Timber Design & Technology Middle East - November 2012

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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Issue 05 | November 2012

DNA testing of wood to help curb illegal logging World’s tallest timber building ‘tops out’ in Melbourne ‘Out of the Woods - Adventures of 12 Hardwood Chairs’ Illegal logging nets organized crime up to USD 100 billion dollars every year Miro Forestry aims for leadership within the sustainable plantation forestry industry in West Africa PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews 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 INovember L I T Y2012|| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com TECHNOLOGY

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FROM THE PUBLISHER er 2012

Issue 05 | Novemb ndtechnology.com

www.timberdesigna

logging to help curb illegal DNA testing of wood in Melbourne building ‘tops out’ World’s tallest timber Hardwood Chairs’ - Adventures of 12 ‘Out of the Woods 100 USD to up organized crime year Illegal logging nets billion dollars every the sustainable for leadership within y in West Africa Miro Forestry aims industr y forestr plantation

Publisher’s comment

, news, new products PLUS Timber industry previews and more exhibition

ANALYSIS |

OGY H N O Lnology.com T E C esignandtech I L I T Y2012|| www.timberd S U S T A I N A B November | DESIGN | INTERVIEWS

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Cover photo: ‘Out of the Woods ‘ display

T

his is the final issue of the magazine for 2012 and the end of our first year of publishing. It has been quite a steep learning curve for me, but I have met a good number of seasoned wood

Issue 05 | NOVEMBER 2012

industry professionals who have helped me get a grasp of the industry both here in the region

and internationally. Recently I was delighted to be the first representative from the Middle East to

Timber Design & Technology Magazine

attend the annual meeting of the Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers Magazine Association in

Publisher Andy MacGregor publisher citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 9199 783

with a total distribution to over 250,000 industry professionals. We will now have access to the

Marketing Manager Eric Hammond marketing citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400

Istanbul. This is a group of 28 publishers from every corner of the globe from Argentina to Taiwan best possible wood industry news and trends and we plan to share some of this information in our forthcoming issues. In this issue, we have covered a range of interesting topics including a feature on how DNA testing of wood can help combat illegal logging and trade in illegal timber. This has been pioneered by a company based in Singapore - DoubleHelix - and we were able to track down Jonathan Geach, Executive Director at the company to learn more about this unique service. Sticking with the same

Editor Tony Smith editor timberdesignandtechnology.com

theme, we have covered a recent report from INTERPOL-UNEP, which estimates the global economic

International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia antexpo.net

recommendations to counter this global problem.

value of illegal timber trade to be in the region of USD 30 - 100 billion annually. The report focuses at length on the different methods employed by those involved with illegal logging and outlines key As always we invite readers and industry professionals to share their thoughts with us and in this issue we have featured articles submitted by Dovetail Partners and Broadleaf Consulting. The former looks at the current state of certification within the timber industry and what next whilst the latter focuses on the Turkish economy and the market for hardwoods in the country. For those of you who have been with us from the start, you might remember that in our first issue, we introduced Cross Laminated Timber and the world’s tallest building - the Stadthaus in London - made from CLT.

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

Recently, the world’s tallest building made from timber (CLT again) has topped out in Melbourne and we take a closer look at this structure in this issue. Looking ahead, we plan to publish five issues of the publication again in 2013 starting in February and then our Dubai WoodShow special issue in April. We will also be expanding our online activity with updated news, features, exhibition information and technology developments. Do 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. Best Wishes,

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 © 2012 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY

DNA testing of wood to help curb illegal logging DoubleHelix pioneers testing that can pinpoint timber species and origin

16 MARKET REPORT Illegal logging nets organized crime up to USD 100 billion dollars every year INTERPOL-UNEP release ‘Green Carbon: Black Trade’ report on illegal timber trade

P12

20 ANALYSIS Beyond Certification Understanding the challenges of certification and identifying opportunities to both improve on existing programs and develop new approaches

27 ANALYSIS Talking Turkey An assessment of the Turkish market for hardwoods

P16

30 DESIGN & DéCOR ‘Out of the Woods - Adventures of 12 Hardwood Chairs’ Ground breaking LCA research helps RCA students generate full environmental profiles for each of their designs

36 FEATURE World’s tallest timber building ‘tops out’ in Melbourne Construction innovation heralds new era for building industry

40 PROFILE Miro Forestry Company aims for leadership within the sustainable plantation forestry industry in West Africa

43 TECHNOLOGY HOMAG Group hosts the 20th edition of its annual ‘Treff’ expo in Schopfloch Visitors experience an unprecedented array of smart solutions for the production of furniture, windows, floors, staircases and doors at landmark event

46 SHOWTIME Preview of the upcoming exhibitions

P30 PLUS p7 Latest News p46 Showtime November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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In October 2012 Farlin Group offloaded one of the biggest ever loads of film faced plywood, commercial plywood, MDF and other panel products at Khalid Port in Sharjah and Doha Port in Qatar. FARLIN OF cargo COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED The totalGROUP size of the was 36,000cbm. More vessels like this WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE TIMBER have already been planned to meet the growing demandIN of our valuable customers from across the GCC. Please contactAND our COAL LOGS, SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS salesENERGY team today for immediate service. FOR SECTORS. Te l : 0 4 8 8 0 9 8 8 9 | Fa x : 0 4 8 8 0 9 7 7 9 | w w w. fa r l i n d u b a i . c o m


NEWS

News Hungary to Develop National Forest Certification System One of the few remaining European countries with a significant share of

about two million hectares is estimated to be privately owned, with

private forest owners yet without a national forest certification system,

the vast majority of properties being smaller than one hectare. Only 4

Hungary, has launched the process to develop a PEFC-compliant system.

percent of owners have forest properties larger than five hectares.

Representatives from various sectors met for a multi-stakeholder workshop

Participants agreed that there is great potential for advancing

in Sopron on the Austrian Border at the invitation of the University of West

forest certification in Hungary through the development of a national

Hungary, to learn about the benefits of PEFC’s unique bottom-up approach.

forest certification system in line with PEFC requirements, which are

PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, requires

specifically designed to cater to the needs of smallholders. Private forest

countries to develop their own national forest certification standards, in

owners, contractors, and forest professionals have been showing an

line with international requirements, and to manage all aspects related to

increasing interest in PEFC certification in the past few years. A recent

forest certification independently at national level.

study by the University of Western Hungary concerning the feasibility

Speakers from PEFC organizations in Austria, Germany, Slovakia

of PEFC certification in Hungary has resulted in renewed momentum

and Slovenia introduced the distinct features of their respective

with a number of stakeholders showing increasing interest in the

systems within the context of their specific forest ecosystems, legal

benefits that PEFC can provide.

and administrative frameworks, and socio-economic factors. These

Building on this momentum, ERFARET, a research and development

experiences provided the backdrop for engaged discussions among

organization founded by the University of West Hungary, has started the

representatives from governments, the forest sector, companies,

process of developing a national forest certification system in line with

research organizations and NGOs concerning how PEFC might work

PEFC requirements with the support of the 2012 PEFC Collaboration

in practice in Hungary and how the country could benefit from the

Fund. This project is also supported by MEGOSZ, the Association of

lessons learnt in other countries, specifically concerning the needs of

Hungarian Private Forest Owners, FAGOSZ, the Hungarian Federation of

smallholders: at present about 45 percent of the total forest area of

Forestry and Wood Industries, and PEFC Austria.

Wood must be at the heart of the green economy, say scientists A green economy must be based on natural, environmentally sound and sustainable materials and goods. For this, wood is surely the ideal candidate. It’s a renewable material, and products made from it store carbon. Through forest products, forests, as well as sequestering carbon, also play a crucial role in storing carbon and in replacing fossil fuel, concrete and steel, which have higher carbon emissions and a significantly larger ecological footprint. At present, the general public, most policymakers and even the construction industry often see wood as a ‘traditional’ material, with little or no relevance to modern technologies and current environmental concerns. However, UNECE wants to change this perception and has therefore turned to science. Over 100 experts and scientists gathered in Geneva in October to discuss Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and how this methodology can highlight wood and its qualities as a sustainable material with an increasing number of innovative uses. LCA can be applied to evaluate the total environmental impacts of a material or a product throughout its life.

LCA can compare the efficiency and sustainability of wood with that

The experts and scientists drew up a set of recommendations for

of other materials for use in different products and purposes. It thus

action by governments, the private sector and UNECE. When discussed

helps to identify in which instances wood use is the best choice. The

and approved by the UNECE Timber Committee, the recommendations

sustainability of using wood for energy, for instance, depends very

will help better communicate the benefits of LCA to a larger public so

much on the life cycle and related impact of the woody material that is

that consumers can make the right choices when selecting materials

used, as well as on the scale of its use.

and products. Paola Deda, Chief of the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section,

The ‘cascaded’ use of wood helps to make the best use of wood and its ability to store carbon and replace other, less ecologically friendly

said: “As consumers, we need to be sure we’re not basing our choices

materials. In this instance, ‘cascaded’ means where wood is used in

on erroneous beliefs and perceptions. LCA provides us with a scientific

one product and then, at the end of that product’s life recycled into

method to assess the ecological footprint of a material or product from

another. And this process is repeated many times before the ‘final’

cradle to grave so that we can make informed choices.”

wood product is used for energy.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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NEWS

Pace presents award-winning Hand Dubai-based Pace Joinery,

also involved in projects such as the Queen Alia International

one of the region’s leading

Airport in Jordan and the Military Hospital in Muscat, Oman.

manufacturers of interiors,

Hand sees his key role with Pace as substantially developing the

furnishings and fittings for

company’s manufacturing business to support major international

the hotel and hospitality

hotel projects, while at the same time ensuring the bespoke

markets, has appointed Barry

furniture business maintains its reputation for exceptional quality. By combining traditional workshops, with state-of-the-art

Hand as general manager. The 53 year old South African-

manufacturing facilities, Pace Joinery has built an enviable

born Hand has over 34 years’

reputation throughout the region for its high-quality, handcrafted,

international experience in

furniture, which serves its prestigious client-base, as well as

construction and interior

providing interiors, furnishings and fittings for major hotel,

fit-out, 15 of those in the

hospitality and retail projects. With an annual turnover in excess

Middle East. He has managed

of AED 50 million, Pace has a full-time staff of some 350 skilled

the fit-out of the Jumeirah

personnel and has manufacturing facilities totaling some 35,000 square feet.

Beach hotel and was part of the project team at Dubai

Barry Hand, GM, Pace Joinery

“Pace is renowned, particularly in the hotel, hospitality

International Airport for

and retail sectors, for combining traditional carpentry skills

over eight years. Hand’s other roles include, founding director of

and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art manufacturing and

Plafond interiors and managing director of MEP company Macair.

fabrication processes. My strategic business plan for this highly

In addition, regionally and internationally, he has managed

successful regional company is to develop it still further, into an

some of the most prestigious interior fit-out projects, two of

exceptionally successful organization on an international level,”

which received national industry excellence awards. Hand was

said Hand.

LIGNA and interzum to coordinate their visitor advertising activities Every two years, wood and furniture specialists from around the world come to Germany to attend the two most important trade fairs for their industry: LIGNA in Hannover and interzum in Cologne. The two fairs are staged in quick succession so that international visitors can attend both in a single trip. 2013 will be no different. Together, LIGNA and interzum will once again provide a comprehensive overview of the materials, design solutions and technologies currently available for the woodworking, wood processing and furniture industries. As in the past, the organizers, Koelnmesse (interzum) and Deutsche Messe AG (LIGNA), are coordinating their international visitor acquisition and marketing activities. In 2013, interzum, the world’s leading trade fair for furniture making materials and design and interior finishing, will be held from 13 to 16 May - meaning that it will follow LIGNA rather than precede it as is normally the case. The reason for the change relates to the timing of public holidays. LIGNA, the leading marketplace for the international forestry and wood industries, is always timed to coincide with Ascension Day. In 2013, however, Ascension Day falls so early in May that the May Day holiday would clash with interzum if the latter were to be held before LIGNA. LIGNA and interzum are the world’s foremost trade fairs in their respective sectors. Together, they cover a very broad spectrum of exhibition topics, ranging from wood as a renewable material to woodworking and processing technology to components for the furniture and interior finishing sectors. For visitors from abroad, the timing of the two fairs is ideal because it enables them to take in both events in a single trip – which is eminently feasible, given that the host cities, Cologne and Hannover, are only 300 kilometers apart by road or two and a half hours by rail.

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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


NEWS

Chinese wood imports have fallen dramatically this year 21 percent from May and 23 percent lower than in August 2011. Canada and Russia are the two dominant suppliers of softwood lumber to China, together accounting for 84 percent of the total imports, with the U.S., Chile and New Zealand making up most of the remaining import volume. Further, during the first eight months of this year, Russia, Chile and New Zealand have increased their shipments to China, while volumes from North America have declined. Exports from the U.S. are down as much as 41 percent as compared to the same period in 2011. In August, the average import value for all softwood lumber imported to China was down nine dollars to USD 203/m3 from a year ago, according to Customs data. The cost for Russian lumber fell as much as USD 19/m3, while Canadian average costs were down only five dollars to USD 200/m3 over the past year. Costs for Canadian lumber have steadily increased from earlier this year and were at a 12 month-high in August. The reduction in construction activities in China during 2012 has

Chinese softwood log imports have also fallen dramatically this year.

resulted in reduced demand for lumber, and as a consequence imports of

From January through August, imports from Russia were down 21

both logs and lumber to China fell substantially in 2012, according to a

percent, and from the U.S., 31 percent as compared to the same period

report by the Wood Resource Quarterly. Total imports, by value, during

in 2011. The two other major log-supplying countries, New Zealand

the first eight months was USD 4.3 billion, or 19 percent less than in

and Canada, have shipped practically the same volume this year as last

2011, with the biggest declines in logs imported from Russia and the

year. With the reduced demand for logs by the lumber industry in China,

U.S., and in lumber from North America. By volume, log imports were

log prices have fallen through most of 2012. Average import softwood

down 17 percent and lumber imports down 5 percent.

log values in the third quarter of this year were down 13 percent from

Imports of softwood lumber in August were down for the third consecutive quarter to 1.1 million cubic meters, which was a decline of

a year ago, and domestic Chinese-fir log prices have fallen about 6 percent in the last year.

‘Wild West’ timber trade threatens Congo forests Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are colluding with foreign logging firms to support illegal logging, harming local communities and risking the destruction of the world’s second largest forest, a report by a campaign group says. Derelict ports in Congo’s riverside capital Kinshasa are piled high with logs ready to be shipped out to China and Europe as part of the lucrative timber trade. Much of the timber has been harvested using permits signed by the ministry of environment in direct contravention of Congolese law, advocacy group Global Witness said in the report. Congo’s forest is part of the Congo Basin that spans six countries in the central Africa region covering about 500 million hectares, over 130 million of which is in the Congo. It contains thousands of species and a quarter of the world’s remaining tropical forest. According to the report, so-called artisanal logging permits - meant only for small scale tree felling by Congolese nationals - are being awarded to foreign firms. The companies then use industrial methods

anything from motor bikes or alcohol to allow the trees to be felled,

to cut and export large quantities of wood out of the country, while

while rural communities see no benefit at all, the report states.

sidestepping the environmental and social obligations demanded of

Congolese conservationists say the situation is as bad if not worse

industrial logging operations. Attempts to bring order to Congo’s chaotic

elsewhere in the country, which is home to 86 million hectares of forest.

forestry sector have seen a ban on all new industrial logging licenses

However, Victor Vundu, Director of the Ministry of Environment’s legal

since 2002, but this has done little to improve the situation according to

team said they were working on clarifying and tightening up legislation

Colin Robertson, one of the report’s authors.

under a new minister.

“Basically this is a new system to get around the moratorium. Officials

“It’s not surprising, in a post conflict country where the administration

have been giving out artisanal permits to industrial loggers, and it’s

has been really weakened, that the state should be accused of not

created a completely chaotic situation in the forests,” he told Reuters.

sufficiently controlling the application of the law,” he said.

In the heavily forested province of Bandundu at least 146 artisanal

Industrial logging output from Congo has dropped in recent years

logging permits have been issued in the last 2 years according to the

and currently stands at around 350,000 cubic meters per year, as

report, which also shows evidence of some firms having cut far more

companies say that without far tighter regulation they cannot compete

than is allowed by artisanal licences. Local chiefs are paid off with

with the illegal market.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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NEWS

Emerging African market to drive Danube’s growth

Danube Building Materials has recently extended its presence in Africa with the opening of its new showrooms in Kenya and Libya. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the showroom in Kenya is situated at Nairobi and spread across 20,000 square feet. Similarly, the franchise outlet of Danube in Libya is located in Benghazi and is spread across 35,000 square feet. Both the showrooms showcase an extensive collection of products including sanitary ware, ceramic tiles, parquet, flooring, MDF, Chandeliers, Garden Furniture, Timber, Steel, Hardware etc. Further, the company foresees expansion in other areas of Africa such as Ethiopia and Tunisia. “Danube’s commitment to the construction and building materials market is underlined by our expansion, which is aimed at addressing the needs of the customers across the region,” said Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman of Danube Group. “With several construction projects currently under way and planned projects, there was an obvious demand for building materials in Africa which has helped us

three new showrooms in key locations including Saudi Arabia, Abu

expand and consolidate our market presence in the region.”

Dhabi, and Al Ain in the first half of this year. To keep pace with the

The African market is set for a rebound and the construction

emerging market trends, Danube has plans to continue opening more

industry is currently gaining momentum across the region with the

outlets with a view towards creating a stronger market presence

demand for building materials giving a much-needed lift to Africa’s

not only in the Middle East but also across the global market. The

materials manufacturing sector. A new report sponsored by PwC and

company is set to open 20 new showrooms by next year across UAE,

carried out by Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics

Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Africa. The increased demand for its

forecasts that global construction will grow by 67 percent from USD

products coupled with its expansion has resulted in the company

7.2 trillion to USD 12 trillion annually by 2020. Of this, the Middle

growing its workforce since its inception, to 1800 people.

East and African region is expected to outpace the global growth rate. Libya has a huge potential to become a role model for other Arab

Moreover, the company recently announced a 20 percent growth in sales for the first two quarters of the fiscal year 2012, with Rizwan

nations considering the steady recovery it is experiencing post the

Sajan citing growth and demand for products in the Middle East and

war. At present, the country is experiencing massive demand across

African markets. With its strong cash position, Danube Group is well

major sectors of the economy including construction, which bodes

poised for a growth of 25 percent over the rest of 2012. Danube’s

well particularly for foreign companies and investors. Additionally, a

growth in sales can be attributed to its provision of world-class

report from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) stated that the

high quality building materials and home interiors combined with

economy of Kenya grew by 4.9 percent in the first quarter of 2011

great value and special services. The company’s dedicated focus on

due to improved productivity in the construction industry.

establishing facilities in high potential locations has made it a major

In addition to its expansion into Africa, Danube has launched

10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

hit with customers.


NEWS

Farlin Group receives one of the largest single shipments of film-faced and commercial plywood, MDF and panel products for the GCC market The Farlin Group has recently received one of the biggest shipments of Film-Faced and Commercial Plywood, MDF and panel products at Port Khalid, Sharjah. The shipment, which was estimated at 36,000 cbm, arrived in Sharjah on a chartered ship - MV Rattana Naree - where approximately 70 percent of the total cargo was offloaded. According to Abdul Gafar, Business Development Manager at Farlin, the remainder of the load was directed to Doha Port in Qatar. The

Image © Farlin Group

announcement further reaffirms Farlin’s position as a leading global supplier of timber and timber related products. The majority of the cargo comprised the group’s own brand of film faced plywood - Farlinplex - in addition to commercial plywood, MDF and other panel products. The materials that were offloaded in Sharjah are primarily for the UAE market with some of it being routed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. Meanwhile the shipment to Doha was earmarked for local consumption in the Qatar and aimed at local traders in the country who have a strong relationship with the Farlin Group. According to Gafar, this shipment represents the ability of the Farlin Group to continue supplying market demand in the aftermath of the global economic recession and despite volatile market conditions. The company is positive of the growing demand in the region and has expressed a firm commitment towards ensuring a regular and healthy supply of products for traders who supply the construction sector in the UAE and wider GCC. Image © Farlin Group

Image © Farlin Group

Image © Farlin Group

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11


SUSTAINABILITY

DNA testing of wood to help curb illegal logging

DoubleHelix pioneers testing that can pinpoint timber species and origin

I

n a recent report (see page 16), Interpol has estimated that the value of illegal logging is worth more than USD 30 billion a year, while the legitimate annual global trade

is estimated to be worth in the region of USD 115 billion. Perhaps the biggest shock is a revelation by Interpol that the trade in illegal logs is worth almost as much as drug production. One possible solution to this global problem is through government legislation such as the USA’s Lacey Act, the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill amongst others. However, the true impact of these measures on illegal logging is still yet to be fully realized. The answer could perhaps then lie in the DNA testing pioneered by Double Helix Tracking Technologies (DoubleHelix). Timber Design & Technology talks to Jonathan Geach, Executive Director at DoubleHelix to learn more about DNA testing of wood.

12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


SUSTAINABILITY

According to Geach, DoubleHelix grew out of a timber product legality standard in Indonesia called CertiSource (www.certisource. co.uk). Established in June 2008, the company today is the leader in applied forest genetics and aims to bridge the gap between cutting edge genetics, forest management and timber supply chain issues. As such, the company is pioneering the use of applied genetics to verify claims associated with legality, origin, sustainability, whilst removing fraud from within the timber supply chain and preparing businesses for legislation in the USA and Europe. Registered in Singapore, the company is the first in the world to develop and commercialize DNA testing for wood. Geach confidently states that commercial services have been purchased by businesses keen to access markets secure in the knowledge that they are getting what they pay for since 2007. Up until now, the fight against the trade in illegal timber has been waged with government regulations and preventive measures, which have not met with much success. As a result, there has been a shift towards

Image © DoubleHelix

Image © DoubleHelix

Jonathan Geach, Executive Director, DoubleHelix

Andrew Lowe, Chief Scientific Officer, DoubleHelix

Established in June 2008, the company today is the leader in applied forest genetics and aims to bridge the gap between cutting edge genetics, forest management and timber supply chain issues

timber certification and genetic

the world’s top plant geneticists

such practices. Geach is hopeful that

start to incorporate DNA testing

and was responsible for making

the progress being made could result

into supplier contracts to verify

the breakthrough in DNA testing

in small-scale laboratories around

country and species claims. Many

of wood. At his laboratory at the

the globe carrying out cheap DNA

clients are using the EU Timber

University of Adelaide in South

timber tests for companies, customs

Regulation as a spur to examine their

Australia, he perfected the method

agents and law enforcement agencies

supply chains, often with little real

of extracting DNA taken from a log,

within the next two years.

idea of the existing risk. We bring

using the criminal justice system and law enforcement techniques, which has forced companies around the world to undertake their own due diligence or pay the price of neglect. The DNA testing services offered by DoubleHelix is helping responsible companies ensure the legality of the timber they have procured whilst also fighting to ensure that common practices in the timber industry such as mislabeling, lying about origin or substituting one type of wood for another are a thing of the past. Andrew Lowe, Chief Scientific Officer at DoubleHelix, is one of

a board, a table or even flooring,

inventory for carbon projects. Geach goes on to state that the scope of the company’s services is spreading significantly across a range of questions as they aim to find practical commercial applications at prices that work for their customers. This has happened due to a combination of the breadth of issues that DNA tests easily resolve and the company’s ability to introduce more species and regions into play. “We are seeing clients in Europe

As the cost of genetics research

together our three strengths - an

which paved the way for the

continues to fall, novel applications

understanding of trade, expertise

commercialized testing of timber.

are becoming viable and affordable

in legality and cutting edge science.

Today, rapid advances in the field

to meet a multitude of challenges

In this way clients are able to get

and plunging costs for DNA testing

faced by the forestry industry and

ahead of the curve and harness the

of timber now mean that it is

beyond. As a result, the range of

EUTR as a marketing opportunity

commercially feasible for companies

services offered by DoubleHelix is

rather than a new risk in operating

trying to meet new regulations in

expanding across species and sectors

internationally,” says Geach.

the United States and Europe against

and includes plantation forestry,

The company has also been

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13


SUSTAINABILITY

When a tree is cut down and transformed into a product, its DNA is still present and can, with skill, be extracted. The idea is that by extracting the DNA and conducting a simple species test, DoubleHelix will be able to verify the species of wood and its origin

DNA. When a tree is cut down and transformed into a product, its DNA is still present and can, with skill, be extracted. The idea is that by extracting the DNA and conducting a simple species test, DoubleHelix will be able to verify the species of wood and its origin. At present, this testing is done in only one of two very specialized laboratories, but the company is working towards developing this so that it can be easily and cheaply handled by Image © DoubleHelix

Kevin Hill, Founder of DoubleHelix

world. The aim is to license Lowe’s DNA extraction technique within

involved in several civil and criminal

two years to accredited laboratories

actions. Geach recalls the case of a

globally in a bid to firmly stamp out

developer who was concerned that a

the illegal timber trade.

decking supplier had provided mixed

In principle, DNA testing is

species instead of a single species

extremely accurate due to the unique

included in the procurement contract.

DNA signature of each species. One

The developer wanted to use the

could then be mistaken for thinking

company’s services to prove the

that the journey for DoubleHelix

mix of species a few years later at

has been smooth sailing. The truth

a time when the product was falling

is that when the company launched

to pieces. Furthermore, governments

in 2008, the concept of DNA testing

and investors interested in forest

was relatively unknown with clients

carbon schemes such as REDD

unable to fully grasp the benefits of

are increasingly recognizing the

the service. However, with the Lacey

value of DNA postcodes for trees

Act in play in the US over the past

to form a security system for their

few years and the proposed EUTR

investment, all of which bodes well

set to come into effect in 2013, the

for DoubleHelix.

number of clients is growing. Geach

Aiming to explain the science

14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

licensed laboratories anywhere in the

states that the number of clients for

behind it all, Geach highlights the

the CertiSource chain-of-custody

fact that tree’s are individuals and as

and legality verification scheme is

such each tree has it’s own unique

numbered in the hundreds and this


SUSTAINABILITY

includes both big and small businesses

common misconception of the scale of

a few who have actively supported

in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

the issue.

the company. From an industry perspective, Geach believes that

Commenting on the company’s

“At present, there are a number

customer base, Geach says: “Clients

of very useful species identification

once a person grasps the simplicity

for new genetic services tend to

services that do not require

of genetic solutions to timber supply

be larger businesses up, mid and

background databases. Maps exist

chain issues, and the longer term

downstream. These lead clients

for many species and more are

view of global forestry, they quickly

are enabling us to ensure that the

being made as people increasingly

recognize it’s inevitability. In the

services we’re developing are what

realize their value. The data is

Middle East, Kevin Hill, the founder

the market really needs and that

generally in the public domain and

of DoubleHelix, is confident that

pricing and service structure serves

will be of great use for far more

DNA CoC will play an important

purpose. This currently numbers less

than legality issues for hundreds of

part in reducing cost and providing

than 20 but we anticipate a sharp

years to come,” says Geach. “More

more security when incorporating

increase in the next six months,

recently, the International Timber

compliant timber products into LEED

especially as we hope to see a major

Trade Organization has approved

and other Green Building standard

timber audit business and a well

and funded a project that will create

projects given the widespread

known international certification

large scale ‘genographic’ maps

prevalence of ‘green building

brand start piloting our technology.”

of several commonly traded tree

standards’ in the construction sector.

The biggest challenge (and a common misconception as well) to DNA testing is the fact that clients think a DNA forest map is required for comparison purposes. Constructing such a map is crucial because DNA for each species

species in seven African countries and implement DNA based Chainof-Custody (CoC) systems in these countries. This project will facilitate access to premium European and United States markets both of which have legislation requiring

“Our business is going through several cycles. We have gone through the proof of concept phase where we have shown that these services work, are affordable and people like them. We are now going through a wider commercialization phase and will finally get to a point

changes subtly

proof of legality, and

where we own and license IP. This

from one area to

therefore traceability.”

will allow third-party businesses

Spurred on by the

to offer the technology solution

another, acting like a postcode that can be

early success of the

whether they are a timber supply

used to determine

company, support for

chain auditor, lab services company

a sample’s origin.

DoubleHelix has come

or otherwise involved in compliance

At the same time,

from both the industry

issues, investment or forestry.

the process of going into a forest to take DNA samples across a species’

and from governments. According to Geach, many governments have helped not

In short, people who adopt our technology now are benefiting by winning new business, accessing

entire range is costly and time

just with funding but also with

markets they’re previously excluded

consuming. Geach counteracts by

support in championing the idea.

from as well as reduce risk and

stating that this is only a slight challenge and it’s more of a

The US, German, Australian, and Singaporean governments are

cost of risk management/security,” concludes Geach.

DNA Testing in practice: The case of the SimmonDs Lumber Group The Simmonds Lumber Group is one of Australia’s leading wholesale timber importers with an annual turnover of over AUS$ 100 million. The company imports high quality tropical timber flooring, structural components and decking products from a number of countries including the USA, China and Indonesia. Simmonds sought to safeguard their reputation as a responsible importer of tropical hardwood from Indonesia, a market tainted with high volumes of illegal timber and without adequate solutions at hand to secure their supply chain. The CertiSource solution ensured: • Due diligence analysis of Simmonds’ existing supply chain to assess ability of suppliers to meet legality and traceability standards.

• Independent audit of forest sources and sawmill Chain-of-Custody systems against the CertiSource standard for Verified Legal Timber. • Implementation of DNA testing on every batch of timber processed through the audited supply chain from forest to sawmill, providing scientific validation of unbroken Chain-of-Custody. • Simmonds secured supply of CertiSource Verified Legal timber products from Indonesian sawmills. Every product can be traced back to a specific batch of logs from legally harvesting forest concessions. Simmonds achieved four significant benefits from the solution: • Access to new forest sources they were previously excluded from due to lack of traceability. • Significant risk reduction in their tropical

timber supply chain. • Differentiation of their product offer and brand leadership position in Australia. • Access to new buyers due to assurance of product legality. These have led to two significant business wins for Simmonds; they have secured a contract to supply Masters Stores (a joint venture between Lowes of the United States and Woolworths of Australia) who are opening 158 outlets across Australia. Simmonds has also successfully penetrated the New Zealand market based on the supply of CertiSource Verified Legal timber. “From a perspective of legality of our industry at the supply end through to the marketability of products to Australian consumers, this is the way of the future,” said Paul Elsmore, CEO, Simmonds Lumber Australia 2007.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15


MARKET REPORT

Illegal logging nets organized crime up to USD 100 billion dollars every year ‘Green Carbon: Black Trade’ outlines the severity of the illegal timber trade and makes recommendations to combat this global problem

I

n a new report released by

Central Africa and Southeast Asia, with

INTERPOL and the United Nations

recent studies projecting that illegal

Environment Programme (UNEP), the

logging accounts for 50 - 90 percent

economic value of the illegal timber

of the volume of all forestry in key

trade by organized crime groups is

producer tropical countries and 15 - 30

estimated to be worth between USD

percent globally.

30 and 100 billion annually, which

“Funding to better manage forests

represents around 10 - 30 percent

represents an enormous opportunity to

of the global wood trade. The Rapid

not only address climate change but to

Response Report, entitled ‘Green

reduce rates of deforestation, improve

Carbon: Black Trade’, states that illegal

water supplies, cut soil erosion and

logging now accounts for between

generate decent green jobs in natural

15 - 30 percent of the global legal

resource management,” said Achim

trade and significantly hampers the

Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation

and UNEP Executive Director. “Illegal

and Forest Degradation (REDD)

logging can, however, undermine

initiative - one of the principal tools

this effort, robbing countries and

for stimulating environmental change,

communities of a sustainable future,

sustainable development, job creation

if the unlawful activities are more

and reducing emissions.

profitable than the lawful ones under

Forests worldwide bind CO2 and store it - so called Green Carbon - and

16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

REDD+.” A number of certification schemes

help mitigate climate change. However,

and programmes have evolved as

deforestation accounts for an estimated

a means to reduce illegal logging.

17 percent of global carbon emissions,

These schemes, such as voluntary

which is about 1.5 times greater than

trade agreements including the EU

emissions from the entire world’s

Forest Law Enforcement, Governance

air, road, rail and shipping traffic

and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary

combined. According to the report,

Partnership Agreements (VPAs), or

the vast majority of deforestation

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

and illegal logging takes place in the

certification, have been relatively

tropical forests of the Amazon basin,

successful in bringing stakeholders


MARKET REPORT

together and generating incentives for legal exports and more sustainable forestry. Additionally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is increasingly being used by states to ensure that trade in listed timber species is legal, sustainable and traceable. The report points out that the main aims of the aforementioned programmes are to promote sustainable trade. With the exception of

Net loss of forest

CITES, they are not designed to combat

Current forest cover

organized crime and are not effective

Net gain of forest

in combating illegal logging, corruption

Dryland degradation

and laundering of illegal timber in tropical regions. Other incentives and subsidies to offer alternative incomes are also unlikely to be effective when illegal logging and laundering offer much higher profits and very low risk. Furthermore, widespread collusive corruption from local officials to the judiciary, combined with decentralized government structures in many tropical countries, provide little or no economic incentive for illegal loggers and corrupt officials to change their practices. The report goes on to state that

The health of our forests

In the last five years, illegal logging has moved from direct illegal logging to more advanced methods of concealment and timber laundering

was only temporary, and illegal logging continues unabated today. More importantly, the apparent decline in illegal logging is due to more advanced laundering operations masking criminal activities, and not necessarily due to an actual decline in illegal logging. In many cases a tripling in the volumes of timber ‘originating’ from plantations in the five years following the law enforcement crackdown on illegal

to become effective, voluntary trade programmes and the effective

permit), logging beyond concessions,

logging has come partly from cover

implementation of CITES, must be

hacking government websites to obtain

operations by criminals to legalize and

combined with an international

transport permits for higher volumes

launder illegal logging operations.

law enforcement investigative and

or transport, laundering illegal timber

operational effort in collaboration with

by establishing roads, ranches, palm

increased illegal logging that involve

domestic police and investigative task

oil or forest plantations and mixing

road construction and the cutting of

forces in each country. This is to ensure

with legal timber during transport or

wide corridors, which facilitates land

that a local decline in illegal logging

in mills.

clearing by impoverished settlers, who

is not offset by increases elsewhere,

Source: Adapted from a map by Philippe Rekacewicz originally published in UNEP-FAO Vital Forest Graphics , 2009; data source from MA 2005.

According to the report, the much

The report also cites other cases of

are later driven away by ranchers and

as international cartels move to new

heralded decline of illegal logging

soy producers, such as has occurred

sources of illegal timber.

in the mid- 2000s in some tropical

in the Amazon. Companies make

“The threat posed to the

regions was widely attributed to a

money from clearing the initial forest,

environment by transnational

short-term law enforcement effort.

have impoverished farmers convert

organized crime requires a strong,

However, long-term trends in illegal

forestland to farmland, and then

effective and innovative international

logging and trade have shown that this

push these farmers off to establish

law enforcement response to protect these natural resources and combat the corruption and violence tied to this type of crime, which can also affect a country’s stability and security,” said Ronald K. Noble, Secretary General of INTERPOL. In the last five years, illegal logging has moved from direct illegal logging to more advanced methods of concealment and timber laundering. The report outlines more than 30 ways of conducting illegal logging, laundering, selling and trading in illegal logs. Primary methods include falsification of logging permits, bribes to obtain logging permits (in some instances noted as USD 20 - 50,000 per

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17


MARKET REPORT

According to the report, efforts to

close collaboration with key partners.

stop this black trade must concentrate

However, the cost of implementing an

timber through legal plantations, across

on increasing the probability of

effective international law enforcement

borders or through mills, is another

apprehending illegal logging syndicates

scheme and training capacity to

effective way to launder logs. In some

and their networks, reducing the flow of

substantially reduce the emissions

instances, illegal loggers mix illicit

timber from regions with high degree of

from illegal logging is estimated to be

timber with 3 - 30 times the amount of

illegality by adapting a multi-disciplinary

approximately USD 20 - 30 million

officially processed timber, which also

law enforcement approach, developing

dollars annually. While INTERPOL is

constitutes tax fraud. Many of these

economic incentives by discouraging the

currently leading the police related law

illegal operations involve bribes to

use of timber from these regions and

enforcement response through Project

forest officials, police and military, and

introducing a rating of companies based

LEAF, its success requires strong,

even royalties to local village heads.

on the likelihood of their involvement in

constant, and sustainable commitment

In addition, other scams include the

illegal practices to discourage investors

from governments, civil society, and

falsification of eco-certification.

and stock markets from funding

the private sector.

rangeland for cattle. Funneling large volumes of illegal

Experts concur that much of the

them. When combined with economic

The newly established International

laundering of illegal timber is only

incentives, through REDD+ and trade

Consortium on Combating Wildlife

possible due to large flows of funding

opportunities through CITES and FLEGT,

Crime (ICCWC), chaired by the CITES

from investors based in Asia, the EU

these actions may become successful in

Secretariat and comprised of INTERPOL,

and the US, including investments

reducing deforestation, and ultimately,

the United Nations Office on Drugs

through pension funds. As funds are

carbon emissions.

and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and the World Customs Organization

made available to establish plantations

INTERPOL and UNEP, through the

operations to launder illegal timber and

UN agency’s GRID Arendal centre in

(WCO), also provides a substantial

obtain permits illegally or pass bribes,

Norway, have also established a pilot-

new commitment to the sharing and

investments, collusive corruption and

project called LEAF (Law Enforcement

coordination of a comprehensive

tax fraud combined with low risk

Assistance to Forests) funded by

international effort to help combat

and high demand, make it a highly

the Norwegian Government agency

wildlife crime, including illegal logging.

profitable illegal business, with

NORAD to develop an international

In fact, the ICCWC represents the

revenues up to 5 - 10 fold higher than

system to combat organized crime in

entire enforcement chain - customs,

legal practices for all parties involved. This also undermines subsidized alternative livelihood incentives available in several countries. In addition to increased organized crime involvement, the report also highlights a rise in other crime types linked to illegal logging, including murder, violence, threats, corruption, fraud and theft, with indigenous forest dwellers particularly affected. The challenges already facing indigenous peoples are further compounded as companies now launder illegally felled timber under fraudulent permits for ranches or plantation establishment schemes.

18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


MARKET REPORT

police and justice. It also addresses

Lastly, priority attention must be

This feature contains

anti-money laundering and serves as

given to investigation of tax fraud,

information and text

a model at the international level for

corruption and anti-laundering,

from the Summary of the

the sort of cooperation that is required

including substantially increasing the

INTERPOL-UNEP Report.

amongst enforcement agencies at

investigative and operational capacity

The report - Green Carbon:

the national level to more effectively

of national task forces working with

Black Trade - is available for

combat illegal international trade in

INTERPOL, against logging companies,

download on the INTERPOL

timber products.

plantations and mills.

and UNEP websites.

Key Recommendations of the INTERPOL-UNEP report • Strengthen and consider funding opportunities for the development of a full-fledged Law Enforcement Assistance to Forests (LEAF) programme under INTERPOL and UNEP in close collaboration with all ICCWC partners, REDD+, FLEGT and other relevant programmes and agencies. The objective of the programme is to implement coordinated international and improved national law enforcement and investigative efforts to reduce illegal logging, the international trade in illegally felled timber and forest-related corruption including tax fraud and laundering. • Increase national investigative and operational national capacities through an INTERPOL based training scheme to strengthen and build national task forces on combating illegal logging and laundering. This includes strengthening national law enforcement agency cooperation and co-ordination through

supporting the formation of national taskforces to ensure enforcement of laws and regulations related to forests. • Centralize nationally the issuing of permits for land clearance whether for logging, plantations or ranching and permits for road transport of timber with strong anti-counterfeit measures. • Develop an INTERPOL classification system of geographic regions within countries according to the suspected degree of illegality in collaboration with National Central Bureaus (NCBs) and other relevant stakeholders. This includes defining upper limits of volumes of logs to be transported, restricting transport funnels of all timber from such illegal logging regions and monitoring forest change on a regional basis. • Encourage national tax fraud investigations with a particular focus on

plantations and mills laundering, under- or over-reporting of volumes and over- or under-invoicing, tax fraud and misuse of government subsidies. • Reduce investment attractiveness in forest enterprises active in regions identified as areas of illegal logging by implementing an international INTERPOL-based rating system of companies extracting, operating in or buying from regions with a high degree of illegal activity. This includes investigating possible complicity of investors in funding illegal activities related to logging, transporting, laundering or purchasing illegally logged timber. • Strengthen the resources available to ICCWC to have a dedicated role, unit(s) and responsibility at global and regional levels, as appropriate, specifically tasked to combat illegal logging and international trade in illegally logged or procured timber and wood products.

CAD+T Middle East JLT, PO Box 262353, Indigo Icon, Office 507, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE, Mobil.: +971(0) 50-2738319, Tel.: +971(0) 4-4477880, Email: office@cadtae.com


ANALYSIS

Beyond Certification

Understanding the challenges of certification and identifying opportunities to both improve on existing programs and develop new approaches Dr. Jeffrey Howe and Kathryn Fernholz of Dovetail Partners share their views on the certification of forests

I

n 2013, the world will mark the 20year anniversary of third-party forest certification. After 20 years of effort,

approximately 10 percent of the world’s forests have been certified through various programs. During this time, many changes have occurred in the forest sector and in the practice of forest management. Yet, in spite of many successes, major hurdles remain. Although it could clearly be argued that global forestry has been affected positively, not only are 90 percent of the world’s forests uncertified but also the certified 10 percent was already the best-managed forestland in existence. So the key question now is what will the next 20 years of forest improvement look like? Will we continue on

Although it could clearly be argued that global forestry has been affected positively, not only are 90 percent of the world’s forests uncertified but also the certified 10 percent was already the best-managed forestland in existence. So the key question now is what will the next 20 years of forest improvement look like?

the certification path we are on, or will we thoughtfully assess and apply the lessons

inflicting significant cost on the forest sector.

learned in order to chart an improved

It is complex in that current systems have

course? Based upon the knowledge

become moving targets with ever changing

gained over the past two decades and the

standards and inconsistent interpretations

experiences of other eco-labeling systems, it

that undermine the credibility of the

is clear that a better method is needed, and

entire effort. The current approaches to

is possible. It is time to move beyond the

forest certification have created confusion,

forest certification of the past generation

hypocrisies in the way standards are being

and entertain a broader, more inclusive, and

applied, and they have failed to adequately

more cost effective approach.

address emerging issues such as illegal

The existing approach to forest certification is extremely complex and is

20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

logging and bio-energy production. Forest certification is also costly. To date, it is


ANALYSIS

There are many diverse benefits being realized from forest certification, but the focus needs to be on the forest, rather than the process, and the approach needs to be easily applicable to more diverse forest management situations

likely that hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent in order to recognize the existing best-managed forestlands in the world. One shudders to think of the costs and the complexities of addressing the remaining forest segment under the current approach. There are many diverse benefits being realized from forest certification, but the focus needs to be on the forest, rather than the process, and the approach needs to be easily applicable to more diverse forest management situations. In marketing terms, forest certification is a well-defined attribute, but an unclear Image © Dovetail Partners

benefit. When organic certification was evolving, a similar situation occurred.

Dr. Jeffrey Howe, Dovetail Partners

Organic certification was initiated by nongovernmental organizations and evolved

wide geographic areas. In response, the

into competing systems that established

U.S. and other nations chose to establish

diverse standards and attempted to raise

government-based programs for managing

the bar on each other to gain recognition

organic standards. These programs resulted

as the ‘gold standard’. Over the course

in many significant changes. Key among

of nearly 20 years (1972-1990), as the

these was a clarification of the legal

market potential for organic increased, the

definition of ‘certified organic’, which

competing standards and their changing

demystified the benefit to the marketplace.

requirements became a barrier to growth

These changes were followed by dramatic

and a bottleneck to supply. In addition, the

growth in the organic market. The U.S. sales

perceived benefit from ‘organic’ became

of organic products have grown from USD

muddied by the growing and diverse

1 billion in 1990 (when the Organic Food

claims of various producers scattered over

Production Act was passed) to an estimated

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21


ANALYSIS

USD 20 billion in 2007; and grew an average of 18 percent each year between 20072010. The USDA Organic Program also drove the creation of a new space for the direct marketing of local products as a ‘deeper shade of green’. So, what would a better forest certification system look like? How can the benefits of certification be clarified in the marketplace? There are many possible answers. One approach would be to have forest certification simply take greater advantage of existing forest management infrastructure and expertise, recognize the benefits of existing, effective regulatory systems (e.g., U.S. laws), and utilize terminology that has greater acceptance in, and attraction to, the Image © AHEC

marketplace. Marketplace acceptance could be tested for attributes like GMO-free wood, wood grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, or wood from forests that are regenerated with native species. Another approach would be to develop a comparative index that ranks forest practices based upon a small number, but clearly identifiable and understandable forestry considerations. Using this type of approach, product market claims could be based on regional or global rankings (e.g., wood comes from forests among the top 10 percent in the world or attains four out of five stars). In addition to these possibilities, further approaches and/or improvements in forest certification could be defined by interviewing both current and potential users

Image © Dovetail Partners

According to the UNECE, in the twenty years since certification was formed we have certified only 2 percent (200 million acres) of tropical forest while over 700 million acres of tropical forest has been deforested

Kathryn Fernholz, Dovetail Partners

(especially in tropical areas) to identify those

the core principles of what wood means as a

The Forest Perspective

methodologies that they would see as having

renewable, infinite, sustainable, responsible and

Twenty years ago there was no common

significant potential to increase the practice of

natural product. Good examples and abundant

agreement on the definition of ‘sustainable

responsible forestry.

experience now exist to allow us to modify,

forestry’. Today, with great regard to forest

change, and adapt to a better future.

certification, there appears to be a general

Pursuing additional options and enhancements might allow the forest sector

When you make maple syrup there is a

consensus on what good forestry entails.

to rapidly move beyond the current limits

time after all the preparation and collection

However, this consensus has not been boiled

of forest certification. The original goal

of material (sap and firewood usually) from

down to a finite number of characteristics

hasn’t changed. We still need to dramatically

the forest that you simply have to turn up the

to which individual landowners are held

decrease deforestation in tropical areas.

heat, stir it up a bit, and tend to it carefully

accountable. Instead, current sustainable

According to the UNECE, in the twenty years

to make it come out well. Certification may

forestry is a complex series of interwoven

since certification was formed we have

be at the same point. The original goal of

ecological relationships on which no two

certified only 2 percent (200 million acres) of

forest certification was to create a label that

landowners may find uniformity. In an attempt

tropical forest while over 700 million acres of

would enable the market to identify and

to consider every possible negative outcome,

tropical forest has been deforested. We also

select wood from well-managed forests and

certification has become similarly complex.

need to be able to identify wood from well-

thus allow demand from the marketplace

managed forests across the globe. In addition,

to provide economic benefit that would

strength when it results in comprehensive

U.S. markets need to be assured that the wood

translate into increased funding for better

auditing that leaves no stone unturned,

products they purchase meet the requirements

forest management practices. In short, the

reviews all aspects of forest management,

of the Lacey Act.

goal was to link clear market choices with

and helps identify a full spectrum of

sustainable forestry.

opportunities for improvement. For land

The first question that matters for the forest sector at this point is: Do we want the next 20

In order to understand the current

This complexity provides incredible

managers that want to make changes (or

years of forest certification to look like that last

challenges of certification and to identify

need to), the current certification process

20? If the answer is No, which it must be for

opportunities to both improve on existing

can be very constructive in identifying key

anyone who cares about forests and the forest

programs and develop new approaches, we

gaps and setting priorities for strategic

sector, then the next question is: How can we

need to take a look at forest certification from

improvements. However, for land managers

most effectively move beyond current forest

two opposite ends of the spectrum, that of the

that are already doing a very good job and

certification methodologies to dramatically

forest and that of the marketplace to see if it is

are in regions with significant regulatory and

benefit forests? And the answer to that

successfully addressing that original goal and

management structure already in place (i.e.,

question is to pursue a system that leads us to

to recommend a possible next step.

many of the current certificate holders), this

22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012



ANALYSIS

emphasis on the details can be extremely frustrating and costly. As one manager put it in a private conversation, “it’s frustrating spending time and money trying to be ‘more perfect’ when there are a world of issues to be addressed on other lands.” The broad-brush approach inherent in some certification systems appears to lead to cost inefficiencies as well. For example, the lack of trust in existing infrastructure (e.g., government, management planning, and legal systems) leads to unnecessary administrative costs to landowners in regions like North America. Also, in some instances, the attempt to address globally issues that are dominantly of regional concern leads to efforts that appear unnecessary. The net result is high forest management costs related to certification

The net result is high forest management costs related to certification (or penalties) on well-managed sites and few lands that are certified in regions (e.g., tropics) where sustainable forestry is in greatest need of attention

of the current programs. The current

as the extent to which the certified label is

complexity of the systems they represent, but

100s of possible indicators of sustainability

recognized and trusted.

it is also true that there are no simple claims

to the top 3, 4, or 5 mandatory and universal

that can be made about today’s certified

building blocks that define good wood. These

unrecognized in the marketplace in North

wood products because there are almost no

core components should be measurable,

America, at least by the average consumer,

universal truths. For example, the simplest

auditable and widely applicable. They should

and the concept of certification is both

claim of all, the source of the wood, cannot

support a vision for the forestry we want to

poorly understood and poorly differentiated

be universally guaranteed. That is, a seller

see now and in the future, and the responsible

from other ‘green’ marketing activities. For

couldn’t necessarily claim that the wood in a

wood products that the marketplace desires.

example, is forest certification of the wood

labeled certified product actually comes from

By identifying the cornerstones of sustainable

in a product equal to, more, or less important

certified forests. It is hard to convince buyers

forestry, we will articulate the expertise of

than attributes such as VOC-free?

that a product has extra value when there are

our good forest managers and eliminate the

no definable benefits to that claim.

confusion in the marketplace. Today we have

(or penalties) on well-managed sites and few lands that are certified in regions (e.g., tropics) where sustainable forestry is in greatest need of attention.

The Market Perspective The key to success of a certification system is its effectiveness in the marketplace. This effectiveness is primarily based on trust in the certified brand. It has been said that we trust those that we believe have the ability and the commitment to do what they say. Thus, certification is as effective

To date certification is relatively

Certification is also relatively unrecognized and poorly differentiated in

certification programs and systems offer a robust structure and model for developing exemplary forest management systems where they are lacking. The level of detail and breadth of issues that are covered help develop professional levels of forest stewardship. But the gap of providing a straightforward and guaranteed benefit for the market can’t be filled by these systems as they currently operate. We need to leverage our twenty years of experience to boil down the complex list of

the knowledge and experience to address

products. In the U.S. approximately 4,000

Result of two perspectives - is it working?

of the estimated 200,000 wood products

So is the marketplace providing funding

able to come up with something a little more

companies are chain-of-custody certified

for the benefit of forest management?

intense, a little more pure, and better tasting

today, and research suggests that even

It is hard to see that this is true at this

to the marketplace.

key individuals from companies that are

point. Anecdotally it would appear that the

certified are poorly informed as to what

opposite is true, meaning that costs have

that certification actually means. It is also

increased while selling prices have remained

common for individuals and organizations

stagnant. Certainly, it is true that some new

to ask the difference between certification

buyer-seller relationships have been created

programs when in fact they really don’t

and there are benefits to aligning like-

know anything about either, and are simply

minded organizations. But there is little to

trying to define them by their variances

no evidence that a clear premium exists for

rather than their attributes. Thus actual

certified products, in general.

the market channels that transfer wood

benefits to the customer remain undefined and no value can be placed. To a certain extent some of this lack

So, how do we solve this? How do we clearly answer the question of what it means to support sustainable forestry

of understanding of certification by the

with the purchase of sustainable forest

marketplace can be explained by the

products? First, we recognize the value

24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

this issue. By turning up the heat a little, and boiling the system down a bit, we should be

About Dovetail Partners

Dovetail Partners provides authoritative information about the impacts and trade-offs of environmental decisions, including consumption choices, land use, and policy alternatives. Dovetail is a highly skilled team that fosters sustainability and responsible behaviors by collaborating to develop unique concepts, systems, models and programs. Dovetail Partners is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation. More information is available at www.dovetailinc.org


FEATURE

NHLA hosts its annual convention and exhibit Image © NHLA

Mark Barford introducing NHLA team of Inspectors

Eight hundred delegates attend the 115th annual ‘global gathering of the hardwood community’

E

ight hundred delegates attended the 2012 National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Annual

Convention & Exhibit Showcase - the 115th annual ‘global gathering of the hardwood community’ in Chicago over three days in September. The mood was cautiously upbeat with a Image © NHLA

background of improving housing

Image © NHLA

Mark Barford, Executive Director of NHLA

Kevin O’Connor of ‘This Old House’ TV show

North America. While the phrase

renowned National Football League

overseas markets and membership.

‘tough market times’ was frequent a

(NFL) player, coach and commentator;

The membership then heard reports

theme, most attendees agreed that

John Carpenter, President of Caterpillar

from the NHLA Executive Director

the worst may now be over and with

Forest Products Centre of Excellence

Mark Barford and the Hardwood

improving exports the future for

and Chairman of the Tropical Forest

Federation President Brad Thompson.

the hardwood industry is brighter.

Foundation; and Kevin O’Connor, TV

Barford reported that last year 37

American hardwood lumber exports

host of ‘This Old House’. In addition, the

Chinese companies had joined NHLA,

were up over 9 percent in value

sold out exhibit hall featured seventy-

testament to the NHLA’s growing

through July 2012 compared to the

two companies and organizations

international network. Following the

same period last year.

showing off their products and services

presentations from the nominating

on the show floor.

committee chairman Ted Rossi, the

starts and increased hardwood lumber and flooring production in

The annual convention is widely supported by many sponsor companies

At the opening session outgoing

NHLA membership unanimously

and a number of leading organisations

NHLA President Dave Redmond

elected two new officers and six new

also use the event to hold their own

welcomed delegates from all over

board members.

annual members’ meetings including

the USA and Canada, where there are

the American Hardwood Export Council

1,200 members of NHLA, as well as

Hardwood Lumber Co. of Chicago, Ill.

(AHEC) and the International Wood

hardwood traders from 12 countries

was elected to serve as President and

Products Association (IWPA). Keynote

reflecting the growing emphasis that

Pem Jenkins, President of Turn Bull

speakers this year included Mike Ditka,

the association is now placing on

Lumber Co. of Elizabethtown, N.C.

Scott Heidler, President of Heidler

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25


FEATURE

Image © NHLA

AHEC’s International Buyers Panel in Chicago

Image © NHLA

Image © NHLA

Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector, NHLA

Keynote Speaker - Mike Ditka

will serve as Vice President. Further,

on China. Lastly, Kevin O’Connor,

the six new board members include:

the charismatic host of This Old

Mark Cifranick of Baillie Lumber Co.;

House, America’s most watched home

Shane Cook of Midwest Walnut Co.;

improvement television show, shared

Charley Fiala of GMC Hardwoods,

his observations on the green building

Inc.; Scott Holley of Industrial Timber

movement and the green building bust.

& Lumber; Steve Jones of Ron Jones

The Exhibit Showcase and Traders

Hardwood Sales; and T.J. Rosengarth

Alley was open on all three days for

of Northwest Hardwoods.

delegates to meet with traders and

Following the selection of the new

companies offering a wide range of

NHLA board, legendary coach and

services to the hardwood industry.

player Mike Ditka officially kicked off

Notable for overseas delegates was

the 115th Annual Convention events.

the now very popular International

During his address Ditka talked at

Buyers Panel of importers from

length about attitude, enthusiasm

several key global markets, moderated

and character as essential elements

by AHEC Executive Director Mike

of life. He concluded his remarks to

Snow. Also at the convention, NHLA

a standing ovation with a quote by

Chief Inspector Dana Spessert and

Abraham Lincoln. “You cannot build

his team of inspectors presented an

character and courage by taking away

educational seminar and update on

man’s initiative and independence.

grading rules and on the domestic

You cannot help men permanently by

and international inspection services.

doing for them what they could and

Following the success of the 2012

should do for themselves.”

convention, the NHLA has announced

Ditka’s motivational opening

that the 2013 NHLA Annual

remarks were followed John Carpenter

Convention & Exhibit Showcase will

who presented Caterpillar’s global

be held from October 2-4 at the Omni

economic outlook focusing strongly

Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Keynote speakers this year included Mike Ditka, renowned National Football League (NFL) player, coach and commentator; John Carpenter, President of Caterpillar Forest Products Centre of Excellence and Chairman of the Tropical Forest Foundation; and Kevin O’Connor, TV host of ‘This Old House National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) The world’s largest and oldest hardwood industry association, the NHLA represents more than 1,300 companies and individuals that produce, use and sell North American hardwood lumber, or provide equipment, supplies or services to the hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. Since 1980, its headquarters have been in Memphis, Tenn. To learn more about NHLA, please visit www.nhla.com.


ANALYSIS

Talking Turkey

An assessment of the Turkish market for hardwoods

T

urkey, at the crossroads of Europe and

the situation has remained very positive. One

the Middle East, is a key player in the

concern is rising inflation and also the heavy

global economy and it has seen ten years

reliance upon foreign investment. However,

of high growth. By the third quarter of 2011,

Turkey is embarking on inward investment

Turkey was the fastest growing economy in the

projects of its own, such as a massive rebuilding

world, with the biggest year-on-year growth in

programme across five major metropolitan

GDP over the first six months of the year. The

areas. This is designed to address the need for

budget was in surplus, tourism was growing,

earthquake proof construction (with reference to

and the banking sector was strong. The two

the massive earthquake of 1999, centred around

biggest problems were the trade and current

Izmir), but it will also provide a major boost to

account deficits. We now know that all this

the already very active construction sector.

growth led to 2011 being the biggest year ever

Turkey has a very substantial and growing

for Turkish exports, with a total value of goods

wood products sector, around half of which

worth USD 134.6 billion being shipped overseas.

is comprised of producers of raw materials -

As well as a new record this was also 18.2

lumber, veneer, wood-based panels, components

percent higher than the figure for 2010 and this

etc., while the other half comprises producers

massive export growth cannot help but close

of finished products - furniture, flooring and

the trade and current account gaps. According

interior joinery. The sector includes many

to data from the Automotive Distributors

thousands of small firms and cottage-type

Foundation, 864,439 passenger cars and light

workshops, as well as much fewer large-scale,

commercial vehicles were sold in Turkey last

fully mechanised manufacturers. As a result, it

year, representing a growth of roughly 16.4

is almost impossible to gauge the exact size of

percent from the year before and setting a new

the sector, but it is estimated that it accounts

record. At the same time, tourism hit the target

for some 4 percent of all manufactured goods

of 30 million in 2011, mergers and acquisitions

in Turkey. Overall, there are some 44,000

hit USD 15 billion and Turkey’s airports handled

enterprises operating within the forest and

118 million passengers.

wood products industry. Of these, around 200

All these signals pointed to Turkey continuing

can be classed as medium-sized companies

to be one of the strongest and most stable

(100-150 workers) and large-sized companies

economies in the world and, so far in 2012,

(150 plus workers).

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27


ANALYSIS

Turkey’s forests, which are entirely Stateowned, produced an estimated 18 million cubic meters of logs in 2011. Of this total, some 13 million cubic meters were for pulp production, leaving around 5 million cubic meters for industrial use. Of the industrial roundwood production, around 90 percent was accounted for by various softwood species and the remaining 500,000 cubic meters by poplar (European), beech, oak, chestnut, ash, sycamore (European maple) and walnut. The vast majority of domestically produced hardwood logs were destined for low end industrial uses, such as pallets and packaging, while a significant volume (unknown) was used for plywood, veneer and lumber production, also supplemented by imported logs.

Turkey -­‐ -HHardwood ardwood Log Imports by main country country Turkey Imports byssupplying main supplying Turkey -­‐ Hardwood Log Log Imports by main upplying country Jan-­‐Dec 2011 Jan-­‐Dec 2011 Val. Vol. (m3) Val. Vol. (m3) ($000) ($000) Cameroon 14,014 38,247 Cameroon 14,014 38,247 Congo 7,966 13,959 Congo 7,966 13,959 Romania 6,377 46,372 Romania 6,377 46,372 United States 5,695 9,447 United States 5,695 9,447 Central African 4,327 6,270 Central African 4,327 6,270 Rep. Rep. Congo Dem. Rep. 3,872 6,738 Congo Dem. Rep. 3,872 6,738 Ukraine 3,541 23,695 Ukraine 3,541 23,695 Myanmar 1,061 437 Myanmar 1,061 437 Germany 769 3,201 Germany 769 3,201 Georgia 578 4,338 Georgia 578 4,338 Others 3,298 7,510 Others 3,298 7,510 Total 51,498 160,214 Total 51,498 160,214 Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various Supplying Supplying country country

over 160,000 cubic meters (see table below). Roughly half of this volume was accounted for by European species (mainly beech and oak) from nearby Romania, Ukraine and Georgia, but also from Germany. Much of the remaining volume was accounted for by imports of tropical species from Central Africa, while a significant volume of hardwood logs were also brought in from the United States. On account of Turkey’s own position as a hardwood producer, it has both a welldeveloped sawmilling industry and good veneer slicing capacity. Most Turkish wood importers are also producers of lumber, veneer or panel

rather than just importer/distributors. Some of these operate on a wholesale basis only, while others offer both wholesale and retail.

Lumber: Domestic conversion of hardwood logs to lumber is also significant in Turkey and this production is supplemented by imports, which reached a total volume of just under 47,000 cubic meters last year. This volume is not very high in relation to the overall production and consumption of hardwoods and it would have been accounted for, in the main, by species

-­‐6 -­‐6 -­‐45 -­‐45 78 78 n/a n/a 89 89 n/a n/a -­‐37 -­‐37 -­‐37 -­‐37

-­‐9 -­‐9 -­‐39 -­‐39 133 133 n/a n/a 120 120 n/a n/a -­‐27 -­‐27 -­‐2 -­‐2

Turkey Lumber Imports by main supplying Turkey -­‐ -HHardwood ardwood Lumber Imports by main supplying country country Supplying country

Jan-­‐Dec 2011 Val. ($000) 5,732 6,531 3,628 1,382 1,132 735

Jan-­‐Mar 2011

8,076 9,498 7,883 4,061 5,414 3,413

Val. ($000) 1,227 1,822 871 539 245 180

1,041 802 664 441 413 542 555 4,406 46,809

3

Vol. (m )

United States Ukraine Cameroon Romania Georgia Bulgaria Central African 572 Rep. Gabon 770 Congo 830 Congo DR 403 Burma 1,626 Canada 456 Indonesia 840 Others 4,020 Total 28,657 Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various

% Change Jan-­‐Mar 11/12

Jan-­‐Mar 2012

1,718 2,577 1,888 1,254 999 822

Val. ($000) 2,017 421 930 161 73 118

103

186

287 349 205 457 109 230 800 7,424

293 326 233 132 132 151 1,011 11,722

3

Vol. (m )

3

Vol. (m )

Val.

Vol.

2,842 963 1,603 617 266 590

64 -­‐77 7 -­‐70 -­‐70 -­‐34

65 -­‐63 -­‐15 -­‐51 -­‐73 -­‐28

245

487

138

162

23 12 39 317 0 105 380 4,841

44 4 67 120 0 76 511 8,190

-­‐92 -­‐97 -­‐81 -­‐31 n/a -­‐54 -­‐53 -­‐35

-­‐85 -­‐99 -­‐71 -­‐9 n/a -­‐50 -­‐49 -­‐30

Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various

Turkey Veneer Imports by main supplying Turkey –– HHardwood ardwood Veneer Imports by main supplying country country

products and, often all of these, making them fully-integrated forest products companies,

% Change Jan-­‐Mar % Change Jan-­‐Mar 11/12 11/12 Val. Vol. Val. Vol. -­‐81 -­‐78 -­‐81 -­‐78 -­‐87 -­‐88 -­‐87 -­‐88 90 98 90 98 29 13 29 13

Turkey’s considerable domestic hardwood log which, in 2011, reached a total volume of just

Jan-­‐Mar 2012 Jan-­‐Mar 2012 Val. Vol. (m33) Val. Vol. (m ) ($000) ($000) 559 1,678 559 1,678 529 902 529 902 1,348 10,395 1,348 10,395 1,984 2,288 1,984 2,288 1,295 1,942 1,295 1,942 342 651 342 651 1,766 14,509 1,766 14,509 0 0 0 0 212 1,036 212 1,036 0 0 0 0 857 2,394 857 2,394 8,892 35,795 8,892 35,795

Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various

Logs: production is also supplemented by imports,

Jan-­‐Mar 2011 Jan-­‐Mar 2011 Val. Vol. (m33) Val. Vol. (m ) ($000) ($000) 2,885 7,702 2,885 7,702 4,117 7,441 4,117 7,441 710 5,251 710 5,251 1,537 2,017 1,537 2,017 1,374 2,145 1,374 2,145 622 1,075 622 1,075 992 6,216 992 6,216 325 125 325 125 112 470 112 470 111 855 111 855 1,367 3,298 1,367 3,298 14,152 36,595 14,152 36,595

Supplying country

Jan-­‐Dec 2011

Jan-­‐Mar 2011

Jan-­‐Mar 2012

Val. ($000)

Val. ($000)

Val. ($000) China 11,947 United States 4,193 Romania 2,933 Gabon 2,222 Italy 2,203 Germany 1,768 Ukraine 1,370 Bulgaria 879 Indonesia 710 Cameroon 434 Czech Republic 372 Russia 326 Malaysia 314 Others 1,997 Total 31,668 Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various

2,285 1,250 703 394 282 421 380 195 64 181 0 40 148 612 6,955

2,134 1,400 672 1,176 750 221 716 159 2 0 27 212 0 904 8,373

% Change Jan-­‐Mar 11/12 Val. -­‐7 12 -­‐4 199 166 -­‐47 88 -­‐18 -­‐97 n/a n/a 430 n/a 48 20

Source: Broadleaf Consulting, various

which require kiln drying before export or which

Africa, Western Europe and the nearby markets

Cyprus. In terms of hardwood veneers, exports

are unavailable in log form for export.

of Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

in 2011 were far more significant and reached

As a significant producer of hardwood

a total value of USD 24.7 million. The main

Veneer:

products from both domestic and imported logs

destinations for Turkish veneers were Italy,

Although production figures are not known,

and in its unique position at the crossroads of

Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates,

Turkish production of hardwood veneers

Europe and Asia, Turkey is also an exporter

and Lithuania. Hardwood veneers produced in

is significant. This is also supplemented by

of sawn hardwood lumber and hardwood

Turkey were also shipped to a wide range of

imports, which, in 2011, reached a total value

veneers. In 2011, the total volume of hardwood

other destinations in Western Europe, Central

of USD 31.67 million. China was the leading

lumber exported from Turkey reached 11,446

Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

supplier last year, while the United States took

cubic meters, worth USD 8.1 million. The main

the number two position. Hardwood veneers

destinations were Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan,

much of this is for low quality industrial uses,

are also purchased from Southeast Asia, Central

Iran, Iraq and the Turkish Republic of Northern

such as pallets and packaging. However, there

28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Turkey is a major user of hardwood, but


ANALYSIS

Population: 79.7 million (July 2011 estimate) Population growth 1.2% (July 2011 estimate) Population age (avg.) 28.8 years Urban population 70% of total (Istanbul: c.14 million, Ankara: c.4.5 million) GDP growth 8.5% (2011) GDP per capita (PPP) USD 14,600 Inflation 7.8% (2011 estimate) Exports USD 134.6 billion (2011) Imports USD 240.8 billion (2011) Main trading partners EU (especially Germany & UK), Russia, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Gulf countries, Libya, Central Asian countries

is also significant consumption of higher quality

furniture is estimated to have been exported

hardwoods for yacht and boat building, decking

last year, rising by around 18 percent from

and cladding, outdoor furniture, flooring, interior

2010. The main destinations were Iran, Iraq,

furniture and interior joinery. The yacht and

Libya, Central Asia, Russia, Romania, the UK and

boat building sector is substantial in Turkey and

the Arabian Gulf. However, the vast majority

is a major user of tropical hardwoods in the

of Turkish furniture is panel-based and the

main, particularly from Central Africa. A few

sector is a heavy user of MDF and chipboard,

temperate hardwoods are also used for luxury

both also produced locally. While this means

yacht interiors. The decking and cladding sector

that the use of solid hardwoods in furniture is

is growing quickly in Turkey and is influenced

limited in relation to overall production, it does

by the renewed fashion for timber cladding, as

mean that demand for hardwood veneers (along

well as the rise in disposable incomes allowing

with manmade papers and foils) is relatively

many people to purchase holiday homes

high. Nevertheless, there is a high end, bespoke

with swimming pools. This sector has been

segment within the furniture sector and this

a major user of tropical hardwoods, but the

is where a significant proportion of imported

increasing availability of heat-treated temperate

hardwood lumber ends up. Much of this

hardwoods in the market is allowing non-

production is geared towards export and this

durable species to penetrate this sector.

sector is growing.

As with the decking and cladding sector,

Hardwood is also used fairly widely in

the manufacturing of outdoor furniture is also

residential interior joinery, particularly for

a major user of tropical hardwood species,

staircases and kitchen worktops, while doors are

but heat-treated temperate hardwoods

most often made using panels and softwoods.

have also begun to be used in recent years.

In most cases, stair treads and worktops are

Turkey is a significant producer of hardwood

made from edge-glued finger-jointed panels and

flooring (mainly engineered) and there is a

these rely on European hardwood species in the

sizeable market for strip flooring and parquet,

main, such as beech, oak and chestnut, but also,

particularly in oak from nearby supplying

increasingly, American hardwoods. Commercial

countries, such as Ukraine. There are an

joinery is not a major hardwood-consuming

estimated ten or so companies in Turkey

sector, but this is developing as fashions change.

producing engineered hardwood flooring.

Furthermore, buoyancy in the construction

Turkey’s furniture sector is very significant

About the author

Roderick Wiles has been analyzing the Middle East’s markets for wood products for the past 13 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

sector is leading to a number of large-scale

and production in 2011 is anticipated to have

commercial projects, including offices and hotels.

reached a value of USD 10 billion. In addition,

This is expected to drive the market for interior

some USD 1.7 billion worth of Turkish-made

joinery in the coming years.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29


DESIGN & DéCOR

‘Out of the Woods - Adventures of 12 Hardwood Chairs’ Ground breaking LCA research helps RCA students generate full environmental profiles for each of their designs Image © Petr Krejci

T

he ‘Out of the Woods -

created in a wide range of U.S.

prototypes, AHEC has produced

Adventures of 12 Hardwood

hardwoods, including lesser known

a publication that documents the

Chairs’ project culminated in a

species such as gum, pecan, hickory and

story, highlights the use of American

fantastic high profile exhibition and

soft maple. In addition, each student

hardwoods and environmentally profiles

press conference at the Victoria and

recorded all the inputs and impacts of

each design. In addition, the RCA

Albert Museum as part of the London

manufacture to develop an LCA profile

students have also produced a creative

Design Festival 2012. The project was

for each piece using the ‘i-report’

publication, with support from AHEC,

a collaboration between the American

modeling system developed specifically

that imagines the possible life scenarios

Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the

for the project by PE International.

of these designs with the help of some

leading international trade association

“Our collaboration with the RCA and

of the UK’s leading poets and writers.

for the American hardwood industry,

Benchmark has resulted in fascinating

“With the completion of our

and the Royal College of Art (RCA)

approach to working with an age-old

LCA research study into American

in London. The 12 chairs and seats,

material. This unique exercise has

hardwoods, the challenge now remains

which were designed and made by top

not only thrown the spotlight on the

to integrate life cycle thinking into all

product design students from the RCA,

beauty of American hardwoods but it

stages in the design, manufacturing

were shown in a creative display that

has also helped the students explore

and delivery of products containing

told the story of the project, and how

the creative and environmental

U.S. hardwoods. As a first step, the

for the first time, full environmental

potential of this naturally renewable

LCA data for U.S. hardwood lumber

profiles had been developed for each

material by looking at the entire life

is being made available to suppliers

design using AHEC’s ground breaking

cycle of each product,” said Roderick

and specifiers by way of PE’s online

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research.

Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa,

‘i-report’ tool, which will enable specific

Middle East, India and Oceania.

data to be generated for individual

with craftsmen at Benchmark Furniture

“By ensuring that every scrap of

species, lumber thickness, processing

to finalize the designs and make their

material and minute of production

parameters (such kiln efficiency and

prototypes earlier this year. Benchmark,

time was carefully recorded during

energy sources), transport distances

which was founded 30 years ago

the manufacturing of these twelve

and modes (truck, ship, rail). This

by Sean Sutcliffe and world famous

wooden chairs, we have been able to

project with the RCA has enabled us

designer Sir Terrence Conran, who

help produce life cycle assessments,

to show the full environmental impact

invited the students to camp in his

charting the projected lifespan of each

of the designs produced and paves

grounds, provided a unique educational

chair against the cost of resources and

the way for a more scientific approach

experience. As a result, twelve very

processes needed to produce it.”

towards specification of timber,”

The students were invited to work

different seating installations were

30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Following the completion of the

concluded Wiles.


DESIGN & DéCOR

Well Proven Chair - James Shaw and Marjan van Aubel The Well Proven Chair is an experimental project exploring new sustainable ways of production, utilizing timber waste from any well-run factory. Combining timber shavings collected from the workshop floor, bio-resin, water and dye, British born James Shaw and Dutch-born Marjan van Aubel moulded the porridge-like mass to a classic chair, which dried to form a hard structure. This unique piece sits on elegant legs of turned ash, contrasting with the liveliness of Image © Petr Krejci

Phyllida Nicholas Gardner and David Horan

the seat.

Image © Petr Krejci

Named after the sculptor Phyllida Barlow, this piece was inspired by one of her works. With the aim of creating a packable bench out of harmonious materials, Irish David Horan and Australian Nicholas Gardner have designed a flat-pack bench made out of a tulipwood board, 1.5mm ply, bungey cord and no screws. The legs fit in to tulipwood base rings, and to a circular groove in the underside of the bench. When the bench is to be carried, the ‘legs’ unroll to become flat, and the base rings slot in to another set of grooves in the underside of the bench. The whole assembly is held together with cords, which when the bench is assembled join the rings to hooks on the underneath of the flat bench. Tulipwood was chosen for its character and its strength as well as its light weight, so

Image © Petr Krejci

the bench can be carried by one person.

Image © Petr Krejci

Beeeench Petter Thörne Swedish-born Petter Thörne was conscious about making a modest, yet elegant piece of furniture that is economical in its use of materials. His design, Beeeench, is a 3.5 metre beam structure made up of thin strips of American ash. Ash is a very strong and flexible timber; “For me this project has been about pushing the material to the limit,” says Thörne. Beeeench has removable legs making it easy Image © Petr Krejci

to transport.

Image © Petr Krejci

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31


DESIGN & DéCOR

Snelson - Sam Weller Sam Weller has always had a keen interest in mechanics and engineering principles. His stool is inspired by Kenneth Snelson’s sculptural works that are built around the principle of tensegrity (a concept later defined by Buckminster Fuller), where components of a structure are held together by the continuous tension of binding strings. Weller’s design uses string under tension to hold together the elements, which do not even need to touch. The manufacturing process was relatively simple and it would be easy to replace any damaged part, giving the stool greater longevity. Weller made three stools in American Image © Petr Krejci

Floating Chair Bobby Petersen and Tom Gottelier

ash, cherry and walnut.

Image © Petr Krejci

Bobby Petersen and Tom Gottelier wanted to create an experience, not just a seat. Fascinated with the longevity and solidness of boat construction, they decided to design a floating chair. The boat has been built in marine ply and veneered in American cherry, which was chosen both for its high strength-to-weight ratio and for its color, which will darken in sunlight. The keel is in American white oak, which is both durable and heavy - a desirable property for a keel. In an unusual twist, the boat can be controlled by a smart phone working with GPS, and the software will drive the propulsion system allowing you to sit back and

Image © Petr Krejci

relax while the boat takes you for a ride.

Image © Petr Krejci

Solitude - Mary Argyrou Solitude by Mary Argyrou is inspired by the traditionally crafted church chairs found in her home country of Cyprus. Staying true to the values of the church, the chair is modest in its expression and its form engages with the longevity and significance of furniture within a church setting. Made in cherry, it has solid sides with a hinge fold-down seat between them. With the seat down, the user can step back entirely into their own private space. Church furniture can easily last for over a century and there is no reason why this chair should not do the same. “Its life cycle is conveyed both by the enduring qualities of the Image © Petr Krejci

32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

material and its usage,” says Argyrou.

Image © Petr Krejci


Image © AHEC


DESIGN & DéCOR

Squeeze - Nic Wallenberg London-born Nic Wallenberg has created a stackable chair with ergonomic curves. In order to make the chair as sustainable as possible Wallenberg has taken advantage of the strength and flexibility of American hickory and, with the use of bolts, he has squeezed the chair into its desired shape. The chair thereby gains ergonomic curves without the use of energyconsuming techniques such as steam Image © Petr Krejci

bending or press molding.

Image © Petr Krejci

Tree Furniture - Anton Alvarez This unusual bench is designed by Swedish-Chilean Anton Alvarez. The concept for Tree Furniture is that it should be carved simply from a tree cut down and left on the forest floor where it has been cut – an idea that had to be adapted slightly since he was working with American hardwood in England. By means of a portable sawmill and simple hand tools, an American cherry log has been made into a bench. Alvarez’ idea is that it would be a pleasure to happen on such a bench during a walk through Image © Petr Krejci

the woods.

Image © Petr Krejci

Num. 4 - Santi Guerrero Font Num. 4 Chair reflects Santi Guerrero Font’s interest in the Danish style, which typically showcases construction techniques. His chair is visually very simple and honest; you can see where the legs pass through the structure, and where their ends become flush with the seat. By choosing American ash, one of the strongest timbers, Guerrero Font managed to slim the thickness of the timber required from 20mm to 12mm. The Spanish born designer made a jig to create the joints so it would be relatively straightforward to Image © Petr Krejci

34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

make multiple chairs.

Image © Petr Krejci


DESIGN & DéCOR

Leftovers Chair - Lauren Davies Davies’ interest in food and cooking led her to designing a chair that could be described in the form of a recipe, made up from a variety of hardwoods with a strong affiliation to food. Many American hardwood species are fruit or nut-bearing, oak, alder and hickory are often used for smoking, maple syrup is extracted from the maple tree and so on. The seat is a traditional Windsor Chair with a twist: the seat is ‘pickled’ with vinegar, the legs are ‘smoked’ and the spindles of the back are ‘flavoured’ with fruit essences. Davies’ chair is made up of red oak, alder, hard maple, white oak, walnut, black cherry, soft maple, hickory and pecan. The flavorings, which supply color, include saffron, paprika, blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, beetroot, blackberry, Image © Petr Krejci

Designed Legacy - Michael Warren

pomegranate and onion skins.

Image © Petr Krejci

Upon the realization that one-inch thick, kiln-dried timber requires much less energy to produce than thicker stock, Michael Warren set out to design furniture using a single piece of timber measuring 25mm by 145mm by 1.6m long. Warren designed small-scale connections drawing on joints used in green timber frame buildings. Stemming from a great desire to minimize environmental footprint, Warren avoided steam bending to create the curve of his seat, instead using two laminations glued together. The finished stool weighs only 1.5kg. Warren made several stools during his week at Benchmark, his favourite being sapgum, a very lightweight timber, resulting in a featherweight version of

Image © Petr Krejci

his already light stool.

Japanese designer and furnituremaker Norie Matsumato wanted her design to be a beautiful timber sculpture that could also work as

Image © Petr Krejci

Folded Chair Norie Matsumoto

a chair, rather than the reverse approach, which is more common. This led to an asymmetric design, which unfolds in a surprising but elegant manner. Folded Chair combines American ash and walnut, playing with the light and dark tones and making a point at its asymmetric nature. The fact that it can be folded away when not in use makes it more versatile, helping to Image © Petr Krejci

guarantee its longevity.

Image © Petr Krejci

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35


FEATURE

World’s tallest timber building ‘tops out’ in Melbourne Construction innovation heralds new era for building industry

Forté Location: 807 Bourke Street, Victoria Harbour, Melbourne, Victoria Size: Forté is the tallest timber apartment building in the world rising up to 32.17 meter Population: 23 apartments, over 10 storeys including: - 7 x 1 bedroom (59m2) - 14 x 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (80m2) - 2 x 2 bedroom penthouse (102m2) Time Frame: Start on-site: February 2012 Begin Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) installation: May 2012 CLT structure complete: August 2012 Target construction completion: November 2012 Project cost (construction): Apartment tower: AUS $11 million Design and Construction: Lend Lease

Image © Lend Lease

36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


FEATURE

T

he world’s tallest residential timber building has topped out in Melbourne with builders having recently lifted

the last timber panel to complete the structure. Taking shape near the water’s edge in Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour, Forté is being built with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which has a structural strength akin to the traditionally used concrete and steel. CLT, which is already a proven success in Europe for more than a decade, is being used to build the 32-meter highrise apartment building, which upon its completion will make it the tallest timber building in the world. According to Lend Lease, the developers behind Forte, the project represents a new era for the construction industry as it incorporates a more efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process that has not been undertaken in Australia before. By using CLT, Forté will reduce CO 2 equivalent emissions by more than 1,400 tonnes when compared to concrete and steel - the equivalent of removing 345 cars from the roads. Chief Executive Officer for Lend Lease’s Australian business, Mark Menhinnitt believes that CLT is the most significant form of innovation in construction technology that Australia has seen in many years. Image © Lend Lease

“CLT will transform the construction industry by introducing a more efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process that has never been undertaken in Australia before,” said Mark Menhinnitt. “In 2001, we introduced the innovation of chilled beam technology to the Australian market, which has now become the industry norm. CLT is another example of how Lend Lease is leading the way with innovations that will create value for Image © Lend Lease

consumers in the industry.” Sustainability and a lowered environmental footprint have been

sustainable cities that are climate positive.

the key drivers behind the wide use

The adoption of green technologies,

of engineered timber, more commonly

materials and construction processes, like

referred to as CLT, in Europe for more

CLT, means we are closer to achieving this,”

than a decade. A building material that

added Menhinnitt.

has been around for centuries, timber,

As an engineered mass timber product,

enables the permanent capture of carbon

CLT is very different to a traditional wood

so buildings become essentially ‘carbon

frame. Mass timber - dense solid panels

sinks’. Using innovative technology, timber

of wood engineered for strength through

panels undergo a process whereby they

laminations of different layers - provides

are stacked at right angles and bonded

significant benefits and has the equivalent

together over their entire surface and then

structural integrity to concrete. CLT on

hydraulically pressed. This process delivers

a weight to strength basis meets, and in

a viable alternative to concrete and steel

some cases exceeds, the performance of

that can withstand the same pressure as

reinforced concrete, resulting in a very

prefabricated concrete.

stable and durable structural outcome.

“With an increasing number of people

Designed and produced in a factory

moving to urban areas, this innovation is

environment means it will also be built 30

timely given the urgency to create liveable,

percent faster than its material counterparts,

Image © Lend Lease

Sustainability and a lowered environmental footprint have been the key drivers behind the wide use of engineered timber, more commonly referred to as CLT, in Europe for more than a decade. A building material that has been around for centuries, timber, enables the permanent capture of carbon so buildings become essentially carbon sinks

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37


FEATURE

Image © Lend Lease

while being cleaner and more efficient. Murray Coleman, Managing Director

Image © Lend Lease

kind of living.” The 10-storey building is one storey

of Lend Lease’s Project Management and

higher than the current highest timber

Construction business in Australia, said

residential build - the Stadthaus in

that as well as offering a strong, solid,

Hackney, London - and will reflect the

warmer and more natural living experience,

modern urban-city lifestyle of Victoria

the use of timber was also better for the

Harbour while delivering a healthier more

environment. “Forté is built on the principle

natural living environment for occupants.

that what’s good for the environment is

Each apartment is dual aspect and has

good for the resident too. Using CLT offers

been designed to make the most of sunlight

better thermal performance and requires less

and natural ventilation. Designed to be

energy to heat and cool,” states Coleman.

thermally efficient it will require less

Aspiring to be the first 5 Star Green Star

energy to heat and cool than a typical

As Built residential building in the country,

code compliant apartment. In addition, all

Forté in Victoria Harbour, Melbourne will

apartments will have smart meters, which

rise over 10 storeys, offering 23 boutique

link to an in-home display that shows

residential apartments and 4 townhouses.

real time and historic data on energy

Designed and built by Lend Lease, the

consumption. The designers have also paid

building will reflect the contemporary

attention to indoor environmental quality,

inner-city lifestyle of Victoria Harbour

which will be maximized through good

while combining environmental initiatives

levels of daylight, solar shading, natural

such as better energy efficiency in terms of

ventilation and acoustic treatment.

heating and cooling. “Forté is a showpiece for natural and

Construction of the building started in the first week of June, with levels

new, where modern architecture meets a

rapidly added. After just 16 weeks, the

natural building material. It will offer a

building has topped out and is already the

different way of living through reduced

tallest timber residential building in the

energy costs due to better thermal

world. Following on from Forté in Victoria

performance, an abundance of natural light,

Harbour, the company is aiming to develop

ventilation, sweeping views and a healthier

30-50 percent of its apartment pipeline

living environment,” said Menhinnitt.

using CLT and sees application elsewhere

“Building with CLT is becoming increasingly

across the Lend Lease Group.

popular overseas with other residential

“Lend Lease has a proud history of

building developments such as Bridport

landmark innovations in sustainable

House and Stadthaus Murray Grove, both

construction and this project demonstrates

in London being built successfully with CLT.

how we are, once again, leading the way,”

It proves that the appetite is there for this

concluded Menhinnitt.

38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Forté is a showpiece for natural and new, where modern architecture meets a natural building material. It will offer a different way of living through reduced energy costs due to better thermal performance, an abundance of natural light, ventilation, sweeping views and a healthier living environment



PROFILE

Miro Forestry aims for leadership within the sustainable plantation forestry industry in West Africa Image © Miro Forestry

Miro Forestry forecasting annual supply in excess of 500,000 cubic meters by 2018 Image © Miro Forestry

Andrew Collins, Executive Director & CEO, Miro Forestry

M

iro Forestry is a commercially

plantation business that operates

focused and sustainable

to high management, social and

forestry business centered

environmental standards, Miro

in West Africa. As an independent

Forestry focuses on fast-growing,

Cayman Islands incorporated private

high-yield plantation timber that

limited company headquartered

enables it to cater to both local and

in Dubai, the company owns and

international markets. The company

operates sustainable forestry

mixes commercial plantation forestry

plantations of fast growing timbers

with protection and regeneration

for the production of lumber, poles

of indigenous tree species, and

and biomass in Ghana and Sierra

also promotes bio-diversity and

Leone. The company manages its own

environmentally sustainable land-use

forestry plantations, which cover

management. As such, the company is

approximately 25,000 hectares of

also able to continue delivering both

land, and commenced planting a

attractive returns to investors as well

mix of fast growing timber crops in

as significant social and environmental

February 2010.

benefits within local communities.

With an aim to be a leading, commercial and sustainable

Managed by an experienced team of forestry, business and investment

Boumfoum Forestry, Ghana The Boumfoum Forestry Plantation consists of 5,000 hectares of fertile land located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The company’s land is located about 10 minutes drive from the town of Agogo and about one hour from Kumasi. The plantation is around 7° north of the equator and has a tropical climate with average monthly temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C

and annual rainfall between 1,500 - 1,650mm. The rains predominantly fall in June, July and September with the driest hottest months being December through to March. The land on which Miro Forestry is establishing plantation forests was severely degraded during the 1980s and 1990s by agricultural clearing and heavy logging. Today, the land has been designated a forestry

40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

reserve, and the Ghanaian Forestry Commission are very supportive of foreign investment being deployed to reforest the area. Moreover, Miro Forestry works in close consultation with local subsistence farmers in the area aiming to deliver mutual benefit through education and controlled agro-forestry practice. Most of the soils are well drained and considered ideal for trees such as Teak and Eucalyptus. The land

areas not planted by the company currently hold a canopy cover of less than 5 percent and show a dominance of secondary growth species such as elephant grass, characteristic of the transition zone, and is ideally suitable for growing both indigenous and commercial timber species.


PROFILE

management professionals who have a good track record of building and operating emerging market businesses, the company aims to lead the sustainable plantation forestry industry in West Africa with in excess of 2,000 hectares being planted next year for the production of poles, saw timber, and wood chips for wood based panels and biomass. In an exclusive chat with Timber Design & Technology, Andrew Collins, Executive Director & CEO, Miro Forestry provides an overview of the

The company aims to continue to conserve and expand natural forest and other valuable vegetation within its areas of operation and to also obtain FSC certification for all its forest plantations

company and its strategy.

sustainable timber will continue to rise with the increased global demand for wood products particularly from the expanding and increasingly affluent emerging markets. More importantly, in the face of increasing demand, the planet is losing over ten million hectares of forestland every year or an area equivalent to Ireland or Sierra Leone. On a positive note, there are several measures being implemented to curtail this continued deforestation and illegal logging. However, demand for

returns through best practice

sustainable timber continues to grow

management;

and plantation timber represents one

Miro Forestry is a profit driven,

- ownership of timber and forestry

sustainable and feasible option to

commercial plantation timber

businesses and assets, which are,

address this demand.

business that aspires to operate in

or have the objective of, producing

line with high management, social

sustainable timber certified by the

truth is there is simply not enough

and environmental standards. As

Forest Stewardship Council; and

land being planted with sustainable

such, the company aims to continue

- revenue from the supply of timber

timber crops to meet the growing

to conserve and expand natural

and timber products worldwide.

demand. However, tropical climates in

Objectives

In the case of plantation timber, the

emerging markets have high biological

forest and other valuable vegetation within its areas of operation and to

According to Collins, the company

growth rates, ensuring that trees

also obtain FSC certification for all

was borne out of a venture capital

grow and reach maturity quickly.

its forest plantations. In addition, the

group originally based in Dubai

This combined with low land and

company plans to continue to reach

and has its head office in the UAE.

operating costs ensure that countries

out to local communities to establish

Collins notes that the company has

in West Africa such as Ghana and

social, economic and environmental

a number of investors in the Oil &

Sierra Leone can be extremely

development programs within

Gas industry, based out of the Middle

competitive and profitable for the

the local community adhering to

East, who have been attracted to

production of sustainable tropical

high standards of corporate social

investing in Miro Forestry given their

timber. Collins is quick to point out

responsibility. Collins states that this

understanding of the growing demand

that the industry in West Africa

is in line with the company’s’ aim to

for timber as a global commodity and

suffers from a lack of investment

be the preferred partner for the local

the strong commercial returns that the

and knowledge of best practice

communities in which it operates and

company can deliver. In addition, they

forestry and sustainable practices.

for international business partners

have been attracted by the ability to

There is also a general shortage in

and financial institutions.

offset their carbon footprint (given

construction timbers - particularly as

the atmospheric carbon sequestered

the region continues to boom with

objective is to continue to acquire

by the plantations) and because the

world leading GDP growth rates.

and build interests in timber and

company delivers significant social

sustainable forestry businesses and

benefits generating jobs, providing

demand for sustainable timber, Miro

assets that provide it with:

vocational training and other benefits

Forestry’s strategy is to convert

- exposure to capital appreciation of,

in poor rural areas of Africa.

low-yielding grassland and degraded

At its core, the company’s principal

as well as the cash yields generated from, timber and forestry investments;

Business Strategy

- optimize long-term sustainable

Collins believes that demand for

Establishing Teak Beds

Image © Miro Forestry

Teak Beds

Against this backdrop of increasing

forest into sustainable plantations that grow the highest-yielding timber crops suitable for the land areas under the

Image © Miro Forestry

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41


PROFILE

Teak (c.2 years)

Image © Miro Forestry

Eucalyptus Nursery (2012 pre-development)

Image © Miro Forestry

Seedling Planting

Image © Miro Forestry

Women in Nursery

Image © Miro Forestry

company’s management. According to

plantings is not just about the timbers

Miro Forestry has supplied sawn

Collins, the plantations currently are

and products that the market demands;

timber from third-party suppliers to

still immature and no timber has been

it is very important to select species that

customers in Europe. Leveraging its

harvested. However, the company is

grow well on the proposed planting site.

contacts in West Africa and globally,

positive of harvesting timber from

West Africa has ideal climatic conditions

the company has been able to source

2016 onwards and building up towards

for maximum tree growth and

a range of West African, South-

an annual supply of over 500,000

competitive operating costs; it is also

east Asian and European species

cubic meters per annum from 2018.

a region with significant and growing

timbers. The company is also able

demand for timber products. As such,

to supply creosote treated pine

the company is focusing on Eucalyptus,

transmission poles, primarily made

Miro Forestry owns and operates its

which is appropriate for construction

from eucalyptus and pine. In line with

own forestry plantations in Ghana

and for transmission poles, sawn timber,

its environmental policy, the company

and Sierra Leone, which cover over

wood chip for wood based panels and

is looking to obtain FSC certification

25,000 hectares of degraded land,

biomass, with a view towards selling

for its plantation and also works with

and commenced planting a mix of fast

this in West Africa and into Europe.

FSC certified suppliers. Further, Miro

Species

growing timber crops in February 2010. However, it is important to note that

Wood Products

selecting the correct species for future

In addition to its own plantation,

Forestry intends to start supplying sustainable wood biomass for renewable energy in the near future.

Yoni, Sierra Leone The company’s Yoni Plantation consists of 21,000 hectares of flat and fertile land located in the Tonkolili District of Sierra Leone, 90 miles from Freetown, the country’s capital, and adjacent to the country’s major highway into Freetown. At this plantation, fast rotation species, predominantly including Eucalyptus, are grown to cater to demand from the local transmission pole market as well as for export. Due to the proximity of the land to Freetown, and substantial deepwater port

facilities, the company has good access to the North American and European lumber, pulp and biomass markets, which are characterized by increasing demand coupled with decreasing supply. The Yoni Plantation is around 8.5° north of the equator and has a tropical climate with average monthly temperatures ranging between 26°C and 36°C and annual rainfall in excess of 2,000mm. The dry season typically spans between December and

42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

March having less than 100mm of rainfall. The land on which Miro forestry has established its plantation forests was once forested with primary forest. However, the land now consists of secondary growth including grasses, low level bush and palms. The land is being leased under long-term agreements with landowners ratified by the chief’s and government as legal custodians. The land area has limited subsistence

farming going on which is primarily centered around the low lying swampy areas for rice cultivation unsuitable for forestry. The Company works in ongoing consultation with local farmers and aims to bring additional benefit to such farmers through opening up swampy areas for rice cultivation and enabling controlled agro-forestry thus providing clear land for subsistence farming, mutual crop protection and keeping the land free of nutrient sapping undergrowth.


TECHNOLOGY

Image © Homag Group

Looking back over 20 years of the HOMAG Treff: 35,000 visitors from 70 countries - and innovations which shape our industry. Yesterday, today, and into the future!

HOMAG Group hosts the 20th edition of its annual ‘Treff’ expo in Schopfloch World premier of the ‘Ambition 2200 NEW’ edge banding technology at landmark event

H

OMAG Group, the leading manufacturer of plant and machinery for the woodworking industry and cabinet makers, hosted

the 20th edition of its annual ‘Treff’ expo in Schopfloch, Germany from September 25 - 28, where visitors had the opportunity to experience an unprecedented array of smart solutions for the production of furniture, windows, floors, staircases and doors. At the landmark event, HOMAG was able to showcase just how it has linked innovation with fascination over its 50year history in an area of just over 10,000 sqm. The company further announced that over the

A key highlight at this year’s event was the wide array of large-scale plants that were on display. In keeping with the 20th anniversary of the event, the organizers displayed a total of 20 production-ready large-scale lines

course of 20 years since the first HOMAG Treff in 1992, over 35,000 visitors from 70 different countries have visited the event. A key highlight at this year’s event was the wide array of large-scale plants that were on display. In keeping with the 20th anniversary of the event, the organizers displayed a total of 20 production-ready large-scale lines. According to the organizers, the smart batch size 1 solutions from the entry-level machines to the high-end plants attracted just as much interest as the flexible concepts for efficient series production. Further, a large number of customer orders under construction or in action were on display in a bid to demonstrate

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43


TECHNOLOGY

the broad-based expertise of HOMAG’s plant specialists, and more importantly the trust placed in them by customers. The company was also able to highlight the success of ‘woodWOP’, which over the course of 20 years has become the most frequently installed programming system with over 30,000 users worldwide and is now also the established standard for CNC training in vocational training schools and technical universities. At the 2012 Treff, the latest version of the program woodWOP 6.1 - was launched. The new version comes with integrated CAD functionality and offers users the scope for operators to generate, import or modify CAD drawings in the office or directly at the machine, supported by a wide range of drawing and modification functions. Further, this is not restricted to only the basic coordinate system, and can be implemented on any optional level.

20 years of the HOMAG Treff - 20 large-scale plants were on show live in action!

Image © Homag Group

The Ambition 2200 NEW: Great on flexibility - small on price

Image © Homag Group

Image © Homag Group

Growing with HOMAG......Timber is our raw material

Highlights of the 2012 Homag Treff:

20 years of woodWOP - with over 30,000 users the most successful programming system worldwide

44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Image © Homag Group

• Biggest display ever with 20 large-scale plants: Batch size 1 and series production solutions • World premier of the Ambition 2200 NEW: Industrialstandard edge banding technology with a woodworking shop price tag • Venture 316: 5-axis technology for woodworking shops • Edge banding with zero joint in through feed and on processing centers • Window production cells with automatic feed • iPackage compact for BMG 316 and Ambition 2200 NEW: the customer-oriented service solution for woodworking shops • On-the-spot inspection at the HOMAG Treff ‘Pit Stop’: customers had the opportunity to bring their exchange processing units for some expert attention


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SHOWTIME

Top Industry

Exhibitions coming up This season Holzhaus The 17th International Specialized Exhibition Holzhaus is the leading Russian exhibition for wooden housing construction. The exhibition showcases the diversity of contemporary wooden architecture, including full-size beautiful, warm and eco-friendly wooden houses and saunas, built with the latest technologies, which will be on display at the exhibition. As such, the event brings together builders, developers, architects, designers of wooden houses, and manufacturers of building, finishing and protective materials, parts and utility equipment. The exhibitors - leading companies in domestic and international wooden housing construction - are set to introduce visitors to current trends in wooden housing construction. Over four days, more than 200 companies will present milled timber and log houses and saunas, frame houses, gazebos, accessories and more. Buyers from Moscow and other Russian regions will be able to purchase everything they need at the exhibition - from the design to

the construction of houses. According to the organizers, over

Furnex

11,500 visitors are expected to attend the event this year.

Date: 1 - 4 November Venue: Pavilion 75, VVC Exhibition Location: Moscow, Russia Timings: 1 - 3 November (Thursday - Saturday), 10:00 - 18:00 and 4 November (Sunday), 10:00 - 16:00 Expected Attendees: 11,500+ WEBSITE: www.holzhaus.ru/home/default.aspx

Furnex 2012 is a unique opportunity to discover Egypt as a sourcing destination for furniture, home furnishings and accessories. The exhibition is being jointly organized by the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA), the Egyptian Furniture Export Council (EFEC) and Expo Link and will showcase the latest products as well as the production capabilities of over 200 Egyptian manufacturers. Taking up over 21,000 sqm at the Cairo Exhibition & Convention Centre, the event will highlight the tremendous progress made by the Egyptian furniture industry, which has resulted in Egypt serving as a reliable source of world-class furniture and accessories to international markets. Leading architects, designers, importers, chain stores, hypermarkets, retailers, specialized dealers and project contractors are expected to attend the event. According to the organizers, Furnex 2012 will highlight the Egyptian furniture exporters’ understanding of different markets, which is evident in the continuous expansion in product development and design, skilled labor training, as well as in the acquisition of state-of-the-art woodworking machinery.

Date: 1 - 4 November Venue: Cairo Exhibition & Convention Centre Location: Cairo, Egypt WEBSITE: www.furnexegypt.com

46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


SHOWTIME

Brussels Furniture Fair 2012

The Big 5

The Brussels Furniture Fair has become an international

The Big 5 is the largest event for the building and

platform for furniture in the Benelux and will be held at

construction industry in the Middle East. It attracts more than

Brussels Expo from 4 to 7 November this year. About 20,000

2,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, and is set to take place at

visitors are expected to attend the show, which covers 7 halls

the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 5-8 this year.

with a floor area of around 70,000 sqm. As an extremely

For more than 30 years The Big 5 has provided a business

important landmark in the furniture world and a setting

and networking platform for the construction industry and

where sales really do take place, the fair is crucial not only for

is an opportunity for buyers and sellers of construction

Belgium and the Netherlands, but also for France. According

products and services from around the world to source an

to the organizers, this is mainly because of the assortment:

astounding array of the very latest technologies, innovations

varied and commercial, and exactly what the furniture trade is

and techniques.

seeking for its core range. The show is a large fair, but it remains on a human scale,

More than an exhibition, the event provides attendees with unrivalled access to information, intelligence, contacts and

which is appreciated by the 300 exhibitors, more than half of

hands on experience. Experts from around the world engage in

whom come from abroad. Further, the show has a solid basis,

the industry’s most topical discussions, finding solutions, facing

a broad spectrum of innovative and market-oriented products

challenges and seizing opportunities. As the gateway to the

with added value and a clear position in the commercially

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) providing both exhibitors

most important segment of the market. In addition, more than

and visitors with the opportunity to conduct serious business

half the visitors are from abroad and the organizers expect

with like-minded professionals, the show continues to pioneer

this proportion to increase even more in the 2012 edition.

new opportunities for the industry.

Date: 4 - 7 November Venue: Brussels Expo Heysel Location: Brussels, Belgium Timings: 9:00 - 19:00 Expected Attendees: 20,000+ WEBSITE: www.meubelbeurs.be/en

Date: 5 - 8 November Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Location: Dubai, UAE Timings: 11:00 - 19:00 Expected Attendees: 50,000+ WEBSITE: www.thebig5.ae


SHOWTIME

Furniture Fair 2012 The International Fair of Furniture, Equipment and Interior decoration and the International Exhibition of Machines, Tools and Production materials for the woodworking industry are highly ranked amongst the industry fairs that cater to the furniture, interior decoration and related industries such as production materials and woodworking machines for the furniture industry in Serbia and the region of Southeast Europe. This year the Furniture Fair, which has been the meeting place for renowned manufacturers from across the region, is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is offering exhibitors the opportunity to present their new products, keep pace with current furniture design trends, maintain old contacts and establish new ones, as well as to exchange information and ideas. Exhibitors at the event will include the complete furniture industry from those involved with the primary wood processing to those responsible for the final product. All types of furniture will be on display, including home and office furniture, and interior decoration, as well as a special segment on woodworking machines, tools and production materials. Occupying more than 35,000 sqm within the Belgrade Fair halls, the organizers are confident of attracting over 60,000 visitors over the course of the exhibition. To date, over 500 registered exhibitors, of which a third are international exhibitors, have been confirmed for the event.

Date: 12 - 18 November Venue: Belgrade Fair Exhibition Center Location: Belgrade, Serbia Expected Attendees: 60,000+ WEBSITE: www.beogradskisajamnamestaja.rs

Woodworking 2012 The Woodworking Fair is the largest woodworking and wood-products exhibition in the Nordic region. The event features the entire production chain of the industry including machinery, devices, raw materials, blades, tools, surface treatment, and fixing and packaging technology. Set to take place in the Lahti Fair Center in Finland, the exhibition in 2012 will have a strong focus on carpentry training and subcontracting. In addition, the event will also highlight industrial design and environmental expertise in the region. To strengthen the increasing potential of the woodworking industry and to promote expertise from within the region, a special Woodworking Industry Day event will be held during the fair. This Woodworking Industry Day is being organized by the Association of Finnish Woodworking and Furniture Industries (AFWFI). Further, a special international industrial design event - OLO.MUOTO - is also being held under the theme - Finnish wood design.

Date: 14 - 16 November Venue: Lahti Fair Centre Location: Lahti, Finland WEBSITE: www.lahdenmessut.fi/eng/fairs/puuntyosto_ woodworking.html

48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012


SHOWTIME

China International Wood and Wood Products Expo The China International Wood & Wood Products Trade Conference (IWTC) is one of the best-known wood and wood products trade fairs in China. The event has been successfully organized in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and offers an excellent platform to highlight the latest products and technologies for the industry whilst also encouraging trade between domestic and international wood and wood products enterprises. The 10th Wood & Wood Products Expo will focus on the promotion of wood as an environmentally friendly raw material, given the fact that is absorbs carbon. The exhibition will also showcase wood products including logs and timber, artificial board, PVC floorboard, different types of flooring, wooden stairs, stair tread, and other home decorative materials. In addition to the exhibition, several forums will be held simultaneously and these include the China Real Estate and Residential Industry Peak Forum; the China Wood and Wood Products Industry Peak Forum; China Sustainable Living and Housing Industrialization Technology Exchange; Housing Industrialization and Urban Development Forum; and

FIMAP / FERRALIA 2012

the China and Canada Wood Construction Technology and the Promotion Seminar. For the first time, EXPONOR will be simultaneously hosting Date: 21 - 23 November Venue: Olympic Green Convention Center (CNCC) Location: Beijing, China Timings: 21 - 22 November (Wednesday - Thursday), 9:00 16:30 and 23 November (Friday), 9:00 - 15:00 Expected Attendees: 47,000+ WEBSITE: www.mujiaohui.com

three industry events that aim to gather the timber and woodworking industries in Portugal. The 15th International Fair of Woodworking Machinery (FIMAP) and the 10th Exhibition of Accessories and Equipment for the Wood Industry (FERRALIA) are being hosted from November 21 - 24 and will aim to highlight the import capabilities, manufacturing and processing potential for the wood and woodworking sector in Portugal. In addition to FIMAP and FERRALIA, the 14th International Fair on Industrial Machinery, Equipment and Services for Industry (EMAP) is also being held at the same time. The organizers are confident that the three highly specialized events offer an ideal platform for both exhibitors and industry professionals. More importantly, the synergies in hosting FIMAP, FERRALIA and EMAP at the same time represents true vale and an opportunity for business across the different sectors in attendance. Exhibitors at FIMAP include manufacturers of cutting machines, sawing machines, planning machines, moulding machines, boring machines, sanding and polishing machines, jointing and coating machines, presses, wood treatment machines and tools and other auxiliary equipment for timber processing. The companies represented at FERRALIA include those involved in timber and its by-products, paints, varnishes, glues, iron tools and utensils, furniture fittings and chemical products for timber treatment.

Date: 21 - 24 November Venue: EXPONOR - Porto International Fair Location: Porto, Portugal Timings: 10:00 - 19:00 Expected Attendees: 25,000+ WEBSITE: www.fimap.exponor.pt/default.aspx

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49


SHOWTIME

World Congress of Timber and Wood Products Trade The second World Congress of Timber and Wood Products Trade is set to take place in Taicang, China under the theme ‘Embracing New Pattern of International Trade Together’ from November 27 - 29, 2012. Jointly organized by the China Timber and Wood Products Distribution Association, Taicang Municipality Government of Jiangsu Province and the Jiangsu Taicang Port Administration Committee, the conference aims to provide a platform for business leaders in timber and wood product trade to get together and explore paths towards improved accountability, profitability and sustainability within the timber business against the background of changing economic and policy environment. The conference is being held in China, which has developed into world’s largest timber and wood product trading centre. China’s unprecedented economic growth has led to its robust demand for timber and wood products. In 2011, China’s timber and wood product industry total output value amounted to USD 300 billion, which represented an increase of 23.9 percent over 2010. With its steadily growing domestic demand for timber and wood products, China is set to continue to demand large volume of timber from international market.

Delhiwood 2013

Co-organized by the Taicang Timber and Wood Products Distribution Association, Shanghai Furen Forest Products Wholesale Market, and Shanghai Timber

The 3rd edition of Delhiwood is being organized from 31st

Industry Association, the conference will be attended

January - 3rd February 2013 at the India Expo Centre &

by timber and wood product suppliers and traders

Mart, Greater Noida. On account of demand from within the

from around the world with a view to further explore

timber industry in India, PDA Trade Fairs and the European

business opportunities with China. As such, the congress

Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers

will provide an excellent opportunity to meet and

Associations (EUMABOIS) organized the first ever Delhiwood

establish business relationship with China’s largest timber

in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from the 14 - 17th February

importers and wood product producers.

2009. The exhibition drew tremendous response with over 300 exhibitors from 29 countries taking part in the inaugural

Date: 27 - 29 November Venue: Taicang Jinling Garden Hotel Location: Taicang, China WEBSITE: www.cnwood.org

event. Ever since the first event in 2009, Delhiwood and the Indian Woodworking Industry have complemented each other in their growth. In principle, the event offers a successful platform to convert market potential to business within the woodworking sector in India. The show next year will aim to showcase the latest in wood processing technologies including sophisticated CNC machines, accessories and tools from all over the world. The aim is to bring together a comprehensive range of materials and fittings to help give an impetus to the growth of industry in India. Delhiwood 2013 will have several new elements including a special zone for demonstrations and display of woodworking machinery; an option for pre-arranged business meetings with exhibitors for pre-registered visitors; and an exclusive hall for non-machinery exhibitors. In addition, Delhiwood 2013 will also display new exhibit profiles including those companies involved with wooden doors, windows, flooring and parquetry.

Date: 31 January - 3 February 2013 Venue: India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Location: New Delhi, India Timings: 31 January (Thursday), 10:35 - 18:00 and 1 - 3 February (Friday - Sunday), 10:00 - 18:00 Expected Attendees: 25,000+ WEBSITE: www.delhi-wood.com

50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012


SHOWTIME

Forest Day 6 Forest Day, now in its sixth year, has become one of the most influential global events on forests. It is a platform for anyone interested in forests and climate change to gather to ensure that forests are high on the agenda of global and national climate strategies, and that those strategies are informed by the most up-to-date knowledge and experience. Under the banner of ‘Living Landscapes’, which refers to the interconnections between forests and agriculture and their impacts on people and society, Forest Day 6 will kick off the first of two popular conferences on the sidelines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) annual Conference of the Parties. Forest Day 6 will be followed by Agriculture, Landscapes and Livelihoods Day 5 slated for December 3 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. More than 1,100 people from 82 countries, including 216 official climate change negotiators, attended Forest Day 5 on the sidelines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) in Durban, South

Myanmar International Wood Processing Exhibition (BURMAWOOD 2012)

Africa on 4 December 2011. Forest Day 6 will seek to inform UNFCCC’s global agenda and forest stakeholders on ways to move forward with REDD+ agreements

The Myanmar International Wood Processing Exhibition

reached at COP17 in Durban, to produce social and

(BURMAWOOD 2012) is the first ever trade show for

environmental benefits, good governance, long-term

the wood and wood processing industry in the country.

financing and the integration of forests into adaptation

According to official government statistics, Myanmar

strategies on the ground. REDD+ stands for Reducing

exported over 864,000 tons of teak in 2010-11 and

Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation,

earned over USD 569 million in revenue. Despite its

as well as the conservation and sustainable

strong exports of timber, the furniture industry in

management of forests, and the enhancement of forest

Myanmar is currently underdeveloped as a result of

carbon stocks.

economic sanctions. As such, the country is trying to reduce its dependence on exports of logs and aiming to

Date: 2 December Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Timings: 2 December (Sunday), 8:00 - 19:00 WEBSITE: www.forestsclimatechange.org/events/forest-day/ forest-day-6/forest-day-6.html

train workers in the woodworking sector with a view towards increasing skills and quality of output within the sector. The show aims to provide a perfect platform to display the latest woodworking machinery plant & accessories for production of sawn timber, veneer, particleboard, MDF, OSB, LVL, plywood & panels; kiln drying & related timber technologies; joinery machinery and machinery for the furniture industry; and wood-based panels & veneered products. Exhibitors include manufacturers of upholstered products; machinery & lines for finishing; handling equipment, tooling, woodworking tools, hand tools & portable power tools; and fittings & accessories (hinges, knob handles, other hardware) in addition to dust extraction equipment. In addition, the show will host traders of woodworking materials & consumables including laminates, veneers, plywood, particle board, MDF, engineered wood, moulded plywood, panel products, wood composites, sawn timber, edge banding materials, adhesives, lacquers, polishes, finished, sanding paper, sanding materials, abrasives, coatings etc.

Date: 21 - 24 November Venue: Tatmadaw Exhibition Hall Location: Yangon, Myanmar Timings: 9:00 - 16:30 WEBSITE: www.myanmar-expo.com/MIMIF

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51


SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

DOMOTEX Middle East set to ‘floor’ Turkey and the Middle East in Istanbul Timber Design & Technology talks to Alexander Kühnel, General Manager at Hannover Messe International Istanbul ahead of the show Image © DOMOTEX Middle East

D

OMOTEX Middle East, which

percent in 2012 (OECD) and access to

Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands,

runs from November 8 - 11

multiple markets such as the Middle

Pakistan, Portugal, South Korea,

in Istanbul, is organized by

East, North Africa, Central Asia, Russia

Spain, United Arab Emirates, United

Deutsche Messe - the creator of the

and Europe. In addition, Istanbul

Kingdom and United States of

original DOMOTEX fair in Hannover,

has always been at the crossroads

America. Under the support of the

the world’s leading trade show

of Asia, Europe and the Middle East,

Ministry of Economy in Turkey,

for carpets and floor coverings.

has an excellent exhibition centre,

the fair has been promoted in 35

Deutsche Messe hosts its DOMOTEX

and modern infrastructure including

selected countries. We have also

fairs in four locations (China, Russia,

an international airport and harbor,

invited senior decision-makers

Turkey and Hannover) around the

exhibition sites and hotels that

and journalists from these target

globe with a view towards creating

make it ideal as the new venue for

countries as guests for the show.

a dedicated industry platform that

DOMOTEX Middle East.

Further, as a part of the special

provides visitors and exhibitors with

We believe that our exhibitors will

buying mission programs that are

unparalleled insights into the latest

be able to profit directly from the

being organized, business delegations

trends and market developments as

boom in Turkey. DOMOTEX is a brand

will also have the opportunity to

well as a myriad of networking and

that commands strong trust in this

make face-to-face meetings with

knowledge-sharing opportunities.

region and we expect this to translate

exhibitors directly on their stands.

into a high level of acceptance both

Some of the target countries where

on the part of Turkish and foreign

the show has been promoted include

floor covering suppliers as exhibitors,

Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Armenia,

and on the part of purchasing

Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE,

managers and agents, wholesale and

Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt,

retail traders, architects, planners,

Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey

The Middle East region remains

investors and property developers

and Turkmenistan.

an attractive region for foreign

from Turkey, the MENA region and

companies offering numerous

central Asia, as visitors.

After several years in Dubai, the show has been moved to Istanbul. How will the show benefit from a change in location?

lucrative business opportunities

What are the main objectives for this year’s edition?

the fair should be organized for the

How is this year’s edition positioned?

region. However, we felt that it was

DOMOTEX Middle East has already

flooring’, DOMOTEX Middle East aims

time to move the show to a different

attracted strong international

to provide a lively meeting place

country. There are two established

participation. As of today, the fair

where visitors and exhibitors will

hubs for business in the region -

has 135 exhibitors from 22 different

have the opportunity to follow new

Dubai and Istanbul. After six years

countries. The exhibiting countries

trends in the industry, to compare

in Dubai, the fair has been moved

include Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium,

the characteristics and quality of

to Istanbul considering its strong

Canada, Czech Republic, France,

the products exhibited, to touch

economy with a growth rate of 3.3

Germany, Greece, Hungary, India,

them and to feel the atmosphere

and that is why it is imperative that

52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Under the theme ‘Get the spirit of


SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

Image © DOMOTEX Middle East

and resilient floorings industry by bringing together professionals of the flooring industry and representatives from sectoral unions. Further, leading companies will also participate in the conference as guest speakers. Besides the forum, there will also be a Hardware Corner and Workshop Area in Hall 11. The demonstration of carpet, parquet and ceramic flooring will be organized by Praktiker and can be visited during the show. In addition, buyer delegations from focus countries will be hosted during the trade fair within the scope of the International Buyer Delegations Image © DOMOTEX Middle East

Program. Professionals chosen from different provinces of Turkey

that carpets and floorings create.

Like we do for almost all of our

within the scope of the Anatolian

DOMOTEX Middle East not only

shows, we will be organizing

Delegations Exclusive Program will

invites professionals from the

conferences, workshops and panels

also visit DOMOTEX Middle East.

flooring trade but professionals

during DOMOTEX Middle East as

The Istanbul Union of Carpet

from related industries. Visitors to

well. This will allow visitors the

Exporters (IHIB), one of the most

the show will primarily comprise of

ability to learn more about the

important supporters of the fair,

interior designers, architects, floor

industry and trends for the future

is also hosting its traditional ‘IHIB

layers, industrial designers, furniture

in addition to seeing products first

Carpet Design Competition Award

and dye manufacturers, planners,

hand at the stands. The conference,

ceremony’ this year as part of

investors, real estate developers,

seminar and special events will

DOMOTEX Middle East. The award

whole sellers, retailers, purchasing

create a synergy between exhibitors

winning carpets will be exhibited

executives for hotels, shopping malls

and visitors in terms of business and

for four days with the award

and public institutions as well as ship

exchange of information.

ceremony slated to take place on the

and yacht building companies.

Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at this year’s edition?

On the first day of the fair, ‘The

second day of the fair culminating

Future of Flooring’ forum is being

in a gala reception. IHIB will also

organized with the support of

have a special presentation on the

ORSIAD and will aim to discuss

restoration of old carpets, which is

the fundamental problems within

expected to be one of the highlights

the carpet, parquet / laminate

during the show.

November 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53


SHOWTIME

EXPO Calendar Holzhaus 1st - 4th November Pavilion 75, VVC Exhibition Moscow, Russia

www.holzhaus.ru/home/default.aspx

World Congress of Timber and Wood Products Trade 27th - 29th November Taicang Jinling Garden Hotel Taicang, China

www.cnwood.org Furnex 2012 1st - 4th November Cairo Exhibition & Convention Centre Cairo, Egypt

www.furnexegypt.comt

ForestTECH 2012 28th - 29th November Bayview Eden Hotel Melbourne, Australia

www.foresttechevents.com Brussels Furniture Fair 4th - 7th November Brussels Expo Heysel Brussels, Belgium

www.meubelbeurs.be/en

BuildExpo West Africa 2012 29th November - 3rd December Dakar International Fair Grounds Dakar, Senegal

www.expogr.com/senegal/build The Big 5 5th - 8th November Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE

Forest Day 6

www.thebig5.ae

2nd December Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Doha, Qatar

DOMOTEX Middle East

www.forestsclimatechange.org/events/forestday/forest-day-6/forest-day-6.html

8th - 11th November Istanbul Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey

www.domotex-middle-east.com/en/index.html 2012 Chicago Log & Timber Home Show 9th - 11th November DuPage Expo Center Chicago, USA

www.thelogandtimberhomeshow.com/ shows/118 Furniture Fair 2012 12th - 18th November Belgrade Fair Exhibition Center Belgrade, Serbia

www.beogradskisajamnamestaja.rs Greenbuild Conference & Expo 14th - 16th November Moscone Center Boston (MA), USA

www.greenbuildexpo.org/Home.aspx Woodworking 2012 14th - 16th November Lahti Fair Centre Lahti, Finland

www.lahdenmessut.fi/eng/fairs/puuntyosto_ woodworking.html China International Wood and Wood Products Expo 21st - 23rd November Olympic Green Convention Center (CNCC) Beijing, China

www.mujiaohui.com FIMAP / FERRALIA 2012 21st - 24th November EXPONOR - Porto International Fair Porto, Portugal

www.fimap.exponor.pt/default.aspx

54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | November 2012

Erbil BuildExpo 2012 2nd - 5th December Erbil, Iraq

www.expogr.com/iraq/buildexpo_erbil Myanmar International Wood Processing Exhibition (BURMAWOOD 2012) 21st - 24th December Tatmadaw Exhibition Hall Yangon, Myanmar

www.myanmar-expo.com/MIMIF Delhiwood 2013 31st January - 3rd February 2013 India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida New Delhi, India

www.delhi-wood.com FLEGT Conference 6th - 7th December University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Campus Copenhagen, Denmark

www.sl.life.ku.dk/English/outreach_publications/ Conferences/flegt.aspx



American black walnut the library at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Keeping carbon out of the atmosphere. Naturally. American hardwood.

Each kilogram of U.S. hardwood product stores the equivalent of 1.835 kilograms of CO2 for as long as it remains in use.

For more information visit: www.americanhardwood.org Follow us on Twitter


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