www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
Issue 11 | December 2013
American heat treated ash sits pretty on the rooftop of Marseille’s new flagship museum The potential role of Wood Acetylation in climate change mitigation Opportunity in Woodworking Machinery Market in India ‘Endless Stair’ at London Design Festival 2013 For the love of Wood PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more
A N A L Y S I S | I N T E R V I E W S | D E S I G N | S U S T A I N A B IDecember L I T Y2013|| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com TECHNOLOGY
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TIMBER ARCHITEC TURE INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTIONS GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER
Beautiful Timber Structures – Made in Germany
D1 Tower Dubai: Close to the Business Bay Bridge
www.hess-timber.com // Germany Contact: Rensteph Thompson // rensteph.thompson@hess-timber.com 2
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
FROM THE EDITOR
Editor’s comment Cover Image: Endless Stair, London, England Image © AHEC
Timber is not rocket science, but it is not that simple either. And yet, for the uninitiated, wood is just plain wood. The question then arises as to why wood often loses out to other materials despite being sustainable, versatile and beautiful. Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that the one material that often poses the greatest challenge to designers is timber and, as a result, it is frequently specified unrealistically or, worse still, not specified at all. Roderick Wiles builds a case for the increased use
Issue 11 | DECEMBER 2013
of timber given that it is arguably the most environmentally-friendly material available, provided
Timber Design & Technology Magazine
footprint, it is abundant, it is renewable, it’s harvesting and processing do not use or produce harmful
Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400 International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com
it is derived from a sustainably managed forest. Further, it has a very low (often negative) carbon chemicals or by-products and it has low embodied energy. This issue marks the sixth and final issue of the year and covers a variety of topics including the latest developments from the timber and woodworking machinery industries. Our sustainability feature looks at the environmental credentials of Accoya wood and the potential role of Wood Acetylation in climate change mitigation. A carbon footprint analysis by the Delft University of Technology on a cradle-to-grave basis revealed that Accoya window frames are CO2 negative over the full life cycle of the product, mainly thanks to the limited emissions during production and benefits gained from carbon sequestration during the considerable life span of the durable acetylated wood. Thermal modification of wood is another key development for the timber industry and our design feature looks at the Marseille Museum, which features heat-treated American ash on its rooftop deck. The thermal modification process uses a high temperature in a controlled environment permanently
Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com
altering the wood’s chemical and physical properties. It therefore limits the ability of ash to absorb
International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952
food source for insects and wood-destroying fungi. This increase in dimensional stability and decay
International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr
moisture thereby rendering it more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity. It also removes the nutrients in wood that would otherwise provide a resistance significantly extends the service life and reduces maintenance needs of the decking, thereby encouraging the use of timber over other materials. In addition, we have profiled the Chabros International Group and India’s third largest trader and exporter of timber - the Mahesh Group. The beauty and versatility of American tulipwood through the ‘Endless Stair’ installation at the London Design Festival 2013 is also detailed in this issue, which will be distributed at the Big 5 Dubai show. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website - www.timberdesignandtechnology.com - for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering.
Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE
is designed by UC Design Pvt. Ltd. and is printed by MASAR Printing Press Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of Timber Design & Technology but the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All contents are © 2013 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
3
The leading timber supplier in the Middle East
Farlin group of companies are vertically integrated with an established presence worldwide in timber logs, sawn timber, plywood, panel products and coal for energy sectors.
Tel : +971 4 8809889 Fax: +971 4 8809779
4
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY
The potential role of Wood Acetylation in climate change mitigation
Carbon negative window frames: fiction or reality?
18 MARKET REPORT Opportunity in Woodworking Machinery Market (WWM) in India - 2013
P12
The WWM market is estimated at USD 70-80 million
22 ANALYSIS For the love of Wood
Roderick Wiles explores why wood often loses out to other materials despite being sustainable, versatile and beautiful
26 the source
P16 P30
Mahesh Group: A market-leading supplier and processor of timber
30 design & décor American heat treated ash sits pretty on the rooftop of Marseille’s new flagship museum
Thermal modification limits the ability of ash to absorb moisture thereby rendering it more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity
40 comment Chain of custody nonsense from FSC & PEFC: Protecting income streams rather than the world’s forests
46 TECHNOLOGY
P32 P46 PLUS p7 Latest News
The beauty and versatility of American tulipwood: ‘Endless Stair’ at London Design Festival 2013
‘Endless Stair’ is both a sculpture and research project, advancing the knowledge of timber technology and sustainability
p50 Showtime December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
5
In co-operation with
Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Housing
Diamond Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Intelligence Partners
Supporters
Media Partners
idf
6
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Commerce & Industry
NEWS
D1 Tower canopy is the first free-form timber structure in the Middle East
Image © HESS Timber
The D1 Tower, an 80 floor, 284 meter tall residential skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is set to feature the first free-form timber structure canopy in the Middle East. Launched by ENSHAA, construction of the highly anticipated luxury residential development is progressing well and the innovative design of D1’s podium canopy, one of the buildings most striking and unique features, is now nearing completion. The geometry of the structure has been inspired by the artistry of the craftsmen of Dubai, the traditional form of the region’s fishing nets and the Middle East’s wooden dhows. Comprised of four timber petals the resultant shaded structure is evocative of traditional Mushrabiya (Arabian screens). The three-storey tall timber canopy is a particular feature of the D1 Tower and has been manufactured, delivered and installed by the German glulam construction company - HESS TIMBER. The canopy construction consists of 4 single canopies, the so-called ‘Petals’. The largest, which is also different to the other three, is still yet to be installed and comprises 370 different single components and a roof area of 600 square meters. The three other canopies are identical having a roof area of 370 square meters each. In total, the canopy area comprises 1,700 square meters with a volume of 350 cubic
Image © HESS Timber
meters of glulam. The timber canopy was designed by ‘Innovarchi’, and was inspired by the craft of Dhow trading boat construction that used to occur on
in the support axis of the three identical canopies. All canopies are
the site. However, the canopy shapes that were originally designed
connected to the building’s front by diagonally inclined steel struts
by the architect had to be slightly optimized for economical reasons
and are embedded on two fixed steel struts in the front area. The
in order to reduce the number of the narrow curvature radii within
largest canopy is fixed on three steel struts in the front area on
the canopy surfaces contained in them. According to HESS TIMBER,
account of its exceptional size.
resin-free fir wood was chosen for the production of the glue-
The assembly and erection of the three freely designed canopies
laminated timber as with other kinds of wood inclusions and/or pitch
was executed from September until December 2012 by a team
pockets might come up owing to the high level of solar radiation.
consisting of six German assemblers, who were supported by local
Each canopy is made up of primary and secondary beams, which
workers on site. In total, a number of 783 wood construction wood
form the main part of the beam grid system. Given the high strength
construction components and 561 nodal connections had been
requirements, it was necessary to produce these by using a special
assembled on a complete scaffold. Furthermore, the diagonally
timber lamella. The bracing is realized by the use of further hybrid
inclined steel struts were supplied from Germany and mounted by
combinations made from fir and Kerto panels. Due to the high loads,
HESS TIMBER. Interestingly, the complete amount of wood and steel
it was also necessary to additionally deploy cladded steel beams
parts was supplied to Dubai in a total of 29 shipment containers.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
7
NEWS
The Dubai Municipality educates on new green building legislation at The Big 5 The Dubai Municipality will be presenting the latest Dubai Green Building Code at The Big 5, offering attendees the opportunity to understand more about the regulations and their impact on the industry for the future before they go live in early 2014. The new legislation will be mandatory for all new buildings across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The code covers a range of construction features, including building vitality, ecology, as well as energy, water and waste efficiency and effectiveness. Information on the Dubai Green Building Project, of which the new regulations are derived, will be provided along with the rationale behind its implementation, and the role it will play in Dubai’s drive for sustainability. There will be a full outline of the requirements for assessment and certification of green buildings together with a followup workshop that will provide more in-depth information on assessment procedures. The seminars will include a comprehensive overview of
ready; we want to ensure that the industry is also ready and has access
the testing procedures of products within the new regulations and the
to the relevant training and information they require in advance of the
certification process.
launch. The Big 5 provides an excellent platform for us to engage with a
Engineer Abdulla Rafia, Assistant Director General of Engineering at the Dubai Municipality, said: “The new Green Building Code will be
wide range of stakeholders and communicate this key information.” The free-to-attend seminars will also provide key insight into the
implemented next year, and we are currently working to strengthen our
progress of Dubai’s construction market, and the key successes and
efforts in educating the necessary audiences on the requirements they
challenges, including that of meeting the increased demand for power
will have to meet. We are ready, our testing and certification centers are
and water that comes with the on-going growth and development.
Indonesian VPA signing a big step toward FLEGT-licensed timber delivery system (LAS), and associated licensing, auditing and monitoring mechanisms and organizations, with the input of as wide a range of stakeholders as possible. Currently, 19 million hectares of Indonesia’s production forests and over 700 timber-processing companies have been audited under its LAS - named its SVLK system. The latter has issued documentation for 53,000 timber consignments, a total of 5.4 million cubic meters. It has also run trial timber shipments to the EU under its associated V-Legal licensing operation, effectively a test-bed for the systems for ultimately issuing, and auditing FLEGT licenses. The next step is for Indonesia and the EU to ratify the VPA, which covers a specific list of named timber and wood products, into their respective laws. Both must be then be finally assured that the LAS is up to the task, before the listed goods can enter the EU as FLEGT-licensed and, subsequently, automatically legal under the EUTR. No definitive deadlines have been set, but the hope is that Indonesia will start issuing FLEGT licenses in 2014. Currently, fourteen other countries in Asia, Indonesia has moved a step closer to becoming one of the first suppliers
Africa and Latin America are developing EU VPAs and ten more are in
of timber licensed as legal under the EU Forest Law Enforcement
initial exploratory talks. Ghana is one of the few that hopes to deliver
Governance and Trade Action Plan (FLEGT). When available, this will
FLEGT licensed timber next year.
satisfy the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) without
welcome the VPA signing with enthusiasm,” said André de Boer,
Zulkifli Hasan and EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik
Secretary General, European Timber Trade Federation. “The VPA process
recently signed the country’s FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement
itself has already been instrumental in improving forestry practice and
(VPA) in Brussels. This marked the culmination of six years’ work, from
this will hopefully be a step towards implementing certified sustainable
the start of its VPA negotiations, to establish a watertight forestry and
management, and not just in Indonesia, but other countries engaged in
timber legality assurance framework that meets the parameters of the
the VPA initiative. ETTF members can look forward to the next stage
EU anti-illegal timber FLEGT initiative.
- the delivery of Indonesian FLEGT-licensed timber. That is of utmost
Central to the process has been the establishment of Indonesia’s definition of illegal timber. It has also had to set up a legality assurance
8
“Indonesia has traveled a long road to reach this point and we
additional due diligence risk assessment. Indonesia’s Forestry Minister
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
importance to importers, given that it will provide them with a supply of timber considered legal under the EUTR without further due diligence.”
NEWS
Wood in Architecture & Wooden Products Fair to take place in February 2014 The organizers of the ‘Wood in Architecture & Wooden Products Fair’
will showcase timber frame structures, wooden urban furniture,
have announced the dates of the fair as February 13 - 16, 2014. The
house and office furniture, doors and windows, floor coverings,
event aims to increase the usage of wood in construction, to enable
wall and roof coverings, wooden ladders, kitchen and bathroom
the exhibition of wood and related products and innovations and
cupboards, pool and sauna equipment, landscape materials, fences,
to organize seminars to explain the importance of wood. The use of
pergola, benches, structural timber, construction lumber, wood
wood in the construction sector is very important for environmental
chemicals, wood accessories, glulam, laminated beams, roof trusses,
health and is recommended for areas such as Turkey where
wall panels, timber connectors and fasteners. In addition, the fair will
earthquakes are frequent. The fair will be hosted by ICC Istanbul
attract architects, engineers, building contractors, project agencies,
Congress Center - Harbiye, located in a central area of Istanbul.
appliers, purchasers, import firms, export firms, related units of
Participants at the Wood in Architecture & Wooden Products Fair
municipalities and public institutions.
Quebec Wood Export Bureau hosts seminar in Dubai
The Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB) welcomed over 50 architects,
applications; and showcased the Canadian expertise in wood-frame
construction consultants, designers and other construction sector
building systems and technologies,” said Sven Gustavsson, Softwood
representatives from the United Arab Emirates and countries in the
Lumber Manager at QWEB.
Gulf region to a seminar on advanced wood-based building solutions
The Middle East construction market is heavily dominated by concrete
in Dubai. The ‘Advanced Wood-based Building Solutions for the Gulf
and steel. Wood is not commonly used in structural applications and is
Cooperation Council Region’ seminar was co-hosted with the Canadian
perceived as a disposable forming and scaffolding material. Hardwoods
Consulate General in Dubai and supported by Natural Resources Canada,
are used in the medium to high-end interior finishing sector along with
Société d’habitation du Québec, Canadian Council of Forest Ministers,
various types of stone and ceramic materials that have been dominant
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Embassy to
in the GCC region. Some recent projects such as the planned Guggenheim
Kuwait and Qatar.
Museum and the just finalized Library at the Masdar Institute, both in
Opening remarks on the day were delivered by the Consulate General of Canada to the United Arab Emirates in Dubai and the speakers for the seminar included Normand Hudon (pictured), Architect and President,
Abu Dhabi, show there’s a potential for wood to be used as a structural material in the GCC. “While wood as a building material is still at a nascent stage in the GCC
CoArchitecture Inc.; Mario D. Gonçalves, ing., President, Patenaude-
region, in the short-term, one potential avenue for success is to combine
Trempe Inc.; John Stewart, Consultant, Stewart & Leong Consulting LLC;
building materials so that the advantages with steel, concrete and
Denis Rousseau, Director, Quality and Markets, Québec Forest Industry
wood are all optimized. This way of building, commonly called Hybrid
Council; and Colin Templeton, National and International Forestry
Construction, is gaining in popularity, notably in Asia. However some
Advisor, Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.
education and advocacy is needed to familiarize the local industry on
“Our objective is to increase the participants’ awareness about
this new concept and method of building, while highlighting its long-term
the potential to use wood as a structural material in residential and
sustainability. Common wood construction methods need to be adapted
non-residential construction. Our speakers have demonstrated how to
to the extreme climate conditions and risk for termite infestations
best exploit wood’s structural advantages by combining it with other
present in the GCC. It is important to address these issues and propose
building materials, such as steel and concrete; highlighted the attributes
appropriate technical solutions,” added Alain Boulet, Wood Construction
of Canadian wood products in construction as well as appearance
Manager at QWEB.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
9
NEWS
Time to tap the full potential of Asia-Pacific’s forests: sustainably and prosperously The forest sector across Asia and the Pacific has enormous untapped
potential for adding value and creating new jobs - a means to an end in
potential to increase the prosperity of countries, industries and improve
the fight against poverty and hunger.
the livelihoods of millions. But to achieve that, greater, coordinated
“The global economic crisis in 2008, taught us many lessons, among
efforts are needed by forest managers, governments and the private
them the importance of forestry in food security. Indeed, it is forests
sector. As such, leading forestry experts and policy makers from 33
which help ensure our reliable supplies of clean water and without
member countries recently attended the 25th session of the Asia-Pacific
water, there is no food,” said Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO Assistant Director-
Forestry Commission (APFC) to consider ways and means of making the
General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “A large
region’s vast forests more productive and prosperous, while ensuring
number of people are dependent on forests and their products for
the sustainability and health of these natural resources. The biannual
their livelihoods, hence the need to focus on prosperity in forestry
meeting, hosted this year by the Government of New Zealand, in
development policies and programmes. In a world where people’s
Rotorua, brought together more than 200 delegates to the APFC under
aspirations are changing rapidly and dramatically, it is not enough
the general theme ‘Forests for Prosperity’.
to simply lift people above the poverty line. A proactive prosperity-
While the formal forest sector already contributes more than USD 450 billion to the global economy each year, far more could be achieved if greater attention was given to increasing the volume and
enhancing approach must be pursued - and more efficient economic activity in the forest sector has the potential to assist us in that regard.” Forests cover an estimated 740 million hectares in Asia and the
improving the quality of products and services available in the forests
Pacific, or more than one-quarter (26 percent) of the total land surface.
of the region - and by doing so in more efficient and sustainable ways.
However, on a per capita basis, Asia and the Pacific is the least-forested
Regional forestry experts at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
region of the world, with only 0.2 hectares of forest per person. While
of the United Nations say a higher priority should be given to adding
the net area of forests in the Asia-Pacific region actually expanded at a
value to forest products, instead of harvesting and selling low-value,
rate of 1.4 million hectares per year during the last decade, the increase
unprocessed forest commodities - an all-too-common practice found
was due to major investments in reforestation and afforestation in a
in many countries of Asia and the Pacific. There are already existing
relatively small number of countries, while forests continue to be cleared
good practices in this region for increasing prosperity, and these could
and damaged in many other countries of the region. Therefore, the APFC
be replicated the delegates were told. The multi-billion dollar wooden
delegates will consider a wide range of challenges and approaches in
furniture industries of China and Vietnam are examples of the enormous
relation to the push for greater prosperity.
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR to present the ‘World of Handmade Carpets’ and the second edition of ‘InnovAction flooring’ in 2014 international exhibitors were shown together in the same halls. In 2014, international handmade carpets producers will appear separately in hall W5 where rugs, education, demonstrations of techniques and historical and cultural influences will merge to create an educational buying experience. Machine made carpets and rugs will remain in hall W1, the traditional international hall for this product category. Leading producing countries including Iran, India and Pakistan will install pavilions at the handmade carpet area with many other international producers. In addition, daily live performances will demonstrate techniques, materials, cultural influences and distinguished product characteristics, providing both entertainment and education value for visitors and increased opportunity for exhibiting manufacturers. Last year, nearly 4,000 visitors voted in the online ‘InnovAction flooring’ campaign where 200 new and innovative products could be Image © DOMOTEX asia
pre-viewed. A selection of those products was also displayed together in a special venue at the show. The InnovAction program, which is
The 16th edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, the leading flooring
designed to highlight the show’s newest products, is also meant to
show in Asia-Pacific, is set to take place from March 25-27, 2014 in
increase interaction between visitors and exhibitors by providing a
Shanghai and will cover 140,000 gross square meters and add new or
convenient, online method to set appointments with manufacturers. In
expanded specialty venues such as the ‘World of Handmade Carpets’
its first year, the program resulted in 644 pre-show contacts. In 2014,
and an enhanced appointment setting feature in the InnovAction
show organizers will expand the interactive online system for pre-
program. The organizers have also announced that online pre-
viewing selected products, promotional opportunities and appointment
registration is now open at www.domotexasiachinafloor.com and
setting. The physical InnovAction spotlight venue will also move into
admittance for pre-registered visitors is free.
the Architects and Designers Hub and all pre-registered visitors will
In the past, handmade and machine made carpets and rugs from
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
have access to the online service.
NEWS
See the Stamp. Trust the Quality.
about N ELMA The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (N E LMA) has represented the softwood lumber industry located in the Northeastern USA since 1933. N E LMA establishes the lumber grading rules for Eastern White Pine and is the grading authority
Image Š The Big 5
for Balsam Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPFs) species grouping and other commercially important eastern softwood lumber species. The Association offers a wide range of reference materials to assist in the purchase and use of softwood lumber products manufactured by its member companies.
Contact:
Visit nelma.org for: Lumber Grading Rules Grade Photos Technical Brochures Construction Design Values
Interior & Exterior Product Profiles Installation Tips End-Use Application Photos Manufacturer Contact Information
info@nelma.org
Image Š The Big 5
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11
SUSTAINABILITY
The potential role of Wood Acetylation in climate change mitigation Carbon negative window frames: fiction or reality?
Image © Accsys Technologies
T
he world-leading environmental
life span of the durable acetylated
oxygen in return, and store this in their
credentials of Accoya wood
wood. Timber Design & Technology
tissue and soil, and after harvest in
had been explored in a
learns more about the potential role
durable wood products throughout their
previous issue of the magazine. An
of wood acetylation in climate change
lifespan. As such, forests and wood
updated cradle-to-gate analysis of
mitigation from Dr. Pablo van der Lugt
products play an important role (both
the revolutionary modified wood by
& Dr. Joost Vogtländer, Delft University
negative and positive) in the global
leading climate change consultancy
of Technology, Faculty of Industrial
carbon cycle through deforestation,
Verco had shown that Accoya’s carbon
Design Engineering, Design for
forest conservation, afforestation
footprint significantly outperforms
Sustainability, the Netherlands.
(planting of trees on soils that have not
most other building materials, including
supported forests in the recent past)
sourced hardwoods. A subsequent
Role of Forests and Wood on Global warming
carbon footprint analysis by the
There are various strategies for
Although afforestation in temperate
Delft University of Technology on a
climate change mitigation either by
regions is a positive development, for
cradle-to-grave basis then took these
reducing the causes of CO2 emissions
the world as a whole, carbon stocks
life cycle aspects into account and
(e.g. higher energy efficiency, better
in forest biomass still decreased by
revealed that Accoya window frames
insulation, using renewable energy,
an estimated 0.5 Gigatons due to
are CO2 negative over the full life cycle
etc) or by increasing the sinks (carbon
deforestation in (sub)tropical regions
of the product, mainly thanks to the
sequestration), in which forests and
worldwide between 2005 and 2010
limited emissions during production
forest products play a major role.
(Figure 1), where a region of over
and benefits gained from carbon
During growth, trees absorb CO2 from
8 million hectares was deforested,
sequestration during the considerable
the atmosphere, while producing
according to the FAO Global Forest
even a wide range of sustainably-
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
and increasing application of wood in durable (construction) products.
SUSTAINABILITY
Resources Assessment 2010.
Trends in carbon stocks in forest biomass per region (Gigatons)
Combined with the conversion of forests to agricultural land or for the development of infrastructure, one of the main causes of deforestation
Africa
in tropical regions is illegal logging of tropical hardwood from rainforests,
Asia
which is high in demand worldwide because of its superior performance over softwood in terms of durability, hardness and sometimes dimensional stability. Although the amount of sustainable sourced and certified tropical hardwood on the market is increasing - due in part to new legal
Europe North & Central America Oceania
requirements like the EUTR becoming obligatory in March 2013 and the expanded Lacey Act in the USA -
South America
demand is still considerably higher than supply, and sustainable and durable alternatives are needed to reduce
0
20 1990
40 2000
60
80
100
120
2010
pressure on endangered sources.
Wood modification for improved sustainability
Figure 1: Trends in carbon storage in forests from 1990-2010 (source: FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010)
A promising route enabling legally
an excellent performance in terms of
and sustainably sourced - but poor
durability (class 1 according to EN 350)
Carbon Footprint for Accoya® Wood: Cradle to Gate Assessment
performance - temperate wood species
and stability, making it a promising
In a carbon footprint assessment, the
to be used in high performance
alternative in exterior applications
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during
applications is through large-scale non-
where tropical hardwood is typically
the life cycle of a material can be
toxic wood modification. Acetylation
used such as joinery, decking, cladding,
measured, and compared to alternative
is the leading known method. Through
as well as structural applications.
products in terms of kg CO2 equivalent
Accoya’s carbon footprint significantly outperforms most other building materials including even a wide range of sustainably-sourced hardwoods
following the Greenhouse Gas Reporting
process, Accoya is guaranteed to have
the acetylation process, the unstable hydroxyl (OH) groups in wood are replaced by a wood’s naturally occurring and more stable acetyl groups, through which the dimensional stability and durability of the treated wood species significantly increases. Acetylated wood has been developed to commercial scale by the UK based company Accsys Technologies under the brand name Accoya wood. Through the optimized
(CO2e). Recently a carbon footprint, Protocol of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and World Resource Institute (WRI) was executed by independent consulting firm Verco (2012) for Accoya based on a cradle to gate scenario, thus until the factory gate. This includes sourcing, harvesting and processing of the input timber, as well as all energy and raw
Image © Accsys Technologies
material consumption in the acetylation plant of Accsys Technologies in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Figure 3 presents the results in cubic meters Accoya including several other material alternatives. The graph above shows that, on a cradle-to-gate basis, Accoya’s carbon footprint significantly outperforms most other commonly used building materials such as concrete, PVC, MDF, plywood as well as a range of tropical hardwoods such as Azobe and Red Meranti, even when sourced from sustainable managed plantations. Logically, because of the shorter transport distance, the Accoya scenarios based on continental sourced wood perform better than the intercontinental scenarios. Figure 2: Accoya® wood used for cladding, decking and structural beams in boathouse in Horning, Norfolk, UK.
However, a cradle-to-gate analysis does not cover the in-use and end
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
SUSTAINABILITY
A promising route enabling legally and sustainably sourced but poor performance - temperate wood species to be used in high performance applications is through largescale non-toxic wood modification Image © Accsys Technologies
of the wood in-use is longer, which is
emissions are likely to be centered
Carbon negative window frames: Cradle to Grave Assessment
around material properties such as
Just like in the 2010 LCA study, an
the predicted longer useful life.
density or strength, which dictate the
application, a window frame, was
volume of material required; durability
chosen in which Accoya has been
system, waste wood (from saw mills,
of the material, which influences
compared with non-renewable
planing, profiling, etc) and acetic acid
lifespan; maintenance procedures
materials (metals, plastics). In order
from the acetylation process are
and frequency; carbon sequestration
for the comparison to be fair, all
dealt with by the so-called ‘system
properties of renewable materials; and
alternatives in this application have to
expansion’ and ‘credits’ for ‘substitution’
Disposal and recycling routes available.
meet the same functional requirements.
in line with ISO 14044. For acetic acid
The assessment includes End of Life
this means that the GHG emissions
oranges’, for a complete ‘cradle till
considerations and the effect of carbon
resulting from the ‘avoided acetic acid
grave’ assessment, the carbon footprint
sequestration over a 100-year time
production elsewhere’ is subtracted
results per cubic meter from the graph
frame following leading standards in
from the total GHG emissions of Accoya.
need to be ‘translated’ to an application
carbon footprint and LCA (ILCD, PAS
For the wood waste, it is assumed that
example to include the in-use and end
2050: 2011 and the EN norm under
100 percent is incinerated for energy
of life phase related aspects mentioned
development EN16449). These methods
production, applying the Lower Heating
above. This subsequent analysis was
allow for the carbon sequestered in the
Value of the waste material. In Western
performed by Delft University of
wood to be included as a negative CO2
Europe, this is a plausible assumption.
Technology (2013), who also executed
value with respect to the emissions,
This energy output from biomass
the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for
which can be deducted from the total
substitutes heat from oil, leading to
Accoya wood in 2010.
fossil CO2 emissions. A higher negative
a ‘carbon credit’ for the avoided use
of life phase of the product. For the materials illustrated above, in-use
To avoid comparing ‘apples with
Greenhouse gas emissions in kgCO2e per m3 of material Aluminium Steel Red Meranti (unsustainably sourced) Azobe (unsustainably sourced) PVC Western Red Cedar (unsustainably sourced) Concrete Ceramic tile Plywood (sustainably sourced) MDF (sustainably sourced) Azobe (sustainably sourced) Red Meranti (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Radiata Pine) Accoya (USA Alder) Accoya (EU Alder) Western Red Cedar (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Scots Pine)
0
CO2e value is allocated if the life span beneficial for acetylated wood due to The two co-products of the product
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
24,732 11,388 4,905 4,793 4,278 3,795 2,185 1,560 638 495 393 359 342 293 204 195 140
Figure 3: the greenhouse gas emissions of several building materials per cubic meter based on a cradle to gate scenario (Verco 2012, University of Bath 2011, Ecoinvent 2012)
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
SUSTAINABILITY
GreenHouse gas emission in kgCO2e per window frame per material 400
300
200
100
0
-100
input material
transport
Accoya Radiata Pine Accoya Acots Pine
profilingc Accoya EU Alder Accoya USA Alder
Greenhouse gas emissions in kgCO2e per window frame material (cradle to grave) Red Meranti (unsustainably sourced) Aluminium PVC / Steel Accoya (Radiata Pine) Accoya (USA Alder) Accoya (EU Alder) Red Meranti (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Scots Pine)
gc oating
carbon sequestration
end of life
Red Meranti (sustainable) Red Meranti (unsustainable)
-100
0
TOTAL
Aluminium PVC / Steel
100
200
300
400
314.4 132.5 116.0 -7.5 -11.2 -18.8 -23.0 -25.0
Figures 4 & 5: Greenhouse gas emissions for a window frame in various material alternatives of oil. The results of the cradle to
during production. In the case of
maintenance (coatings) of the window
grave window frame comparison are
tropical hardwood from rain forests
frames appears to be negligible in the
presented in the graphs below, first
(deforestation), the picture totally shifts
total context.
per process step (Figure 4) then for the
and wood is the worst performing
total emissions (Figure 5).
alternative (see unsustainably sourced
that the credit for temporary carbon
From the results, it is obvious
Meranti). This shows the importance
sequestration has a large impact
from the graphs above. On account of
of conservation of tropical rainforests
on the outcome. It is important to
the limited emissions during production
as they act as important carbon sinks.
note here that there is still a lot
in case of sustainable sourcing, and
The eco-burden of transport and
of discussion going on in working
Several conclusions can be made
credits that can be earned through carbon sequestration (especially in case of a long lifespan) and incineration for electricity in the End of Life phase, all wood products, including Accoya, are CO2 negative over the full life cycle. The best performing alternative is Accoya made from locally sourced species (in this case Scots Pine). Non-renewable materials PVC, steel and aluminium perform considerably worse than sustainably sourced wood, especially because of the high embodied energy (emissions during production). Although through recycling aluminum, PVC and steel earn some credits back, this does not outweigh the high emissions
Image Š Accsys Technologies
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15
SUSTAINABILITY
Greenhouse gas emission in kgCO2e per window frame material (cradle to grave) Red Meranti (unsustainably sourced) Aluminium PVC / Steel Accoya (Radiata Pine) Accoya (USA Alder) Accoya (EU Alder) Red Meranti (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Scots Pine)
-100
0
100
200
300
400
300.2 132.5 116.0 3.2 -0.4 -7.5 -11.2 -13.2
Figure 6: Greenhouse gas emissions for a window frame in various material alternatives excluding credit for temporary carbon sequestration groups of LCA and carbon footprint methodology (most notably PAS 2050, ILCD and WRI/WBCSD GHG protocol) on how to exactly allocate credits for temporary storage of biogenic carbon in wood products. Nevertheless, if the temporary carbon sequestration credit would be neglected and only the credit for energy production in End-of-Life would apply, the results would slightly change, with most of the wood alternatives (except Accoya made from Radiata Pine), still carbon negative
land is becoming scarce, especially when
Acetylation seems to be the right solution as it enables an abundantly available resource (legally sourced timber from temperate regions) to substitute tropical hardwood
(Figure 6).
current materials (metals, fossil fuels) will be replaced by renewable materials like wood and crops for biomass. The high growing speed of species suitable to produce Accoya such as Radiata Pine is an environmental competitive advantage over regular wood species, and in particular slow growing tropical hardwood species. Therefore, the annual yield is another aspect of sustainability, which should to be taken into account in addition to the carbon footprint performance results presented earlier
Conclusion
Land-use change is incorporated in LCA indicators like Recipe and eco-costs. It
(Figure 7). This does put the results of the
It should be noted that several
is strongly related to the harvesting of
carbon footprint in another perspective
environmental issues cannot be caught
tropical hardwood. For example, globally
by looking at a global level. One of the
by a carbon footprint. Although the
FSC certified tropical hardwood is partly
striking conclusions of the cradle to grave
scope of an LCA is a lot broader than
sourced from plantations (40 percent),
carbon footprint comparison is that when
the carbon footprint, and also includes
but the rest is still coming from natural
sourced from tropical rainforests, wood
several other eco-indicators besides
forests (harvested with Reduced Impact
is the worst performing alternative. This
GHG emissions (global warming effect),
Harvesting), having a negative impact on
shows the importance of conservation of
such as acidification, euthrophication,
biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
(tropical) forests as they act as important
smog, dust, toxicity, depletion, land-use
Yield of land is another specific aspect
carbon sinks, and the need to search
and waste, in both instruments the issue
of sustainability, not included in a carbon
for (rapidly) renewable alternatives
of social sustainability is not included.
footprint, which is related to the fact that
from abundantly available sustainable managed sources. Acetylation seems
Wood Species Annual Yield m / ha / year 3
to be the right solution as it enables an abundantly available resource (legally sourced timber from temperate regions) to substitute tropical hardwood, and due to the improved performance characteristics (durability, stability) even materials such as plastics, metals and concrete. On a global level, Accoya may help in further reducing greenhouse gas emissions directly on a product level through temporary carbon sequestration in products but more importantly on a global level by substitution of carbon intensive materials such as hardwood from tropical rain forests, plastics, concrete and metals. Furthermore, it provides a powerful drive for reforestation as softwood species can now serve as input for high
Figure 7: Annual yield for various wood species in cubic meters produced per hectare per year
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
performance wood.
modified wood by Accsys Technologies
www.accoya.com
DURABLE STABLE & SUSTAINABLE
Villa Bie, Denmark
Created from sustainably sourced wood and completely non-toxic, Accoya® is a revolution in wood technology:
- Guaranteed for 50 years above ground - Guaranteed for 25 years below ground - Exceptional dimensional stability - Outstanding coating performance for low maintenance - Consistent quality throughout - Available as FSC® and PEFC™ certified wood - Cradle to Cradle Gold certified
Louis Vuitton facade, Cancun, Mexico
AVAILABLE FROM: Private residence, France
Maritime Harbour Office, Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
PEFC/30-31-040
ACCOYA® and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
Feramo Morocco www.feramo.ma
Ritikkaa India www.ritikaawood.com
Tailormade South Africa Email: tmj@worldonline.co.za
Taigawood UAE Email: tom.day@taigawood.com
Vertex Israel www.vertex-accoya.co.il
Yew Distinct Wood Lebanon www.yewdistinctwood-accoya.com
Waitrose Supermarket, Bracknell, UK December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17
MARKET REPORT
Opportunity in Woodworking Machinery Market in India - 2013 18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
MARKET REPORT
T
he Indian Woodworking
agents, such as HBR Consultants
India, which falls under the main
Machinery (WWM) industry is
and Woodtech, who are positioned
agenda of whichever government
made up of over 200 types,
as consultants. Some of the Indian
that comes to power. The
classified into Solid Woodworking
manufacturers also import products
fundamentals like growing demand
Machinery and Panel Processing
from Taiwan and China to complete
for houses and commercial space
Machinery. The WWM market is
their product range.
in India will largely drive growth,
estimated at USD 70-80 million,
The industry mainly caters to the
coupled with positive government
including imported and domestically
needs of the primary processors,
policies. Though in the near term,
manufactured products. These are
which would mean the primary saw
considering the following challenges
the findings of a report published
mills and secondary saw mills, the
we see a lower growth, the scenario
by Feedback Business Consulting
secondary processors of plywood,
is expected to improve over the
Private Limited.
particle board and MDF and the
long term.
manufacturers of end products such
• Tight Liquidity
processing machinery accounts for
as furniture, construction and panel
• Lower economic growth
30–35 percent, which is largely
boards under panel processing
projections in the near term
dominated by imported brands.
products and construction and
• Weakening rupee value
Edge Banders, CNC Routers and
woodcraft, under solid woodwork.
• Increasing Inflationary conditions
Of the overall market, panel
Panel Saws are some of the popular
The future of the industry is
• Upcoming elections
products, accounting for around
projected to be healthy, considering
• Deterioration in credit metrics
15 percent of the panel processing
the long-term stability in the Asian
• Declining profitability
machinery market. On the back of
and Indian markets. Construction
• Lower absorption rates of
the growth in the modular furniture
is one of the sunshine segments in
residential & commercial properties
industry, these products have gained popularity in the last few years. However driven by their
Company Category
Market Share
demand for good quality and timely delivery of products, the furniture
Foreign Companies
25 - 30%
and construction segments prefer
Large Indian Manufacturers
30 - 35%
imported machinery.
Importers
18 - 22%
Small Indian Manufacturers
18 - 22%
Solid woodworking machinery however continues to be dominated by Indian manufacturers. Sanders, Moulders, Tenoners and shapers are a few fast moving products, accounting for nearly 15 percent of the solid woodworking machinery market. Solid woodworking machinery users are largely fragmented, unlike panel processing users, which allows the presence of regional suppliers. There are around 5 large Indian companies participating in the business, which includes the likes of Jai Industries and Kalyan Industries. Foreign companies, such as Homag, Biesse and Felder have a direct presence in India through subsidiaries. There are over 100 small Indian manufacturers in the fray as well and large import
The future of the industry is projected to be healthy, considering, the long-term stability in the Asian and Indian markets Geographical Spread of Machinery Companies
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
MARKET REPORT
The fundamentals like growing demand for houses and commercial space in India will largely drive growth, coupled with positive government policies Though the downturn poses challenges, it also opens up a certain kind of opportunity in terms of exploring the market and planning the market entry well, setting up facilities and building channel / distribution capabilities. Feedback Consulting’s report analyses these parameters well to project the long term sustainability of the business. The report also assesses the market for Woodworking Machinery in India for FY 2013 and forecasts
Growth Rate
the same until FY 2018. The aim
Scenario
of the research is to present a
Short Term (Next 2 - 3 years)
06 - 10%
comprehensive overview of the
Mid Term (Next 3 - 5 years)
08 - 12%
WWM market, the market practices,
Long Term (Next 5 - 8 years)
12 - 15%
the factors driving it and its future outlook in India.
Future Growth Model
About Feedback Business Consulting Feedback Business Consulting is one of India’s leading B2B research based consulting firm, serving clients since 1985. Feedback Business Consulting services cover market research, strategic advisory, customer experience engagements and implementation assistance. Currently, our 120+ resources (includes science, engineering and MBA graduates) operate out of 4 offices in India (Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai). Feedback also has its own overseas representatives in the US and Europe. Feedback Consulting has grown in strength from a market research firm (B2B, Consumer, Customer satisfaction) to a full services firm with a business advisory focus. Our credibility stems from our diverse sector record (over 36 sectors), extensive experience (3,500 engagements), tangible results (over US$7 billion investments in India) and exposure to leading firms (over 600). For more info: www.feedbackconsulting.com
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
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ANALYSIS
For the love of Wood W
ood frequently loses out to alternative materials because it is often little
understood and designers are afraid to specify it. However, a little bit of research will go a long way and, in many applications, using wood will often prove to be the better and, more environmentally-beneficial, solution. Roderick Wiles explores why wood often loses out to other materials despite being sustainable, versatile and beautiful. I have to acknowledge Criswell Davis, hardwood guru and consultant to the American Hardwood Export Council, for much of my understanding of specifying timber. In all his many presentations to architects and interior designers on designing with American hardwoods, he says that for every successful project the designer must fulfil three key objectives: they must conceive a vision, convey that vision to the client and then make it deliverable. In order to achieve all three, especially the last one, the designer must be familiar enough with the materials being specified to know that delivering the project will not be a problem. Unfortunately, familiarity with materials is often an issue, but the designer cannot really be expected to know everything about everything. Sadly, however, the one material that often poses the greatest challenge to designers is timber and, as a result, it is frequently specified unrealistically or, worse still, not specified at all.
Image Š AHEC
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
ANALYSIS
Timber is not rocket science, but it is not that simple either. And yet, for the uninitiated, wood is just plain wood. Actually, there are myriad wood and wood-based products available, some high tech and some fairly straightforward, some for interior use, some for exterior use, some for construction and some for decoration. In fact, there is a wood product suitable for almost every conceivable application in every conceivable climate. One of the problems with wood is the very fact that there are so many products available and from so many different suppliers and wood products can only rarely Image © Marks & Spencer
be treated as commodities. Then there is the question of whether or not wood can be considered to be a sound choice on environmental grounds. Well, in fact, provided it derives from a sustainably managed forest, timber is, arguably, the most environmentally-friendly material available. It has a very low (often negative) carbon footprint, it is
The one material that often poses the greatest challenge to designers is timber and, as a result, it is frequently specified unrealistically or, worse still, not specified at all
heavier alternatives. Wood has very low thermal conductivity compared to many other building materials. This means that it can act as a superior barrier to both heat and cold, resulting in both lower insulation and energy requirements for a building, i.e. lower carbon emissions and lower running costs. Wood has excellent
abundant, it is renewable, it’s harvesting and processing do not
as forests, then they may well be
acoustic properties and it can also
use or produce harmful chemicals
converted to some other use and
provide health benefits over, say,
or by-products and it has low
lost forever.
alternative flooring materials, such
embodied energy. The same
What about performance?
as carpet. Contrary to perceived wisdom,
cannot be said for almost any
Well, wood also has many strong
other material, even factoring in
technical qualities, often out-
wood also boasts natural fire
transport to the Middle East. In
performing competing materials. It
resistance. The keyword for
fact, it is tremendously important
has a very high strength to weight
timber’s behavior in fire is
that we do use wood, as demand
ratio, meaning that lightweight
predictability. Although it burns,
for it makes the world’s forests
timber members can provide the
this occurs at a predictable speed
valuable. If they are not valuable
same structural strength as much
known as the charring rate. The thermal insulation properties of timber are such that the wood just a few millimeters inside the burning zone is only warm. This is in contrast to high thermal conductivity materials such as steel, which heat up more uniformly giving rise to problems of expansion and loss of strength over the whole section. Research has shown that a space clad in wood or made of wood is often just a better place to be. For example, in a three-year study of 700 schools, Japanese researchers looked at how the educational environment is shaped by the type of materials used for school buildings, surveying teachers and students to measure their impression of wood versus
Image © Olympic Delivery Authority
reinforced concrete. Both groups
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23
ANALYSIS
Image © AHEC
had similar, favorable impressions
technical or aesthetic, that to
eminent architects, Frank Lloyd
of wood over concrete. Results also
not use it wherever possible is
Wright: “Wood is a friend of mine.
showed that teachers and students
a missed opportunity. However,
When we use the tree respectively
in wood buildings felt less fatigue
before specifying timber, designers
and economically, we have one of
and that students perceived schools
should actively seek to improve
the greatest resources of the earth.
with larger areas of wooden
their knowledge of the material.
It is a beautiful material, friendly
interiors to be brighter than
This is key, so as to ensure
to man, the supreme material for
reinforced concrete structures.
the correct specification and,
his dwelling purposes. If a man is
therefore, to provide positive
going to live, he should live with
wealth of possibilities for timber
inspiration for other designers.
wood.”
in structural applications, flooring,
There are many free timber
decking, cladding, pergolas and
information resources available
gazebos, amongst many others
to architects and designers and
and, yet, only some of them have
they should be encouraged to
been properly embraced. In some
use these. At the same time, the
cases, timber has been used, but
timber industry itself needs to
the specification, or at least, the
step up and seize the opportunity
final execution or material choice
to educate specifiers, while also
has been poor. Is this because of
putting up a united front to
a lack of knowledge on the part of
promote timber as a viable and
the designer or because of cost or
sustainable alternative to other
because of what was available on
materials.
Across the Middle East, I see a
the market at the time or, even,
One of the problems inherent in
because of misrepresentation of
the timber industry, not just here
the product’s capabilities by the
in the Middle East, but globally, is
supplier? I suspect that it is often
the fact that it is made up of many
a combination of all of these. I also
small and medium enterprises
suspect that these same issues
without a united voice. This has
have much less affect on more
certainly been addressed to
standardized or commodity-type
some extent in Europe and North
building materials and this could be
America, where strong timber
one of the reasons why designers
industry associations or technical
often shy away from using wood in
bodies exist, but more needs to be
the first place.
done in the Middle East to bring
Timber has so many positive
the industry together. After all, in
attributes, be they environmental,
the words of one of America’s pre-
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
About the Author
Roderick Wiles has been analyzing the Middle East’s markets for wood products for the past 14 years. He has traveled extensively throughout the MENA region, developing a wealth of contacts and experience and providing consultancy services to a range of government and industry clients on a long term or one-off basis. For more information, see www.broadleafconsulting.com
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
the source
Mahesh Group: A market-leading supplier and processor of timber T
he Mahesh Group is a leading
private company in 1998, the Group
Indian customers. Working closely with
group of companies dealing in
has, in the span of 15 years, achieved
both its clients and suppliers, the Group
timber products including Logs,
several milestones. International
is always prepared to anticipate their
Lumber, Core Veeners / Face Veeners,
expansion was initiated with the
demands and ensure that the right,
Plywoods and Panel products with a
establishment of Mahesh Timber
transparent, and fluent information is
focus on the Indian market. Established
Singapore Pte. Ltd. and Amazon Exports
communicated to both parties. Through
as a sole proprietorship in 1952 and
Pte. Ltd., which started procurement in
its network of branches in Singapore,
incorporated as a private company in
Sarawak, Malaysia. In addition, MTSPL
Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Germany
1998, the Group has a more than five
Overseas SDN BHD Malaysia was
and India and leveraging its established
decades of experience in the sector and
started and an Amazon Representative
relationships with suppliers across the
today maintains extensive sawmilling
Office was established in Myanmar.
globe, it offers a dedicated delivery
operations, shipping and transport
The Group also launched its own
service and experienced, specialist-
agency in Gujarat. Having grown from a
shipping operations and procurement of
trained professionals ready to put
small timber retail business in Haryana
softwood products, including pine and
forth support, meeting the specific
into the one of the largest exporter
spruce from Europe and New Zealand.
requirements of the customers. Timber
of timber logs to the Indian market
In 2011, Amazon Export LLC was
Design & Technology takes a closer look
from Malaysia, Europe, Myanmar, New
incorporated in the U.S. with a view to
at the operations of the Mahesh Group.
Zealand, Vietnam, USA and Canada,
source pine logs and lumber, and a year
the Group today trades over 800,000
later the Group opened its Hamburg
cubic meters annually and employs
office to start their own procurement
Sourcing quality timber from across the globe
over 1,000 people in India, Singapore,
operations from Middle and Western
Currently, the Mahesh Group sources
Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Germany,
Europe. With hardwood and softwood
timber logs and lumber from Malaysia,
Belgium and the Middle East. With a
distribution offices advantageously
Myanmar, Vietnam & PNG, and Pine logs
vision to be a market-leading trader
spread in the East, West and North
from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand,
and distributor of timber products
Indian market, the Group today is able
Germany and Belgium. To this end, it
including logs, structural lumber and
to meet customer needs in a timely
has established procurement offices in
panel products, the Group’s core values
fashion.
Sarawak & Sabah in Malaysia, Hanoi
are reflected in every choice that it makes. Following its incorporation as a
26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
A strong international network of
in Vietnam and Yangon in Myanmar.
suppliers ensures that the Group is able
Further, the Group is able to offer FSC
to supply the global requirements of its
and PEFC certified sustainable pine
the SOURCE source THE
Image Š Mahesh Group Image Š Mahesh Group
timber from its procurement offices
or flat grain either sharpened rough,
Global reach
in the U.S., Germany and New Zealand
surfaced, edged, or precision-milled
With a view to offer value-added
to importers and processors in India.
to the exact given specifications of its
services to its customers and remain
Aiming to become a true one-stop shop,
customers.
a step ahead of their competitors,
the Group has also diversified into
The Mahesh Group is also
the Mahesh Group has diversified
other wood and panel products and has
comprehensively involved in
into shipping and currently has an
been offering a complete range of high
sawmilling and retailing of hardwoods
international freight forwarding
quality Plywood, Veneer, Fiberboards to
and softwoods imported from
service, which operates as a logistics
its customers for over a decade.
Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand,
and international transport provider.
Australia, Germany, Africa, South
This ability to deliver dependably and
America and Singapore. Further, it also
consistently is critical to the success
has state-of-the-art sawmilling plants
of any business, particularly to the
In order to accommodate smaller
and warehouses for storage spread
Group’s timber business. Customers
runs and large orders of any size and
across the booming timber trading
are therefore able to rely on the Group
penetrate deeper into the Indian timber
zones of India, including Gandhidham,
for efficient and flexible delivery
industry, the Mahesh Group expanded
Karnal, Kandla, New Delhi and Punjab.
service, which is actually an enhanced
into hardwood lumber processing. The
Its softwood business is showing
logistics operation and more than
Group has mills located in all of the
particularly strong growth in sales and
simply transporting goods from origin
regional timber hubs across India with
the Group is confident of substantial
to destination. Acting as a complete
the majority of its operations being
growth in the years to come. With
logistics provider, the Group conducts the
focused in Gandhidham ( Kandla /
an annual production capability of
operations of its clients as an extension
Mundra Ports ) in Gujarat on account of
160,000 cubic meters of softwood
of their companies, participating actively
its strategic location as a booming port
spread across 20 sawmills, the
from the planning, to the management of
with a wide network of commercial
Group ensures that operations are
the complete logistics.
and industrial customers. At present,
managed and developed by skilled
the Group is running 20 sawmills with
and experienced hands aided by
Products
an annual capacity of 160,000 cubic
advanced technology. Significantly, its
The Group exports round logs and
meters where hardwood is sawn and
processing plants are benchmarked
sawn timber from across the globe,
sold. As such, the Group is able to offer
to their most efficient competitors in
including Malaysia, Myanmar, New
lumber in vertical grain, mixed grain,
the world.
Zealand, Russia, PNG, Europe, Africa as
Hardwood and Softwood sawmills
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
the source
and certified, to provide the industrial as well as commercial customer base with environmental assurances. It also maintains a philosophy of continual improvement of its forest practices and manufacturing processes to optimize the use of resources and minimize or eliminate the impact of its operations on the environment.
Future The future will dictate that the Mahesh Group will have to adopt different strategies to meet the demand in the changed timber business environment Image © Mahesh Group
of India in light of estimates that the demand for timber is likely to grow from
well as America. These include a wide
at every stage in the production
58 million cubic meters in 2005 to 153
range of Asian and Oceanic, Temperate,
process, the Group carefully monitors
million cubic meters in 2020. Foreseeing
American as well as African logs
its environmental performance,
this, the Group is already in the process
such as Meranti, Merbau, Kapur, Alan
whilst also continuously seeking
of establishing various plywood
Batu, Balau, Keriung , Nyatoh, Reask,
new ways to ensure ever stringent
factories in many regions whilst also
Selangan, Batu, Pyinkadu, Teak, Radiata
environmental targets can not only
investing into the expansion of existing
Pine, Ash, Beech, Cherry, Chestnut,
be met but also surpassed. Currently,
sawmilling plants with latest machinery.
Larch, Maritime Pine, Pinus Sylvestries,
most of the timber is sourced from
Significantly, the Group is also in the
Poplar, Spruce, Sitka Spruce, Balsa,
state government-owned forests and
process of opening sawmilling plants in
Douglas fir, Greenheart, Purpleheart,
is certified under international Forest
booming places like Myanmar, Middle
Maple, Teada Pine, Red Cedar, Azobe,
Stewardship Council (FSC) agreements
East, Gabon and elsewhere.
Mahogany, Okoume, Padouk, Sapelli,
and Programme for the Endorsement
Tali, and Wenge etc.
of Forest Certification scheme (PEFC)
its future growth will revolve around
Lumber is supplied either rough
According to the Group, a key part of
agreements. However, the Group does
providing total timber, shipping and
or finished. Besides pulpwood,
not carry the FSC badge because of the
real estate solutions to its customers by
rough lumber is the raw material for
additional costs, which far outweigh the
expanding the presence of the Group
furniture-making and other items
benefits.
in both national and international
requiring additional cutting and
The Group also maintains a strong
segments. Possibilities are to be explored
shaping. It is available in many species,
responsibility to protect and conserve
for strategic alliances, both for optimal
usually hardwoods. Finished lumber is
the global environment and is strictly
utilization of infrastructure as well as
supplied in standard sizes, mostly for
against the consumption of endemic
expansion into other segments of the
the construction industry, primarily
plant species. This is an integral part of
value chain. As such, the Group’s prospects
softwood from coniferous species
its corporate and social responsibility to
are seen as most healthy and promising
including Pine, Fir and Spruce, Cedar,
preserve the world forests and promote
and its expansion plans most feasible, as
and Hemlock but also some hardwood,
effective forestry management. All of
it already enjoys high levels of recognition
for high-grade flooring.
the Indian and Singapore branches of
both domestically and overseas and is
Mahesh Group have chain-of-custody
well under way in the achievement of its
implemented, independently evaluated
future goals.
The Group also offers a complete range of high quality plywood and natural Core & Face veneers, which are sourced through its network of branches in Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and India. In addition, the Group also stocks & distributes a wide range of high quality Blockboard, MDF, Particleboard and Doors.
Environmental credentials As India’s third largest trader and exporter of timber, the Mahesh Group recognizes that it has a significant responsibility to ensure its impact is minimized on the environment at all times. Sourcing timber from certifiable forests across the globe and recycling
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
Image © Mahesh Group
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29
design & dĂŠcor
American heat treated ash sits pretty on the rooftop of Marseille’s new flagship museum Thermal modification limits the ability of ash to absorb moisture thereby rendering it more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
design & dĂŠcor
Image Š AHEC
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
design & décor
T
he Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations designed by the Algerian-born
French architect Rudy Ricciotti is the flagship project of Marseille’s on-going architectural and cultural renaissance. The museum is located on Marseille’s seafront next to a seventeenth century stronghold, Fort St Jean. Built upon the Greek and Roman vestiges of the antique city-state, the Fort is charged with history and includes a chapel that dates back to the twelfth century. Rudy Riciotti’s classic monolithic design is built around a perfect square; each side of the building is 72 meters. An inner square of 52 meters per side forms the heart of the museum and comprises the exhibition and conference halls. The Image © AHEC
inner structure, which is composed of steel and glass, has been covered with a delicate ornamental skin
intricate shadow patterns that
views of the sea and harbor. At
of filigreed concrete. The same
can be seen as “a projection of
night a lighting scheme designed
innovative material has been used
the bumpy and irregular sea bed”
by Yann Kersalé creates a magical
to create 308 tree-shaped pillars
comments Ricciotti. He goes on to
atmosphere with shades of blue and
that stand at over 8 meters high and
say his Museum is,“open to the sea,
turquoise.
form the vertical structure of the
to draw a horizon where the two
building.
shores of the Mediterranean can
This patterned concrete skin opens the building to natural light and
meet”. The Museum is organized on three
A wonderful setting to showcase heat-treated ash The top floor roof decking, which
views of the sea allowing the marine
levels with an array of exhibitions,
spans a width of 24 meters covering
atmosphere to pervade entirely the
an auditorium and a bookstore. The
an area of 1600 sqm, is made from
inside of the building. Furthermore,
rooftop is a particular feature and
heat-treated American ash, supplied
the lace veil of concrete on the
is set to become an iconic venue for
by Bingaman and Son Lumber
outside of the building creates
the city with beautiful panoramic
Company in Pennsylvania, USA. The
Image © AHEC
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
design & décor
top deck sits along the pedestrian route running through the Museum and across Marseille’s historic seafront, so with a constant flow of pedestrians a heavy duty decking solution was essential. “We asked the general contractor to come up with a decking solution that could withstand an average load of 250 kg/m²,” explains Tilman Reichert, the project architect. Eric Durand from Roofmart, the contractor in charge of supplying the heat-treated ash decking comments: “The architect was looking for solutions that would avoid him specifying tropical hardwoods; initially he wanted to try heattreated pine but was not happy with Image © AHEC
the results of the initial trials. The quality of the heat-treated ash we were delivered was first class. When
newer technologies of hardwood
sustainable alternative to imported
the architect saw the samples he
durability enhancement. There’s a
tropical hardwood species.
was won over both by the aesthetic
developing market for thermally
appeal of ash with its characteristic
modified hardwoods and this project
wide rooftop terrace contributes
grain but also its dimensional
publically showcases their potential.
to stabilizing the concrete pergola
stability and long lengths (20x140).”
By processing wood produced from
above it through a clever system of
America’s well-managed hardwood
stainless steel cables. The vast veil
uses a high temperature in a
forests, thermally modified
surrounding the terrace is made up
controlled environment permanently
hardwood provides a quality,
with the same intricate filigreed
altering the wood’s chemical and
environmentally friendly and
concrete that covers the sides of the
The thermal modification process
building. It rests on 15 meter wide
physical properties. This limits the ability of the wood to absorb moisture, so products are more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity. The thermal modification process also removes the nutrients in wood that would otherwise provide a food source for insects and wood-destroying fungi. This increase in dimensional stability
The weight of the 24 meter
The top floor roof decking, which spans a width of 24 meters covering an area of 1600 sqm, is made from heattreated American ash
concrete cantilever beams that sit on top of the main vertical pillars of the building. On the outside of the building the cantilever beams carry the weight of the external ramps that lead up to the terrace through long stainless steel braces that span the whole height of the building. Stainless steel cables have also been fixed from the wooden deck to the
and decay resistance significantly extends the service life and reduces maintenance needs of the decking. Given its marine environment, the deck is highly exposed to weathering from the sun, rain and sea spray so will be monitored to assess its performance over time. Tilman Reichert comments: “We believe that ash with its long wood fiber will offer greater resistance to wear than pinewood”. The decking is laid on a traditional system of boarding joists to allow the insulation membrane directly under the wooden decking to be well ventilated. The boards were nailed not screwed which is visually more pleasing. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is a superb example of the use of
Image © AHEC
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
design & décor
Project Particulars Project: Marseille Museum Client: French Ministry of Culture Timber: American Ash Photography: Kilian O’Sullivan Architects: Rudy Ricciotti Image © AHEC
cantilever beams, which overhang
restaurant, managed by local
above the terrace by 4 meters to
cooking celebrity Gérald Passedat.
stabilize the whole canopy structure
In time the fort will house a
above the terrace.
further 15,000 sqm of museum
A walk through the history and aromas of the Mediterranean
exhibition space. Furthermore the open public spaces around the Fort have been redesigned to showcase a unique botanical
The roof terrace offers visitors
collection of Mediterranean plants
an inclined walkway made up of
along a landscaped promenade.
115 meters of bridges traveling
Another footbridge leads visitors
out from the roof of the building
to le Panier, the oldest and most
and crossing the harbor basin.
traditional neighborhood in
This links the Museum to Fort
Marseille with endearing narrow
Saint-Jean, which hosts the main
streets and steep steps.
Associate architect: Roland Carta Landscape architects: In Situ Fluids engineering: Garcia Ingéniérie Structural engineering: SICA , Lamoureux & Riciotti Quantity surveyor: CEC Acoustics: Thermibel Surface area: 15,510 sqm Timetable: 2009 - 2013 Cost: EUR 68.2 million HT Main contractors: SPIE (foundations & earthworks) Dumez/Freyssinet (structural work and roof cover) Interior fittings: Barreau Interior finishes: Jolisol/SCPA Roof deck supplier: Roofmart Elevators: Otis HVAC & plumbing: Viriot Hautbout Electricity: SPIE South East
Image © AHEC
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
profile
Chabros International Group
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
profile
Wood Veneer
A
supplier and distributor of a wide range of interior and
the market. Our company has been in business
DuPont™ Corian® Chabros is the Authorized Distributor
since the early 1960s, and has
of DuPont™ Corian® in the Middle East.
been specified and used in major
evolved to become one of the largest
DuPont™ Corian® solid surface is one of
high-end projects throughout the
distributors of Parquet & Decking,
the most versatile materials in the global
Middle East for over than 40 years.
Marquetry & Mother of Pearl, Dupont™
marketplace today. Consumers and
Chabros is focused on catering to
Corian® & Typar, Stone veneer & Fire
professionals from all over the world are
the innovative needs of Consultants,
Rated Doors, ECO Boards, and Merino
increasingly discovering that Corian® is a
Interior Designers, Contractors, as well
HPL & Compact Laminates, in addition
material with endless potential. Corian®
as joineries.
to its exclusive range of Wood and
is available in 100 colors.
exterior products that have
Chabros has positioned itself as
Natural & Reconstituted Veneer in
a market leader, especially in Wood
the Middle East. Other services that
& Veneer supply, through investing
Chabros provides include Veneer
in delivering high quality products
Pressing, Door Lay-ons, Veneer
accompanied by exceptional service
Stitching, Sanding, Parquet and Yacht
and unique expertise. The company’s
decking Installation.
success is driven by its people and
As well, we are pleased to announce
their unrelenting focus on delivering
our new entity: Chabros Hardware. We
results the right way – by operating
are proud of our relationships with
responsibly and executing with
our business partners. We strive to
excellence.
understand, learn and educate in order
In the midst of a growing global market, Chabros has established overseas basis and promotion of sales activity targeting regional corporations that are in search for
Mother Of Pearl
to improve the service delivery and
It is one of the most beautiful of
quality of our products.
nature’s objects. Each Mother of
Our Products
Pearl, Abalone and Paua, a unique expression of art. Pearls have fascinated mankind; for thousands
new sources of material. The company
Veneer & Solid Wood
is headquartered in Dubai and has
Chabros is considered as a trademark
desire. Now it is possible to yield
operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah,
in the region, as its product lines of
magnificent pearls unmatched in their
Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Oman, Cairo,
Veneer & Wood range from standard
range of colors, luster, and iridescence.
Beirut, and Casablanca.
to exotic from different origins around
In addition to the strong regional
of years they have been objects of
Astonishing are the properties of
the globe. Throughout its affiliates all
this primitive marine shell that man is
presence, Chabros is always devoted to
over the world, Chabros procures raw
still attempting to mimic in labs. It is
expand its range of products to provide
material of high standards and qualities
literally one of the toughest material
original and fresh design solutions for
to meet the demands of its clients.
on earth.
CHABROS INTERNATIONAL GROUP Our vision is to continue to grow as a top-class trading company that provides excellent products incorporating value added service, expertise and information with excellent coordination skills to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
DuPont TM Corian®
Our Mission is to continue to provide our customers with the very best in cutting-edge solutions through our continuous search for the Next New.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37
profile
Fire Rated Door Cores Chabros Group supplies two products certified to British & American standards -Strebord from Falcon Products: Wood based panel products; suppliers of Strebord. -Warm Springs Composite Panels: Tectonite based fire rated door components and door manufacturers.
Stone Veneer Is a real stone from split Slates, Quartzite slates, and Sandstone that can be used for interior applications such as furniture, wall and floor, bathrooms and kitchens,
Marquetry & Parquetry
retail interiors, vehicle & ship interior and other interior design applications. Furniture and delicate interiors can now
Merino Decorative Interior Grade
Marquetry & Parquetry
be designed with a natural surface of
Laminates are suitable for a wide
Chabros has extended its services to
Stone, which was not possible in the past
range of applications such as home
include production and not just supply
with heavy solid slates. S tone Veneer
furniture items, wall linings, column
of raw material. Our facilities are
comes in sheets with approximate
claddings, doors, shelves, table
equipped with cutting, slicing, pressing
thickness of 1 to 2.5mm. The rough
tops, work-tops, counters, vanity
and computerized laser machines for the
split surface and the changing colours
units, cubicles, lift linings, store
production of lay-ons, veneered boards,
make each sheet a unique piece and an
fittings, displays, check-out desks,
and innovative marquetry & parquetry
adventure for the senses. It is available
officepartitions, storage units etc.
designs. In addition the company has
with Fleece back which is compatible
added a line of Mother of Pearl Laminates
polyester and transluscent backing.
Solid and Semi-Solid Parquet Flooring & Outdoor Decking
Stone Veneer is available in 12 unique
Our wood flooring products are brought
ECOBoards
stone types; the variety of colours and
to our valued clients with “modern
A product with the highest level of
the natural appeal to all the senses make
designs, rich colors, and innovative
environmental performance surpassing
this architectural material very attractive.
textures to reflect timeless beauty,
the structural properties of traditional
classic looks and outstanding value”.
wood based panels.
Our wood flooring styles are made from
“A vital contribution to climate and
As the authorized distributor of Merino
common and exotic species, ranging
environmental protection”
High Pressure Laminates, the world’s
from traditional strip to wide plank,
ECOBoards, Bio based Panels, are made
3rd largest manufacturer of decorative
and from smooth to hand scraped/
from agricultural residues such as straw
laminates, Chabros is pleased to
distressed designs, available in different
or reeds and bonded together with the
introduce the latest trends with a big
colours at very competitive prices.
natural lignin without any formaldehyde.
with all common glues & adhesives,
HPL (High Pressure Laminates)
and Reconstituted and Dyed Veneers.
range of HPL laminates which consist
ECOBoards are healthy and ecological
of attractive décor designs and brand
alternative to chipboard, MDF, OSB or
new finishes including Wave, Leather,
Plywood.
Cement and 3D Flicker effects among
“Every Ton ECOBoards means 3 Ton
others.Available in over 400 designs,
less CO2 and 4 Ton more trees”
32 finishes and 10 different sizes, these
DuPont™ Typar® SF
laminates create an aesthetic look and offer its customers a dynamic range to choose from.
Wood Floor
Is a thin, thermally bonded, water permeable non-woven Geotextile made of 100% continuous polypropylene filaments. It is designed to have a combination of a high initial modulus (stiffness), high elongation (typically > 50%) and outstanding uniformity, to give superior performance, to make it resistance against damage during installation and to have excellent Filtration properties. Typar is approved by all governmental departments in the region especially in Dubai Municipality, RTA, ADSSC…etc. for the projects like drainage and sewerage, roads, and
Stone Veneer
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
irrigation. Also Typar® is widely approved for waterproofing projects.
profile
What We Do Our showroom, recently established and launched in Dubai/UAE, offers trendy furniture from renowned and
Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun Pablo Picasso
top Italian manufacturers, high quality wooden flooring that ranges from the standard to the exotic in wood species, and uniquely designed lightings and home accessories that add an aura of elegance to your homes. Whether you are looking to innovate or renovate your home, office, or any given space, we ask that you unleash your imagination and broaden your perspective with what we have to offer at Maisons Et Parquets.
Our Approach At Maisons Et Parquets, we offer a “lifestyle” and not just furniture and decoration designs. We ask our clients to entrust us with their homes, their personal space, their walls and floors, knowing that we are keen on providing them with exceptional products, creative designs, professional guidance and luxurious comfort. We concentrate on understanding our clients’ needs and perspectives in order to offer them the quality of living that they seek.
Where we are
Major Products & Services Furniture
Our showroom is strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road (Next to the
Home Accessories..
Toyota Showroom), which is in the heart of the city. The unique and
Flooring and Installation:
creative ambiance of our showroom
- Solid Wood.
emanates warmth, elegance and
- Semi Solid / Engineered.
the welcoming spirit with which we
- Laminate Flooring.
operate and inspire. We invite you
- Leather Flooring.
to experience our world and “sit in reverie” by visiting our showroom.
Maisons Et Parquets
- Decking. Flooring Accessories
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
comment
Chain of custody nonsense from FSC & PEFC: Protecting income streams rather than the world’s forests T
he FSC and PEFC released a
spend time in wood factories - they’re
around the world, usually untraceable
joint statement urging ISO
not as attractive as forests - so few
and with dubious ‘legal’ origins. As
members to vote against a new
commentators have any sense that the
the demand for COC certification
proposal for an ISO Chain of Custody
acclaimed COC certification process has
started to grow, FSC CBs formed
certification. I expected the statement
issues. It does; here’s why.
partnerships with local ‘consulting’
to explain that the proposed standard
Some years ago, entrepreneurial
companies because the CBs cannot
was weak, that it would allow illegally
Chinese factory managers realized
audit companies they have trained
logged timber into supply chains, that
that the FSC system provided them a
themselves, they need an ‘arm’s length’
it would be bad for the world’s forests.
useful tool to market their products.
partner. The consulting companies
Instead, the statement amounts to
They could get FSC COC certified and
then went to the SMEs and told
a call for no new competition, citing
green their image. Some factories had
them how COC would help them win
that together FSC and PEFC account
COC already and were processing FSC
business from discerning European
for some 98 percent of the world’s
certified wood imported into China
customers. They offered to train them
certified forests and chain of custody
into products for export markets;
to implement a COC system - for a
certificates (is that a good thing?),
good on them. But when it became
fee - and to introduce them to their
noting the synergies between FSC and
clear that FSC accredited certification
CB partner, who would come in after
PEFC, their long experience of multi-
bodies (CBs) would COC certify your
a 45-day period, audit them (for a
stakeholder standard development
factory regardless of whether you
second fee) and give them their COC
and the concern that offering a chain
were processing FSC wood and that
certificate. Too easy.
of custody certificate disconnected
you could promote your operations as
from PEFC and FSC forest management
‘FSC certified’, factory managers raced
number of FSC COC certificates in
certification would lead to uncertainty
to get it and a process has emerged
China has exploded. ‘Consulting’
and sub-optimal results; whatever that
that in my view promotes the use of
companies run around training SMEs in
means. There was no review of ISO’s
illegal wood in abject contrast to FSC’s
COC, CB auditors fly about issuing and
proposal so we can’t be sure whether
stated goal.
annually reassessing certificates. In
it’s a strong standard or not.
Here is how the system has evolved
And that’s what’s happened. The
February 2010, there were some 1,100
and works today. There are thousands
FSC COC certificates issued to factories
certification; indeed the FSC COC
of small, medium sized enterprises
in China, already a great leap forward
system’s failure to protect the world’s
(SMEs) in China processing wood.
from the handful that existed only a
forests was the principle reason TFT
They buy their wood - generally - on
few years back. Today, FSC reports
let its FSC membership lapse at the
the open market, typically from ports
that there are 2,966, up significantly
end of 2011. Few certification ‘experts’
where traders bring it in from all
from the 2,356 that existed in January
I’m no fan of Chain of Custody (COC)
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
comment
2013 - perhaps an impact of the EU
They know the wood is the same as
back to normal, untraceable production
Timber Regulation (EUTR)?
they’ve always bought, that’s one
with no system at all operating the
of the whole COC deal’s attractions.
next day and for the next 12 months.
as to how many of these SMEs actually
They don’t have to spend time, money
Even so, a COC system, even when
process FSC wood. FSC itself doesn’t
or effort investigating the technical
it is running and the factory is being
know but industry whispers suggest
performance of ‘lesser known species’.
diligent, does not confer legality to
it would be lucky to be more than 10
Rather, they can keep placing orders
logs. It does not confer sustainability
percent across mainland China. FSC
for the same wood, from the same
to logs; it merely identifies logs. A
guesses that in Hong Kong it would be
factories they’ve always done; it’s
COC system - when running - only
as high as 70 percent because many
good business. Their supplier’s FSC
allows you to say that the wood in
of the COC holders there are paper
COC certificate gives them an answer
this product has come from that batch
factories buying their fiber from FSC
to the question - where does your
of logs. Still, the association of FSC’s
sources. Who knows?
wood come from? They can answer
name to the buyer’s product is good
- from this FSC certified factory in
news, isn’t it? Let’s say that at best it
factories buy their wood from the
China; it’s great risk management.
becomes a stamp of environmental and
same place they always have - down
Those asking the question - NGOs or
social approval and a way of showing
the road, from the local trader, who
perhaps increasingly EUTR controllers
due diligence under the EUTR and
buys it from the port where other
- probably support FSC or at least
Lacey Act and at least it creates doubt
traders bring it in from the open
have strong empathy for its goals but
in the mind of the person raising the
market all over the world. SE Asia,
don’t understand that a COC certificate
question - FSC are the good guys right
Brazil, Russia, Africa are the sources
doesn’t mean the factory is running
so this must be OK?
of this wood and few have any idea
a traceability system, that wood in
whatsoever as to its legal status. We
the end product is traceable back to a
factories without COC that if they
know that illegal logging and poor
legally verified or sustainably certified
want orders, they need to get COC
forest management are issues in these
source forest.
too. Non-COC certified factories call
This matters. Why? There is no data
The bulk of these FSC COC certified
Buyers send a clear signal to
source countries. We also know that
Factories generally only run their
in the consultants who do their 45-
the COC companies push their ‘green’
COC system for a few days a year, just
day training contract and then call
credentials based solely on their
in advance of the annual surveillance
in their FSC accredited CB partner to
FSC certificate, not on the legality or
audit when the CB and trainers visit,
audit their work and issue the COC
heaven forbid the sustainability of the
announced well in advance, to check
certificate. There is no suggestion that
wood they’re using.
all is in order. The audit is done, the
a certificate will not be issued. If a
system passes and the factory gets
CB starts issuing corrective actions
Buyers buy it. They’re not stupid.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41
comment
requiring a further visit, it adds cost. They can try, but word quickly spreads throughout the extremely costsensitive wood industry that XXX or YY is not the CB you want - too strict and thus too expensive. The SMEs want a green stamp, quickly, and they don’t want to have to pay too much to get it. Meanwhile FSC and its partners rejoice. Why wouldn’t they? Each has much to gain from the issuance of COC certificates. FSC’s income depends predominantly on accreditation fees charged by CBs every time they issue a certificate and the annual accreditation fees paid by certificate holders. The more certificates, the more accreditation fees. FSC’s 2011 Annual Report shows that USD 13.4 million or 74 percent of its income came from accreditation fees, down from 86 percent in 2010. There is a range of fees based on company turnover but with close to 3,000 factories COC certified in China, we could guess that Chinese SMEs contribute well over USD 1 million to the FSC’s coffers each year; no wonder that the FSC has ignored TFT’s calls to stop this process. PEFC, which only
Few certification ‘experts’ spend time in wood factories; so few commentators have any sense that the acclaimed COC certification process has issues
recently started allowing its accredited
fees too as competition is fierce for
CBs to certify factories in China for
the business. The lower the fee, the
COC, already has 188 COC certificates
more likely the consultant will win
registered there.
business and profit from it but that
Then there are the consultants.
means fewer training visits so now
They typically charge around USD
factories routinely get a start-up visit
1,200 for their training though there
and the consultant comes back 45 days
must be downward pressure on those
later, just before the audit to check everything is in place. Then there are the CBs. Their audit fee is typically around USD 1,600 for each an annual visit. Again though, competition is fierce so requiring another visit to close out corrective actions disadvantages your prospects to win work. No wonder factories tell us that they’re guaranteed to be COC certified by a certain date, no questions asked. Finally, NGOs benefit as well. Some NGOs run workshops to educate Chinese SMEs. They urge them to get FSC COC because the number of COC certificates is one of the few metrics the NGOs can use to show impact and thus justify further funding from concerned public donors. Other NGOs who double as CBs urge similarly - get
42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
comment
the US have presumably given a boost
The whole concept of ‘independent, third party’ certification is a myth perpetuating the destruction of the world’s forests
to the industry - everyone’s happy, except the forests. The reality is that an inherently unsuitable financing model corrupts the whole system. FSC and PEFC, the auditors, the consultants must all issue certificates to safeguard their income streams. NGOs who carry out COC training to ‘transform the wood industry’ must point to the growing numbers of certificates to safeguard
flights, hotels, entertainment costs,
their budgets too. We really shouldn’t
we’re talking about an industry worth
ever celebrate new COC certificates,
tens of millions of dollars and growing
rather we should rue the continued
in China and India alone, every year,
evolution of a corrupted system that
FSC COC, transform your industry. The
going into a system that promotes
sucks in more of the same old wood
problem is that it doesn’t transform
business as usual with respect to
from more and more of the world’s
the industry. It merely provides a
wood use. Could the SMEs spend that
precious and disappearing forests.
mechanism for many organizations to
money in a more productive way?
profit from business as usual; business
They might consider investing it back
new ISO COC would overcome the
that sucks in and uses illegal wood
into their businesses, perhaps in
problems that FSC and PEFC have in
from the world’s dwindling forests.
better equipment and safer working
their COC. Indeed, I doubt that it can;
The good news - from the FSC’s,
conditions for their employees. They
the whole concept of ‘independent,
consultants’, CBs’ and the NGOs’
might invest it - if they were wise
third party’ certification is a myth
perspective at least - is that the whole
- upstream to improve stewardship
perpetuating the destruction of the
magical money-making process is
of the forests that supply their raw
world’s forests and many of our other
finding root elsewhere. A TFT visit to
materials.
natural resources unfortunate enough
I have no idea how the proposed
to have a roundtable certification
India in October 2011 revealed that
FSC’s website notes that globally
SMEs there were being forced onto
there are 26,349 FSC COC certificates
scheme devised for their management
the bandwagon too. NGO workshops
and every month we receive
but that’s a topic for another time.
urging them to get COC were attended
newsletters announcing the wonder
by consultants and CBs ready to oblige.
as the number continues to grow.
simple step that both the FSC and
Agents - some of whom were doubling
PEFC has 15,069 COC certificates
PEFC could make to start to fix this
as COC consultants - were telling the
globally. All those factories being
COC issue. It’s one that I’ve shared
SMEs that they needed COC to secure
audited and all paying the annual
with both organizations in the past
orders from their European customers.
accreditation fees that underpin
with no success. More needs to be
There are already more than 250
certification scheme finances; that
done to ensure proper due diligence
FSC COC certificate holders in India
underpin their very existence in fact.
and traceability but a good start would
though again, no one knows how many
I’m left wondering how many of those
be if both FSC and PEFC could stop
actually process FSC wood. The sense
certificates, particularly in countries
worrying about ISO or any other new
is that it’s probably even less than the
with challenging governance contexts,
certification scheme. Instead, they can
guessed at 10 percent for China.
are issued like those in China and now
do much more to prevent ‘uncertainty’
in India. The EUTR and the Lacey Act in
and ‘suboptimal results’ for the world’s
This is a racket. All in all, with fees,
Right now, I can suggest a very
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
comment
forests by changing their own system
issue certificates. They can start with
to demand that only those SMEs
changing the rules around who can
actually using FSC or PEFC wood be
have a COC certificate. In FSC’s case,
allowed to hold and promote a COC
they have their Policy of Association
certificate. If FSC and PEFC took this
as a good vehicle to push this
step, the number of COC certificates
through. Both organizations clearly
globally would collapse and their
need funds but the scourge of COC
income would tank alongside it.
taints their current budget and for
Many will argue this is folly and a
those few in the know, their whole
very stupid suggestion - how could
credibility. If they changed, they
the organizations survive financially
could safeguard a credible budget
without this critical income and
that acted in line with their stated
continue their good work to protect
mission. Their credibility and their
the world’s forests? My counter is
positive impact on the world’s forests
that it seems nonsensical to rely on
would jump dramatically. Right now,
income that destroys forests to fund
sadly, their opposition to the new
work to protect forests.
ISO COC standard merely sounds like
Both FSC and PEFC need a
an exercise in gross self-interest. I
new funding model, one that is
always thought they were for the
disconnected from the incentive to
forests?
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
About the Author
Scott Poynton lives in Switzerland with his wife and two children. He graduated with a forestry degree from the Australian National University in 1988 before completing a Masters program at Oxford University in 1991. He founded The Forest Trust (TFT) in 1999 after working in Nepal, Tasmania, Vietnam, the UK, Eastern Europe and throughout SE Asia. He has served as TFT’s Executive Director ever since. Today, Poynton’s focus is on seeking solutions to problems created by humanity’s use of the Earth’s resources. In the future, he hopes to get ahead of the curve and rather than working to clean up messes, he hopes to influence the way humans see themselves in nature and thus to change the way they act to prevent problems arising in the first place.
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December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45
technology
The beauty and versatility of American tulipwood: ‘Endless Stair’ at London Design Festival 2013 ‘Endless Stair’ is both a sculpture and research project, advancing the knowledge of timber technology and sustainability 46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
technology
Image © AHEC Image © AHEC
T
impressive American hardwood.
he American Hardwood Export
views of the River Thames and
Council (AHEC), the leading
London’s skyline, the landmark project
international trade association
remained a highlight throughout this
of dRMM said: “Endless Stair is a
year’s festival.
temporary sculpture designed to
for the American hardwood industry, has highlighted the beauty and
Matthew Barzun, U.S. Ambassador
Professor Alex de Rijke, Director
be endlessly reconfigured.” A key
versatility of American tulipwood
to the United Kingdom, opened the
objective for dRMM was to make
(Liriodendron tulipifera) through
Endless Stair on 16th September.
the elements as environmentally
the ‘Endless Stair’ at the London
The project is made up of a series of
friendly as possible, with each flight
Design Festival 2013. Endless Stair, a
timber flights, some veering to the
of stairs built from standard elements
towering structure of 15 Escher-like
right some to the left, providing many
creating as little waste as possible
interlocking staircases made from
ways to explore the installation, which
in construction, and with the ability
American tulipwood cross-laminated
ultimately leads to the top flight,
to re-use and relocate the design
timber (CLT), was opened to the
acting as a dramatic viewing platform.
either in part, or as a whole. These
public on the lawn in front of the Tate
The latest in a series of collaborations
laudable aspirations are backed up
Modern Art Gallery as part of LDF
between the London Design Festival
by hard figures, utilizing AHEC’s
2013.
and AHEC, Endless Stair pioneers
ISO-conformant life-cycle assessment
the use of hardwood for cross-
(LCA) prepared by PE International,
Architects (dRMM) and engineered by
laminated timber (CLT). Traditionally,
leaders in the field. This is the latest
Arup, Endless Stair is both a sculpture
cross-laminated timber is made
piece of work in AHEC’s on-going
and research project, advancing the
from softwood, yet this project
mission to demonstrate the real
knowledge of timber technology
demonstrates the real potential
sustainable credentials of American
and sustainability. Offering visitors
for using tulipwood, an abundant,
hardwoods.
the opportunity to enjoy stunning
relatively inexpensive and structurally
Designed by de Rijke Marsh Morgan
Faced with the challenge from AHEC
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47
technology
to produce a sculptural installation using slender tulipwood CLT panels, Alex de Rijke settled quickly on an idea involving stairs. He added: “On stairs people interact, they pass each other, they are always interesting places with spatial and social potential. We thought a staircase would be a good vehicle for exploring structure, space and making a sculpture. Stairs are sculpture’s gift to architecture.” An early decision was made to design and manufacture the steps and the balustrades on one side from identical elements of CLT, equivalent in size. These are stacked up with a spacer element between them, creating the flights which, as a result of the stacking process, then veer either to the right or to the left, depending on the position of the balustrade. CLT is an engineered timber product Image © AHEC
that is used increasingly to build the walls and floors of buildings. CLT
in this way, therefore, results in a
uses a sandwich construction, usually consisting of an odd number of layers. On each successive layer the fibers of the timbers run in the opposing direction, so that if you could look through the CLT from above you would see a grid of fibers. It is orthotropic - that is, it has different properties in three directions. This is important because timber is most strong along
On stairs people interact, they pass each other, they are always interesting places with spatial and social potential
panel that has equal strength in all directions. Significantly, modern offsite manufacturing methods mean that CLT panels can be made in a factory and then delivered to site for assembly in a fast and accurate manner, cutting down on the time needed for construction. The structural importance of the tulipwood CLT is showcased through
the direction of the fibers, and less so
the project’s design. The CLT that
across the fibers. Building the structure
makes up the tread and balustrade panels is built up from three equal layers and is 60mm thick in total. The use of softwoods would have increased the size of the individual elements and, arguably, led to a less elegant solution. Arup’s timber specialist, Andrew Lawrence comments: “The idea that we can now create huge wooden CLT panels from small trees is very exciting. Tulipwood CLT offers the potential to combine the advantages of CLT with the strength and appearance of tulipwood. It’s a great addition to the pallet of wood based materials.” Despite the complex sculptural form, the structural concept for the stair is relatively simple. The flights tend to act as arching elements with loads transferred via both the stiff balustrade elements and through the treads themselves down to ground. The overall structure is stable when the flights are all joined together to form the complete sculptural form. The solid balustrades look like solid Image © AHEC
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
timber beams, but in fact they are a
technology
The intricate level of detail is phenomenal and Endless Stair beautifully illustrates the intimate relationship between architecture and engineering design
Image © AHEC
series of CLT panels glued together.
this intricate structure. In addition,
Imola Legno, based in north Italy,
Tensile and compressive stresses in the
Switzerland-based Nüssli manufactured
made the tulipwood CLT from random
beam have to be passed from panel to
a test flight to compare its performance
widths and lengths of tulipwood lumber
panel in rolling shear. The rolling shear
against the computer model. Similarly,
donated by 8 AHEC member companies.
stiffness therefore determines the
the complexity of the design meant that
The team built up the three layers of
bending stiffness of the beam. If the
the overall vibration behavior could not
20mm timber to create panels that
balustrades had been made of softwood
be easily predicted through analysis.
were 60mm thick. The panels utilize
rather than tulipwood, they would
The completed stair was tested, in
some of the lowest grades of tulipwood,
have had less than half the strength
situ, before the formal opening in order
which helps define its visual character
or stiffness. The stair would have been
to measure its performance. Adrian
as well as being a significant cost
a lot more flexible and it might have
Campbell, Project Director at Arup
saving.
been necessary to have a much greater
comments: “The scale of complexity on
overlap between panels or deeper
the engineering design has been one
flights and other elements, using a
elements.
of the most challenging yet rewarding
combination of glue and steel fixings.
aspects of this project. The intricate
Nüssli delivered these to the site outside
engineering design criteria to assess
level of detail is phenomenal and
Tate Modern, erecting the structure in 10
the performance of Endless Stair.
Endless Stair beautifully illustrates
days. Seam Design provided the lighting
Helen Groat, Senior Engineer at
the intimate relationship between
scheme for Endless Stair, working with
Arup, led the team who undertook
architecture and engineering design.”
LED luminaires supplied by Lumenpulse,
Arup had to identify the appropriate
extensive computer modeling to design
Leading timber distribution company,
In addition, Nüssli fabricated the
a mix of linear grazers and spotlights. “Ten of thousands of people have seen the structure and information on site has helped to communicate the technical and design story. While providing a unique public experience to celebrate imaginative design in London, this project has an important technical design legacy and challenges current thinking within the construction industry. Working from first principles, through testing, research and analysis to design this prototype, we hope that Endless Stair will bring many lasting benefits. Using the results of our recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research project, we were also able to produce a full ISO-conformant environmental profile for the Endless Stair, which we hope will help to eventually bring tulipwood CLT into mainstream building construction,” concluded Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East,
Image © AHEC
South Asia and Oceania.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
SHOWTIME
Top Industry
Exhibitions coming up This season
International Trade Fair for Woodworking Machinery and Tools The International Trade Fair for Woodworking Machinery and Tools (Woodworking. Machinery. Technology. Tools 2013) will take from December 5 -7, 2013 at the Kipsala International Exhibition Center. The fair attracts both Latvian and international companies who participate with
Date: 5 - 7 December Venue: Kipsala International Exhibition Center Location: Riga, Latvia WEBSITE: www.bt1.lv/kokapstrade/?lang=eng&menu=1
the objective to demonstrate woodworking and furniture making equipment, log sawing machines, door and window production equipment, professional power tools
Wood Fair
for woodworking and construction specialists, carpentry equipment, finishing equipment as well as a variety of materials and technologies. The exhibition will also
The Korea Wood Industry Fair (Wood Fair 2014) is the
showcase the latest products from European and global
only professional wood industrial exhibition in the country
equipment manufacturers and Latvian-made equipment and
and is being spearheaded by the Korea Federation of
tools.
Wood Industrial Societies, which combines 15 associations
The show provides an important platform for the
and groups all with a view to invigorate the wood industry
timber industry, especially since it is one of the largest
in the country. The exhibition covers both wood and
manufacturing sectors in Latvia with an average growth of
woodworking sectors and aims to disseminate information
15 percent over the past decade and with total turnover
on wood as well as experiencing life with wood. According
exceeding 1 billion in the past year. Given that the Latvian
to the organizers, the aim is to create new business
timber industry aims to increase export volumes and
opportunities through the show for industry professionals
improve its domestic market, the show offers companies
whilst also showcasing a range of woodworking machines
related to this sector - processing enterprises, window,
and highlighting wood as a truly sustainable material. An
door and furniture, wood-frame building and log-house
exhibition of wood products will further help to emphasize
manufacturers, carpenters, loggers, construction companies,
the importance and diverse use of wood.
timber distributors and other businesses - the opportunity
Key attractions of the fair include the ‘Wood Experience
to increase their competitiveness. As a result, the industry
Festival’ and the ‘Korea Wood Design Awards’ in addition
is able to learn how to modernize and improve production
to seminars and other events. The idea is that by
efficiency, implement new technologies, innovative products
highlighting eco-friendly, high-quality structures, the show
and target new markets.
will shed light on the value of wood, which will further
According to the organizers, the fair provides an
promote the production, distribution and consumption of
excellent business environment for companies dealing
wood. The profile of exhibitors includes eco-friendly &
in woodworking and timber processing, manufacturing
DIY products; manufacturers and distributors of timber;
equipment, tools, finishing materials, supplies and
wooden facilities & interiors; wooden materials and
machinery for wood processing facilities. As such, it
Equipment & Tool; and wooden housing.
represents an opportunity to boost sales in home and foreign markets, to present new products and services to customers, to show equipment and tools in operation, to meet rivals and to establish new business contacts with customers, to find new partners and close deals, to promote brands and to engage in new business projects.
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
Date: 5 - 8 December Venue: Coex Hall B Location: Seoul, South Korea WEBSITE: http://woodfair.or.kr/eng
SHOWTIME
DOMOTEX Hannover
Image © DOMOTEX Hannover
DOMOTEX Hannover is the world’s largest exhibition
According to the organizers, the premiere of the Wood
for the carpet and floor coverings industry offering a
Flooring Summit at DOMOTEX 2012 was the highlight of
comprehensive overview of the market and a host of
the year for the parquet and laminate sector. As such,
opportunities for companies to widen their contacts and
the next edition of this top event will again bring buyers
cultivate existing connections. In line with the DOMOTEX
and professional visitors together with all the market
claim - ‘The World of Flooring’ - every product group and
leaders, who will be exhibiting their products in a nearby
trend will be showcased in detail at the show. Hand-made
special display area. Matthias Horx from Germany’s
and machine-made carpets, textile and resilient floor
Zukunftsinstitut (Future Institute) will be giving a lecture
coverings, parquet, wooden and laminates take pride of
at the Wood Flooring Summit in which he will present
place, in addition to equipment and products for floor
the Future Institute’s latest study - The Future of Home
laying, maintenance and applications technology. As such,
Living: Central Trends Through to 2025. The lecture will
trade visitors come from the wholesale/retail trade, the
be followed by a discussion and is an absolute must for
field of architecture, interior design and the skilled trades
anyone and everyone who wants to get an overview of
looking to obtain a complete market overview so that they
today’s key developments in home living.
can compare suppliers, products, terms and prices, as well
Given the growing awareness in the market of the
as gain insights into the latest trends and developments.
immense lifestyle design possibilities offered by flooring
In 2014, over 1,400 companies from 60 nations will
solutions for outdoor living, the next edition of DOMOTEX
converge on the Hannover Exhibition Center to showcase
will embrace this trend with a comprehensive offering of
their latest products and new season’s collections.
innovative floor coverings for outdoor use in exhibition
DOMOTEX picks up on key trends and innovations and
halls 8 and 9. The show will feature outdoor flooring
sets the tone in international interior design fashions for
products that look good but also deliver on quality,
each new year. In addition, a broad range of special events,
eco-friendliness and sustainability. Decking boards, both
trade association meetings and conferences offers visitors
treated and untreated, are expected to remain a key
the chance to learn more about the key issues affecting the
attraction as they lend a timeless elegance to any outdoor
industry. A key highlight next year is the new Innovations@
area they are used in, whether classic or modern. The show
DOMOTEX format, which will give unprecedented exposure
will most likely feature more than 200 manufacturers of
to a handful of product innovations and design highlights.
parquet and laminate flooring and flooring solutions for
Product innovations selected for Innovations@DOMOTEX by
outdoor areas.
the expert jury will be staged to dramatic effect in special display zones known as Innovations@DOMOTEX Areas. The creative design of these exhibition spaces is being handled by internationally respected German architect Jürgen Mayer H, who will be designing these spaces as central
Date: 11 - 14 January 2014 Venue: Hannover Exhibition Center Location: Hannover, Germany WEBSITE: www.domotex.de/en
meeting points and design highlights in Halls 6, 9 and 17.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51
SHOWTIME
imm Cologne
Istanbul Furniture Fair
imm Cologne is the first furnishing trade fair of the year and will present the trends that shape the furniture and interior design sector. According to the organizers, everything from the basics to designer items and luxury interiors will be on display, thereby ensuring visitors find a unique diversity of interior design ideas - for every room, in every style and for every taste. As such, the show is well established as an important platform where suppliers and decision-makers from important global markets in the sector will set the course for doing successful business in the future. In 2014, imm Cologne will once again present inspiring interior design ideas for trendsetters and provide the markets with new momentum. As one of the most important events in the global primary furnishing market, imm Cologne presents the latest international furniture trends and surprises with numerous marketable innovations. The broad range on offer is combined with high standards of quality and an excellent presentation of the products. The fair also provides an effective platform for young designers. Fittingly, the fair is open to end consumers on certain days, which provides exhibitors with the opportunity for product and market tests. Given the extensive programme of events that take place all over the city of Cologne in conjunction with the show, imm Cologne is expected to remain the center of the furnishing and design world for the duration of its weeklong run. Held at the beginning of the year, the Istanbul Furniture Fair 2014 will showcase the finest home furnishings, interior designs and furniture trends for 2014 whilst highlighting the rich content of the Turkish furniture market. With more than 200 exhibitors expected to attend the show, which is being held on approximately 25,000 sqm of exhibition space within the Istanbul Expo Center, the fair has a strong strategic location and excellent business potential, both locally and internationally. According to the organizers, the show provides players who want to invest in the Turkish furniture market with the opportunity to monitor and evaluate developments in furniture industry and to also select dealers and/or partners from national or international markets. Currently, more than 60,000 companies operate in the Turkish furniture industry with Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri, InegÜl and Izmir emerging as the leading furniture production locations. Manufacturers in Turkey closely follow global furniture technologies, continuously renewing their machine fleets and using state-of-the-art technologies whilst Turkish furniture designers, who also follow developments worldwide, produce trendy designs, all of which means that the Turkish furniture industry is on its way towards becoming a global leader. As such, there is demand for new materials and technologies for the furniture industry, which Image Š imm Cologne
Date: 13 - 19 January 2014 Venue: Koelnmesse GmbH (Halls 1-11) Location: Cologne, Germany WEBSITE: www.imm-cologne.com/en
52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
bodes well for the market leading Istanbul Furniture Fair. Date: 28 January - 1 February 2014 Venue: Istanbul Expo Center Location: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: www.itf-imob.com
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
SHOWTIME
Salon du Mobilier 2014
Drevostavby 2014 (Wooden Buildings)
The fifth edition of the Furniture Fair (Salon du Mobilier) is being organized from February 2 - 4, 2014 at EXPONANTES in Nantes, France. The three-day event will focus on the different furniture and the latest designs available in the market. With a view to bring together the professionals and experts from the furniture industry, the show will provide a great platform for attendees to interact with each other and learn about the latest trends. The show will feature more than 136 exhibitors who will showcase their products and services in addition to over 80 professionals representing nearly 400 brands from the industry. It will also give exhibitors a chance to reach their customers and make their mark. The exhibitor profile will include manufacturers and suppliers of furniture, bedding, living room furniture, layout, decoration, lighting, materials, accessories and services, country furniture, reproduction furniture, stylish furniture, design furniture, lighting, kitchen units, contemporary furniture, bathroom furniture, living room furniture, chairs, rugs, bedding, storage, dressing rooms, layout, decorative objects, materials, technical products and accessories and others. In addition, visitors at the fair will include trade visitors, a selection of specialists from the world of interior decoration and design, directors and buyers from invited firms, furniture wholesalers, fitters, up market design and decoration shops, interior decorators, lighting distributors, bathroom manufacturers and distributors, kitchen fitters, tertiary and commercial design studios and other decision makers. The 9th International Exhibition Of Wooden Buildings, Structures and Materials for Low-Energy and Passive Houses (Drevostavby 2014) is being held in February next year in Prague. Unique in its range of topics, the show aims to promote wooden houses as a construction system of the future. According to the organizers, wood is and always will be a renewable natural resource and remains in all forms of processing an indispensable part of the materials used in construction. As such, the fair provides comprehensive information on the use of wood and natural materials in construction and processing of fully renewable natural resources. The fair attracts professionals, developers, investors, builders and anyone interested in modern wooden houses. More importantly, the exhibition along with the accompanying program covers most of the important topics in architecture, design, technology, energy savings and finances needed to implement the construction of wooden houses. Trade visitors will be able to obtain a comprehensive overview of the market situation, learn about new trends and innovations, and find information about specific prices and products. In addition, the show also offers the opportunity to meet architects, quality construction companies, and suppliers of wood, woodworking machinery, and related tools. Date: 2 - 4 February 2014 Venue: Nantes Parc des Expositions de La Beaujoire (EXPONANTES) Location: Nantes, France WEBSITE: www.salondumobilier.com
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
Date: 6 - 9 February 2014 Venue: Holešovice Fairground Location: Prague, Czech Republic WEBSITE: www.drevostavby.eu
SHOWTIME
ZOW
FIMMA - MADERALIA 2014
ZOW is the most exclusive and concentrated trading platform for national and international suppliers to the furniture industry and interior design in Germany. As the only supply show for the furniture and interior design industries taking place in Germany next year, ZOW offers decision-makers an opportunity to source a host of products including chemical products, elements and systems, fabrics and leathers, fittings, interior decoration, materials, semi-finished products, services/logistics, small and special machines, surfaces, tools and utilities, upholstery materials and others. Taking place in Bad Salzuflen, the show attracted more than 11,800 visitors and 402 exhibitors in 2013. ZOW is strategically held in Bad Salzuflen on account of the fact that East-Westphalia is the central hub of Germany’s furniture and kitchen industries. This region alone has an annual turnover of six billion euros and 40 percent of all furniture components and 70 percent of all kitchens produced in Germany originate here. As such, ZOW benefits from its proximity to this centre and its stakeholders from industry, associations and higher learning institutes. More importantly, both exhibitors and visitors can tap directly into Germany’s lucrative furniture market through the show. No other trade show format provides a comprehensive overall picture of supplier product innovations as early and as compactly as ZOW does. Held in February every year, it is the segment’s first relevant industrial event and as such attracts key national and international decision-makers from the furniture industry and the world of furniture and interior design. ZOW’s clearly structured concept also provides a forum for direct dialogue among market players. What’s more, ZOW points the way for furniture products of
In accordance with the interests of both exhibitors and
the future: this is where tomorrow’s big issues in furniture-
visitors, Feria Valencia has decided to host the Feria
making and interior design, such as RFID wireless technology
Hábitat Valencia, FIMMA and Maderalia fairs from February
and material-optimized product solutions in lightweight
4 - 7, 2014 to coincide with Cevisama. With this change,
construction, find a professional platform.
the international trade fair calendar now has a unique exhibition which includes the elements of furniture, lighting, home textiles, ceramic coverings, marble, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, parquets, laminated floors, etc. In short, everything in a home involving design. More importantly, simultaneously hosting these events means that the show is able to attract a wider audience, which bodes well for exhibitors. The exhibitor profile at the event includes woodworking machinery; tools and equipment; plants and facilities; hardware and locksmith (kitchen accessories, metal components, lighting, locks, handles, cranks); woods, sheets, boards, and paper edges; carpentry-construction (doors, windows, cabinets, stairs, beams, floors, houses, kitchen cabinet); chemical and surface finish (varnish, lacquer, paints, adhesives, abrasives); semi-finished products / ancillary industry; and new materials (resins, PVC, aluminum, steel, glass, acrylic). The organizers expect to attract over 15,000 trade visitors from 24 countries including as far as Image © ZOW
Date: 10 - 13 February 2014 Venue: Messezentrum Bad Salzuflen Location: Bad Salzuflen, Germany WEBSITE: www.zow.de
Latin America.
Date: 11 - 14 February 2014 Venue: Feris Valencia Location: Valencia, Spain WEBSITE: http://fimma-maderalia.feriavalencia.com
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 55
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Asia’s flagship furniture production, woodworking machinery event gearing up for next 10 years Image © interzum guangzhou
A
s Asia’s most comprehensive
current robust take-up rate. Timber
that the show has grown in scale from
woodworking machinery,
Design & Technology talks to Karen
1 exhibition hall in 2004 to 15 halls
furniture production and
Lee (pictured), General Manager South
with 130,000 sqm this year. Besides
interior decor trading platforms,
China, Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., ahead of
that, the number of exhibitors has
CIFM / interzum guangzhou will be
the event.
reached a record high of 1,095 from
stepping into a new decade with the 2014 edition. The new beginning also welcomes some changes with the exhibition period extended by
01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2013 edition?
28 countries and regions, featuring 60,975 professional visitors from 119 countries and regions, combined with the China International Furniture Fair Office Show segment.
one day to five days, and new show dates from March 28 - April 1 in
The 2013 edition coincided with
2014. According to the organizers,
the tenth anniversary of interzum
over 1,100 manufacturers and
guangzhou. Having witnessed the
suppliers are expected to participate
growth of the global furniture
in the event, which in turn should
manufacturing industry for the
attract over 60,000 visitors. More
last decade, interzum guangzhou
than 70 percent of the booth spaces
has become the largest and most
interzum guangzhou 2014 will
have already been snapped up by
comprehensive professional trade
continue to provide a high-quality
exhibitors who pre-committed at the
fair for the woodworking machinery,
‘one-stop’ trading platform for the
event in 2013 and organizers foresee
furniture raw materials and interior
respective fields of the industry for
an over-subscription based on the
decor industry in Asia. We are proud
both manufacturers and buyers and
02. How is the next edition positioned? What are the main objectives for the show in 2014?
aim to be the choice event for new product launches, leading industry trends. We hope to build interzum guangzhou into a bellwether event combined with practical trade functions.
03. What are the key highlights of the show? Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at the next edition? First and foremost, the debut of the Swedish Pavilion will be one of the not-to-be-missed highlights, which Image © interzum guangzhou
56 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
will see companies from the region bringing exquisite Nordic carpentry
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
interzum guangzhou has become the largest and most comprehensive professional trade fair for the woodworking machinery, furniture raw materials and interior decor industry in Asia and high quality wood products to the fair. In addition, the show will continue to present a series of engaging supporting activities for a more Image © interzum guangzhou
value-added procurement experience. It is also worth mentioning that all professional forums and seminars
is launching of new products, seeking
as the inability to expand capacity,
next year will be concentrated at the
new business partners, strengthening
a lot of new exhibitors are unable to
international buyer lounge, which is
business relationships or elevating
participate in the show, and this is
also known as the Piazza in Hall 14.1,
brand exposure, interzum guangzhou
precisely an issue requiring an urgent
where industry luminaries will be
is a reliable platform to produce
solution from the organizers. I hope we
sharing their analyses and forecasts of
immediate results for industry players.
will be able to coordinate a solution,
the market’s future.
And this is exactly the reason why big
so that these companies, which have
names from the industry have been
been waiting for years, can have the
supporting us all these years.
opportunity to be part of interzum
04. How does interzum guangzhou aim to be different from other trade fairs? interzum guangzhou, as one of the satellite events of Koelnmesse’s interzum brand trade fair, was imported into China from Germany
05. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the fair next year? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?
in 2004. The brand has enabled us to
guangzhou, and also provide buyers with more choices.
06. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show this year? As of now, some of the renowned
compete effectively, emerging as the
Next year, the number of exhibitors is
first-time exhibitors include AGT,
leader among other shows. interzum
expected to exceed 1,100 and we are
Aydin Tekstil, Lion Rock, Tuoch,
guangzhou’s positioning as the premier
estimating more than 60,000 visitors
Lambert and ICA, from Turkey, the
event in Asia with radiating global
to arrive at the show. Among them,
United Kingdom, the United States and
influence sufficiently indicates its
over 70 percent are likely to comprise
Spain respectively. There are many
status as the industry’s flagship show.
returning exhibitors. Due to the high
other quality exhibitors that are still
In addition, ‘effectiveness’ is interzum
participation rate, stable long-term
awaiting booth allocation, which as I
guangzhou’s key to success. Whether it
support from repeat exhibitors as well
have mentioned earlier, is a problem we are looking to resolve.
07. What - in your opinion are the major trends for the timber and woodworking machinery market at the moment? After two centuries of continuous improvement, refinement and enhancement around the world, the industry has gradually become matured. From the exhibits, we will find more and more woodworking machinery and equipment with high manufacturing efficiency, low energy consumption, and ‘green’ production processes. I believe this should become Image © interzum guangzhou
the industry trend.
December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 57
SHOWTIME
EXPO Calendar International Trade Fair for Woodworking Machinery and Tools 5th - 7th December Kipsala International Exhibition Center Riga, Latvia
www.bt1.lv/kokapstrade/?lang=eng&menu=1 Wood Fair
5th - 8th December Coex Hall B Seoul, South Korea
http://woodfair.or.kr/eng MaDecor Expo 5th - 8th December O.F.E.C Casablanca, Morocco
www.madecorexpo.com Furnishings Asia
6th - 8th December Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo Guangzhou, China
ExpoPromueble 2014
Stockholm Furniture Fair
www.promueble.com.mx
www.stockholmfurniturefair.com
22nd - 25th January Centro Banamex Mexico City, Mexico
Maison et Objet Paris
24th - 28th January Parc des expositions de Paris - Nord Villepinte Paris, France
www.maison-objet.com/en/paris
Istanbul Furniture Fair 28th January - 1st February 2014 Istanbul Expo Center Istanbul,Turkey
www.itf-imob.com
Salon du Mobilier 2014
2nd - 4th February 2014 Nantes Parc des Expositions de La Beaujoire (EXPONANTES) Nantes, France
www.salondumobilier.com
4th - 8th February 2014 Stockholmsmässan Stockholm, Sweden
Drevostavby 2014 (Wooden Buildings) 6th - 9th February 2014 Holešovice Fairground Prague, Czech Republic
www.drevostavby.eu ZOW
10th - 13th February 2014 Messezentrum Bad Salzuflen Bad Salzuflen, Germany
www.zow.de
FIMMA - MADERALIA 2014 11th - 14th February 2014 Feris Valencia Valencia, Spain
http://fimma-maderalia.feriavalencia.com
http://fafafa.asia
Indonesia Furniture Fair 2013 7th - 15th December Jakarta Convention Center Jakarta, Indonesia
http://indonesiafurniturefair.com FURTEX Algeria
18th - 21st December Safex International Fair Ground Algiers, Algeria
www.furtexalgeria.com/ing/index.html DOMOTEX Hannover 11th - 14th January 2014 Hannover Exhibition Center Hannover, Germany
www.domotex.de/en
imm Cologne
13th - 19th January 2014 Koelnmesse GmbH (Halls 1-11) Cologne, Germany
www.imm-cologne.com/en
Thailand Furniture and Houseware Fair 2013 14th - 22nd January 2014 Bangkok International Trade Exhibition and Convention Center (BITEC) Bangkok, Thailand
Interiors UK
19th - 22nd January 2014 NEC Birmingham Birmingham, UK
www.interiorsuk.com
PRIMUS: Windows. Doors. Profiles 21st - 23rd January 2014 Kiev ExpoPlaza Kiev, Ukraine
www.theprimus.com
Image © interzum guangzhou
58 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013
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12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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December 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 59
60 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2013