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
3
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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
5
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
7
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.
8
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
9
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