipment of BHKP pulp fell from 1.76 million tons in June to 1.41 million tons during July. Although shipments picked up to 1.57 million tons in August, the outlook for the next six months is for lower demand and reduced pulp production as compared the first half of 2011.

Hardwood pulp prices (BHKP) have fallen steadily during the fall and were down by 26 percent from June to the early November, according to FOEX. At the same time as pulp prices have fallen, the wood costs have increased, which has squeezed the profit margins for many producers of hardwood pulp. Wood cost as a percentage of the Eucalyptus pulp (EuBKP) price has gone up steadily for five consecutive quarters, from 23 percent in the 2Q/10 to 32.2 percent in the 3Q/11, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. The relative wood cost is currently substantially above the twenty�year average of 23 percent.

Pulp mills in Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, China and Chile saw the biggest increases in hardwood fiber prices the past year, while the rise in wood costs in North America and Europe have been more modest. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) rose for the fifth quarter in a row, reaching US$117.91/odmt, an increase of 14 percent since last summer and an all-time high, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Conversely, The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) fell by less than one percent to $108.90/odmt, which was the first decline since the 2Q/10. In addition to the exchange rate adjustments, wood prices also fell in the local currencies in Russia, France and Spain.

The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index has been higher than HFPI for 21 of the past 24 years; it is only the past three years that HFPI has been sold at a premium, and the 3Q/11 premium of US$9.01/odmt is the greatest to date. This is of note because over the past few years, some softwood pulp producers had switched to hardwood or invested in hardwood pulp capacity to take advantage of historically lower hardwood fiber costs and higher profit margins. In light of these recent price and cost developments, producers might consider returning to using more softwood pulp in their product mix, whether for market pulp or in their integrated pulp and paper facilities.

New Zealand`s log exports to China account for one-third of the country`s timber harvest in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Log exportation from New Zealand continues to rise at a record pace, with almost onethird of the country�s timber harvest being processed at sawmills in China. The high demand for logs from overseas has increased domestic sawlog prices to their highest levels in 15 years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. Log exports from New Zealand in 2011 are set to reach a new record high. During the first eight months, total shipments were 25 percent higher than the same period last year (54 percent higher by value) and total exports for 2011 may reach as high as 13 million m3, which is more than a doubling from just three years ago. It is worth noting that almost half of the timber harvest in the 2Q was shipped overseas in log form and that almost one-third of the timber harvest in New Zealand is shipped to Chinese sawmills.

While log exports have increased substantially this year thanks to demand in China, lumber exports have actually declined from last year. This highlights the concern in the industry that domestic sawmills increasingly have difficulty competing for logs with the log exporters and thus may have to reduced production and the layoff of employees.

Sawlog costs for domestic sawmills have continued to go up during 2011 because of competition from the export market. Pine sawlog prices reached record highs in the 3Q/11 with almost a doubling in US dollar terms from early 2009. With the recent price increases, log costs in New Zealand are just below the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI), as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly.

The steady increase in log exports the past five years may very well continue in the coming 15 years as the theoretical harvest level in New Zealand is set to double to 55 million m3 by 2024. Most observers in the industry agree that, for a number of reasons, this timber harvest scenario is less likely. Depending on market conditions, a more realistic level of annual timber harvests in 15 years would be between 30 and 40 million m3 annually. Even this lower harvest outlook alternative would increase available log supply from the current levels by over 50 percent.

Fourth German WPC Congress 13. 14.12.2011, Maritim Hotel Cologne, Germany. The European lead congress of the WPC-industry!

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

++ WPC-Innovation Award: 6 products nominated! ++ Already two dozen exhibitors! ++ More than 350 participants expected! ++

Dear WPC Experts, Dear Interested Public,

Have you already been registered to the Fourth German WPC Congress?
The German WPC Congress is the biggest event concerning Wood Plastic Composites in Europe. Our ambition is to give you a comprehensive market overview and to discuss all current challenges and possible solutions across the entire WPC value chain. The programme has been set up in cooperation with a prestigious committee, representing leading companies and institutes. The congress embeds Europe�s biggest WPC exhibition with more than 30 companies and scientific institutes.

For detailed information on programme, exhibition and registration as well as for an updated list of participants, please visit www.wpc-congress.com.

Now Starting: A 60-Year Project To Build A Dome Using Living Trees

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

For a weeklong workshop, Visiondivision began an architecture project that will take 60 years to grow.

The main structure is a dome of 10 Japanese cherry trees, which are planted around a temporary tower that acts as a guide. Once the bent trees touch the tower, they will be redirected into an hourglass shape, the top of which will become a second level for reading and lounging and accessed by stairs of branches. The architects even devised furniture made from greenery, including a chair that seems to have organically sprung from the ground but is actually a cardboard form covered in soil and draped in grass.
Visiondivision left behind instructions for future generations of gardeners. �In about 80 years from now,� the architects write, �the Politecnico di Milano campus will have a fully grown building and the students will hopefully have proud grandchildren that can tell the story of the project for their friends and family.� That's a far cry from the instant gratification we've come to expect; rather, it's the long view we need to take when measuring our impact on the planet.

Source: http://www.fastcodesign.com

Future of European forests as identified by UNECE - FAO outlook study

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has released The European Forest Sector Outlook Study II (EFSOS II) which gives introspection of the consequences of the policy choices on the future forest of EU 27, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. This study intends to help policy makers make the best informed decision for the future of European forests.

Policy makers bear a huge responsibility between maintaining a balance between the conservation of biodiversity and addressing high economic and social expectations from the forests. They also have to find measure to seize and store carbon, adapt to a changing climate and the provision of opportunities for recreation and leisure, while also supplying wood for energy and raw material use. The study suggests a need for major change in policies or strategies in regard to the forest sector as consumption of forest products and wood energy is likely to grow which would direct growth in supply. Demand for wood will grow by 20 per cent with most of the growth in the wood energy sector. Slower growth rate will be witnessed in the forest products industry. The growing demand can be met only by expanding the components in supply chain especially harvest residues.

Forest area is also expected to continue to expand and increase by 6 per cent, or 12 million ha by 2030, an area slightly larger than Bulgaria. Another important aspect of forest is its potential to stock carbon from the atmosphere as itself being the largest terrestrial carbon stock. This purpose has to be fulfilled while guaranteeing wood supply. EFSOS II provides the most viable strategy to combine forest management focused on carbon accumulation in the forest (longer rotations and a greater share of thinnings) with a steady flow of wood for products and energy. In the long term, when stocking capacity limit of the forest will be reached, the task can be achieved by regular harvesting, to store the carbon in harvested wood products and to avoid emissions by substituting wood for non-renewable materials and energy sources. Study also suggests that if Europe continues to source wood for renewable energy then supply would increase by per cent in the next twenty years. This would require an unprecedented mobilisation of high volumes of all types of wood incurring significant environmental, financial and institutional costs. In addition, 30 million cu.m. of wood would need to be imported from other regions.

However, if policymakers prioritise bio diversity and set aside more land for conservation and changing forest management the supply of wood from European forest in 2030 would be around 12 per cent less than present. According to EFSOS II results, Europe will remain a net exporter of wood and forest products. Projections also show a steady rise in prices of forest products and wood over the whole period, driven by expanding global demand and increasing scarcity in other regions.

Source: http://www.unece.org

KWF-Tagung 2012

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The KWF-Meeting ranks among the biggest Forestry Demofairs in the world. This is the most important international meeting of the forest sector in 2012. The 16th KWF- Meeting is scheduled to take place from June 13 to 16 in Bopfingen (Eastern Swabian Alb District).
Traditionally, the KWF- Meeting consists of three elements - Forest Machinery and Innovations DemoFair, field trips and a scientific congress.

Your advantages as an exhibitor at the KWF DemoFair 2012 at a glance:
- Biggest worldwide forest technology event in 2012
- Second largest forest demo-fair in the world
- The meeting place for the whole forestry and timber sector in 2012
- Optimum conditions for establishing national and international business ties
- Contact decision makers from the forestry, forest technology and forest administrative sectors, networks, business associations and organizations
- Representatives from market leaders in all forest and timber sectors

- over 500 exhibitors from more than 20 countries
- over 43000 professional visitors
- over 140,000 m2 net floor space.

Source: www.kwf-tagung.org

The German furniture industry in a global context

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The international trade in furniture is steadily increasing because of ongoing globalisation and as a result of more and more national markets opening up. Experts forecast that cross-border trade figures will rise from US$82 billion in 2005 to US$92 billion in 2007. Trading networks are expanding worldwide, and the volume of furniture produced for export continue to rise. The furniture market has become international.
The German furniture industry
Germany is the most important furniture market in Europe. On average, Germans spend about �500 per year on decorating their homes, with �360 of this for new furniture. This puts Germany at the top of the worldwide list when it comes to purchases of furniture per capita. Thus, the development of the German furniture industry gives cause for optimism. Sector turnover totalled �17.2 billion in 2005, up by 1.9 per cent compared to the previous year. Currently the 1,125 companies of the German furniture industry employ 105,000 people.

Source: www.hdh-ev.de

Wood housing will be discussed in December

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The 5th International Congress of Wooden Constructions takes place in Saint-Petersburg during the 15th and 16th of December 2011.
Saint-Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering was one again chosen as venue for the Congress. Congress participants will have the excellent opportunity to acquaint with university labs and tests of wooden constructions and fasteners, conducting on their basis. The program of the jubilee Congress is filled with events, as they say �you can�t see all in a day�. That is why companies sent here delegations, because each one � both general director and designer and marketing manager will find events according to their competence. Round tables: �Business and science�, �New architectural and buildings decisions, using constructions from wood� will attract attention of company leaders. For the first time the exposition is organized in the Congress program. Every company, which desire to show itself in the most favorable light can take part in it. 150 participants from Russia and from abroad have registered for the Congress Participation. Partnerships of the V Congress are: Isba de lux, Ltd Faeton, Akso Nobel, BG Corporation, NLK Domostroenie, Cadwork, VELUX. The exhibition company MVK became the sponsor of evening reception from the Association.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

The EU woodworking industry sectors

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Based on available data and provisions, the following statements can be made:

Production value Nace 16 (woodworking): decline by 20.6 % from 2008 to 2009:
- Nace 16.1 (Sawmilling): - 19.2%
- Nace 16.2 (Panels): -20.3%
Production value Nace 31 (Furniture): decline by 22.3% from 2008 to 2009 Relative shares of subsectors: woodworking (52%) clearly ahead of furniture:
- Sawmilling: 15%
- Wood-based panels: 10.6%..
- Wood construction elements: 19%
- Packaging and other: 7.4%
- Furniture: 48%.

A driving force of the global economy
The woodworking industry is a major employer in many of the Member States of the European Union and features among the top 3 industries in Austria, Finland, Portugal and Sweden.
A provider of welfare in Europe
The woodworking industry provides jobs to nearly 3 million people in the EU 27. In common with all traditional industries, it plays an important part in achieving the Lisbon goal of becoming the world�s most competitive region.
A contributor to rural development
Firms are often located in remote, less industrialised or developed areas, making an important contribution to the rural economy.
A diversified industry
The industry covers a wide range of activities, from sawmilling, planing and pressure treating to the production of wood-based panels, veneer and boards; from construction products to joinery; from pallets and packaging to furniture.
An industry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME)
The companies within the woodworking industries are mostly SMEs, with only a few large groups, typically in the softwood sawmill, panel and parquet sectors, operating on a European or global scale. The total number of businesses in the EU 27 wood industry is estimated at 380,000, 150,000 of which are in the furniture industry.

Source: http://www.cei-bois.org

4th International Hardwood Conference - 22 and 23 September 2011 - Brasov, Romania

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The International Hardwood Conference is the key conference on hardwood and related issues. This year, the conference was hosted by the Association of the Romanian Wood Industries, ASFOR.
The event featured reports and discussions on:
- Market developments and trends within the hardwood markets
- Research & development
- Marketing strategies and trends.

Source: http://www.eos-oes.eu

New Zealand`s log exports to China account for one-third of the country`s timber harvest in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Log exportation from New Zealand continues to rise at a record pace, with almost onethird of the country�s timber harvest being processed at sawmills in China. The high demand for logs from overseas has increased domestic sawlog prices to their highest levels in 15 years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. Log exports from New Zealand in 2011 are set to reach a new record high. During the first eight months, total shipments were 25 percent higher than the same period last year (54 percent higher by value) and total exports for 2011 may reach as high as 13 million m3, which is more than a doubling from just three years ago. It is worth noting that almost half of the timber harvest in the 2Q was shipped overseas in log form and that almost one-third of the timber harvest in New Zealand is shipped to Chinese sawmills.

While log exports have increased substantially this year thanks to demand in China, lumber exports have actually declined from last year. This highlights the concern in the industry that domestic sawmills increasingly have difficulty competing for logs with the log exporters and thus may have to reduced production and the layoff of employees. Sawlog costs for domestic sawmills have continued to go up during 2011 because of competition from the export market. Pine sawlog prices reached record highs in the 3Q/11 with almost a doubling in US dollar terms from early 2009. With the recent price increases, log costs in New Zealand are just below the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI), as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly.

The steady increase in log exports the past five years may very well continue in the coming 15 years as the theoretical harvest level in New Zealand is set to double to 55 million m3 by 2024. Most observers in the industry agree that, for a number of reasons, this timber harvest scenario is less likely. Depending on market conditions, a more realistic level of annual timber harvests in 15 years would be between 35 and 45 million m3 annually. Even this lower harvest outlook alternative would increase available log supply from the current levels by over 50 percent.

Results from the market discussions at the 6th International Softwood Conference - Copenhagen, 20 21 October 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Following a partial recovery of the markets for sawn softwood in 2010, and fairly good sales in the first half of 2011, the markets for sawn softwood production and consumption have slowed down again, tempering the expectations for 2011 and 2012, in particular in Europe, as delegates at the 6th International Softwood Conference held in Copenhagen on 20 and 21 October 2011 reported.

On invitation of the Danish Timber Trade Federation (Dansk Traeforening) and the Traelasthandlerunionen, 120 delegates from 19 countries met at Moltke�s Palace in Copenhagen to discuss recent developments in the international softwood markets. International forest products markets are going through a phase of fundamental changes resulting from the downturn in demand, a globalisation of forest products markets, climate change policies and the measures taken towards ensuring sustainable and legal production. The markets are strongly influenced by developments in the construction sector, a major outlet for wood, which still has not fully recovered and is not expected to do so soon.

Though the statistical data gathered for the conference point towards increasing production and consumption levels for both 2011 and 2012, the participants in the conference did not consider these as satisfactory and probably even too optimistic. The economic outlook in almost all European countries has weakened considerably and this weakening will probably last for a longer period. As countries no longer have funds for stimulation packages, and the turmoil in North-Africa and the Middle-East continues impacting the markets too, no real recovery and increase in demand is expected during 2012. In addition, the profitability of sawmilling companies is under strong pressure from all-time high log prices in as good as all production areas. Similar situations were reported in the US and Canada, where the predicted growth of housing construction forecast for 2011/2012 has not materialised.

Developments on the Chinese market have impacts on the wood sector globally, considering the big volumes of wood and wood products that are being traded. It was pointed out that China�s widening supply/demand gap will require increased log and/or lumber imports. On the other hand China is still the huge growth market and more log & lumber imports will be required, which may provide for opportunities for European and North-American suppliers. The conference gave green light to the development of a joint European wood and wood products promotion plan that should provide for uniform messages across Europe. This topic had been the focus of debate at many previous conferences already. Opportunities are seen in particular on climate related issues and in the promotion of wood-based construction solutions. In this context, the Danish Wood Initiative released a short promotion movie Wood: nature�s stroke of genius.

Next to market developments, the conference also touched upon topical policy issues the sector has to deal with, such as e.g. the implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation and the mandatory CE-marking for construction timber as from the 1st of January 2012. Certain importers were concerned that producers would not be able to comply with this requirement, which was strongly denied by the producing companies. On the issue of forest certification, the conference strongly pleaded in favour of a mutual recognition of a single chain of custody system that would allow handling material from different certification schemes at the same time. It decided that contacts would be made with the leading certification schemes on this issue. Industry was also called upon to be more active in international climate change and related discussions and to prepare itself for Environmental product declarations to avoid that other materials sectors would do this for them. The conference was concluded with a presentation from Mr Paludan of the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies on the consumer of the future. The sector was strongly advised to promote itself, and the role of wood, more actively.

The next International Softwood Conference will be held in Stockholm, on 18 and 19 October 2012.

The days France Bois Buche

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

How do we optimize the firewood�s efficacy?
Which are the species of wood we shall utilize?

The professionals informed and advised consumers along the amazing activity organized in some French regions between 15th and 23rd of October 2011: The days France Bois B�che. The log is the first renewable energy used in France, with a total consumption of 51 millions m3 for 6,75 millions of heat devices. On this occasion, two more new regions joined the project: Pays de la Loire and Bourgogne.
The national quality labels and regional labels are meant for developing the potential of wood industry in France, fighting against the illegal work and presenting some guaranties in front of the consumers: an offer of selected wood, the respect for demand quantities, the control over the wood�s moisture, a clear information. The days France Bois B�che had the purpose to aware the national and regional labels and, in particularity, to make famous the capacity of their products to propose a good solution concerning the firewood. The activities that were proposed, in partnership with professionals, associations and different organizations, had the purpose to inform and advise the consumers: paying visits to companies, conferences, debates, exhibitions, demonstrations, competitions etc.

Source: http://www.franceboisforet.fr

A Wooden House Storm will Blow around Guangzhou Again!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wooden structure has a very long history in China. So far, the oldest wooden structure we find in China has a history of 6000-7000 years. But with the high speed development of economy and the popularity of tall building in China, wooden structure had been displaced by reinforced concrete structure.
Fortunately, times development also changed people�s life idea. A serious of high performances of wooden structure, such as anticorrosion, moisture proofness and insect prevention, attracted Chinese people again. Wooden house now is becoming increasingly popular with not only individual consumers, but also real estate and tourism vacation projects developers. Gradually, wooden house is coming back to our life as a �fashion�. Wooden structure�s return and development, trade shows contributed. Guangzhou International Wooden House & Wooden Structure Fair (Wooden House Guangzhou), the earliest and largest specialized wooden house exhibition in China, has been successfully held annually in past 3 years. The number of exhibitors increases from 53 to 107, various styles of wooden houses from 8 counties (China, Canada, Russia, Finland, America, Sweden, Germany, Japan) were showed in the largest exhibition hall in Asia�China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex. Over 40,000 visitors from 11 countries have witnessed the rapid development of Wooden House Guangzhou.
To us, that�s just a beginning of Wooden House Guangzhou. There will be more challenge in the future. And now, let�s look to our next show--Wooden House Guangzhou 2012, it will take place also at China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex during March 9th - 11th, 2012.
Overseas organization is always one of our important works, because here we are lacking in technology, both in construction and materials. For consumers who have high-quality requirements in wooden houses, brands from outside are more attractive. Also, domestic manufactures have interested in cooperating with foreign companies for mutual benefits and advantage complementary. So, if you are interested in China business and conditional enough, don't lose the best chance to action! You know, only about 200 Chinese manufactures here is far from enough to market needs. On the other hand, overseas buyers come here to choose Chinese wooden house because we have our own Chinese style and also competitive in price.
After 2 months� first-phase preparations, we have cooperated with hundreds of media partners both at home or abroad, such as LesPromInform, Russian Forestry Review, Wood & Panel Europe, Japan Lumber Journal, Made-from-India, woodweb.com, woodbusinessportal, Real Estate Facility Projects Magazine, Civil Engineering Portal, Unique Trust Exhibition, Strategic and our old friends �Stroyka-nn� (Norma+� Ltd.) and �Landscape. Cottage. Interior�, etc. With our partners, more powerful promotion work about Wooden House Guangzhou 2012 will continue all over the world. Everything is prepared, just waiting for your coming!

For more information please contact woodenhousechina@gmail.com or call at +86 20 28966567.

Wood Market in South China Step Up to Attract the Global Attention

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Guangzhou, as the capital city in China�s largest furniture manufactured base and woodworking base, is the main portal for lumber trade in south China. According to a research result from Center for International Trade in Forest Products, University of Washington, it t is estimated that over 21% of the country�s wood manufacturers are located in South China�s Guangdong Province - which is China�s largest furniture-manufacturing basis that accounted for 31% of the country�s total wood furniture production (by volume), and 40% exports in terms of value in 2009 (CNFA 2010).
With insiders� increasing concern in lumber industry from both home and abroad, Wood Guangzhou, a specialized trade fair for lumber industry, quickens its pace to start event marketing for the next years� success. This is a trade fair representing the wills of thousands lumber dealer in south China, also a long-awaited event for overseas lumber exporters. �In our 2012�s promotion, still we adhere to the principle of rapid respond to market; this is also the guarantee of the effective business match-making. With in time demand analysis of pre-registered attendants and exhibitors, the event organizer will adjust their marketing schedule to ensure that every single exhibitor would meet their ideal buyers.� said Mr. He Bo Yu, project manager of Wood Guangzhou.
Wood Guangzhou, a specialized trade fair for lumber industry, take place at the Chinese largest wood processing base, will start from March 9th to 11th, 2012 Guangzhou China. Wood product manufacturers and Timber suppliers from main countries of origin will bring their exclusive products in Wood Guangzhou, and can be able to communicate with prospects face to face by a time and cost-effective way.

For more info, please email at woodenhousechina@gmail.com or call +86-20-28966567.

The Global Sawlog Price Index reached a 16 year high in the 2Q of 2011; the biggest price increases occurred in Europe, Canada, Russia and New Zealand, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Increased consumption of softwood lumber throughout the world has moved sawlog prices to new highs in 2011. The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) reached a 16-year record high in the 2Q/11, with the greatest increases over last year�s prices occurring in Latvia, Poland, Japan, Russia and Germany, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Seattle, USA. Wood costs often account for 65-75 percent of the production costs when manufacturing softwood lumber. This cost has trended upwards for over two years in many of the major lumber-producing countries around the world, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly.

The higher sawlog costs have been the result of growing demand for lumber, not only in the traditional markets of Europe, the US and Japan, but also in China, the Middle East and Northern Africa. For example, the biggest gains in exports for the Nordic countries this year has been to Morocco, a new fast growing market for wood products, and Egypt is now the second most important export market for sawmills in Finland.

China�s increasing demand for wood products is a major factor in the increase in log prices in regions supplying China with lumber, including Western US, British Columbia and New Zealand.

In the 2Q/11, the Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) reached a new all-time high of US$92.27 per m3. This was 5.6 percent more than the previous quarter, and an almost 20 percent jump from the past year. The GSPI has gone up every quarter since the 1Q/09 when the Index was at US$66.10/m3. This almost 40 percent increase in two years is due not only to the weakening of the US dollar against all other currencies in the Index, but also to the higher costs of logs in local currencies. According to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ), the biggest price adjustments in local currencies since early 2009 have occurred in Latvia (+58%), Poland (+39%), Japan (+36%), Russia (+35%) and Germany (35%).

Countries in Western Europe, Japan and China currently have the highest sawlog prices of the 21 regions tracked by the WRQ, while prices in Western Canada, Chile, US South and Russia are lower than the global average. This ranking has not change much the past few years with the exception of the Baltic States of Latvia and Estonia, which now are below the GSPI after having been above the global average three years ago.

Wood Processing Machinery 2011 and Intermob 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Along with the non-conventional designs and production capacity, the outstanding and worldwide appreciated Turkish wood industry convened at 24th Wood Processing Machinery 2011 and Intermob 2011 fairs. The events held at T�yap aimed to steer the new market pursuits.

The wood, furniture and furniture side-industry, which expands day by day in parallel with the evolving and changing consumer preferences, is one of the most developed industries in Turkey. Within the recent 20 years the wood and furniture industries have made a huge progress by virtue of design-, branding- and R&D efforts; whereas Wood Processing Machinery 2011 - 24th International Wood Processing Machines, Cutting Tools, Hand Tools Fair as well as Intermob 2011 - 14th International Furniture Related Industry, Accessories, Forestry Products and Wood Technology Fair, which bring together aforementioned industries, aim to steer the industry in searching diverse markets.
These fairs were held by T�yap Fairs Inc. at T�yap Fair, Convention and Congress Center on October 15 - 19, 2011.

Source: http://intermobistanbul.com

Wooden Constructions Calculation and Designing

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Wooden Constructions Calculation and Designing seminar will take place during the International Congress of the Association of Wood Housing, between the 15 - 16th of December, in Saint Petersburg.
Chief of the seminar, Doctor Martin Kessel is the leading professor of the department of Civil Engineering of Wooden Constructions in the Institute of Technology. He is the member of the commission for the developing German industrial regulations, the Head of the Association of quality control of wooden houses manufacturers. Development of CA methods for wooden constructions is the central part of his researches. Creation of 3D/CAP/SAM/CAD/ for wood housing company Cadwork is the result of one of his research works. Cadwork Informatik is the official partner of the International Congress of the Association of Wood Housing.
We invite to take part at the seminar: architects, designers, constructors and also everyone is welcome.

Seminar schedule:
15.12.2011 from 10.00 to 17.00 (Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering room 526 C)
16.12.2011 from 10.00 to 17.00 (Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering room 526 C).

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

La Brigue: developed wood industry

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood industry had developed in 2006 through wood constructions. It represents 2000 employments.
Cutting wood is one of the most important incomes for forestry regions (~120.000 euros / year), such as La Brigue, where we still meet woodcutters, an uncommon profession in this mechanized field. La Brigue is representing a surface of 10.000 hectares, most of it covered of forests. Approx. 6000m3 wood had been cut this year. David Ozon is one of the woodcutters from this region. He is cutting daily around ten trees, hoping his job will carry on.
In lack of sufficient woodcutters, we appeal to woodcutters� teams from Eastern Europe.

Source: http://cote-d-azur.france3.fr

DOMOTEX 2012, 14 - 17 January

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The world`s leading trade fair for floor coverings is an absolute "must" for your diary

DOMOTEX HANNOVER will once again be the most important event of the business year in 2012 � and a major driver of sales growth. This is the only place where all the major suppliers come together every year to present the complete range of floor coverings available worldwide.
DOMOTEX HIGHLIGHT 2012: Wood Flooring Summit
The Wood Flooring Summit 2012 will bring the best of the parquet and laminate industries together with specialist suppliers of other types of wood flooring.
The Wood Flooring Summit will place the spotlight on your products within a comprehensive array of diverse floor coverings.

Source: http://www.domotex.de

The RoK-FOR Conference - Forest Biomass for Renewable Energy: Building Regional Cooperation and Clusters for New Opportunities

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Zagreb, Croatia 26 - 28 October 2011
The RoK-FOR Conference No. 2 displays forest sector potential in renewable energy and clustering

The conference will present the highlights of the Joint Action Plan for interregional cooperation developed within the project. Keynote speakers include i.a. Mr Lucas Janssen from European Commission, Ms. Sandra Hi�ak from Wood Cluster of Northwestern Croatia, Mr. St�phane Latour from Xylofutur Pole of Competitiveness and Mr. Du�an Jović from the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water management. In addition to the RoK-FOR regions, keynotes will include e.g. presentations of UNECE/FAO clustering initiative and Western Macedonia bioenergy case (Greece) in BIOCLUS project.

The RoK-FOR conference will offer an opportunity to forest and bioenergy sector stakeholders to learn about the planned joint activities in the RoK-FOR project, about the capacities and expertise available in the network, to find partners and to join in the planning of joint activities of the RoK-FOR project. The Conference is targeted at representatives from:
- forest owners and forest owners� associations;
- business enterprises and business organisations (e.g. technology consortiums, chambers of commerce, development agencies);
- research and development organisations;
- education and training institutions in the fields of forests, forestry, bioenergy, wood construction and green chemistry;
- local and regional administrations;
- relevant ministries for development of forest sector, bioenergy, construction, spatial planning and bio-economy.

Attendance in the conference is free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the actual Conference day on Thursday 27 October, there will be targeted workshops and meetings arranged back to back to the conference day � note that these events are targeted for special audiences, and the number of seats is limited. It is possible to register for each event separately in the registration form. Please see below for further information on registration.

VENUE: The conference venue will be the Hotel International (Miramarska 24, 1000 Zagreb).

REGISTRATION: Registration to the conference is done with an online registration form. The deadline for registration is Monday 17 October. If you have problems with the registration form, please contact niina.valbuena(at)efi.int. Please note that the data collected with the registration form are solely for registration purposes and publishing the List of Participants should you indicate that your data can be published for that purpose. Your data will not be sold to or shared with other parties.

CONTACT INFORMATION: For inquiries on the RoK-FOR Conference in Zagreb please contact:

Elvis Paladinić: tel. +385 (0)1 6311585 - Mobile: +385 (0)98 339749 - Email: elvisp(at)sumins.hr
Hrvoje Marjanovic: tel. +385 1 6311583 - Mobile: +385 98 339 534 - Email: hrvojem(at)sumins.hr

Croatian Forest Research Institute, Cvjetno naselje 41, 10450 Jastrebarsko, Croatia www.sumins.hr

Source: http://www.rokfor.eu

Original design and functional solutions for furniture and hotel equipment

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

From October 26 to 29, 2011 Inter Expo Center � Sofia will present to consumers and connoisseurs the latest design and technological solutions in the furniture industry during the exhibition WORLD OF FURNITURE and in the hotel, restaurant, catering and Spa equipment during the SIHRE exhibition.

Bulgarian and foreign companies in WORLD OF FURNITURE will allure customers through designer�s furniture with woodcarvings and sculpture, designs for complete interior decoration, art glass processing and classic stained glass. Extravagant furniture in futuristic style will compete with aged furniture of unique design and handmade items such as woodcarvings for the prize in the prestigious contest Furniture of the Year. The companies traditionally rely on ecological and health developments � adhesive free mattresses and orthopedic mattresses for children and babies.

The exhibition program also includes the conferences Promoting the Exports of Bulgarian Furniture and Innovations in Forestry and Engineering Design, exhibition of designer�s furniture and competition for industrial product design.

SIHRE will present products and technologies that meet the high standards of restaurant and hotel business in 201, ranging from furnishings to specialised software, information and security systems used in the industry. The main exhibition categories include professional kitchen, bar, confectionery and catering equipment, cleaning, washing and ironing machines, hotel supplies and accessories. New generation advertising and information items that take care of the image of the modern restaurant and hotel business will be presented too.

The meeting and discussion on Quality of Tourist Services, Professional Equipment and Staff Training. Problems and Solutions will complement the program of the 11th edition of SIHRE this year, which traditionally draws the interest of Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Britain and other countries.

For more information: www.iec.bg.

Exports of logs and lumber from the US and Canada to China are on pace to reach a record 2.6 billion dollars in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The US and Canada have been exporting record volumes of logs and lumber to China in 2011. The Wood Resource Quarterly predicts that exports in 2011 will double those seen in 2010 to reach an estimated value of 2.6 billion dollars. Lumber shipments from Canada alone could reach 1.2 billion dollars this year. The North American share of log and lumber import volumes to China has increased from four percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2010.

Seattle, USA. Shipments of softwood lumber and logs from the US and Canada to China will reach a new record high in 2011. In 2010, the two countries exported 1.3 billion US dollars worth of softwood products; if the pace seen in the first seven months of 2011 continues, the two countries� exports will more than double from last year, reaching a record 2.6 billion US dollars, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Despite the disappointing developments in the US housing sector the past year, lumber production in both the US and Canada has been higher in 2011 than in 2010. Many sawmills in the Western US and Canada have benefitted from the dramatic increase in demand from Chinese lumber consumers and some sawmills are exporting up to 30-40 percent of their production to the fast developing market in Asia.

The biggest increase in shipments the past year has been that of softwood lumber from the province of British Columbia in Canada. Much of this lumber comes from the massive supply of timber that has been killed by the pine beetle over the past 15 years. The value of lumber shipments from Canada has increased from just 55 million dollars in 2005 to an estimated 1.2 billion dollars this year.

While Canada has drastically raised lumber shipments to China in recent years, the US has instead expanded exportation of logs to Chinese lumber manufacturers. This year, US west coast log exporters are projected to ship logs valued at over 900 million dollars, which is up from only 42 million dollars just four years ago.

The US and Canada have not only increased shipment volumes of logs and lumber to China the past five years; the countries have also expanded their importance in the Chinese wood market. In 2005, only four percent of all softwood logs and lumber imported to China originated from North America. Last year, this share had gone up to 18 percent, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Many North American log and lumber suppliers have the opportunity to expand their export sales in the coming years and it is likely that their presence in the Chinese market will grow.

USETEC - Worldwide No. 1 in the used market in 2012

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Place: Germany, Cologne
Data: 05 � 07 March
The successful Premiere of USETEC � World Trade Fair for Used Technology in April 2011 at the new prime venue of Cologne attracted worldwide interest. 9.250 buyers from 119 countries met with a huge offer of used machines and equipment of all kind. Crowded hallways and excellent direct machine sales featured the USETEC 2011 show.

Source: www.usetec.com

Forest Club of Russian non-governmental organizations

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Russian NGOs` Forest Club is an informal working group, which consists of representatives from the largest NGOs working actively for Russian forest conservation. The basis of the club comes from the necessity to unite and coordinate NGO forest related activities.
The Club`s major activities are:
� Improvement of Russian forest legislation, forestry regulations and technical standards.
� Inventory of natural old growth forests and other valuable forest areas.
� Monitoring of protected territories for illegal logging and poaching.
� Promoting of ecologically and socially responsible forestry, independent forest certification.
� The Forest Bulletin.
Forest Club members:
- The Socio-Ecological Union Forest campaign
- The Biodiversity Conservation Center
- Druzhinas (Student Corps) for Nature Conservation Movement
- Greenpeace Russia
- Taiga Rescue Network-Russia
- The Save Pechora Committee
- and individual activists.

Source: http://www.forest.ru

Exports of logs and lumber from the US and Canada to China are on pace to reach a record 2.6 billion dollars in 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The US and Canada have been exporting record volumes of logs and lumber to China in 2011. The Wood Resource Quarterly predicts that exports in 2011 will double those seen in 2010 to reach an estimated value of 2.6 billion dollars. Lumber shipments from Canada alone could reach 1.2 billion dollars this year. The North American share of log and lumber import volumes to China has increased from four percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2010.

Seattle, USA. Shipments of softwood lumber and logs from the US and Canada to China will reach a new record high in 2011. In 2010, the two countries exported 1.3 billion US dollars worth of softwood products; if the pace seen in the first seven months of 2011 continues, the two countries� exports will more than double from last year, reaching a record 2.6 billion US dollars, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Despite the disappointing developments in the US housing sector the past year, lumber production in both the US and Canada has been higher in 2011 than in 2010. Many sawmills in the Western US and Canada have benefitted from the dramatic increase in demand from Chinese lumber consumers and some sawmills are exporting up to 30-40 percent of their production to the fast developing market in Asia.
The biggest increase in shipments the past year has been that of softwood lumber from the province of British Columbia in Canada. Much of this lumber comes from the massive supply of timber that has been killed by the pine beetle over the past 15 years. The value of lumber shipments from Canada has increased from just 55 million dollars in 2005 to an estimated 1.2 billion dollars this year.
While Canada has drastically raised lumber shipments to China in recent years, the US has instead expanded exportation of logs to Chinese lumber manufacturers. This year, US west coast log exporters are projected to ship logs valued at over 900 million dollars, which is up from only 42 million dollars just four years ago.
The US and Canada have not only increased shipment volumes of logs and lumber to China the past five years; the countries have also expanded their importance in the Chinese wood market. In 2005, only four percent of all softwood logs and lumber imported to China originated from North America. Last year, this share had gone up to 18 percent, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Many North American log and lumber suppliers have the opportunity to expand their export sales in the coming years and it is likely that their presence in the Chinese market will grow.

Germany, August 2011 - 227,71 Euro per ton of wood pellets

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The German Association of Energy and Wood Pellets declared that in August 2011, the acquisition price for wood pellets was 227.71 Euro / ton, compared to 225.96 Euro / ton, registered in July 2011. In the German South region, the pellets costed in August 2011 227.50 Euro / ton, compared to July 2011, with a price of 224.17 Euro / ton. In the North Eastern region of Germany, the pellets costed 233.75 Euro / ton in August and in July 235.00 Euro / ton.

Source: http://www.tga-fachplaner.de

Wood fiber costs for the global pulp industry reach new highs in 2011 with the biggest increases seen in Russia, Finland and Western US, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood costs account for about 60 percent of the production costs when manufacturing pulp for paper. According the Wood Resource Quarterly, wood fiber costs have gone up about 25 percent since early 2009, reaching record levels in the 2Q/2011.
Seattle, USA. Wood fiber costs continued to go up for the global pulp industry in the 2Q/11, having trended upward since early 2009, according to the market report Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) reached US$109.52 per oven-dry metric ton (odmt) in the 2Q/11, a 3.7 percent increase from the previous quarter and 23 percent higher than two years ago. In local currencies, wood chip and pulplog prices have increased the most in the US Northwest, Western Canada, Russia and Finland. The weakening US dollar against most global currencies in the 2Q resulted in higher fiber prices in all 18 regions covered by the WRQ.
The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) reached a new all-time-high in the 2Q at $116.44/odmt, which was 5.5 percent higher than 1Q/11 and almost 27 percent higher than in early 2009. Recently, hardwood prices have gone up the most in Indonesia, Finland, Russia and Brazil.
Wood fiber prices, which currently are at or close to record highs, have fluctuated quite substantially the past 24 years the WRQ has tracked global forest industry markets. Prices trended downward during most of the 1990�s and early 2000 when they were 60 percent below current levels. This was followed by a substantial increase from 2002 to 2008 with wood costs reaching record levels in early 2008, only to plummet almost 20 percent in late 2008 with the onset of the global recession. In 2009 and 2010, wood fiber markets have strengthened as a result of higher prices for market pulp, limited availability of wood chips from sawmills worldwide and a weakening US dollar against most currencies.
It is interesting to note that the SFPI index has been higher for most of the past 24 years; it was not until 2009 that the hardwood price index surpassed the SFPI. In the 2Q/11, the global hardwood fiber price was 6.3 percent higher than the softwood fiber price as reported in the WRQ.
Wood costs have gone up not only in real terms but also as a percentage of the total production costs when manufacturing pulp. The global average wood cost share of the total cash cost has increased from 52 percent in 2005 to 60.9 percent in the 1Q/2011, according to Fisher International. The wood cost percentage varies from a around 50 percent in New Zealand and Canada to over 70 percent in China, Indonesia and Brazil.

DACH HOLZ 2012

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Opening times:
31 January � 3 February 2012
NEW: Tuesday � Friday
daily 9 a.m. � 6 p.m.

The world`s leading trade fair for roof and timber construction provides an extensive overview of the sector. All key exhibitors are represented, demonstrating the latest developments and revealing future trends. ROOF+TIMBER International presents you with all of the new and innovative products as well as trends, ideas, and new ways � for the whole external envelope; roof, wall, and sealing technologies; timber construction and extensions; and plumbing. If you want to be up to date on the timber and roof construction sectors, your first and only address is this top meeting place for these representatives from all over the world.

ROOF+TIMBER International is the top class meeting of the international roofing and carpentry trades.

Source: www.dach-holz.de

The program of events for the exhibition Woodex 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

A program of activities taking place in the exhibition Woodex/ Lestechprodukzia 2011 is posted on the official website.
On this occasion, debates on �Prospects for OSB in Russia: production planning, markets�, a conference concerning the biofuel �Pellets, briquettes, wood chips and wood waste � production, markets, finance and technology�, the 6th international competition �Leader in Woodworking � 2011� will be hold between 29th of November to 2nd of December.

Detailed information and application forms for participation on www.woodexpo.ru.

Country Living Ukraine 2011

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Organizer: KYIV INTERNATIONAL CONTRACT FAIR, LTD.
Venue: KyivExpoPlaza Exhibition Center, 2B, Salyutnaya street, Kyiv, Ukraine
Running: 20 September � 23 September, 2011
Official site: http://www.kmkya.kiev.ua

September 20-23 in Kiev (Ukraine) will be held the first international exhibition of wooden construction and landscaping Country Living, which will present traditional and modern technologies of wooden cottages and materials for decoration and arrangement.
The exhibition will present the exhibition:
- wooden house - designing, building materials, the means to protect resources;
- Shop sauna - steam baths, saunas, arbours, accessories and equipment;
- Fireplaces and stoves - wood and electric fireplaces and stoves, materials, accessories, linings, fuel;
- Home and Garden - Landscaping, aqua, garden furniture, garden machinery.

The Minister of Agriculture and OSEO are supporting the wood industry

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Minister of Agriculture and OSEO, which mission is to finance and support the innovation and development of companies, had established the modernization funds of sawmills that will receive 1,5 millions euros in 2011. Their purpose is to promote the investments in sawmills and companies of forest exploitation. This guaranty fund follows particularly to reduce the commercial deficit of the field. Bruno Le Maire, the Agriculture minister, on 6th of April 2011, had announced the modernization fund of sawmills. OSEO and the Ministry of Agriculture have signed a convention regarding the launch of the loan on 23rd of June 2011.

Source: http://www.oseo.fr

Kronospan begins construction of US$150m panel plant in Smorgon, Belarus

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Kronospan Holding Ltd has started construction of a wood panel processing facility in Smorgon, Grodno Oblast, Belarus, according to BelTA, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency.
The Economy Department of the Smorgon District Executive Committee said the project represented an investment of US$150m and would take three years to complete. The site will manufacture OSB, laminated particleboard flooring and MDF, and production is expected to begin in the first half of next year.
At full production, the facility will process 1.5 million m3 of wood and create 300 jobs. The majority of production will be exported.

Source: http://www.wbpionline.com

Raw materials and wood pellet production capacity in Germany

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

About 30% of Germany is covered with woodland and the wood volume increases by about 60 million cubic metres per year. Bavaria is the most densely wooded Federal State in Germany.
Pellet production in Germany
Commercial pellet production has started in several locations in Germany in the last two years. Germany now has about six to eight special manufacturers of wood pellets already producing and several plants are in planning. If pellet demand increases in the future, scrap wood from the woodworking industry will be re-routed for pellet production. Whether scrap wood will be used for energy or non-energy purposes will depend to a large extent on the prices that suppliers can achieve for their products.
Use of wood pellets
Like production the combustion of wood pellets is still in its early stages in Germany, but the interest in wood pellet heating systems is rapidly growing. The use of pellets for heating is mainly concentrated on the niche market of low energy houses with an annual fuel consumption of around 1,500 kg per 100 m2 living space. German furnace manufacturers have responded to the recent growth in the pellet market. The technical development of small wood-burning stoves (2 to 8 kW) and boilers (8 to 25 kW) has progressed considerably in the last years. However, most units are currently imported from Austria, Denmark and Sweden.

Source: http://pellets-wood.com

The production of glued wood will be discussed at Vologda

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Press release
Saint-Petersburg
Nonprofit partnership the Association of Wood Housing

Enlarged session of the Council of the Association Partnership will take part 22-23 September of the year 2011. It will pass on the basis of �Sokolsky woodworking complex� ( Sokol, Vologotskaya oblast).

On the first day, residents of Vologda plan to tour the session participants of the factory, to acquaint with the production process, quality control system, to demonstrate the factory lab and examples of wooden building constructions.

Also program stipulate to lead a round table discussion of the questions of strengthening and elastic specifications of wood, which is used at the glued constructions. Participants will appreciate the results of hands on experience and will discuss the modernized conception of the normative documents.

On the second day, the Session of the Council of the Association Partnership is mapped out. During the meeting, the admission ceremony of the new members into the Nonprofit partnership of the Association of Wood Housing, discussion of the work of expert council at the State Duma and opportunity of the further collaboration and organization of the business program of the Association Collective Stand HOLZHAUS (November of 2011, Moscow) are planned. According to organizer, the project approval of the students contest regulations is one of the main issue, �AWH �projects 2011�- and after is planned the meeting with Volodga regional representatives.

At the enlarged session of the Partnership Council will take part the enterprises of the Association of Wood Housing and invited guests.

Information
Sokolsky dock � has entered at the membership of the group Investlesprom-the major timber processing holding company, of the European part of Russia. All technological chain of manufacture of the glued production is made at its own group enterprises and is certified by European standards. Logging group structures situated at the North of Russia (Karelia, Arkhangelskaya and Vologodskaya oblast). All production chain of wooden supply �from supplier to consumer� is certified by the standard FSC (SW-COC-004181/SW-CW-004181).

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

THE GERMAN FURNITURE INDUSTRY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The international furniture trade is steadily increasing because of the ongoing globalisation and as a result of more and more national markets opening up. Experts forecast that cross-border trade figures will rise from US$82 billion to US$92 billion. Trading networks are expanding worldwide and the volume of furniture produced for export continues to rise. The furniture market has become now international.
Germany is the most important furniture market in Europe. On average, Germans spend about � 500 per year on decorating their homes, from which � 360 for new furniture. This puts Germany at the top of the worldwide list when it comes to purchases of furniture per capita. Thus, the development of the German furniture industry gives cause for optimism. Sector turnover totalled �17.2 billion in 2005, up by 1.9 per cent compared to the previous year. Currently the 1,125 companies of the German furniture industry employ 105,000 people.

Source: http://www.hdh-ev.de

The energies paradox

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The price of the energies, particularly the oil and gas � oil, has increased in private and public environment. Therefore, the interest shown in firewood is higher enough.
In the last months, the professionals from the furniture industry and constructions have suffered the loss in France, Germany and Austria. In France and other developed countries, the use of renewable energies is encouraged. Besides, the governments of those countries have already taken some measures concerning the ecological constructions. But, these measures are compromised because there is the context of deforestations that are worrying at a global level, the offer for wood being under pressure.
This thing reminds us the fact that the resources of our planet are not unlimited and their management is representing a challenge for the future.

Source: http://www.moneyweek.fr

The Global Forest Industry This Quarter

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Global timber markets
The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) reached a new all-time high of US$92.27/m3 in the 2Q/11. This was 5.6 percent more than the previous quarter, and an almost 20% jump from a year ago. The GSPI has gone up every quarter since the 1Q/09 when the Index was at $66.10/m3. This almost 40% increase in two years is due not only to the weakening of the US dollar against all other currencies in the Index, but also to the higher costs of logs in local currencies.

Global pulpwood price
Wood fiber costs for the global pulp industry have trended upward for over two years. The Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) reached $109.52/odmt in the 2Q/11, a 3.7 percent increase from the previous quarter and a 23% increase from Global Wood Fiber Price Indices 1988 - 2Q/2011 two years ago. In local currencies, fiber prices increased the most in the US Northwest, Western Canada, Russia and Finland. The weakening US dollar against most global currencies resulted in higher fiber prices in all regions covered by the WRQ in US dollar terms.
The Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) reached a new all-time-high in the 2Q at $116.44/odmt, which was 5.5 % higher than the 1Q/11 and almost 27% higher than in early 2009. Recently, hardwood prices have increased the most in Indonesia, Finland, Russia and Brazil.

Global pulp markets
Global pulp markets continued to be surprisingly strong in the 2Q/11, setting record high prices for most market pulp grades. The NBSK pulp prices ranged between $1010/ton and $1040/ton both in Europe and in North America, while prices in China were around $850- 930/ton. Global production of market pulp was up as much as eight percent during the first five months of this year compared to 2010. The highest increase occurred in Latin America; the gain in Europe was somewhat smaller.

Global lumber markets
Lumber exports from the Nordic countries slowed during spring, and prices fell slightly. The average export prices of lumber from Finland and Sweden have fallen from last fall and were 3-6 percent lower in April than in October of last year. Lumber production in the US fell by 13 percent from March to April because of slowing domestic demand, and the average operating rate for US sawmills was down to 67%. With the persistent weak demand for lumber in the US, sawmills in Eastern Canada continue to struggle, as they are so dependent on the health of the US market for their survival. The operating rate so far in 2011 has been only 55% of capacity. Lumber imports to China continue to set new records. During the first five months of 2011, the importation of softwood lumber was up 72% from the same period last year.

Global biomass markets
Prices for woody biomass, including mill residues and forest residues, increased slightly in all major biomass-consuming regions of the US in the 2Q. Pellet prices in Europe were unchanged or slightly lower in the 2Q as compared to the 1Q, but the long-term trends are still upward with prices being close to record levels. Asian demand for biomass energy is finally beginning to emerge. Japan, China and South Korea has recently announced policies to increase the use of biomass.

Global timber market and forest industry reporting is included in the 52-page publication the Wood Resource Quarterly. The report, established in 1988 and with subscribers in over 25 countries, tracks sawlog, pulpwood, lumber and pellet prices in most key regions around the world. The report also includes regular updates of the latest developments in international timber, pulp, lumber and biomass markets.

Fimma Valencia 2011

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Fimma Valencia 2011
Trade fair for woodworking
Date: 25.10.2011 - 28.10.2011
Audience:
professional visitors and general public
Cycle:
every two years
Fair location:
Feria de Valencia
Avda. de las Ferias s/n
46035 Valencia, Spain

Fimma is an international trade fair of woodworking machinery and tools and the leading fair of its kind in Spain. It presents all the latest innovations and new introductions in the market of machinery and products for the wood industry. The profile of visitors covers the whole spectrum within the carpentry, joinery, furniture and building sector. They can see demos of machinery in operation and live applications of raw materials. Fimma is held in conjunction with Maderalia, the international supplies fair for the wood and furniture industry.

Source: http://www.messeninfo.de

Ligno Novum-Wood Tech wood industry and forestry exhibition in Sopron, Hungary

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The new date: 15-18 May, 2012
Ligno Novum � Woodtech as the only international exhibition in Hungary for wood industry and forestry, will be organized next to the International Industrial Exhibition, Industria.

Technical information:

Location of exhibition: Hungexpo Budapest Exhibition Centre
10. Albertirsai str., Budapest, District X.
Date of exhibition: 15-18 May 2012. (Tuesday-Friday)
Opening hours: daily 10:00 to 18:00.

List of products:

- Wood processing centres
- CNC technologies
- Electrical hand-operated machinery
- Manual and powered tools
- Raw materials
- Furniture parts and accessories
- Surface-finishing equipment, materials and technologies
- Accessories for doors and windows
- Joinery techniques
- Compressed air tools
- Energy and heating technology
- Planning and production software
- Primary wood-processing machinery
- Forestry machinery and tools.

General information:

- 20 years of tradition
- Ligno Novum - WoodTech is the only international wood industry and forestry exhibition in Hungary
- European-standard exhibition space
- 200 domestic and foreign traders and producers are represented, along with almost 300 brands
- 12 000 - 15 000 professional visitors over a period of 4 days
- 85% of the visitors are wood industry/forestry professionals
- This is the exhibition for decision makers.

Source: http://www.lignonovum.hu

BIFE-TIMB Bucharest - International Fair of Furniture and wood products, furniture fittings, interior decorations, machinery and equipment for logging and wood processing

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

BIFE - International Fair of Furniture and wood products, furniture fittings, interior decorations, machinery and equipment for logging and wood processing
August 31 to September 4 - 2011, Romexpo Exhibitions Centre

This fair aims to bring together and promote special offers and trends in the market. At the same time the fair will be a meeting place for both producers and distributors of furniture, as well as manufacturers and distributors of technology equipment for the logging and wood processing, offering everyone the chance to meet and discuss new strategies business, partnerships and collaborations.

Main product groups:
- Furniture
- Office Furniture
- Chairs, armchairs, sofas, mattresses
- Decoration of interior / exterior
- Furniture for public spaces
- Wooden Buildings
- Accessories and auxiliary materials for the furniture industry
- Technologies and equipment for farm forestry, wood processing and treatment
- Technologies, equipment for furniture production
- Technologies and equipment for the production of energy from wood and wood waste
- Ecological and environmental protection in forest farms and affected areas.

Source: www.bife.ro

The 5th International Woodfibre Resources and Trade Conference

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The 5th International Woodfibre Resources and Trade Conference is expected to entice many prominent forestry and forest industry people to Singapore in October/November 2011.
The four previous Conferences (Montevideo in 2005, Melbourne in 2007, Singapore 2008, Brazil 2010) were highly successful, bringing together several hundred delegates from more than 30 countries, primarily focused on plantation resource development and the international trade in woodchips and woody biofuels (woodchips and pellets).

Woodchips and biomass for global markets
The Conference will focus on:
� Outlook for the international pulp markets
� International woodfibre (pulpwood and biomass) price trends and outlook
� What is the role for dedicated wood energy plantations in Europe, South America and USA?
� Discussions on the woodfibre supply and demand; and outlook worldwide
� Transportation impact on international woodchip and biomass trade
� Biomass and pulpwood plantation investment analysis: Global comparison and prominent speakers have already been invited to address these topics and many more.

Source: http://www.woodfibreconference.com

Woodworking 2011

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Dear friends,

We would like to draw your kind attention to the upcoming 18th International specialized Exhibition for timber, woodworking and furniture industry Woodworking 2011, which will be held in Minsk, Belarus from October 25 - 28, 2011. Traditionally, machinery, equipment, instrument and technologies for woodworking and furniture production are being remained as one of the main themes of the Exhibition. Also one of the fair sections will be given to the furniture components, accessories and materials. Besides the main theme, the specialized Salon "Bioenergy" will be presented at the exhibition which is devoted to the bio-fuel production and incineration technologies and equipment as well as to general problems of finding alternative energy sources.
Organizer: the exhibition company �MinskExpo�, JSC (Belarus)
Co-organizer: the exhibition company IFWExpo (Germany) under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Economics & Technology (BMWi) ) in cooperation with the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) supported by VDMA - German Engineering Federation German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers` Association.

More information at the website: http://woodworking.minskexpo.com
and by the phone + 375 172 26 90 83

Business meetings dedicated to all professionals from the wood industry 100% Wood

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arfobois Association organizes these meetings on 20th of October, in B�ziers and they are dedicated to carpenters, manufacturers and users of wooden products etc.
Their purpose is finding new partners in order to develop a local offer, the awareness of local products and searching for new clients, prospective suppliers. The main purpose of this event is to strengthen the commercial circuits of the local wood industry and it is dedicated to all professionals who are working, selling or using wooden products.
There are around 8 meeting / day.

Source: http://www.arfobois.com

An ecological house, built on maritime pine

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

An ecological house, built on maritime pine, has been launched in Carcans (a village in France, Aquitaine).
This type of construction is part of the project concerning the sustainable development and it participates in the economical development of the local wood industry. The maritime pine is viewed as a future species because it responds the stakes of our century by absorbing and stocking the carbon dioxide, one of the most important gases responsible for the greenhouse effect and global warming. The representatives of the village are encouraging this project.
To Pascale Got �this type of construction is more than favorable to wood industry, which suffers of lack of dynamism. The mare of the village Carcans, Henri Sabarot, has enhanced the fact that this village is one of the most important forested villages and �these constructions are being perfect integrated in the local tourism.

Source: http://www.sudouest.fr

WOODEX - informed decisions and professional discoveries!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

It�s no secret that the woodworking industry today is one of the competitive advantages in the Russian economy. The potential resources and opportunities in this sector are extremely high, providing ideal foundations for the development of woodworking factories in Russia.
The openness and willingness of companies to respond to the current needs of the market, develop internal capabilities and increase professionalism amidst the difficult conditions of the economic downturn are evidence of a new phase in the development of the woodworking industry. It will be possible to assess the scale of the future changes and opportunities at the WOODEX exhibition, which will take place form 29 November to 2 December at Crocus Expo.
WOODEX is a major international trade exhibition in Russia, which presents all the main international manufacturers of machinery and equipment for the woodworking and furniture industry; house building; primary and secondary processing of raw timber; logging; and forestry.
Since 2005, the exhibition has been supported by the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS), which is evidence of the high professional level of the event.

A huge choice for unlimited possibilities
The economic downturn has been a real test for timber companies and at the same time a period for addressing practical problems in the industry. In light of this, the role of the WOODEX exhibition, as an innovative platform to promote in the Russian market advanced resource-saving technologies for woodworking, wooden house construction and furniture production, cannot be overstated. The equipment presented at the exhibition helps Russian manufacturers increase their competitiveness, which, in turn, helps to increase the output of products with high added value.

In an area of more than 25,000m�, 400 leading international companies will demonstrate effective technologies and approaches to production in various sectors of the timber industry. As usual, the exhibition will feature major national stands of Italian (Hall 1), German (Hall 2), and French, Czech, Turkish, Austrian and Russian equipment manufacturers and dealers (Halls 3 and 4). Visitors to WOODEX will have a unique opportunity to purchase equipment from leading international manufacturers, without leaving Russia: 55 companies from Germany (Homag Group, IMA Klessmann, Siempelkamp, Vollmer, Weinig, Wilhelm Altendorf and others); 6 from Austria (Schelling, Felder Group, Paul Ott and others); 50 from Italy (SCM Group, GRIGGIO, BIESSE SPA, KOIMPEX SRL and others); 8 from France; and 13 from Spain. All the exhibiting companies will show and talk about their equipment. Leading companies in the industry �including SKYDUNA, VITA Group, Global Edge, Dukon, Intervesp, Kami, MDM-Techno, Negotiant, Wintersteiger and AkzoNobel - will present new lines of equipment and innovative technology for all types of businesses. Companies will offer comprehensive engineering solutions for the design and modernisation of businesses according to individual customer needs.

Innovations for woodworking
Timber processing in Russia should become an innovative industry, said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaking at a meeting of timber industry professionals in September 2010. Today, the industry is clearly demonstrating a move towards resource-saving and innovative technologies that meet strict environmental standards. The WOODEX exhibitors support these standards and have expressed serious intentions to occupy leading positions in the future economy of Russia. This is evidenced by the issues raised by companies in the exhibition�s business programme, which includes three days of professional conferences and seminars. Last year�s conference on �Bioenergy in the timber industry� looked at issues such as deriving profit from recycling wood waste, production technologies and trends in the wood pellets and briquettes market, and selection criteria for biofuel boiler equipment. The search for innovative solutions for the development of the timber industry takes centre stage in a number of current industry issues.

The exhibition will also include the 6th Woodworking Leader International Competition, the goal of which is to encourage businesses to actively promote their innovative technologies solutions for the timber industry. Special attention at the exhibition is always given to the latest developments of Russian scientists. The development of production in Russia continues to be a priority for the industry, so the value of Russian engineering is particularly high.

WOODEX promotes the establishment of new business contacts, investment in woodworking, introduction of know-how and modernisation of domestic timber businesses, as well as contributing to the development of deep timber processing in the country and the increased competitiveness of Russian products.

If your factory needs support or you are planning to open a new business area, the WOODEX exhibition is a reliable and proven business partner for all those whose work is related to wood.

Organiser - MVK, part of ITE Group

11th Pellets Industry Forum

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The international market for pellets technology has been growing year after year. The international pellet fuel trade ist also steadily increasing. The strong increase in demand represents a challenge for the pellets industry, since this growth has to be serviced, and requires sound action and investment decisions to be taken. Information on the development of the individual markets is an important prerequisite for this.
The 11th Pellets Industry Forum, which takes place from October 4-5, 2011, in Stuttgart, Germany, provides an ideal platform for the dissemination of such information. It offers pellets industry stakeholders from all over the world a platform for knowledge transfer and networking. Over 500 experts and decision makers from over 30 nations are expected to take part in 2011.
Core points of the Pellets Industry Forum are:
� National and international market developments
� Political and legal conditions
� Industrial research and development
� Natural resources, availability and processing
� Quality management
� Pellet fuel logistics
� Financing concepts
� Innative marketing and sales concepts
� Pilot scheme and demonstration projects.

Source: http://www.pelletsforum.de

North American wood pellet capacity set to increase to serve markets in Europe and Asia, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

European demand for wood pellets has to a large extent, driven the expansion of pellet capacity in both the US and Canada the past five years. The North American Wood Fiber Review reports that in coming years, it is likely that demand for pellets will increase not only in Europe, but also in Asia and North America, which will generate new opportunities for pellet producers, particularly in Western Canada and Eastern US.

Seattle, USA. A number of new wood pellet plants in the US and Canada are set to commence operations during 2011, with more plants planned in the coming years. With the additional capacity coming on line, the industry is eyeing the growing demand in four regions � Europe, Asia, and to a lesser extent the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada and Northeastern US. The existing coal-fired energy sector in the US South remains a potent, yet unrealized market to date. Federal policies in the US that restrict the emissions of CO2 gases would ultimately benefit the pellet industry in North America, as many coal plants would likely begin using pellets for co-firing as is the case in Europe. These changes would drastically alter existing pellet flows and production plans.

Europe has, by far, been the largest export market for North American pellet producers for a number of years, shipping nearly 1.5 million metric tons in 2010, as reported in the North American Wood Fiber Review. The most significant potential for increased wood pellet utilization, both short and long term, will continue to be in this region, as the European Union�s 27 member countries have a goal of sourcing 20 percent of the Union�s total energy needs with renewable sources by 2020. In 2008, biomass utilized in the EU provided 80 million tons of oil equivalents (mtoe), and the European Commission estimates that this consumption may increase to 140 mtoe by 2020. In addition, Germany�s recently declared goal to totally eliminate its nuclear power industry by 2022 will increase the country�s demand for renewable energy, including woody biomass in the future. Other countries, including Italy, Finland, Poland and Switzerland are starting to question the viability of nuclear power as a future source of energy.

Asian demand for biomass energy is finally beginning to emerge, and shows signs of significant potential growth. South Korea has recently announced policies to increase the portion of energy consumption from renewable sources, including woody biomass. The country�s new Renewable Portfolio Standard calls for reducing green house gases by 30 percent by 2020, while concurrently increasing its use of wood pellets to five million tons in ten years. Japan�s confidence in nuclear power has continued to plummet since the Fukushima nuclear plant crisis in early 2011, which will likely result in an increase in woody biomass usage as a portion of a larger renewable energy portfolio in the next few years.

The growing European and Asian demand for wood bioenergy is being answered by a number of US and Canadian companies already engaged in or moving towards an expanding export market. Besides British Columbia, which has been the major supplier of pellets to Europe, the US South has recently witnessed the opening of a few large pellet plants with plans to ship a majority of their production to European consumers.

There is much uncertainty regarding future energy policies worldwide but one thing is undeniable � pellet demand in Europe, Asia and perhaps also in the US will be experiencing dramatic growth over the next five years.

The North American Wood Fiber Review is the only publication that tracks prices of biomass, wood chips, pulpwood and sawlogs in the US and Canada. The 36-page market report was established over 20 years ago and includes prices and market commentary for 15 regions on the continent.

The 8th International Specialized Exhibition WOODEN CONSTRUCTION. Technologies, equipment, constructions and materials, wood preservatives - October 4 - 6, 2011

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Today, the most attention is paid to a comfort and convenient life environment. This need can be efficiently achieved due to the surrounded area integrated development and environment friendly construction of wooden housing which meets all the modern world standards.

The exhibition WOODEN CONSTRUCTION. Technologies, equipment, constructions and materials, wood preservatives demonstrates advanced technologies and developments, building and finishing materials and structures.
1. What technologies and materials are the most popular today?
2. Which houses considered to be the most popular � Russian and foreign?
3. What is the level of competitiveness in the market of wooden housing today?

Look for the answers of the questions at the Wooden Construction 2011 Exhibition!

During its history the Exhibition has become a real link between forestry representatives, construction companies and furniture industry representatives, architect bureau and private customers. The event will be held within the framework of St. Petersburg International Forestry Forum that provides all the participants with an opportunity to present their products to extended business societies and establish profitable business relations.

Participation at the Wooden Construction Exhibition is an effective solution for such issues as:
- Raising awareness of the company
- Attracting potential consumers
- Strengthening relations with existing partners
- Defining new potential markets
- Defining the company status in the competitive environment
- Defining the market state and demands.

Traditionally, the International Specialized Exhibition Wooden Construction gives an opportunity to meet partners, clients and other players of the market! You will have an opportunity to meet you potential consumer face to face! We invite you to become participants and partners of the 8th International Specialised Exhibition Wooden Construction 2011!

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

The Mysteries of Forest: a documentary that celebrates the International Year of Forests

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Berne, August 8, 2011 - The Mysteries of Forests is the title of the documentary realized on the occasion of the International Year of Forests. The preview of the movie took place on 10th of August 2011, at the open-air cinema, Lucerne.
This documentary tells the story of 4 people gathered in forest over the seasons. The Swiss forest is being worked, but at the same time, is being protected and kept. It is useful as a relaxing space and it supplies wood and drinking water. Exceptional and spectacular images had been shot in the forests of Switzerland.
From now on, the movie will be projected in theatres all over the country.

Source: http://www.news.admin.ch

Branchentag Fair

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The 10th edition Branchentag, held in November 2009 in Koln, has again successfully. The 11th edition will take place on November 2 and 3, 2011. Here, you can meet representatives of the wood industry from all the countries.
About Branchentag:
� 2 days of exhibition
� Products such as parket, doors, wood / wood products, timber garden etc.
� Services from A to Z
� Stands from 12 to 96 m2
� Interesting specialised conferences.

Source: www.branchentag.de

North American wood pellet capacity set to increase to serve markets in Europe and Asia, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

EGGER CELEBRATES ITS 50TH BIRTHDAY

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The tyrolean wood-based material manufacturer pursued for 50 years its motto "more from wood".
The family company EGGER has developed over the past five decades from a small chipboard plant in St. Johann in the Tyrol into one of the leading wood-based material manufacturers. Fritz Egger sen. set the corner stone in 1961 for an internationally orientated family company, which is regionally rooted. Today, around 6,500 employees are working in 22 countries worldwide for EGGER, head quarters being in St. Johann in Tirol.
We value personal relationships and manufacture tangible products. EGGER stands for innovation just as much as for reliability,� said Michael Egger. Since 2009, Group Management consists of Walter Schiegl, head of Production/Technology EGGER Group, Thomas Leissing, head of Finance/Administration EGGER Group and Ulrich B�hler, head of Marketing/Sales EGGER Group.
From the beginning, the wood-based material manufacturer regarded its employees as the central factor for the success of the entire company. EGGER therefore, accordingly pays alot of attention to giving employees prospects. EGGER is deemed to be an employer where a multitude of career possibilities are provided. �We from EGGER are the sum of our workers. Many of our managers started as apprentices here�, revealed Walter Schiegl, head of Production/Technology EGGER Group, who he himself also started as an apprentice at EGGER.

ABOUT EGGER
The Tyrolean family company with around 6,500 employees and turnover of approximately EUR 1.8 billion has 17 production plants in seven countries across Europe. EGGER supplies its products to the furniture industry, wood distributors, cabinetmakers, flooring installers and carpenter trades as well as wood construction companies, pre-fabricated home manufacturers and DIY markets. 22 sales offices and an international network of distribution partners ensure the worldwide distribution of EGGER products. These are found in many different areas of private and public life: in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, living rooms and bedrooms. Following the guiding principle �More from Wood�, the Tyrolean wood processor offers a comprehensive product range of wood-based materials, timber and laminate flooring under the EGGER umbrella brand.

Fourth German WPC Congress to Break Records

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Growth trend of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) continues at a double-digit rate. Market players` power of innovation has been proven to be a reliable door-opener to new applications and markets. But what moves this industry? What are existing barriers and how can they be overcome? The Fourth German WPC Congress, taking place in Cologne, Germany, 13-14 December 2011, will discuss these questions and expand its position as the European lead congress of the branch. The organizer "Nova-Institut for Ecology and Innovation" expects more than 300 participants from Germany and abroad to discuss actual challenges and solutions across the entire WPC value chain.
The congress embeds Europe`s biggest WPC exhibition with around 30 companies and scientific institutions.
A traditional highlight will be the WPC Innovation Award, honoring breakthrough results in the areas of application, material and process. The organizer offers an early bird discount until 31st of August.

More information on programm, exhibitors and participants is available on http://www.wpc-congress.com.

The wooden houses are in trend

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The wooden structure of a house is very durable. The wood, as a raw material, is a renawable resource. For each fell tree more trees are planted. There are different types of wood construction: wooden frame houses or massive constructions. The wooden houses have good insulation: the heat remains inside the house. Heating is also based on renewable raw materials.
It is a step forward if you take the decision to build a wooden house. Usually, the suppliers offer more prefabricated wooden houses. These offers are good enough.
Quality before all! Even if the construction of a wooden house seems more expensive at the first sight, it is saving energy and money.

Source: www.relevant.at

Jobs in the wood industry

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

From 10 until 22 October 2011 the Job Days from the wood industry are organized in Salzburg and Tyrol. Teachers and students will be able to consult and to work in this area, various activities - about 2 half hours of activity. Young people will be able to engage in those days.
The ingenious days from wood industry are in collaboration with proHolz Salzburg and proHolz Tyrol. This program was developed in partnership with the University of Salzburg and Tyrol and Kuchl Holztechnikum. This is backed up by school councils of these cities.

Source: www.schule.at

Supply, demand, logistics and pricing of pulpwood and biomass will be the focus at the 5th International Woodfibre Resource and Trade Conference in Singapore

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Global demand for wood fiber for both pulp manufacturing and renewable energy increased during 2010 and 2011. Worldwide trade of wood chips in 2010 was up 24 percent because of increased production of pulp and paper products worldwide; China showed the greatest growth in chip imports, with an increase over 400 percent in the past two years. Australia continues to be the chip major exporter, and shipped 11 percent more in 2010 than 2009.

Consumption and trade of biomass in the form of wood pellets has also gone up dramatically the past few years. In 2010, the estimated global consumption of wood pellets was 13 million tons, a doubling in four years.

These trends raise a number of questions about the future supply, trade and pricing of wood fiber:
- How will demand for wood fiber for pulp manufacturing and energy generation develop in China and Japan?
- What is the wood supply outlook in Australia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa?
- Which regions in the world have the most competitive wood fiber prices?
- What are the latest developments in the supply/demand balance of woody biomass in Europe?
- Will newly established energy plantations meet increases in demand for energy wood fiber?
- What new woodfiber supply projects globally have recently started up, or are planned?

These questions, among others, will be answered by industry experts at the upcoming 5th International Woodfibre Resource and Trade Conference, which will be held in Singapore on October 30 - November 2, 2011. The conference is organized by DANA Ltd., Pike y Compania, and Wood Resources International LLC. As of June 30th, delegates from 26 countries have registered to attend the conference.

As always, the focus of these International Pulpwood Conferences will be to not only to educate, but to provide unique networking opportunities between wood fiber suppliers, consumers, traders and shipping companies from around the world. For registration and for more information about this exciting opportunity to meet with participants in the global forest industry and biomass sectors and to hear about the latest developments in international trade of wood fiber please visit the official website.

Forests from Here and Somewhere Else Exhibition

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The parks Lyon � Albigny and Lyon � Sainte-Foy are proposing the visitors a thematic exhibition - Forests from Here and Somewhere Else, between 10th of July and 31st of August.
The exhibition has the purpose to allow visitors traveling through forests from all over the world guided from beautiful pictures, which represent the plurality of forests and, in the same time and make them aware in regard to the stakes of the forests. Three themes will be approached on this occasion: �forest and its stakes�, �forest and its dangers� and �forest, lung of our planet�.
The economical stakes are so important: the forestry, the energy, the furniture and the construction are all related to wood and forest industry. The social stakes are also important: the forests represent a place to relax. Moreover, the forests are playing an essential part in maintaining the ecosystems` balance: biodiversity and the production of drinking water. More than a quarter of metropolitan French territory is covered by forests, which complete the landscape.

Source: http://www.lyon-communiques.com

Oak seedling given to aware the members of Parliament

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Paris � The private foresters, which own almost three quarters from the French massif, have alerted the members of Parliament concerning the lack of necessary ways to assure the renewal of French forest. The alarm signal was addressed by offering an oak seedling to each of them. �Our resentment is deep when we see the forest treated only as a fiscal inheritance, and not as an economical, ecological and social asset that must be valued�, has declared the president of F�d�ration des forestiers priv�s de France, Henri Plauche Gillon.
On this occasion, the president added that �the demand of wood is developing, the energetic need will be considerable, and the wood industry has a future�.

Source: http://www.romandie.com/news

Holzhaus 2012

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Between 9th and 13th of April, 2012 in the modern exhibition center of the northeast region of Moscow will take place the 16th edition of the International Specialized Exhibition "Construction of wooden houses - Holzhaus".
Holzhaus is the most important Russian exhibition dedicated to the construction of wooden houses. It brings together builders, architects, designers, manufacturers of building materials, finish materials and protection materials, engineering components and equipment. The exhibition is supported by the Association of Wood Housing (St. Petersburg). On this occasion, there will be the most important conferences.

Organizer: MVK International Exhibition Company in the Group of companies ITE.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

The budget of Russian Federation is cracking under public spending

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

On 7th July 2011, the Finance Ministry of Russian Federation presented the fiscal policy outline for next year and for the time period through 2014 for approval. The top news: �The budget�s deficit will still running not only in the next 3 years, but also in 2015�. Thus, the goal of balancing the budget in the post-crisis period which the government had set for itself remains unaccomplished.
At a governmental meeting, Finance Minister Aleksey Kudrin presented the draft outline of the country�s main financial plan for the next three years. The fiscal policy outline contains dry assertions regarding the current economic status in Russia, as well as a forecast for its development through 2014. In essence, there is nothing fundamentally new in these assessments. Many of last year�s estimates remain the same � in particular inflation, which is expected to amount to 6 percent in 2012, 5.5 percent in 2013 and 5 percent in 2014. The same applies to the forecast for the dollar exchange rate: 27.9 rubles per $1 in 2012 and 2013, and 28 rubles per $1 in 2014.
Federal budget earnings and spending were slightly corrected. Next year revenues are expected to equal 10.6 trillion rubles. In the future, they are predicted to rise by approximately 1 trillion rubles a year � which, however, does not cover expenses. In 2012, public spending should amount to almost 12.2 trillion rubles, in 2013 around 13.42 trillion rubles, and in 2014 just below 14.3 trillion rubles. Thus, for the next two years the country will continue running a budget deficit at 2.7 percent of GDP, and by the end of three years it will amount to 2.3 percent of GDP. A balance between government spending and state revenues calls for a steadily high price of oil � at approximately $125 per barrel.

Source: www.inforusia.ro, www.ng.ru, www.rt.com

The 4th German WPC-Congress, the European lead congress of the WPC-industry!

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

For the Fourth time already, nova-Institut GmbH is organising the German WPC congress, on the 13th and 14th December 2011. It will take place at the great hall in the Maritim hotel in Cologne. A large exhibition, the awarding of two innovation awards and activities of trade associations are framing this biggest european WPC-event. The congress predominantly picks up topics of the German-speaking WPC industry, but the speakers, exhibitors and participants are international � all talks will be translated simultaneously. 300 participants from several countries visited the �3rd German WPC congress� in 2009 and made it the biggest meeting point for the industry in Europe.
WPC in brief
WPC or �Wood Plastic Composites� are composites that are typically made from wood flour (up to 80%) and plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene plus additives like adhesive agents, UV-protectors and pigments. The most important market for WPC are deckings, where WPC currently hold a market share of about 6%, with a high potential for growth, especially as a substitute for tropical wood. A significant rise has also taken place in applications for the furniture industry where for example several chairs and shelving systems are available already.
The production in Europe has now grown to 120.000 t/a in the building and furniture industry alone, plus 50.000 t per year for use in the automotive industry. This makes WPC one of the most important and successful new biomaterials. Leading WPC-producing countries and regions are Germany, Austria, The Benelux and Scandinavia.

Source: http://www.wpc-kongress.de

Black day for the wood industry

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Klausner Holz Th�ringen GmbH buy the sawmill in Domat / Ems. They want to demolish and build another one, in other part. It was decided the fate of the Domat / Ems sawmill. The company Klausner Holz Th�ringen GmbH was present at the auction with a price of 20.05 million francs. The company will be demolished in about half a year.
Less wood for Egger
Egger � the trolean company that wanted to buy the sawmill in Domat did not increase the offer price of 17.18 million francs. Egger said: "The amount of wood will not ensure a future economic operation" and so they will lose.

Source: http://www.suedostschweiz.ch

Passerelles RD meetings dedicated to professionals from the wood industry

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

La Miariade and the association ProfessionsBois have organized on 5th of July 2011 the meetings Passerelles R&D dedicated to professionals from the wood industry.
This event had the advantage of presenting new products and meeting experts and companies from this industry. The forest and wood industry from Basse-Normandie represents 3000 companies. Mixing the traditional with modernity, using the wood is in the parting of the environment and territorial stakes.
The objective of these meetings is double:
- discovering the ways and innovations in order to value the wood
- allowing companies and centers of technological innovation to meet face to face in order to develop new partnerships and to realize commercial, industrial and scientific projects.

Source: http://actus.calvados-strategie.com

Tips for the construction of a wooden terrace

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Who wants to build a wooden terrace must choose very carefully the wood species and also the wood protection. Never sit wood panels above. It retains heat and promotes growth of microorganisms, destroying the wood.
Build an airly structure that can dry quickly and well. The wood must be on the floor: 30/40 cm is a good distance. Above structure can be coated sheet metal or foil. The distances must be also wide in order to prevent the leaves (moisture problem!).
So advises Heribert Hegedys the architect of the House of biology Graz.

Source: http://www.kleinezeitung.at

The regional agreement to the benefit of wood and forest industry for 2011-2013

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Philippe Richert, the minister of territorial collectivities and the president of Alsace and the president Fibois Alsace, Jean Maegey have signed on 4th of June a regional agreement of purposes to the benefit of wood and forest industry for 2011-2013.
In a press release, it is mentioned the fact that Alsatian forest takes over 38% the regional surface and 20.600 companies are working in this industry. This agreement proposes a plan of actions which contains 3 important directions: the sustainable resource management, supporting and consolidating the competitiveness of professionals from this industry and assuring new markets.
According to numbers, wood industry generates a turnover of 3,5 milliards euros in 2006 and 235.000 hectares from the region are certificated according PEFC label.

Source: http://www.actu-environnement.com

Pulpwood prices in Western US were up almost 50 percent in 2Q of 2011 compared to 2Q of 2010, while wood prices were unchanged in the US South, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood costs for pulp mills in Western US have increased over the past 12 months, reaching their highest level since early 2008 in the 2Q/11, reports the American Wood Fiber Review. Pulp mills in the US South have slightly lower wood costs than they did in 2010, and continue to have the lowest fiber costs in North America.

Seattle, USA. Pulp mills in the Western US have seen their wood costs go up for four consecutive quarters, and this region, together with Quebec, had the highest 2Q/11 wood fiber costs in North America, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR).

Douglas-fir and hemlock residual chip prices in the US Northwest were up 42 percent between 2Q/10 and 2Q/11, reaching their highest levels since early 2008. Pulplog prices have increased more than for wood chips, reaching a 16-year high in the 2Q/11. Historically, the region�s pulp industry has relied on 70-80 percent sawmill residuals for its fiber furnish, but in 2011, softwood residuals accounted for approximately 55 percent of the softwood fiber receipts as reported by the Forest Products Association, with the remaining being chips manufactured from roundwood.

The current price surge in Western US has been the result of four primary factors: sawmill lumber production well below historical volumes, high pulpmill production due to strong product prices, a reopened pulpmill in the state of Washington, and strong Chinese demand for logs.

Violent storms in Mississippi and Alabama, flooding along the Mississippi River and wildfires primarily in Georgia and Texas interrupted the regular flow of wood fiber in the US South during the 2Q. The extreme conditions resulted in curtailments of a few pulpmills and chipping facilities and temporary reductions in fiber demand. To some extent, this balanced out the reduction in pulpwood production. While salvaging is difficult and more costly than ordinary timber harvesting, the sheer volume of wood that is under pressure to be brought in before it deteriorates will bring a surge of supply to the market.

Softwood and hardwood pulpwood prices in the 2Q were unchanged from the previous quarter, according to NAWFR, but can be expected to decline in the 3Q as a result of the large volume of damaged wood in the region. With other North American regions experiencing significant increases in wood costs in the 2Q, the South�s low, stable wood prices continue to make the region�s pulp industry very competitive.

Advantages of beechwood

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The beechwood is a hardwood species (compressive strength 680 kg / m� and hardness 34 N / mm�), yellow colour. The beech wood it is darker in the darkness. In Switzerland is very easy to find but it must be dried very carefully to avoid defects and fissure. The beech can be cut easily because the structure uniform. It is very suitable for sculpture.
The beech wood is not very durable (Durability class: 5).
In the past the beech was used for food, detergents and fuel. In the 20th century in Europe was used as a substitute for edible oil, coffe consumption or other purposes. The germans carved runic signs (specific characters for germans) of beech wood. From here is the word legend �Buche� meaning �book� in German.

Source: www.holz-portal.ch

Russian Cartel authority approves of Gagarin takeover by EGGER

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

100% of Russian chipboard manufacturer owned by EGGER from 1st July

The Russian cartel authority has approved the takeover of the Russian chipboard manufacturer "OOO Gagarinskiy Fanerniy Zavod" in Gagarin by the EGGER Group. Gagarin, situated 150 km west of Moscow, will thus become the 17th plant in the EGGER Group and EGGER�s second location in Russia. Apart from a raw chipboard production with 500,000 m3 capacity and an upgrading capacity of 20 mill. m2 per year, Gagarin also has a forestry operation with 80,000 hectares. Gagarin employs a total of about 500 employees, who will be joining the EGGER Group. The sales contract was already signed on 20th May 2011, and both parties agreed to maintain confidentiality about the purchase price.

"Russia is counted as being amongst the strategic growth markets for EGGER. The market has also developed well during the economic crisis and still has a large potential", says Thomas Leissing, Head of Finance/Administration and Group Management Spokesman.
"We are very happy to be able to further develop our market position in Russia, but also the neighbouring markets, with a second Russian location", explains Ulrich B�hler, Head of Sales/Marketing and member of the EGGER Group Management. Gagarin was taken into operation in 2009 and is equipped with modern technology. The plant is equipped with a ContiRoll as well as three short-cycle presses. Approximately 50% of the plant�s wood requirement is covered by its own forestry.
EGGER is already represented in Russia since 2005 with a chipboard plant in Shuya. At this site, EGGER manufactures for the Russian market with a capacity of roughly 250,000 m3 and 290 employees. 100% of the production in Shuya is further upgraded to EURODEKOR coated chipboard.

ABOUT EGGER:
With about 6,500 employees and a preliminary turnover of EUR 1.78 billion (2010/2011 business year), the EGGER Group with its headquarters in St. Johann in Tirol is one of the leading international wood processing companies. Founded in 1961, the family company has production plants across Europe and customers around the world including the furniture industry, wood distributors and DIY markets. EGGER products are found in various areas of private and public life: in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, living rooms and bedrooms. Following the guiding principle "More from Wood", the Tyrolean wood processor offers a comprehensive product range of wood-based materials (chipboards, OSB boards and MDF boards), which are upgraded with decors, as well as timber under the EGGER umbrella brand.

GAGARIN � 17th EGGER location
- Russian cartel authority approves of takeover
- With the purchase of "OOO Gagarinskiy Fanerniy Zavod" EGGER obtains a second Russian plant
- 500,000 m� chipboard capacity
- 20 mill. m� coating capacity
- Adjoining forestry operation with about 80,000 hectares
- About 500 employees
- Strengthening of the EGGER market position in Russia
- Exports into neighbouring countries possible

ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY HOUSING FAIR

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY HOUSING FAIR IN M�NTYHARJU from 27th June to 10th July, 2011

THE FAIR AREA
The Holiday Housing Fair will be held in P�hkin�lehto in Pyh�koski, 10 km west of the centre of M�ntyharju. The fair area is located on the shore of Lake Pyh�vesi about 2 km south of the junction of Main Road 5 and Vihannansalmentie road.
Distances from the fair area Honkahimmeli, the world`s largest wooden bridge that is part of a main road, is located approximately 2.3 km away in Vihantasalmi. The distance to Mikkeli, the largest town in the region, is 40 km. The distance to Helsinki is around 180 km.

Source: www.npadd.ru, www.loma-asuntomessut.fi

Pulpwood prices in Western US were up almost 50 percent in 2Q of 2011 compared to 2Q/10, while wood prices were unchanged in the US South, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Eustostat publishes a complete research regarding the European forests

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

On the occasion of the International Year of Forests, Eustostat publishes a complete research regarding the European forests.
In 2010, the forests and the other wooden fields covered 178 millions hectares in the European Union, approx. 40% of its surface. In 2009, the sources of renewable energy provided 9% of total gross energy consumption in the European Union. The wood and wood waste were the first source of renewable energy, almost half of the renewable energy consumption in the European Union.
According to numbers provided by Eurostat, the biggest wooden fields are in Finland, Sweden and Slovenia. In 2010, 6 member states had more than a half of their surfaces covered with forests and wooden fields: Finland (77%), Sweden (76%), Slovenia (63%), Latvia (56%), Spain (55%), Estonia (54%). The less wooden surfaces were found in Malta (less than 0,5%), in Netherlands (11%), In Ireland and in United Kingdom, 12% each and in Denmark (14%).

Source: http://www.enviro2b.com

Advantages of spruce wood

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The spruce is more often used than bread tree (Artocarpus altilis) said the people who work in the timber industry. It`s very productive � transport on wooden pallets, wooden products, timber and also used for manufacture pianos. The spruce is very light (410 kg/m3 Compression strength) and soft (hardness 12N/mm2).
Botanical Name: Picea abies
Is very easy to handle, strong and elastic enough. The spruce dries quickly, the color is white-yellow and closed by the explore to light. It is also very durable. The annual rings of spruce wood that form the marrow, sapwood and heartwood are very visible. Pine is also known as red spruce. The romans, celts and germans decorated in the past their homes with pine branches to drive away the bad spirits and to attract the good spirits.

Technical characteristics:
Gross density: 0,43 g/cm3
Brinell hardness: 12N/mm2
Tangential: 0,27-0,36
Bending strength: 68 N/mm2
Compressive strength: 40 N/mm2
Tensile strength: 80 N/mm2
Calorific value: 20,2 MJ/kg.

Source: http://www.holz-portal.ch

The exhibition Merci la Foret

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The exhibition Merci la For�t will take place between 23rd of May and 29th July and it is included in the promoting acts of forest and wood, with the occasion of International Year of Forests.
This exhibition is holding a whole multimedia campaign and it has as objective the awareness of forest�s importance in planet�s balance, the value of wood and forests trades and the support of wood as renewable material. TV commercials and an exhibition will be part of this campaign. On TV, 8 professionals on this field, among forest owner, the manager of a sawmill, an architect, an elected representative of a forest district, etc. share with the viewers their passion for wood through 30 seconds commercials, broadcasted on France Television channels, for 8 weeks.
A travelling exhibition has the purpose of developing the advantages of wood and it will have the theme: �Wood, resource of �well-being, future, creativity, warmth, life, etc.� it is a simple message, easily to memorize, for the general public.

Source: http://www.maison-foret-bois.fr

Wood costs for pulp manufacturers worldwide are on the rise

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood costs for pulp manufacturers worldwide are on the rise: The Global Wood Fiber Price Index in the 1Q/11 is now 20 percent higher than two years ago, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Wood costs, which account for up 70 percent of production costs when manufacturing pulp, have gone up worldwide the past two years, according to the market report Wood Resource Quarterly. The Global Wood Fiber Price Indices were back to pre-financial crises levels in the 1Q/11.

Seattle, USA. The cost of manufacturing pulp has trended upward in most regions of the world the past two years. Much of the increase has been the result of higher wood fiber costs which, depending on pulp grade and region, currently vary between 48 percent and 72 percent of the total variable production costs, according to Fisher International. The cost of wood is the cost component that often decides a pulp mills` competitive advantage in the global market place. Wood fiber costs (in US dollar terms) have gone up because of high demand due to strong pulp markets, tight supplies of sawmill residues and a weakening US dollar against most other currencies.

Global pulp markets have bucked the trend forecasted by many analysts a year ago. Rather than the predicted retraction in market pulp prices this spring, prices stayed strong and actually increased to record-high levels of over $1000 per ton for softwood market pulp (NBSK) in the month of April.

The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) increased 1.9 percent in the 1Q/11, reaching US$105.60/odmt, the highest level since 3Q/08 just before the financial crises. The SFPI is a weighted average of delivered wood fiber prices for the pulp industry in all regions tracked by the publication Wood Resource Quarterly. These regions together account for 85-90% of the world�s wood-based pulp production capacity. The US Northwest, Europe, Chile, Australia and New Zealand markets saw the biggest softwood fiber price increases in the 1Q/11, while there were only modest price changes in the US South, Canada and Brazil.

The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) was also up 1.9 percent from the 4Q/10, and is now close to an all-time high of US$110.33. Fiber prices were up in many of the same markets as those for softwood fiber, with the highest increases in Europe, Australia and Chile, and only small upward prices adjustments in Canada and Russia. Hardwood fiber costs even declined in the US South. Both the SFPI and HFPI were almost 20 percent higher than two years ago.

During most of the past 23 years since the launching of the wood fiber indices in the Wood Resource Quarterly in 1988, the softwood price index has been higher than the hardwood price. This relationship reversed in late 2008, and the hardwood price index is now 4.5 percent higher than the softwood price index.

The Canadian forest field recovers slowly after the crisis

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

This is the conclusion of a report of Pricewaterhouse Coopers Company, following a conference regarding the forestry field and published on 10th of May, in Vancouver.
An indicator of industry economy shows an important growth, from �3% in 2009 at almost 4% in 2010. The analysts stipulate the trend to create partnerships with professionals from other industries. The energy is one of the fields the most active, using biomass for the power station and producing biofuels. Using wood with other materials opens the way through new utility.
For example, wood compound with chemicals allows the windows production, which preserves better the heat. Another innovation is wood compound with plastic in order to obtain lasting materials.

Source: http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca

The 10-th Jubilee International specialized Trade Fair of machinery and equipment for forestry, woodworking and furniture industry LISDEREVMASH 2011

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The main exhibition event of the woodworking industry of Ukraine - The 10-th Jubilee International specialized Trade Fair of machinery and equipment for forestry, woodworking and furniture industry LISDEREVMASH 2011 will take place between September 20 - 23, 2011. The trade fair is held with 2 year periodicity in Kiev - the capital of Ukraine.
LISDEREVMASH has long since become the traditional meeting place of experts in this field. For four days, the International Exhibition Centre, where the exhibition takes place, becomes the pilgrimage place for those, who are connected with woodworking. Each event is visited by more than 6000 experts, who work in the domain of furniture manufacturing, woodworking, building and timber industry. LISDEREVMASH is the largest branch exhibition of Ukraine, widely acknowledged by foreign and domestic experts. As the most important branch event, the exhibition is supported by the Department for forestry and woodworking of the Ministry of industrial policy of Ukraine, the State Forestry Committee and Association of woodworking equipment manufacturers and suppliers of Ukraine.
Moreover, LISDEREVMASH is the first Ukrainian trade fair that received support of the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers EUMABOIS and branch associations of Germany (VDMA) and Italy (ACIMALL) that are represented by their own national expositions. LISDEREVMASH exhibition is a significant event for domestic woodworking industry because it unites leaders of the branch, 70% of whom are constant participants.
In 2011, companies from Austria, Belarus, Italy, Poland, Germany, Russia, Taiwan, and Ukraine will offer the full spectrum of machinery and equipment for timber industry, primary and secondary processing of wood, furniture industry and concomitant tools, accessories, materials, chemical production, raw materials and services. Except for Ukrainian exhibitors, the exposition of German Pavilion will be large in number. Business program will be full of round tables, conferences, seminars and of course, business-meetings.

Source: http://lisderevmash.ua

Fight for Emser

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The fight is placed on two major timber companies from Austria: Egger and Schweighofer. The highest offer for the company Emser worth 17.13 million francs from the wood company that comes from Austria: Schweighofer. The company is in Vienna and wants to dismantle equipment worth 17.13 million Swiss francs. That said the company spokeswoman Margareta Patzelt against suedostschweiz.ch. The Auction will be held on 27 June.

Source: www.suedostschweiz.ch

Russia has the largest forest area in the world

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

These forests not only have an important role to play for people in the area and irreplaceable indigenous biodiversity, but also a major impact on the global climate system.
Forty percent of Russia's vast forest resource remains inaccessible to logging due to the mountainous landscape and the lack of infrastructure. Where these factors are not a problem for logger, areas are logged heavily and often apparently illegally. This is particularly evident around railroads and population centres and in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Many areas that have been clear cut, and particularly those located on the fragile permafrost north of the Amur River, have become virtual deserts because of the extreme cold and thin soil layers.
Vast amounts of timber are exported from the Russian Far East and Siberia annually. While it is difficult to gather exact export numbers, a clear trend is apparent; the export of raw logs to the Asian-Pacific countries has increased, while the export of sawn wood and wood chips has decreased.

Source: www.illegal-logging.info, www.prinas.org

K3-Cottage - 3D CAD software for Log Home Cabin design

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

K3-Cottage is CAD/CAM software for log home design. K3-Cottage provides a fully integrated solution for all stages of log cabin design and fabrication. All people involved in a project processing have the same data created with K3-Cottage solution. That�s why all potential problems of data loss (when information is gathered manually or from different unconnected applications) are excluded in advance.

K3-Cottage solution provides:
� Reduction of design and technological documentation development cost;
� High speed of manufacture documents creating;
� Accelerates creating new log building;
� High grade of manufacture documents presentation;
� The common information environment provides intensification of work process.

Designer creates a model of a log building. And then K3-Cottage software automatically creates a complete set of documents and an operating program for NC machine tools. K3-Cottage software meets all standards of log home design. And it has a user-friendly interface. K3-Cottage solution is recommended for use in a large variety of log home design organizations and enterprises specializing in manufacture and assemblage of log cabins.

Source: http://www.npadd.ru

RENEXPO SOUTH-EAST EUROPE - for a Powerful Future

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The 4th International Energy Trade Fair of Romania - supports the building up process of a powerful future

RENEXPO� SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, Romania's largest and most important renewable energy and energy efficiency event, comes back with the 4th edition to Palace Hall Bucharest, between the 9th - 11th November 2011. Since 2008 it also became known as one of the biggest energy platforms in the South-East European region and a meeting point in the capital of Romania for key players and experts.

The renewable energy field is a clearly growing industry in Romania. On the one hand the country offers good conditions, on the other hand the increasing demand in the country and in the region represents stimulation for large investments. The number of green certificates traded in March 2011 on the Centralized Green Certificates Market rose with 17.785 units compared to last years statistics.

In the public area the Environment and Forest Ministry approved the financing of the national program regarding the installation of heating systems using renewable energy or supplementing conventional heating systems.

Therefore, RENEXPO� SOUTH-EAST EUROPE is the perfect place to get in contact with experts and key persons from the renewable energy field in Romania. The event brings together for the 4th time from 9th � 11th November 2011 at Palace Hall Bucharest multipliers and actors from the south-eastern European area to a central event.

An increase of over 10% more exhibitors is forecasted in 2011, that will reflect the continuing positive trend of the industry at large. During the three days of the trade fair, 75 exhibitors will inform over 3500 visitors of their innovative products and services in the area of renewable energies and energy efficiency.

The international trade fair expects you with topics like: wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, biogas, heat pump & geothermal energy, energy efficient construction & renovation, energy services, cogeneration and many others. The Wind & Solar Park is a separate trade fair areas, where exhibitors from these fields will gather in order to be found easier by the specialised visitors.

Several accompanying conferences with renewable energy topics: wind energy, solar energy, biomass, hydropower and others will take place as part of the trade fair, where national and international public authorities, associations, scientists and companies present trends, research results, technologies and innovations in their field.

Further information about RENEXPO� SOUTH-EAST EUROPE, from 9th � 11th November 2011 at Palace Hall Bucharest, you can find under www.renexpo-bucharest.com.

Contact and information:
REECO RO Expoziţii S.R.L.
B-dul. Revoluţiei, Nr. 96, Ap. 4, 310025 Arad
Phone: +40 (0) 257-23099 - 9
Fax: +40 (0) 257-23099 - 8
info@reeco.ro
www.reeco.ro

About REECO Group:
The organizer REECO RO Expozitii is part of the REECO Group with headquarters in Germany and subsidiaries in Salzburg, Austria, Brussels, Belgium, Porto, Portugal, Budapest, Hungary and Arad, Romania. Since 1997, about 50,000 experts from 70 countries have attended the trade fairs and conferences organized by REECO. All trade fair dates on www.energy-server.com.

FOREST EUROPE report reveals trends in sustainable management and challenges ahead

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Oslo - June 14, 2011 - FOREST EUROPE report reveals trends in sustainable management and challenges ahead

Europe, the most forest-rich region in the world, represents 25% of our global forest resources. Europe`s expanding forests have a huge potential to mitigate climate change. They provide renewable materials wood and energy, and foster a green economy. Sustainable forest management practices increasingly promote conservation of biodiversity. But, diseases, extreme weather conditions (e.g. storms), and fires also threaten forests. These main results derive from the report on the State of Europe`s Forests 2011, which has been launched today in Oslo, Norway. The launch takes place on the occasion of the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (14 - 16 June 2011). At the conference, ministers responsible for forests, as well as high-level representatives from 46 countries and the European Union meet to take decisions aimed at preserving forests and safeguarding their environmental, societal and economic benefits for present and future generations.

The State of Europe`s Forests 2011 report aims at providing decision makers and the broad public with up-to-date, comprehensive and fact-based information on the status and trends in forests and sustainable forest management in Europe in the period 1990-2010. The report has been jointly prepared by FOREST EUROPE, UNECE and FAO.

The FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference, under Norwegian chairmanship, is the sixth in a row since the ministerial collaboration started in Strasbourg in 1990. Much progress has been made in finding a common policy voice and appropriate action to recognise Europe�s forests as a vital shared resource - not only among the signatory countries but also as a global resource.

Advantages of ash wood

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The ash wood has an average density of 0.69 g/cm2, hard and strong at the same time. Has very good properties of resistance and high elasticity.
Botanical name: Fraxinus excelsior
Other advantages are that it is shrinking but it is not very durable if is exposed to warm or harsh weather. It can dry naturally with no problem but should avoid exposure to high temperatures. Wit the ash wood the people are working very easy. The wood can easily be beaten by nails and glued. The ash wood cand easily be polished. It is resistant to alkalis and acids.
If it is a demand of elasticity, the ash wood is the best. It is used to make tool handles. Compared with beech wood, the ash wood is most important for the production of bent shapes. The wood color is yellowish white and closes to brown.
Gross Density: 0,69 g/ cm2.
Diferential Shrinkage:
- Radial: 0,17�0,21
- Tangential: 0,27�0,38.
Brinell hardness 38 N/mm2.
The ash wood was used as decoration in trains, trams and cars.

Source: http://www.holz-portal.ch

KLAGENFURT International Fair

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

KLAGENFURT International Fair for the forestry, construction, carpentry, transportation and bio-energy will take place beetween August, 30 - September, 2, 2012.
Due to visitors from South-Eastern Europe, the exhibition is seen as an export platform for these growing markets. Their concept is based on this entire value chain of forest management: from wood processing to wood industry equipment and machinery.
About 22,000 visitors from Central and South-Eastern Europe will participate at the 51st KLAGENFURT International Trade Fair for Wood Industry, edition with 452 exhibitors from 22 nations.

Source: www.kaerntnermessen.at

The Global Forest Industry This Quarter

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Excerpts from the 1Q 2011 issue of the Wood Resource Quarterly

Global timber markets

Higher lumber production, increased log trade and a weak US dollar were three factors that pushed sawlog prices up in dollar terms worldwide in the 1Q/11. In many regions, prices reached their highest levels since WRQ started tracking log prices in 1995. The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) increased for the eighth consecutive quarter to an all-time high of US$88.14/m3, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. In two years, the GSPI has gone up by 33 percent, which is substantially more than the increase in global pulpwood prices.

Global pulpwood price

Wood fiber costs for pulp mills worldwide rose for the third consecutive quarter in the 1Q/11. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) increased 1.9 percent in the 1Q, reaching US$105.60/odmt, the highest level since 3Q/08. The US Northwest, European markets, Chile, Australia and New Zealand saw the biggest wood fiber price increases this quarter. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) was also up 1.9 percent from the 4Q/10, and is now close to an all-time high of US$110.33/odmt. Fiber prices were up in most markets, with the highest increases in Europe, Australia and Chile, as Canada and Russia saw smaller price increases, and hardwood fiber costs even declined in the US South.

Global pulp markets

Global pulp markets have not quite developed as many analysts forecasted a year ago. Rather than the predicted retraction in market pulp prices this spring, prices stayed strong and actually increased to record-high levels in the month of April. The NBSK price in Europe in early May was US$1008/ton, according to FOEX. During the first two months of 2011, production of market pulp was up five percent compared to last year. The biggest increase was in Western Europe, which produced nine percent more pulp in 2011 than in 2010.

Global lumber markets

Global demand for softwood lumber increased by about 18 percent in 2010. This came after a year when wood consumption worldwide was the lowest it had been in almost 50 years, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. This upward trend in consumption has continued thus far in 2011, with the total volume consumed being around 20 percent higher than the same period in early 2010.
Not surprisingly, it is China that has been the major driver in the higher demand for lumber. The country�s sawmills are far from being able to meet the increased demand, and as a result there has been a substantial increase in import volumes the past five year.
Lumber imports to Japan were up 21 percent in the first quarter as compared to the same quarter last year. The biggest increases were in shipments from Sweden, Finland and Russia.
During the first two months of 2011, lumber production was up in most provinces of Canada. Ontario (28%), Alberta (16%) and Southern BC (16%) saw the greatest inceases.
The housing market in the US South has fared relatively better than the rest of the country, with higher lumber consumption than in other regions of the US.
The weak building and construction market in Europe late last year resulted in lower lumber demand and, as a result, also lower lumber prices.

Global biomass markets
While the U.S. and Canadian domestic pellet industry struggled through another year of weak domestic market demand and overcapacity, pellet export shipments to Europe continued to rise, up 21 percent in 2010. Prices for wood pellets in the three major markets in Europe, Sweden, Germany and Austria have gone up the past two years.

Global timber market and forest industry reporting is included in the 52-page publication the Wood Resource Quarterly. The report, established in 1988 and with subscribers in over 25 countries, tracks sawlog, pulpwood, lumber and pellet prices in most key regions around the world. The report also includes regular updates of the latest developments in international timber, pulp, lumber and biomass markets.

LESPROM-URAL 2011 took place in Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation)

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The 7th specialized exhibition Lesprom-Ural. Wooden Houses. Woodworking. Wood used inside took place in Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation). The exhibition was organized by MVK-Ural Company with the support of Association of Wood Housing and the Union of Timber Manufacturers and Exporters of Russia.
This year the exhibitions were attended by over 120 companies from 30 Russian cities. The participants presented the last technology of wooden construction, modern woodworking materials, wooden furniture.
According to preliminary data, the exhibition was visited by more than 3500 persons from 54 cities of Russia and abroad. In 2012 the exhibition will take place on 25-28 May.

Sursa: http://www.npadd.ru

L`Appel de la Foret

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Where ? Molines-en-Champsaur (Hautes-Alpes)
When ? Between 18th and 19th of June 2011
L`Appel de la For�t represents an event through which we discover all the functionalities of wood in daily life: wood construction, furniture, decorations, heating, toys manufacture, biodiversity reservoir, forests. After the editions from 2006 and 2008, the event comes back in 2011, the international year of forest, with trips and walks in the forest, a professional exhibition, creative workshops, meetings, debates, expositions on subjects from the wood and forests industry. For 2 days, there will be organized demonstrations and meetings in the forest, exhibitions and conferences, conferences that have the purpose to bring out wood qualities and to pull away prejudices concerning wood.

Source: http://www.laligue-alpesdusud.org

The first pilot factory for the nano cellulose production

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The first pilot factory for the production of nano cellulose in world was inaugurated by the Innventia company in Stockholm, Sweden. Factory makes possible a large-scale production of nano cellulose and represents an important step towards the industrialization of an energy-efficient production process, company officials said.
"The high volumes allows us to study the use of nano cellulose in applications that require more material", declared Michael Ankerfors, Research Manager at Innventia. Nano Cellulose is a material derived from wood fiber, and, unlike other fossil fuel based products, it is 100% renewable. In the past, the manufacturing process of nanocelulose consumed a large amount of energy. Thanks to research work provided by Innventia, consumption was reduced by up to 98%, saving 29,000 kWh / tone.
To produce paper or other materials, the raw material developed in the lab is not enough. New 'pilot' factory can manufacture 100kg/day. "We can perform tests in our paper factory. We can also continue developing the production process and show those interested how it works.� Innventia AB is a world leader in research and product development related to products like pulp, paper, packaging and bio-finishing.

Source: http://news.google.com/news

Latvian wood exports increased with 46%

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry showed that Latvia has exported timber estimated at U.S. $ 1.385 million last year. Sweden, Britain and Germany were the major timber exporting countries in Latvia. The country exported 15.7% of all wood products to Sweden, 11.4% to the UK and wood estimated at 221 million USD to Germany.

Wood costs for the global pulp industry have increased 17 percent the past two years

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood costs for the global pulp industry have increased 17 percent the past two years; only the US South has bucked the trend, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly Global market pulp production increased by seven percent in 2010, which increased demand for wood raw-material. As a result, prices for wood chips and pulplogs were up in most regions of the world, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) has increased 16.5 percent the past two years, while the Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) went up 17.7 percent. Seattle, USA. Global pulp production in the second half of 2010 was higher than many had anticipated, and pulp markets were better than they had been the first six months of the year. The total production of chemical market pulp last year reached an estimated 45 million tons, which was about seven percent more than was produced in 2009. North America and Western Europe increased production by 10 percent and 12 percent, respectively, while Latin America/NZ reduced production slightly. Other regions including Asia, Africa and Russia also raised production in 2010. High demand for wood raw-material by the pulp industry pushed the costs for wood fiber upward in the second half 2010, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Softwood chips and softwood pulplog prices were higher in most key markets around the world in the 4Q/10. As a consequence, the Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) increased for the third consecutive quarter. The Index reached US$103.60/odmt, which was the highest level since the beginning of the financial crisis, and the SFPI is now 16 percent above the 1Q/09 price. The biggest price increases in the 4Q/10 occurred in the US Northwest, Sweden, Spain and Brazil. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) has gone up faster than the SFPI since early 2009. The 4Q/10 Index was US$108.28, which was up 3.4 percent from the previous quarter and almost 18 percent higher than 1Q/09. The HFPI has only been higher twice since its inception over 20 years ago. Pulp mills in Germany, Spain, France and Brazil all had to pay more for hardwood logs in their local currencies. In addition, the US dollar weakened against most currencies and therefore contributed to a higher Price Index. One of the few regions that experienced reductions in wood fiber costs in 2010 was the US South, with 4Q prices being about 10 percent lower than in the 1Q. Wood prices in the South were the lowest in all of North America in the 4Q/10, and pulp mills in this region have benefited from some of the lowest wood fiber costs in the world.

Ghana: Wood and wood products exports

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood and wood products exports from Ghana added up to 23,948 cubic meters and were estimated at 7.9 million in January 2011, compared with numbers recorded in January 2010: 26,430 cubic meters - 8.27 million euros.
According to ITTO they have dropped 9.4% and 4.4% in volume and value. In January 2011, all exports of wood products have decreased, except exports of plywood and flooring. Primary product exports were valued at 3 million euros in January, compared with 3.6 million recorded in the same period last year. Similarly, exports of secondary wood products fell by 3.5%, from 7 million in January 2010 to 6.8 million in January 2011.
However, exports of tertiary products were valued at 902.209 USD in January 2010, registering a spectacular growth of 32% from 681,275 $ (january 2010). Primary, secondary and tertiary products accounted for 3%, 86% and 11% of total exports.
In January 2011, Ghana�s share of wood exports was 51% of the total exports of African countries; the recorded share in 2010 was 36%. Exports to other destinations include Europe (26% of the total export), Asia / Far East (15%) and the Middle East (5%). The main importing countries in Europe were Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Plywood accounted for 38% of total wood exports from Ghana in January 2011. Compared with January 2010, exports of plywood have increased by 9.2% in volume and 32% in value. The main countries importing plywood from Ghana were Nigeria, Niger and Togo. Ceiba, mahogany and ofram were the main species used in plywood production.

Source: http://news.google.com

Harvard University, the biggest owner of forests in Romania

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Believe it or not! Phemus Corporation the investment fund that is recorded at the same address as Harvard Management Company, the entuty of the prestigious American University of Harvard is the main shareholder of Romanian forests though the company Scolopax SRL from Focsani.
On April 1st, Scolopax SRL was listed as the biggest land owner in Romania. "We own aproximately 35 000 hectares of forests and 2 000 hectared of agricultral land", Rutgersson said.

Source: http://www.universulpadurii.ro

Holzindustrie H�upl GmbH files for bankrupcy

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Austrian manufacturer Holzindustrie H�upl GmbH declares banksruptcy after having collected 72.9 million euros in debt.
Over 100 employees will lose their jobs. Founded in 1860, the factory exported worldwide, with a turnover of 72 million euro and 200 employees operating in three shifts.
35% decrease in wood prices, the credit crisis caused the turnover to drop to 40 million last year.

North America exports to Europe

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Exports of wood pellets from North America to Europe reached 1.6 million tons last year, according to North American Wood Fiber Review.
Compared with figures recorded in 2008, these new figures represent a doubled volume. Canada was the main supplier of wood pellets to Europe in the last 10 years, reaching a total volume of 1 million tons in 2010. U.S. exports to Europe began in 2008 with 85,000 tonnes of timber exported to the Netherlands. Since then, have exported about 600,000 tonnes.
Most North American pellets are delivered to the Netherlands (50%), United Kingdom (33%) and occasionally to Belgium, Sweden and Denmark.

Russian log and lumber exports increased substantially in 1Q of 2011 thanks to higher wood demand in China, Finland and Japan, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The world`s largest log exporter, Russia, increased the shipments of logs in the 1Q/11 after having declined for four years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Russian exports of softwood lumber have also gone up substantially, especially to China, Uzbekistan, Japan and Egypt.

Seattle, USA. Russia has for many years been, by far, the largest exporter of logs in the world. When the country announced a log export tax of 25 percent in 2007 and the intention to increase this tax to 80 percent in 2009, many forest companies in Asia and Europe decided to reduce their reliance on Russian logs. As a result, total log exports from Russia fell from 51 million m3 in 2006 to about 22 million m3 in 2009 and 2010.
This downward trend, however, appears to have been broken in 2011. During the first few months, total softwood and hardwood log exports have been up by almost 40 percent compared to the same period last year, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Much of this increase in shipments has been to China, Finland and Japan. This recent upward trend can be expected to continue during 2011 and 2012, albeit less dramatically, as Russian log export taxes are reduced. During discussions between Russian and EU representatives in December last year, it became clear that Russia has been pressured to reduced log export taxes if the country wants to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
It is still not clear exactly what the new log export taxes may be and when they will be implemented. Softwood log taxes may fall to somewhere between 5-10 percent, and hardwood log taxes will probably be lower than those for softwood. The lower tax rates are not likely to be instigated until Russia has been recognized as a full member in the World Trade Organization (WTO), which may not be until early 2012.
Russia has not only increased its exports of logs but also of softwood lumber. From 2008 to 2010, exports were up 18 percent, reaching an all-time high of 17.5 million m3 last year, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. So far this year, exports have been over 50 percent higher than the same period last year; 2011 may very well be a record-year. China is the largest market for Russian logs, followed by Uzbekistan, Japan and Egypt.
Shipments to China tripled between 2007 and 2010; during the first quarter this year, exports were 150 percent higher than the same quarter in 2010. The trade of logs and lumber between Russian and China can be expected to expand in the coming years because of the continued increase in demand for wood products in China and the country�s relative close proximity to Russian forests and sawmills.

M.O.W. 2011 from May 8 to 12: blooming time for crispy turnovers

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Surprising in every respect

The professional visitors showed themselves to be positively surprised by the diversity of more than 500 national and international exhibitors. The exhibitors were impressed by the high quality and intensive presence of the decision makers. This is a positive balance for the M.O.W. 2011.

However, at the beginning the expectations were restrained, but at the end not only the exhibitors but also the visitors of the M.O.W. 2011 took a positive stock of the fair.

The over 500 exhibitors from 32 nations had a convincing offer. Not only the established but also the new exhibitors presented innumerable innovative impulses for the market in a way that would not have been expected by the trade. On the basis of this fact alone many decision makers spontaneously extended their visit to East Westphalia and faced their temporary depression in sales �at home� with fresh courage. This sector is looking for crispy concepts and fresh ideas to revitalize furniture sales. At the M.O.W. they found the perfectly fitting offer. The regular exhibitors convinced with many new product ranges and the innovations of the new exhibitors in the M.O.W. halls also came just in time.

New presence, new assortments

The innovativeness in the single assortment lines surprised likewise following international furniture fairs in the previous months. Intelligent comfort technologies, large system variety, individuality down to the smallest detail, qualitative trading-ups, brand licences from the fashion sector and many storage space solutions provided new approaches for assortments and special offers that were willingly accepted by the trade. In many instances the decision makers came up with something even better.

With a foreign part of 48% the internationality of exhibitors again increased compared with 2010 (by 45%). This emphasizes how highly the M.O.W. is regarded abroad. In particular abroad the M.O.W. is considered as the admission ticket to the volume business sought-after by the trade. After Germany the most strongly represented nations were Poland, Denmark, Italy, Estonia, Turkey, and the Netherlands.

Constant attendance and quality

On the other hand the exhibitors too were surprised about the high quality and intensive presence of professional visitors. The purchasing associations with all their committees were present, but also the large customers from the specialized trade, the mail order houses and on-line trade, the self service/D.I.Y. markets, food discounters as well as special marketing companies. As at all fairs the absence of individual residential customers was compensated by the intensive presence of the foreign visitors and internet players. Consequently the M.O.W. 2011 was pleased about the total unchanged number of over 10,000 professional visitors from the decision maker level.

In MESSEZENTRUM BAD SALZUFLEN as well as in MESSEPARK BARNTRUP Tuesday was the most attended visitor day, whereas Monday and Wednesday divided the second position. The offer, concept, attendance of German and international market leaders but also the higher foreign part of exhibitors attracted even more visitors, in particular, those from Eastern Europe, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

From the visitor statistics you could conclude that on-line marketing is gaining more and more ground in the furniture sector. From the large mail order houses that by now do up to 50 % and even more of their business on-line, offers by associations and residential dealers who increasingly build up Internet shops to the pure internet players � the internet marketing subject is high in the market, especially on the special service provider area in the POLSTERFORUM, hall 19, and not only for visitors but also for the exhibitors in MESSEPARK BARNTRUP. E-commerce with furniture and special assortments is in full swing!

The location issue which arose in MESSEZENTRUM BARNTRUP was all the more surprising for the M.O.W. exhibition management. Based on some exhibitors� assortment-related changes a rumour put the whole fair location in question. Mr Bernd Sch�fermeier, the M.O.W. director�s comment on this was: �We stand by MESSEPARK BARNTRUP as Europe�s platform no. 1 for flat pack furniture, young living, self-service/discount and special assortments!

Less surprising for all participants was the date discussion as side effect for the third M.O.W spring fair. The exhibition management is having discussions with exhibitors and visitors on this subject and will announce a decision in due course taking into account prior and subsequent fairs taking place.

Confirmation of market relevance

On the whole, the positive comments prevailed in East Westphalia after the 5-day fair. Most of the exhibitors could do good business and they were more than satisfied when they concluded the fair on Thursday evening, May 12. Direct contact to all important key customers pays off. It goes without saying that the economic situation was more successful for some companies than for others, but on the whole all participants, i.e. exhibitors and visitors realised that East Westphalia is worthwhile in every respect: there is no other exhibition site where the offer for the middle of the market is shown based on the same large quantity, depth and diversity as at the M.O.W.

�In the last years the M.O.W. never noticed extreme runaways � neither regarding the number of exhibitors nor that of visitors. And in 2011 too, with the 27th edition, this fair has found a steady place in the fair landscape. Consequently it underlines its unalterable position for the future as THE trade fair for the core business with furniture from the low to the upper medium price sector,� affirms Mr Bernd Sch�fermeiner, the M.O.W. Directo.

Further information and photographs: www.mow.de.

Web TV Bois.com had been launched

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Web TV Bois.com had been launched on 16th of May 2011. it is dedicated to wood and forestry industry. This launch is part of the campaign: "Bois.com, sustainable building" and it represents a way of communication and information regarding the construction, landscaping and decoration, but also, regarding their trade, the process and products manufacturing, regarding the forest, but also other topics concerning wood industry. 3 new movies will be posted each week that can be viewed at http://www.bois.com.

Source: http://www.bois-et-vous.fr

Speech at a press conference organized by the professional association France Bois Foret

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Le Maire has delivered a speech at a press conference organized by the professional association France Bois For�t, on the occasion of International Year of Forests.
�We are the third European country having a big forested area, but we have a wood industry in deficit of 5,4 milliards of euros in 2009, which is totally unacceptable�, has declared the minister. Moreover, the minister has made a comparison between Germany and France, the first one having an inferior forest surface. Despite of everything, Germany represents 600.000 employments in this area, 175.000 more than France.
The president of France Bois For�t Association, Jean-Pierre Michel, has presented also the acts that will be taken for the media. Beginning with the 25th of April, several advertising spots, which will be broadcast on France Televisions channels. These spots will present a various utilities of forests.

Source: http://www.lafranceagricole.fr

Market around wood industry back to life

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Wood industry recently struggled with the financial crisis, and last year was marked by uncertainty and reduced investments into new technologies, tools and materials."
"This year is seen to feel optimism in technology investment, while it should be emphasized that most customers began to prudently calculate their operating costs and adjusted their investment behavior on that basis, i.e. not focusing on the purchase of technology at the lowest possible price, but it is a priority for them to buy a unit with the lowest operating costs and maximum flexibility", says Mr. Jan Ledra, Sales Manager of Rojek Wood Machines for the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

Some companies were forced by the financial crisis to change their corporate strategies and policies. Companies have responded by restructuring their offers or innovations to adapt bets to the demands of current customers. Nowadays, customers think twice about the conditions under which to invest, carefully their business partner from whom they expect not only a perfect delivery of the purchased product, but also a professional approach, comprehensive service and assistance. "The economic situation of recent years was written about by a plethora of comments, analyses and reflections. However, everyone must cope alone and it is just on them which way to go. I bet on honesty, accountability to customers, a wide range of our products, our dealer' experience and knowledge of the region, continuous work with customers, advertising and thorough presentation of our products. I firmly believe that we are on the right track and moving in the right direction, " explains Mr. Tom� Vystyd, CEO of Felder Group CZ.

The situation around the wood industry therefore looks very positive, the market is back to life and business is growing slowly but surely. "Base on all the above mentioned facts, we see this year as relatively optimistic in terms of the investment enthusiasm of our customers and the offer created, the maximum gradation of which should be brought about by WOOD-TEC, where we want to present ourselves as a leading supplier of technology for wood and comprehensive solutions for our customers", adds Mr. Jan Ledr.

WOOD-TEC, the 12th International Fair of Machinery, Equipment and Materials for the Wood Industry (October 18 to 21) will be held in the Czech Republic at the Brno Exhibition Centre in Halls P and F and the adjacent open areas. Hall P will feature machines, instruments and tools. Hall F will present materials, hardware and chemistry. The adjacent open areas will host saws and handling equipment. Organizers expect 250 to 300 exhibitors to attend. "We are pleased that the market is reviving and we firmly believe that WOOD-TEC will be for our business clients a means to accelerate the growth process. We want to come forward to our customers; hence, we prepared a special price quotation for those exhibitors who register on time. If they send their registration form in by May 31, they will get a discount on exhibition space rental," says Mr. Karel Torn, Manager of WOOD-TEC.

WOOD-TEC
12th International Fair of Machinery, Equipment and Materials for the Wood Industry
18th - 21 October 2011
Exhibition Centre - Brno
Czech Republic
www.wood-tec.cz

The Regional Fair

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Whether homeowners, families with childrens, woodworkers, it is time for the "Wood day" in Deggendorf. The regional fair presents over 50 exhibitors on Friday 20 May, from 11 to 17 clock and on Saturday 21 May open from 10 to 18 clock. The entrance is free.
The fair will present all uses of wood as raw material: from forest management to wooden craft products. It will be also a route of the forest, carving demonstrations and tools for shapind wood. The visitors will be able to be informed about the various wooden buildings and heating methods. The children who like wood will have a special playground with over 3.000 wood blocks and different wooden games for sale, at reasonable prices.

Source: http://www.wochenblatt.de

The International conference of Association of Wood Housing New possibilities of wooden structures in architecture

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Association of Wood Housing in the bounds of Interstroiexpo construction forum held on April 14, 2011 an international conference named New possibilities of wooden structures in architecture.
The Interstroiexpo International construction forum is the one of the main events at Russian exhibition market. Traditionally, this forum includes all areas of building, and it shows objectively as possible all perspectives of development of construction market in Russia. Annually, Interstroiexpo concentrates both modern Russian and International experience and helps to successfully promote modern researches at construction market.
This year, following organizations were invited for participation: AWH�s companies, representatives of colleges and universities, AWH�s partners, representatives of federal and regional governmental bodies, international guests.

More info on www.npadd.ru.

Biennale de la Passion du Bois

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

This trade has reached its 10th edition and it took place between 14th and 17th of April 2011, as part of the Wood European Trade.
The trade has become a role model for all the activities where wood is being used: construction, energy, conversion and art. La Biennale has become a platform that gathers professionals from this field, who expose their ideas, trends etc.
There took place conferences, workshops, technical and artistic exhibitions. At this time, the most important are technical, economical, environmental, artistically and cultural appearance.

Source: http://www.reseau-tee.net

LIGNA HANNOVER - A Plethora of innovative Ideas

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Enter the world of wood and discover the magic of trends and textures, innovation and new ideas. At LIGNA HANNOVER 2011.
No other show will give you such a comprehensive overview of the market or so many opportunities to extend your range of contacts and cultivate existing connections. Whether you are looking for new suppliers, searching for specific products or hoping to learn more about your special area of expertise at the many themed presentations, the world`s trade fair for the forestry and wood industries an absolute "must" for your diary.
Strong Impetus for the Industry
The World Fair for the Forestry and Wood Industries will present the latest developments and solutions focusing on wood. The three core topics at LIGNA HANNOVER 2011 are �Bioenergy from wood�, �Surface treatment technology� and �Lightweight construction�. Expansion of the category �Bioenergy from wood�, which now includes pioneering solutions, reflects recent developments in this area. The category focussing on industrial surface treatment technology is a long-established component of LIGNA HANNOVER. In this segment too, exhibitors will be breaking new ground as they present their innovations.
Global Marketplace & reliable Barometer of Trends
Only at LIGNA can you see the complete range of market offerings from all over the world. Some 1,700 international suppliers will be showcasing their latest products over a five-day period next May. Catch up on the latest trends and innovations, all conveniently brought together in one place - and use your new-won knowledge to stay ahead of your competitors.
Profitable Contacts & shared Expertise
The whole world of forestry and wood industries meets up at LIGNA in Hannover. New and existing business partners from Germany and many other countries will be there with their latest products. Hoping to see you there too! You can learn a lot by talking to other experts. The many special events and conferences give you plenty of opportunities for doing just that - and discovering more about the topics that matter most to the industry today.

Source: http://www.ligna.de

Lumber demand is increasing worldwide and has resulted in higher lumber prices in the 1Q of 2011 in the US, Japan, China and Europe, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Seattle, USA. Global demand for softwood lumber increased by about 18 percent in 2010. This came after a year when wood consumption worldwide was the lowest it had been in almost 50 years. This upward trend in consumption has continued thus far in 2011, with total volume consumed being more than 20 percent higher than the same period in early 2010, according to the market publication Wood Resource Quarterly.
Not surprisingly, it is China that has been the major driver in the higher demand for lumber. The country�s sawmills are far from being able to meet the increased demand, and as a result there has been a substantial increase in import volumes the past five year, from just over two million cubic meters (m3) in 2006 to 9.4 million m3 in 2010. This unprecedented rise in shipments continued the first two months of 2011 when imports were as much as 32 percent higher than in 2010.
Practically all major lumber markets in Asia, Europe and North America experienced stronger demand last year. This resulted in higher production worldwide and also increased global trade. The world�s largest importer, the US, imported seven percent more lumber in 2010 than the previous year, while imports to the third largest market, Japan, were up almost 15 percent. In Europe, shipments were up between 10 and 35 percent to the largest lumber-consuming countries on the continent.
The improved market conditions have resulted in higher lumber prices worldwide. Although the price movements have been rocky, fluctuating substantially in some markets the past 12 months, trends have been up. In the US, southern yellow pine prices were 24 percent higher in March this year as compared to last summer. Similar upward trends have been seen with Douglas-fir lumber in Western US and for spruce-pine-fir lumber in Western Canada.
In both Japan and China, import prices for most species of lumber have trended upward since early 2009, particularly for higher-grade Russian pine to Japan and lower-grade Canadian hemlock to China, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly Lumber prices can be anticipated to go up in many markets during 2011 for a number of reasons, including expected increased demand in China, somewhat higher lumber imports to Japan for the rebuilding after the earthquake, and continued measured improvements in the US housing market (mainly repair & remodeling and multi-family residential housing).

Russian log and lumber exports increased substantially in 1Q of 2011 thanks to higher wood demand in China, Finland and Japan, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Seattle, USA. Russia has for many years been, by far, the largest exporter of logs in the world. When the country announced a log export tax of 25 percent in 2007 and the intention to increase this tax to 80 percent in 2009, many forest companies in Asia and Europe decided to reduce their reliance on Russian logs. As a result, total log exports from Russia fell from 51 million m3 in 2006 to about 22 million m3 in 2009 and 2010.
This downward trend, however, appears to have been broken in 2011. During the first few months, total softwood and hardwood log exports have been up by almost 40 percent compared to the same period last year, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Much of this increase in shipments has been to China, Finland and Japan. This recent upward trend can be expected to continue during 2011 and 2012, albeit less dramatically, as Russian log export taxes are reduced. During discussions between Russian and EU representatives in December last year, it became clear that Russia has been pressured to reduced log export taxes if the country wants to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
It is still not clear exactly what the new log export taxes may be and when they will be implemented. Softwood log taxes may fall to somewhere between 5-10 percent, and hardwood log taxes will probably be lower than those for softwood. The lower tax rates are not likely to be instigated until Russia has been recognized as a full member in the World Trade Organization (WTO), which may not be until early 2012.
Russia has not only increased its exports of logs but also of softwood lumber. From 2008 to 2010, exports were up 18 percent, reaching an all-time high of 17.5 million m3 last year, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. So far this year, exports have been over 50 percent higher than the same period last year; 2011 may very well be a record-year. China is the largest market for Russian logs, followed by Uzbekistan, Japan and Egypt. Shipments to China tripled between 2007 and 2010; during the first quarter this year, exports were 150 percent higher than the same quarter in 2010. The trade of logs and lumber between Russian and China can be expected to expand in the coming years because of the continued increase in demand for wood products in China and the country�s relative close proximity to Russian forests and sawmills.

HOLZHAUS - Wooden house-building-2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

14th International Specialised Exhibition
Holzhaus
21-24 April 2011
Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia
Pavilion 3, Hall 15
Holzhaus is the leading Russian exhibition for wooden housing construction. The exhibition showcases the diversity of contemporary wooden architecture, as well as parts and materials for wooden housing construction. Full-size, beautiful, warm and eco-friendly wooden houses and saunas, built with the latest technologies, are demonstrated at the exhibition.
The exhibitors introduced consumers to current trends in the construction, decoration and equipping of wooden housing. The exhibition brought together builders, developers, architects, designers of wooden houses, and manufacturers of building, finishing and protective materials, parts and utility equipment.
The exhibitors � leading companies in domestic and international wooden housing construction � introduced consumers to current trends in wooden housing construction. The exhibition was held in a comfortable pavilion with developed infrastructure. Over four days, more than 200 companies presented milled timber and log houses and saunas, frame houses, gazebos, accessories and more.

Source: www.npadd.ru

Wood costs for the global pulp industry have increased 17 percent the past two years; only the US South has bucked the trend, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Seattle, USA. Global pulp production in the second half of 2010 was higher than many had anticipated, and pulp markets were better than they had been the first six months of the year. The total production of chemical market pulp last year reached an estimated 45 million tons, which was about seven percent more than was produced in 2009. North America and Western Europe increased production by 10 percent and 12 percent, respectively, while Latin America/NZ reduced production slightly. Other regions including Asia, Africa and Russia also raised production in 2010. High demand for wood raw-material by the pulp industry pushed the costs for wood fiber upward in the second half 2010, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly. Softwood chips and softwood pulplog prices were higher in most key markets around the world in the 4Q/10. As a consequence, the Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) increased for the third consecutive quarter. The Index reached US$103.60/odmt, which was the highest level since the beginning of the financial crisis, and the SFPI is now 16 percent above the 1Q/09 price. The biggest price increases in the 4Q/10 occurred in the US Northwest, Sweden, Spain and Brazil. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) has gone up faster than the SFPI since early 2009. The 4Q/10 Index was US$108.28, which was up 3.4 percent from the previous quarter and almost 18 percent higher than 1Q/09. The HFPI has only been higher twice since its inception over 20 years ago. Pulp mills in Germany, Spain, France and Brazil all had to pay more for hardwood logs in their local currencies. In addition, the US dollar weakened against most currencies and therefore contributed to a higher Price Index. One of the few regions that experienced reductions in wood fiber costs in 2010 was the US South, with 4Q prices being about 10 percent lower than in the 1Q. Wood prices in the South were the lowest in all of North America in the 4Q/10, and pulp mills in this region have benefited from some of the lowest wood fiber costs in the world.

Asia`s increasing demand for wood drives sawlog prices up in the US and Canada, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Seattle, USA. Softwood sawlog prices have trended upwards in all major regions of North America over the past two years. The biggest increases have occurred in the US Northwest, where the log export market has had a major impact on the supply-demand balance. Total log shipments to Asia from the US west coast last year were the highest they have been in 14 years, and much of this increase was the result of China�s seemingly never-ending need for wood raw-material. The US Southeast and US South Central are the sub-regions where log prices have increased the least since 2009; in fact, prices in these regions even fell slightly late last year, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. In the 4Q/10, Douglas-fir log prices in the Northwest were up 19 percent from the same quarter in 2009. Hemlock sawlog prices, which increasingly have been influenced by log exports to China and South Korea, have gone up over 25 percent the past 12 months. With the recent price increases, sawmills in the West now have higher wood rawmaterial costs than sawmills in the South, which is opposite to the situation in 2009. Price levels in the Southern states are currently close to their nadir of 15 years. Sawlog prices in Canada have followed the same pattern as in the US, with prices in the Western provinces increasing more than in the Eastern provinces. In the 4Q/10, log prices in British Columbia had moved up to their highest levels in over two years in US dollar terms. Despite the increase, softwood lumber producers in the Interior of the province still have some of the lowest wood raw-material costs on the continent. According to the Wood Resource Quarterly, Western Canada currently has the lowest sawlog prices in the world. In Canadian dollar terms, prices have fluctuated less in 2010 than they have over the past few years, and Western and Eastern Canada were actually two of the few regions in the world that had lower log costs in the 4Q/10 in the local currency than they did in the 4Q/08.

A great meeting between general public and professionals from the wood industry, in Haute-Normandie

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Anoribois and the actors from the wood industry propose 26 free demonstrations that will take place on the entire region Haute-Normandie and lots of occasions to discover wood values: visits in forest, open doors in companies, workshops, expositions�.and a big "wood fair", on 15th of May, at Domaine d�Harcourt (between Brionne and Le Neubourg), with the General Counsel of Eure � guided walks in forests, lots of games on wood for children, demonstrations of woodworking, wooden constructions, painting expositions, using forest as a theme.
On the occasion of International Year of Forests, all these remind us that:
- wood is renewable, contemporary, ecological and effective
- wood and forests industry is dynamic and it creates lots of employments
- wood and paper consumption does not destroy it. Taking part in forest`s live is fighting against the greenhouse effect.
You can find the complete program of demonstrations on www.anoribois.com.

Source: www.anoribois.com

EXPOKOS � 10th edition

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Description: Construction, Energy, Technique and Furniture Fair
Date: 18 � 21 May 2011
Place: Prishtina, ( Pallati i Rinis� )
Fair organized: Once a year
Exhibit space: 20,000m�

Construction: Construction materials, construction systems and equipment, construction raw material, isolations, heating, electrical installations, sanitation, ceramics, doors and windows, industrial chemical products, metal processing, decorations, road construction, recycling.
Energy and mines: Alternative energy: wind, water, sun, gas, coal and fuels, Stations and basis for fuels. Electric installations, Ministries and Research-Development Institutions on energy.
Technique: Technique, quality control pavilion, measurement machinery and instruments, analytical apparatus, hydraulic equipment, automatics and robotics, industrial machinery and equipment, metallurgy, fondery, equipment from metals and non-metals, plastic and chemical industry, producers-manufactures, constructers, electric and electronic equipment, telecommunications.
Wood and furniture industry: Wood processing machinery, house and office furniture, kitchens, house appliances, parquet, wood dwellings, wood camp houses, wood decorations.

Expected number of exhibitors: More than 400 companies from 20 countries.
National pavilions from: Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary.

Why exhibit at Expokos?
- Direct access to the Balkan market
- Expokos is the biggest fair in the Balkans
- Marketing and direct sales in front of thousands of visitors
- Promotion on the Fairs Catalogue (which is distributed free for the visitors)
- Direct promotion in front of all electronic and printed media.

Parallel activities during the fair:
- Press conference
- Investments conference
- Presentations
- B2B meetings
- Giving out certificates for the exhibitors
- Dinner for Expokos exhibitors.

Source: http://www.kosovafair.com

France: Exhibition Habitat Expo from Dax

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The French exhibition Habitat Expo from Dax (Aquitaine region) will take place between 29th � 30th of April and 1st of May.
More than 140 exhibitors are welcomed to this exhibition. The organizer of the event, Mr. Cedric Dumas has declared: �The objective of the exhibition is to realize a connection between the professionals recognized and project managers. It is a market for the private persons who will enjoy this space in order to obtain all the information they need, also contacts. Wood will be the first raw material of this exhibition, being used in constructions or as an energy source. Plus, the new heating techniques will be also presented, techniques that have developed from standard wood stoves to new models.
The visitors have understood the importance of these exhibitions and they presented their projects.

Source: http://www.sudouest.fr

Germany: The exports of softwood in Januar 2011

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The exports of softwood in Germany according to the statements of the Federal Bureau of Statistics in January 2011 decreased with 14.9% compare with 2010, accounted for only 110566 m3.
A place of destination of german exports, accounting for approximately 58% is still Austria (64 638 m3, 2.5%). This ist followed by a massive decline of exports from Belgium (-87.6% in 3427 m3), Czech Republic 8178m3 (47.1%) and France 7746m3 (54.9%).
The beech exports was in January 2011 a total of 27 297m3, whitch represents an increase of 8.5% compared with January 2010. The main destination for German exports is China, representing 25% (6917 m2, 18.2%) followed by Poland with 3645m3 (45.7%) and U.S. 2961m3 (+17.1%).

Source: http://www.forstpraxis.de

US and Canadian log and lumber exports to China up over 150 percent in 2010, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 02:00:00 +0200

Seattle, USA. China has come to the rescue for many sawmills and timberland owners in the US and Canada the past year. The value of softwood logs and lumber shipped from North America to China is estimated to reach over 1.6 billion US dollar in 2010, which is up dramatically from just a few years ago. In 2008, total exports were valued at 350 million dollars, while they were only 125 million dollars five years ago. The increased demand for both wood raw-material and processed forest products in China has, to a large degree, benefited the forest industry in British Columbia and the states of Washington and Oregon in the US. It is interesting to note that the two countries have chosen different paths over the past few years. In Canada, sawmills historically shipped over 90 percent of their exports to US markets, but this changed as demand for lumber fell when the housing bubble burst in 2008. In the 3Q/10, less than 70 percent of exported lumber was destined for the US market. On the other hand, lumber shipments to China have gone up seven-fold the past three years and are expected to reach almost four million m3 in 2010, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. This makes Canada the largest softwood lumber supplier to China, having surpassed Russia in the 4Q/10. Another factor that has had an impact on the higher Canadian lumber exports to China is the abundant supply of low-cost beetle-killed timber in British Columbia. Sawmills in the Interior of the province have increased their production levels lately, ending up almost 20 percent higher in the 3Q/10 as compared to the same quarter in 2009. Much of the additional volume has been low-grade lumber targeted for the construction market in China. An estimated 16 percent of the BC lumber production in 2010 was exported to China. While Canada has drastically raised lumber shipments to China in recent years, the US has instead expanding exportation of logs to Chinese sawmills and plywood manufacturers. In 2007, the US exported less than 100,000 m3; in 2010 an estimated 2.4 million m3 was exported. The US is now the third largest softwood log supplier to China, after Russia and New Zealand. The strong export market has caused sawlog price in the US Northwest to go up more than in any other region of North America the past year, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Lumber demand is increasing worldwide and has resulted in higher lumber prices in the 1Q/11 in the US, Japan, China and Europe, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Lumber demand is increasing worldwide and has resulted in higher lumber prices in the 1Q/11 in the US, Japan, China and Europe, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly Last year global demand for softwood lumber increased 18 percent after having hit a 50-year low in 2009. The rise in demand has pushed lumber prices in North America, Asia and Europe to their highest levels in ten months, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Seattle, USA. Global demand for softwood lumber increased by about 18 percent in 2010. This came after a year when wood consumption worldwide was the lowest it had been in almost 50 years. This upward trend in consumption has continued thus far in 2011, with total volume consumed being more than 20 percent higher than the same period in early 2010, according to the market publication Wood Resource Quarterly. Not surprisingly, it is China that has been the major driver in the higher demand for lumber. The country�s sawmills are far from being able to meet the increased demand, and as a result there has been a substantial increase in import volumes the past five year, from just over two million cubic meters (m3) in 2006 to 9.4 million m3 in 2010. This unprecedented rise in shipments continued the first two months of 2011 when imports were as much as 32 percent higher than in 2010. Practically all major lumber markets in Asia, Europe and North America experienced stronger demand last year. This resulted in higher production worldwide and also increased global trade. The world�s largest importer, the US, imported seven percent more lumber in 2010 than the previous year, while imports to the third largest market, Japan, were up almost 15 percent. In Europe, shipments were up between 10 and 35 percent to the largest lumber-consuming countries on the continent. The improved market conditions have resulted in higher lumber prices worldwide. Although the price movements have been rocky, fluctuating substantially in some markets the past 12 months, trends have been up. In the US, southern yellow pine prices were 24 percent higher in March this year as compared to last summer. Similar upward trends have been seen with Douglas-fir lumber in Western US and for spruce-pine-fir lumber in Western Canada. In both Japan and China, import prices for most species of lumber have trended upward since early 2009, particularly for higher-grade Russian pine to Japan and lower-grade Canadian hemlock to China, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly Lumber prices can be anticipated to go up in many markets during 2011 for a number of reasons, including expected increased demand in China, somewhat higher lumber imports to Japan for the rebuilding after the earthquake, and continued measured improvements in the US housing market (mainly repair & remodeling and multi-family residential housing).

The Romanian wood industry is still privileged by Tunisia

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Romanian wood industry is still privileged by Tunisia. Romania is trying, at this time, to consolidate the commercial trade it has with Tunisia. The commercial trade between the two countries is very strong.
Wood remains one of the most important exports made from Romania to Tunisia, besides iron and glass.
In 2006, the trade was reaching 60 millions dollars. This value has crossed 200 millions dollars in 2010. The ambassador of Tunisia in Romania, Ms. Saloua Bahri has declared that this value will double in a short period of time.

Source: http://www.investir-en-tunisie.net

Eco logs burn �cleaner� than wood

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

If you want to warm up your house without the pollution emitted by classic fire logs, you can choose eco logs. Made from 100% recycled cardboard boxes, eco logs burn cleaner and release less carbon into the atmosphere.
Due to the fact that the logs are made of recycled boxes used for transporting food products they prove more effecient in cooking ovens or outside grills. They can also be used for fireplaces, campfires, these products proving most useful in those chilly winter months.
Eco Logs logs ignite harder than common logs, because they do not contain traces of oil; they can burn up to three hours. Moreover, the resulted ash can be used as fertilizer or soil for potted plants. The price of a packet can reach 15 euros (roximativ package weighs 1.5 kg).

Source: http://www.seattlepi.com

Wood pellets cost 241.45 Euro per ton

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The pellets prices in Germany rose slightly in February 2011. According to reports of the German Association of Energy and Wood Pellet Production (DEPV), the average price was � 241.45 / t.
This is based on the survey made by manufacturers and sellers of wood pellets from Germany. The manager Martin Bentele said: "Consumer Price is an index of reliability for a source of energy. Pellets, despite the cold weather in December 2010 and significant growth of commodity prices remain important to consumers. The slight increase of the pellets price in February didn�t prevent the consumers to buy, because for most of them are indispensable".

Source: www.tga-fachplaner.de

Germany: College of Forestry of Rottenburg performs preliminary talks with Japan

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Government with the Japanese delegation visited last month the Forestry Academy of Rottenburg. In the International Year of Forests - 2011, the Forestry Academy will expand the work in other countries. After the visit of Minister of Agriculture in Paraguay a few weeks ago, a second visit of a high-level delegates takes place: the Japanese government promisses a colaboration with the Forestry Academy of Rottenburg for resolving its internal forest problems.
In Japan, most forests were planted 50 years ago and now the trees need special care. Forestry and forestry techniques, which are important elements of forestry education are still unknown in Japan. They all know only one thing: to cut forests.
The objectives are exchange experience � students, teachers, schools and active contributions of Forestry Academy to train and educate the Japanese children. An agreement regardind this issue will be signed during the first half of 2011.

Source: www.tagblatt.de

Wood pellet exports from the US and Canada to Europe reached 1.6 million tons in 2010, a doubling of shipments in just two years, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 02:00:00 +0200

Over the past two years, North America has become a major supplier of wood pellets to Europe. In 2010, an estimated 1.6 million tons of pellets were shipped from the US and Canada to the Netherlands, the UK and Belgium, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. This is a doubling of volume compared to 2008. Seattle, USA. The European Union has stated that by 2020, at least 20 percent of total energy consumption should be supplied by renewable energy resources. In an effort to reach this target, many countries have increased their consumption of woody biomass in the form of both wood chips and pellets the past few years. In 2010, just over 11 million tons of wood pellets were consumed, which was about seven percent higher than the previous year. Demand for wood pellets in some European countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Denmark and the UK, has outpaced domestic production over the past few years. This has resulted not only in increased imports from neighboring countries, but also from North America. Over the past ten years, Canada has been the major overseas supplier of pellets to Europe, reaching about one million tons in shipments in 2010, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. The US did not start exporting pellets until 2008 when 85,000 tons were shipped to the Netherlands, but exports have since taken off, reaching almost 600,000 tons in 2010. In fact, the total shipments from the US and Canada have almost doubled in just two years. The majority of North American pellets have been shipped the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium, with occasional shipments to Sweden and Denmark. In 2010, almost 50 percent of the Atlantic trade was destined for the Netherlands, while one-third landed in ports in the UK. Higher demand for oil by Asia and Latin America and the uncertain situation in the oilproducing counties in the Middle East and northern Africa has boosted oil prices about 28 percent the past three months. Higher oil prices will benefit wood pellet exporters in North America, and shipments to Europe can be expected to increase during 2011. Ioana @ WoodBusinessPortal.com