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Issue 04 | September 2012
OVO lights up downtown Istanbul Putting LCA at the centre of sustainable design Timber certification explored Improved productivity through software Cambia: Wood made better 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 September I L I T Y2012|| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com TECHNOLOGY
1
iHiB İSTANBUL HALI İHRACATÇILARI BİRLİĞİ
FROM THE PUBLISHER ber 2012
Issue 04 | Septem ndtechnology.com
www.timberdesigna
wn Istanbul OVO lights up downto able design centre of sustain Putting LCA at the explored Timber certification through software tivity produc Improved better made Cambia: Wood INTERVIEWS 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 September | DESIGN |
Publisher’s comment
1
Cover photo: OVO, Istanbul, Turkey
I
n the June issue of the magazine, we featured a panel discussion on the legality of timber. In
Issue 04 | SEPTEMBER 2012
response, we received a good deal of feedback from our readers that suggests there is indeed a significant amount of illegally sourced timber coming into the region. However, on a positive note,
Timber Design & Technology Magazine Publisher Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 9199 783 Marketing Manager Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400 Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net
the same readers are seeing this percentage decrease year on year. With increased awareness, we hope to contribute towards further reducing the incidence of this global problem. Following on from the panel discussion, our lead feature in this issue looks at timber certification. As well as a general introduction to the subject, we take a closer look at the different certification schemes around the world. Another interesting topic that we have covered is the recently completed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on US hardwoods by the American Hardwood Export Council. Whilst the debate rages on with regards to different certification systems, LCA involves the collection and evaluation of quantitative data on all the inputs and outputs of material, energy and waste flows associated with a product over its entire life cycle so that its environmental impacts can be determined. In October, I will be attending the annual meeting of the International Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers Magazines Association during Intermob in Istanbul. As the first Middle East publication to be invited to this meeting, I’m looking forward to meeting publishers from more than 20 other countries and finding out the latest news and trends from the industry across the world. In addition to distributing the publication at MODEF Expo and Intermob, I will report back on this in the next issue of the magazine. Finally, I want to let you know that we have recently launched our website – www.timberdesignandtechnology.com. You can now read all of the articles published in the previous
issues of the magazine online and we will also be adding news stories and extra features on a weekly basis. Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year
Best Wishes,
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
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.
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY
Putting LCA at the centre of sustainable design AHEC report outlines the environmental life cycle of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber into overseas markets
18 MARKET REPORT Putting forests at the heart of a new, greener economy New FAO report profiles how sustainable forestry can help meet development goals
P12
22 ANALYSIS Timber certification An in-depth look at some of the leading certification programs that have gained widespread acceptance
31 FEATURE Cambia: Wood made better Resource efficient technology improves performance and appearance of wood
P18
34 DESIGN & DéCOR OVO lights up downtown Istanbul Sensory art installation in Turkey uses Accoya® wood
38 PROFILE PVS International Leading player confident of 50 percent growth in turnover for 2012
42 TECHNOLOGY Improved productivity through software Martina Schwartz, MD, CAD+T talks about the role of software in the timber industry
46 SHOWTIME
P34 PLUS
Preview of the upcoming exhibitions
56 INTERVIEW Q&A with Cheah Kam Huan
p7 Latest News
MTC Global WoodMart 2012 to boost regional timber industry.
p46 Showtime September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
5
NEWS
News UAE reduces ecology footprint and grazing, fishing grounds, forests and others and then compares this to nature’s ability to meet this demand. Despite the UAE’s total environmental footprint being well below 1 percent of that of the rest of the world, its per capita footprint of 8.4 global hectares (gha) per person is several times higher than the global average. According to the report, the overall demand for natural resources has doubled since 1966. Today, humanity needs 1.5 planets to sustain itself, meaning that people are degrading natural resources at an alarming rate. The UAE is however becoming more aware of the need to conserve resources with recent measures such as the introduction of efficiency standards for some air-conditioning units, green building codes in Abu Dhabi and renewable-energy targets in the capital and in Dubai all contributing towards lowering its ecological footprint. Second place in the chart belongs to Kuwait where the per-capita After topping the charts for over a decade, the UAE is now third on the
footprint is just under 10 gha per person. Qatar, the world’s largest
list on the Living Planet Report published by the World Wide Fund for
exporter of liquefied natural gas, holds the number one spot with
Nature (WWF). Every two years since 1998, the WWF has produced a
nearly 12 gha per person. Other countries with the biggest Ecological
global ecological footprint chart, which measures our need for natural
Footprint per person are Denmark, Belgium, the US, Estonia, Canada,
resources to produce the resources we consume like land for crops
Australia and Ireland.
Ten Central African countries to take part in UN-backed forest monitoring system Ten Central African countries will take part in a United Nations-backed initiative that will help them set up national forest monitoring systems and strengthen cooperation among nations in the region. The initiative targets the forests of Africa’s Congo Basin, which consist of some 200 million hectares and are one of the world’s largest primary rainforests, second only to the Amazon. The region’s forests also support the livelihoods of some 60 million people. The USD 7.3 million will help protect these forests from direct threats such as land-use change and unsustainable logging and mining, and will provide up-to-date and accurate information on the current state of forests that will help countries manage and prevent forest degradation activities. The project will be jointly managed by the Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in close collaboration with the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE). “Learning from Brazil, the national forest monitoring system is the key
carbon stocks contained in forests in the region. The initiative will be funded through the Congo Basin Forests Fund,
element to pave the road for substantive international support to protect
launched by the Governments of Norway and the United Kingdom
forests and promote sustainable forest management,” said Eduardo Rojas,
through the African Development Bank. The project will also assist
Assistant Director-General of the FAO Forestry Department.
countries in preparing funding proposals for creating sustainable forest
The 10 participant countries are Burundi, Cameroon, Central African
monitoring systems for each country, as part of the REDD+ initiative
Republic (CAR), Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, and São Tomé
in Developing Countries). The REDD+ initiative seeks to create a
and Principe. FAO will provide technical support to the countries,
financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives
enabling them to use remote sensing technologies to estimate forest
for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and
cover and forest cover changes as well as to estimate the amount of
invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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NEWS
Nanocoatings to protect wood against weathering A new study that investigates the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticles and nanoclay in acrylic stain coatings against the influence of weathering is underway in Norway. Scientists have studied coated wooden claddings and the influence of nanoparticles on the weathering performance. They carried out accelerated climate aging experiments and cup measurements in order to investigate the effect of adding TiO 2 nanoparticles and nanoclay to acrylic stain coatings against the influence of weathering. The coated specimens resistance toward solar radiation and water spray was evaluated by the discoloration rate from visual assessment and color analysis and by the chemical changes observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore water vapor resistance was examined by the cup measurements. The nanomaterial containing coatings provided in general better protection against the artificial aging than the unmodified coating, showing the nanomaterials may have a natural place in coatings for protection of wood. The results of this study are due out later this year.
Resolute Forest Products now world’s largest manager of Forest Stewardship Council® Certified Forests Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have announced that Resolute has become the largest manager of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified forests in the world. The company recently certified 3.2 million hectares of forestlands in the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec to the FSC Boreal Standard. This certification raises the total area of Resolute-managed FSC-certified forests in North America to 10.3 million hectares, an area twice the size of Nova Scotia and larger than Portugal, Hungary or South Korea. “Becoming the world’s largest FSC holder is a major milestone in our efforts to become a positive force for sustainability within the forest products industry,” stated Richard Garneau, Resolute’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Resolute’s growing commitment to FSC complements other key sustainability initiatives, including the company’s membership in WWF’s Climate Savers Program, which helps companies set and achieve ambitious emission reduction targets, as well as membership in the landmark “WWF congratulates Resolute for their FSC-certification achievement,” said Gerald Butts, President and Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Canada. “This success, coupled with their commitment to the Climate Savers program, shows the value and importance of making conservation a business priority, and the critical role that corporations can and must play in addressing the
Richard Garneau, President and CEO, Resolute Forest Products
Image © Resolute Forest Products
Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement.”
major environmental challenges we are facing today.” Under the WWF Climate Savers Program, Resolute has pledged
tremendous milestone for Resolute and we are proud of their
below 2000 levels by 2015. Resolute also made a series of other
ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management practices,”
commitments as part of its Climate Savers membership, including
stated Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. “I
increasing its FSC certification to 80 percent by 2015. With the
want to personally congratulate all the employees of Resolute on
latest certification, Resolute has passed the halfway point in
this accomplishment, and I look forward to continuing our close
delivering on its 80 percent commitment.
working relationship with the company as we strengthen the
“Resolute Forest Products has long played an important
8
role in the Ontario forest products industry. Certainly this is a
to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
sector together.”
NEWS
Using wood more intelligently: Research gets underway in NRP 66 ‘Resource Wood’ a fuel. More recently, it has attracted growing attention as a renewable resource that also stores the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and has the potential to replace oil as a fuel and basic chemical substance. Against this backdrop, the 28 projects of NRP 66 are setting out to show how wood could be used more intelligently in the future. The research focuses on three areas: New approaches to timber constructions: The aim is to improve the material properties of wood. One research team is exploring how lightreactive substances, so-called photoinitiators, can be used to treat the surface of wood to improve its bonding properties. This process could make coated wood suitable for outdoor applications. Another aspect of the research is to try to improve the use of wood in building systems and supporting structures. The objective is to develop an optimized The National Research Programme ‘Resource Wood’ (NRP 66) has
timber system for multi-storey wooden structures that is more
announced a research project to explore how wood could be more
resistant to earthquakes and strong winds.
widely used, and to develop the principles of a sustainable resource management. The challenges of climate change and increasingly scarce
Waste wood for biorefineries: In the second area, researchers are
resources have catapulted wood, a renewable resource storing carbon
exploring various approaches to using waste wood as fuel or as a raw
dioxide, into the focus of science, industry and society and the NRP
material for chemical substances. One research team is further developing
66 aims to establish scientific knowledge and practical methods for
existing technology to produce synthetic gas from waste wood, whilst
increasing the availability of wood as a resource and expanding its use.
another is creating artificial proteins, which will make it easier to extract
“We want to optimize the uses of wood without jeopardizing other
lignin from wood. Lignin is used in the production of phenols and solvents.
functions of forests, such as protection and recreation,” said Martin Riediker, President of the Steering Committee of NRP 66. “NRP 66 is
New materials with wood: In the third area, researchers will develop
expected to provide basic knowledge that will enable policy makers,
technologies to create new materials on the basis of wood. One
the wood industry and the forestry sector to set the right course
research team is developing a process to produce special wood boards
towards an intelligent use of wood.”
with a foam core. They are lighter than standard boards and are
In Switzerland, wood is primarily used as a building material and as
particularly suited to flat-pack furniture.
Australia: Timber demand is growing The Australian sawn timber industry is experiencing a temporary threat from imports as a result of a strong dollar and a global surplus of timber following the global financial crisis, according to BIS Shrapnel, a leading independent economic forecaster and industry analyst. In the two years to 2011, imports have increased by 30 percent. However, imports are not a significant long-term threat, as they are still well below the historical levels of 20 years ago. According to BIS Shrapnel’s Sawn Timber in Australia, 2012 to 2026 report, in the last two decades there has been a significant reduction in sawn timber imports, as domestic production capacity has expanded. At the same time, exports have grown rapidly in the past five years. The report projects that demand for sawn timber in Australia during the next decade will be driven by a sharp growth in the building and construction sector. Due to the current undersupply of residential dwellings in Australia, BIS Shrapnel forecasts the residential construction sector, which uses more than 70 percent of the sawn
“Unless domestic capacity is significantly increased to meet
timber produced locally, will grow particularly strongly during 2014
projected demand then imports will likely rise again over the long
and 2015. Moreover, average annual domestic demand for sawn
term,” said BIS Shrapnel report author and senior manager, Bernie
timber is forecast to increase from 4.9 million to 5.4 million cubic
Neufeld. “This suggests the Australian industry has the potential to
meters between 2012 and 2015, and rise again in the decade to
accommodate new mills to service the domestic market and potential
2026, from 5.4 million to 5.7 million cubic meters. This is compared to
export markets. There is a need to expand the plantation resource to
demand in 2011 of only 5.1 million cubic meters.
allow this to happen.”
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
9
NEWS
Deforestation in Brazil’s rainforest down 23 percent The Brazilian government has announced that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest fell 23 percent in the 12 months ending in July 2012 from the previous year. According to the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, 2,040 square kilometers of woods were cut down from August 2011 to July 2012, meaning that almost 700 square kilometers of woods were spared, compared to the same time frame last year. Logging in almost all states within the Amazon rainforest area in Brazil fell with Roraima in the northern border as the only exception, where deforestation rose 218 percent in this period. The sharpest decrease, 67 percent, was registered in Maranhao state. According to Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira, the reduction in deforestation was a direct result of the enforcement of laws against illegal logging and the improvement of monitoring systems. The minister explained that the satellite monitoring system to verify deforestation in some regions did not function well last year due to clouds. Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research will launch a new satellite, which is scheduled to be operational by January 2013. With the new equipment, monitoring is expected to improve further.
INTERPOL launches ‘Project LEAF’ to combat illegal logging worldwide INTERPOL has announced the launch of Project LEAF (Law Enforcement Assistance for Forests), an initiative dedicated to combating all aspects of forestry crime, including illegal logging and timber trafficking. Project LEAF, a partnership between INTERPOL and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is an innovative, international response representing the first time that organizations of this stature have joined forces against this organized, sophisticated and transnational crime. The criminals responsible for illegal logging are destroying biodiversity, threatening the livelihoods of those reliant on forest resources and contributing directly to climate change. With corruption, violence and even murder tied to illegal logging, this type of crime can also affect a country’s stability and security. Nearly 1.6 billion people - more than a quarter of the world’s population - rely on forests for their fuel, food, and medicines. The poorer the people, the greater their dependency with more than 90 percent of those living below the
and security of communities. The world is recognizing that illegal
dollar-a-day poverty line either fully or partly dependent on forest
logging is neither simply a moral nor a national issue. The international
products for their livelihoods.
legislation to protect forests and curtail illegal logging demonstrates
Collusive corruption and fraud in the forestry sector undermines
this,” said David Higgins, INTERPOL’s Environmental Crime Programme
the rule of law and confidence in government institutions significantly
manager. “Project LEAF will ensure these global laws are supported by
hampering efforts to tackle poverty amongst the world’s poorest
global enforcement and that the criminals responsible are brought to
people. To be truly effective, actions against illegal logging must be
justice – no matter their location, movements, or resources.”
coordinated, collaborative and transnational. Crackdowns in one
INTERPOL and UNEP are uniquely placed to bring new tools and
country must be supported by others in order to prevent illegal
experiences to the global law enforcement fight against illegal loggers
loggers, who frequently have access to extensive international funding
and ensure a truly international net closes around these criminals
channels in addition to using illicit land, sea and air networks to switch
dedicated to environmental exploitation and destruction. Project
countries and evade detection.
LEAF will conduct groundbreaking, intelligence-led law enforcement
“In 2010, INTERPOL received at its General Assembly in Qatar
operations against those involved in illegal logging and will work
a unanimous mandate from its member countries to expand its
to further the skills, capabilities, and capacities of law enforcement
response to environmental crime worldwide. Project LEAF represents
agencies to aid countries in sustainably managing their forest
INTERPOL’s commitment to this mandate and to ensuring the safety
resources and contribute to the fight against climate change.
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
DOMOTEX Asia/ CHINAFLOOR 2013 to throw the spotlight on ‘innovation’ within the flooring industry
MASTERLINE ® MASTERLINE ®
Image © Domotex Asia
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The 15th edition of DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR, which will be held in Shanghai from 26-28 March, 2013, is set to throw the spotlight on ‘innovation’ within the flooring industry, according to a statement issued by the organizers of the event. Recognizing the importance of innovation for the industry to evolve and regenerate, the organizers have announced the introduction of a new outstanding medium conceived to boost the most innovative products of the flooring industry. Within this constantly renewing exhibition platform, this project itself will represent innovation. The organizers have also announced that a new segment is being
Premium quality and refined in appearance – yet cost-effective to produce – that’s what’sexpected of today’s furnishings, laminatesand doors. MasterLine®–systems allow Premium quality and Wemhöner refined in appearance yet cost-effective the grains of the finest woods to be realistically reproduced to produce – that’s what’sexpected of today’s furnishings, on ® materials suchdoors. as MDF, particle board or veneer – withallow single laminatesand Wemhöner MasterLine systems or with multiple Its modular constructionreproduced makes it on the grains of thecolours. finest woods to be realistically suitable for integration with existing coating lines. materials such as MDF, particle board or veneer – with single or multiple colours. Its modular makes it At with the Wemhöner Technology Centre construction in Herford, Germany, suitable integration with existing lines. we workfor with you to turn your ideas coating into reality. Make an appointment at ourTechnology technical centre your Germany, ideas. At the Wemhöner Centre to in test Herford, we work with you toTechnologies turn your ideas intocreate reality.your Make an Wemhöner Surface – we surface. appointment at our technical centre to test your ideas. Wemhöner Surface Technologies – we create your surface.
launched as part of the 2013 edition. The premium segment, which is completely dedicated to ceramic tiles and stones flooring, will showcase high-end products from renowned South European and Latin American producers. For the 2013 edition, visitors and exhibitors will once again enjoy the added benefits of the association with the Shanghai Architect Fair that will take place simultaneously. The fair attracts influential architects, designers and builders, who are experts on consumer trends and therefore pose as a valuable resource for exhibitors at DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR. In 2012, more than thirty worldwide renowned architects and designers, such as Kengo Kuma, Waro Kishi, Paul De Ruiter, Caroline Bos, David Gianotten, Martin Robain, Chen Youjian, Mi Qiu, and Dai Zhikang shared their vision and ideas on new projects and industry hot topics during the exhibition and the organizers are confident of the same in 2013. Committed to serve and support the industry in its innovation process, the organizers have announced their commitment towards efforts in highlighting forward thinking companies. The show stands out from other leading shows on accounts of its ideal position at the core of the emerging and vibrant Asia Pacific region and organizers are confident of a successful exhibition, both for visitors and for exhibitors. Testament to the importance of the event, a majority of the industry players, including the likes of Mohawk, Lamett, Beulieu, Gerflor, Suminoe, and Invista, have confirmed their participation for the 2013 edition.
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SUSTAINABILITY
Putting LCA at the centre of sustainable design: an American hardwood case study AHEC report outlines the environmental life cycle of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber into overseas markets
Image Š AHEC
AHEC has published a comprehensive report on the environmental life cycle of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber into overseas markets. Fully ISO conformant and receiving high praise from independent LCA experts, the report is being used as the basis for innovative tools to integrate sustainability into product design
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
I
f sustainability is ever to become
the development of the Life Cycle
more than a mere aspiration
Assessment (LCA), a scientific method
in design, manufacturing and
involving collection and evaluation
construction, decisions need to be
of quantitative data on all the inputs
made based on hard facts. New tools
and outputs of material, energy
are needed to bring in data from
and waste flows associated with a
numerous sources covering a huge
product over its entire life cycle so
range of environmental impacts.
that the environmental impacts can
These tools must also be flexible
be determined.
enough to accommodate widely
The LCA process is now covered
different materials and contexts, and
by international standards, the
yet accessible so that environmental
ISO14040 series, to ensure results
information can be readily integrated
are scientifically rigorous and not
into the design process without adding
subject to manipulation by different
excess cost.
industrial sectors. The standards
That’s a very tall order - but a
require, for example, that data
widening range of scientists, industry
collection and analysis is undertaken
groups, specifiers, government
by independent third parties and
and consumer interests have been
subject to critical review by a panel
chipping away at the problem now
of independent experts.
for several years. Their efforts
AHEC, which represents
are beginning to show results.
the interests of exporters of
Central to this process has been
hardwood lumber and veneer
SUSTAINABILITY
from the United States, is actively promoting an LCA based approach to sustainable material use and design to help overcome widespread misconceptions about the environmental credentials of hardwood products. It is often assumed, for example, that because hardwoods are usually derived from managed natural forests and ‘slow to grow’, their use contributes to forest degradation or deforestation. Another common assumption is that because American hardwoods have to be transported across the Atlantic, they must have a higher carbon footprint than locally produced materials. This led AHEC to embark on a comprehensive LCA project with two major objectives: first to ensure full conformance to ISO14040 to ensure the credibility of the data; and second to ensure that the LCA data is made available in such a form that it is useful to decision-makers in material specification and product design. PE International, an independent company, was engaged to undertake the work due to its experience of LCA in a wide range of business sectors and ability to offer innovative LCA tools. These include PE’s proprietary Gabi software, which facilitates collection and analysis of LCA data,
Image © AHEC
The report includes a qualitative assessment of land use and land use change, biodiversity, water resource and toxicity impacts associated with supply of U.S. hardwood lumber
Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania
and an ‘i-report’ system to make this data accessible and useable by
wide range of environmental impacts.
designers and manufacturers. PE has
In technical terms it is a ‘Cradle-to-
study concludes that: “Conversion
also been heavily engaged in efforts
gate plus transport’ study, covering
of any other commercial land into
to develop a global standardized
all impacts associated with extracting
the hardwood forest would most
framework for reporting of LCA
the wood in the forest, transporting,
probably be a positive impact on the
data in Environmental Product
sawing and kiln-drying the material in
land quality including biodiversity
Declarations (EPDs).
the United States, and then delivering
and associated ecosystem services”.
the lumber to the importers yard in
On toxicity it notes that: “In the
major overseas markets.
production of hardwood lumber
At the start of the process, AHEC and PE International assembled a high-powered Critical Review Panel
On biodiversity impacts, the
there are no fertilizers or wood
chaired by Dr Matthias Finkbeiner,
Benefitting the forest environment
treatment chemicals or any other
a professor at Berlin University
The report includes a qualitative
known substances of particular
who also chairs the ISO committee
assessment of land use and land use
toxicity concern”. On water resources
developing international LCA
change, biodiversity, water resource
it comments: “hardwood lumber is
standards. By involving the panel
and toxicity impacts associated with
expected to have very low impacts”.
in the project early on, rather than
supply of U.S. hardwood lumber,
simply seeking their endorsement at
indicating very low environmental
qualitatively in the LCA report,
the end, methodological issues could
impact across all these categories.
others are dealt with quantitatively.
be dealt with as they arose. When
On land-use change, it observes
The report provides numerical
the final LCA report was published
“in the system under investigation
data on Global Warming Potential
in July 2012, the panel not only
the main material - wood - comes
(GWP - better known as carbon
confirmed its compliance to the ISO
from naturally re-grown forests.
footprint), Acidification Potential
standard, but also “found the overall
The harvested areas had undergone
(AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP),
quality of the methodology and its
several iterations of harvesting and
Photochemical Ozone Creation
execution to be excellent.”
re-growth. After harvesting, the land
Potential (POCP), and Ozone
is returned to forest so there is no
Depletion Potential (ODP). It also
comprehensive analysis of U.S.
direct land use change to account for
identifies which processes along
hardwood lumber’s profile across a
in the timeline of few hundred years”.
the supply chain (forestry, sawing,
The report provides a
While some impacts are treated
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
Image © AHEC
SUSTAINABILITY
kilning, transport) are most important in determining each of these impacts. It includes a sensitivity analysis to show how environmental impacts vary according to key factors such as species, lumber thickness, and transport distance and mode. Wide variation between U.S. hardwood species A key conclusion from this number
Providing average results for ‘sawn hardwood lumber’ can be very misleading and data needs to be reported separately for each individual hardwood species and board thickness
required to extract, process and transport that lumber into any export market worldwide. However, all the above observations about carbon footprint ignore this storage benefit of the lumber. That’s because the scope of this particular LCA report is restricted in that it ends at the point of delivery - unavoidable since it’s not possible for producers to know how their material will be used. Treatments, fixings, further
crunching is that variation in environmental profile is at least as
of delivering into London (shipping
processing, life-span and method
dependent on species and thickness
distance 720 km by road and 6,300
of disposal all have an influence on
as it is on transport factors. Providing
km by sea) is little different from
carbon storage. These need to be
average results for ‘sawn hardwood
that of delivering into central Poland
fully accounted for in future ‘cradle-
lumber’ can be very misleading and
(1,265 km by road, 7,735 km by sea).
to-grave’ studies of manufactured
data needs to be reported separately
Even transporting lumber all the
products containing U.S. hardwood
for each individual hardwood species
way from the Eastern United States
– before it is appropriate to make
and board thickness. This is mainly
to Australia, via Suez and Singapore
far-reaching claims about the ‘carbon
because the kiln drying process
(2,205 km by road, 25,000 km by
neutrality’ of the raw material.
consumes a surprisingly large share
sea), results in a carbon footprint no
of the energy needed to produce and
more than 50 percent greater than
next step by providing conservative
deliver hardwood lumber. The time
that of delivery into the UK. Whilst
estimates of the amount of carbon
lumber spends in the kiln also varies
exact numbers for the Middle East are
stored in U.S. hardwood lumber
widely between species and by
yet to be published, the report clearly
products. This treatment of the
thickness. For example, for 1” lumber,
shows how transport is a relatively
carbon properties of wood products,
oak typically needs to be kilned
minor factor in the overall carbon
which aligns with international
at least three times longer than
footprint of American hardwoods.
best practice, was singled out for
The AHEC study facilitates this
particular praise by the Critical
tulipwood. And 3” lumber requires more than 4 times as long in the kiln
What about wood’s carbon storage?
Review Panel: “Another commendable
as 1” lumber.
Like all wood products, close to
aspect of the study is the
50 percent of the dry mass of U.S.
conservative approach taken with
impact than might be expected, the
hardwood lumber comprises carbon,
regard to modeling biogenic carbon
global warming impact of transport
which has been absorbed as the
removals from the atmosphere. The
is less. Even very large changes in
tree grows through photosynthesis.
study quantifies the biogenic carbon
transport distance result in relatively
In fact, the data gathered by PE
uptake in forestry, and reports this
minor changes in carbon dioxide
shows that the amount of carbon
separately from the cradle-to-gate
emissions. For example, for 1” white
stored in U.S. hardwood lumber
result. This transparent and unbiased
oak lumber, the carbon footprint
almost always exceeds the emissions
treatment of the biogenic carbon
While kiln drying has more of an
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
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 September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15
SUSTAINABILITY
AHEC is collaborating with product design students at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London to produce and exhibit chairs during the London Design Festival (LDF) 2012. The exhibition has been titled ‘Out of the Woods’ and is set to go on display at the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum during LDF 2012, which will run from September 14 - 23, 2012. AHEC’s decision to partner with the London Design Festival follows the hugely successful ‘Timber Wave’ installation at the LDF last year and is reflective of AHEC’s continuing commitment to educate, increase awareness and promote the environmental credentials of American hardwoods. Under the leadership of tutors Sebastian Wrong and Harry Richardson, the students have been set the challenge to design a functional chair or seat in an American hardwood of their choice. The designs will then be developed into working prototypes with the help of Benchmark, internationally renowned for its craftsmanship in wood and long-standing relationship with designer Terence Conran. AHEC is well known in the international design community for its creative promotion of hardwood, having worked with the likes of David Adjaye, Matteo Thun, Sou Fujimoto, Arup and Amanda Levete. Through this initiative, the attention has turned to the potential stars of the future with a unique and groundbreaking project for students. According to Sebastian Wrong, the project “offers a pioneering opportunity for students to create designs within the context of a
issue supports proper use of the data for future assessments of the complete life cycle of American hardwood based products”. The data provided on carbon storage in U.S. hardwoods again highlights that there are significant variations between U.S. species that need to be taken into account during the design process. Denser species like oak and hickory store more carbon for each cubic meter than less dense
Image © AHEC
Image © AHEC
AHEC teams up with the Royal College of Art to merge design with sustainability
stark reality.” His co-tutor Harry Richardson added, “it is not only a case of designing a chair that will survive physically far in to the future, it is also to produce a chair whose design will remain relevant far in to the future.” Education and research provides a unique element to the project because AHEC is using, for the first time, its ground-breaking Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research to help the students produce detailed life cycle impacts for their designs. Each chosen prototype will be environmentally profiled using an LCA modeling system developed for AHEC by sustainability experts - PE International. AHEC is in the process of producing the first-ever Environmental Product Declaration for American hardwood lumber and veneer and it is this data that will be used by the students to build a full ‘cradle-to-grave’ impact for their designs. “Following our recent collaboration with Benchmark at Salone del Mobile earlier this year, we are excited to partner with them again on this important project that will help students understand and appreciate the beauty of hardwoods. We remain positive that the entire exercise will help the students from the RCA witness first hand the craftsmanship at Benchmark and more importantly understand the full environmental impact of their designs,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania.
The next stage of the project, and the most challenging, aims to integrate life cycle thinking into all stages in the design, manufacturing and delivery of products containing U.S. hardwoods
BRE’s Environmental Profiles. The LCA data will also soon be introduced into AHEC’s existing technical species guides and project case studies, which have long provided guidance and inspiration for use of American hardwoods in construction, interiors and furniture manufacturing. However, perhaps the most innovative of AHEC’s initiatives is a joint project currently on-going with PE and the Royal College of Art in London to develop an ‘i-report’
species like tulipwood and willow. and specifiers by way of PE’s online
system for furniture designers. For
Bringing LCA into design with U.S.
‘i-report’ tool - this enables specific
the first time, this project will allow
hardwoods
data to be generated for individual
furniture designers to develop a
The next stage of the project, and the
species, lumber thickness, processing
genuine understanding of the real
most challenging, aims to integrate
parameters (such as kiln efficiency and
and very direct environmental
life cycle thinking into all stages
energy sources), transport distances
impact of their decisions when using
in the design, manufacturing and
and modes (truck, ship, rail). AHEC is
U.S. hardwoods.
delivery of products containing U.S.
also commissioning the preparation
hardwoods. As a first step, the LCA
of formal Environmental Product
The full report is available at:
data for U.S. hardwood lumber is
Declarations in line with various
www.americanhardwood.org/
being made available to suppliers
national EPD programmes including
sustainability/life-cycle-assessment/
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
MARKET REPORT
New FAO report profiles how sustainable forestry can help meet development goals
Putting forests at the heart of a new, greener economy
I
n a new report, The State of the World’s Forests 2012 (SOFO 2012), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) makes
the case that better and more sustainable use of forestry resources can make a significant contribution to meeting many of the core challenges being discussed at the Rio+20 conference organized earlier this year. These challenges include reducing poverty and hunger, minimizing the impacts of climate change, and creating alternative and more sustainable sources of bio-products and bioenergy for human use. “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food, energy, and cash income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people,” said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry. “At the same time, forests trap carbon and mitigate climate change, maintain water and soil health,
series, highlighted some of the main avenues
Key component of greening other sectors:
and prevent desertification. The sustainable
in which money could figuratively grow on
Wood is still the primary energy source for
management of forests offers multiple
trees, including:
one-third of the world’s population. Therefore
benefits - with the right programs and policies,
Critical life support systems: Trees can
- with the right policies - it can be expanded to
the sector can lead the way towards more
perform a range of ‘essential ecosystem
provide a global greener, cleaner energy source.
sustainable, greener economies.”
funtions’, such as regulating water supplies
The report concluded that forests and forest
and buffering floods and droughts.
products ‘will not solve the challenges of
at the Rio+20 Conference organized by FAO
Engine of economic development: SOFO
moving towards greener economies, but they
and its partners, the Brazilian Pulp and Paper
highlights the strong link between
will provide excellent examples and a source
Association (Bracelpa) and the International
reforestation and growth, and deforestation
of hope’. Timber Design & Technology takes an
Council of Forest and Paper Associations
and economic decline, hence the anti-poverty
in-depth look at some of the findings of the
(ICFPA). SOFO 2012, the 10th in the SOFO
role of forests.
FAO report.
The report was presented during an event
18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
MARKET REPORT
Supporting livelihoods Investments in wood-based enterprises can generate jobs, create assets and help revitalize the lives of millions of people in rural areas, according to the report. Some 350 million of the world’s poorest people, including 60 million indigenous people, depend on forests for their daily subsistence and long-term survival. ‘On-farm forestry,’ also known as agroforestry, is in some cases contributing up to 40 percent of farm income via harvesting of wood, fruits, oils and medicines. Despite sometimes having a poor reputation due to concerns over deforestation, wood products - if sourced from well-run
The world’s forests have a major role to play in the transition to a new, greener economy, a theme being discussed at the Rio+20 Conference. But to spark that shift, governments must enact programs and policies aimed at both unlocking the potential of forests and ensuring that they are sustainably managed
forestry operations - can store carbon and
sustainable expansion of triple bottom line activities. This means social inclusion and protection of the environment,” stated Elizabeth de Carvalhaes, Executive President, Bracelpa.
Renewable energy FAO’s report also argues that sustainable forestry offers a renewable, alternative source of energy. “Burning wood may be the oldest method by which humans acquire energy, but it is anything but obsolete,” said Rojas-Briales. Today, wood energy is still the dominant source of energy for over one third of the world’s population - in particular for the poor, he noted. “And as the search
are easily recycled. Forest-based industries
and medium scale forest-based enterprises
for renewable energy sources intensifies,
around the world are innovating competitive
that benefit local communities.
we must not overlook the considerable
new products and processes to substitute
“Brazil has successful examples of forest
opportunities for forest biomass-based
non-renewable materials, and by doing so
plantation management, and its good
energy to emerge as a cleaner and greener
are opening pathways towards low-carbon
practices can be disseminated to other
alternative,” he said.
bio-economies. The report argues for the
developing countries in order to promote the
promotion of a sustainable forest-based
green economy and strengthen the synergies
from wood can offer a climate-neutral
industry that offers a way to improve rural
between sustainable development and climate
and socially equitable solution, provided
economies while meeting sustainability goals.
change mitigation. The Rio+20 discussions
the wood is harvested from sustainably
must be the starting point to strengthen the
managed forests, burned using appropriate
value of forest products exports more than
balance of the triple bottom line. Brazil’s pulp
technologies, and undertaken in combination
doubled between 2002 to 2010 in certain
and paper industry is prepared to promote
with reforestation and sustainable forest
areas, it also says that more attention needs
innovation in biotechnology and sequestration
management programs.
to be paid to promoting the creation of small
of forest carbon that can support a
But while the report indicates that the
According to SOFO 2012, deriving energy
The report further states that increasing the
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
MARKET REPORT
About FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.
Putting forests at the heart of a new, green economy will require policies and programmes that give entrepreneurs incentives to pursue the sustainable utilization of forest resources
through the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration as being suitable for restoration. In addition, afforestation provides the additional benefit of helping combat desertification and soil degradation.
Supporting policies According to SOFO 2012, putting forests at the heart of a new, green economy will require, that give entrepreneurs incentives to pursue
use of renewable energy, including wood-
This includes the removal of perverse
based fuels, relative to fossil fuels may be
incentives that result in deforestation and
one of the most important components of a
degradation and conversion of forests to
global transition to a low carbon economy
other uses as well as those promoting the
model. Sustainable energy production from
use of non-renewable raw materials like
wood can create local employment and can be
steel, concrete, plastics or fossil energies that
used to redirect expenditures from imported
compete with wood and bamboo. Creating appropriate revenue streams
of energy, with employment and income
for forest ecosystem services like carbon
benefits.
sequestration can also encourage forest
However, FAO also cautions that doing
landholders and managers to protect and
so will require careful attention to existing
restore forests. Open and decentralized
patterns of wood energy dependence, the use
systems of management including industrial
of sustainable forest management practices
transformation and energy supply can help
in the harvesting and planting of trees,
promote efficiency and transparency and
and the adoption of efficient technologies
offer a diversified range of opportunities for
for converting biomass into heat and
local entrepreneurs.
cogeneration (heat/electricity).
Carbon capture to mitigate climate change
“The global forest products industry is at the forefront of forest conservation efforts. Through sustainable forest management practices, our industry not only produces
SOFO 2012 states that by reducing
a sustained annual yield of timber, but
deforestation and restoring lost forests on a
also ensures its abundance for future
large scale, significant amounts of carbon can
generations. The global forest products
be removed from the atmosphere, further
industry also contributes to livelihoods and
reducing the severity and impacts of climate
human well-being by employing millions of
change. At the same time, such projects would
people around the world and by producing
also support rural livelihoods and provide
products that provide shelter and increase
renewable raw materials for sustainable
literacy. The emerging bio-economy can
building using more wood and bamboo
only increase the important role of this
as well as bio-energy. Nearly 2 billion
industry,” concludes Donna Harman,
hectares of land area have been identified
President of ICFPA.
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
FAO is composed of seven departments: Agriculture and Consumer Protection; Economic and Social Development; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Forestry; Corporate Services, Human Resources and Finance; Natural Resources Management and Environment; and Technical Cooperation. FAO’s activities comprise four main areas:
first and foremost, policies and programmes the sustainable utilization of forest resources.
fossil fuels to investments in domestic sources
Besides its headquarters in Rome, FAO is present in over 130 countries. The decentralized network includes 5 regional offices, 11 sub-regional offices, 2 multi-disciplinary teams, 74 fully fledged country offices (excluding those hosted in regional and sub-regional offices), 8 offices with technical officers/FAO Representatives, and 36 countries covered through multiple accreditation. In addition, the Organization maintains 5 liaison offices and 4 information offices in developed countries.
• Putting information within reach: FAO serves as a knowledge network using the expertise of its staff - agronomists, foresters, fisheries and livestock specialists, nutritionists, social scientists, economists, statisticians and other professionals - to collect, analyze and disseminate data that aid development. • Sharing policy expertise: FAO lends its years of experience to member countries in devising agricultural policy, supporting planning, drafting effective legislation and creating national strategies to achieve rural development and hunger alleviation goals. • Providing a meeting place for nations: On any given day, dozens of policy-makers and experts from around the globe convene at the FAO headquarters or in its field offices to forge agreements on major food and agriculture issues. As a neutral forum, FAO provides the setting where rich and poor nations can come together to build common understanding. • Bringing knowledge to the field: FAO’s breadth of knowledge is put to the test in thousands of field projects throughout the world. FAO mobilizes and manages millions of dollars provided by industrialized countries, development banks and other sources to make sure the projects achieve their goals. FAO provides the technical know-how and in a few cases is a limited source of funds. In crisis situations, FAO works side-by-side with the World Food Programme and other humanitarian agencies to protect rural livelihoods and help people rebuild their lives. www.fao.org
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ANALYSIS
Timber certification
Timber Design & Technology looks at the some of the leading certification programs that have gained widespread acceptance over the years
T
he origins of timber certification can be traced back to the late 1980s when
the perceived need for sustainable forest management was first felt. In fact, 1990 saw the start of timber certification, when a group of stakeholders in California identified the need for a credible system for identifying acceptable sources of forest products. Today, the interest in sustainable forest management stems from broad-felt concern over depletion of the forest resource combined with a growing need for global resource management. However, sustainable forest management is a practice that has been in use for several centuries. The term has been redefined many times, and accordingly so has the emphasis on what should be managed in a sustainable manner. As such, production, stock, production factors, economic output and many others items have at one time or another been perceived as the key factor to define sustainability of forest management. In recent years, there has been a shift in some international tropical timber markets, as a result of the threat of bans and boycotts against tropical timber, to calls for certification and labeling. Notwithstanding, the reality is that certification of the forest resource and of its products has become an increasingly political issue. This is evident from the intense international pressure on tropical timber producing countries to improve standards of forest management and from increasing concern about a dwindling tropical forest reserve. In response, tropical timber producing countries have successfully argued
Image Š AHEC
that worldwide timber certification
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
should be preferred over tropical timber certification. Accordingly, this has lead to the exploration of
ANALYSIS
the viability of certification as a means to improved quality of forest management in non-tropical regions as well. In principle, certification is an important tool for tackling illegal logging, as most timber certification schemes are based on sustainability criteria, and legality is taken to be inherent within sustainability. Therefore, certified timber is an easy way for consumers to demand or identify products made from legal timber. However, there are several problems and constraints related to timber certification. These arise mainly due to the lack of generally accepted international principles and criteria to assess forest management sustainability; the lack of a widely accepted accreditation process for certifiers; and the emergence of many parallel systems. Nonetheless, as the concept of certification began to take momentum, a host of certification programs have been developed. Whilst some of these programs are focused on global forestry, there has been an emergence of national and regional certification programs as well. Timber Design & Technology looks at the some of the leading certification programs that have gained widespread acceptance over the years.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent non-profit organization formed as an effort to establish a global system for certifying products that come from well-managed forests. The mission of
In principle, certification is an important tool for tackling illegal logging, as most timber certification schemes are based on sustainability criteria, and legality is taken to be inherent within sustainability
from forests to the consumer. The chain of custody procedure monitors the wood products through every stage of their transport, conversion and further processing. Timber that comes from sources that meet the FSC standards are eligible to carry the FSC logo, which denotes that the product comes from well-managed forests. To date, some 41 million hectares of forest worldwide are certified to FSC’s forest management standards and the FSC ‘tick-tree’ logo is comfortably the most widely recognized brand.
FSC is to promote environmentally
FSC also enjoys the full support of
appropriate, socially beneficial, and
the environmental NGOs, in particular
economically viable management of
Greenpeace and WWF.
the world’s forests. The history of FSC goes back to 1990 and since then, FSC has become the largest voluntary program for independent third-party forest certification in the world. Today, FSC is a two-pronged process that includes a forestry performance audit and a chain of custody audit. FSC does not itself certify forests but it accredits qualified independent organizations known as certification bodies to carry out on-the-ground inspection and certification. FSC certification standards are based on ten main principles. The FSC scheme has also developed a process to monitor certified timber
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23
ANALYSIS Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) PEFC was founded on June 30, 1999 in Paris with the aim of promoting sustainably managed forests through independent third-party certification. PEFC is an umbrella organization, which facilitates mutual recognition among the numerous national certification standards developed in a multistakeholder process. Although initially developed to address the European situation, PEFC today has worldwide appeal. The unique feature of PEFC’s scheme is that it encourages a bottomup approach to the multi-stakeholder development of certification standards and respects the use of regional political processes for promoting sustainable forest management as a basis for certification standards. In the last two years, PEFC has emerged and has grown with such rapidity that it now manages a greater area of certified forest than FSC. To date, 13 European countries have had their national forest certification
Today, many companies prefer their forests to be certified under dual certification programs, often one being the ISO standard The ISO standard is a more process-
1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Its original principles and implementation guidelines began in 1995, and it evolved as the first SFI national standard backed by third-party audits in 1998. Today, SFI Inc. is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving a sustainable forestry certification program that is internationally recognized and is the
systems endorsed by PEFC, amounting
based certification system and is applied
to a combined certified forest area
at the level of entire enterprises. It also
of 51.6 million hectares. Further, its
does not include specific, on-the-ground
principles and measures that promote
35 worldwide independent national
standards for forest management,
sustainable forest management and
forest certification systems represent
but focuses more on improved
consider all forest values. It is a
more than 210 million hectares of
environmental planning. The ISO 14001
comprehensive system of principles,
certified forests, making it the largest
system gained wide acceptance around
objectives and performance measures
forest certification system in the world,
the world largely due to the recognition
developed to integrate both responsible
covering about two-thirds of the globally
of ISO. Today, many companies prefer
environmental practices and sound
certified forest area.
their forests to be certified under dual
business practices. The SFI verification
certification programs, often one being
includes both first and second party
the ISO standard.
verification as well as independent
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
largest single forest standard in the world. The SFI Standard is based on
third-party certification of conformance
Standardization (ISO) is an international
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
non-profit organization, which
The SFI program was launched in
North America are certified to the SFI
establishes global standards for various
1994 as one of the U.S. forest sector’s
forest management standard, making it
products, production processes and
contributions to the vision of sustainable
among the world’s largest sustainable
services to ensure that they meet an
development established by the
forestry programs.
The International Organization for
acceptable level of quality. Of all the standards in the ISO 14000 series, the ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is the only standard against which it is currently possible to be certified by an external third-party certification authority. The certification process includes identification of environmental aspects of the operation, which pose high risk to the environment, setting objectives and targets to reduce the environmental impacts, identification of changes required to meet the goals and objectives, implementation of new practices and continuous evaluation of their effectiveness.
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
to the SFI standards. Today, more than 79 million hectares of forestland in
ANALYSIS Canadian Standards Association (CSA) The Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management standard is the leading forest certification standard in use in Canada. First released in 1996, it is Canada’s official National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management and managed forests certified to this standard stretch from coast to coast. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the official standards setting body for Canada, established a set of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) standards adapted from the six Canadian SFM criteria originally established by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers. The six criteria outline the environmental, social and economic values to be managed for all forests. These standards are consistent with ISO 14001, and also require public participation and audits that verify performance. The first certification under this system was completed in June 1999 and so far, approximately 67.3 million hectares have been certified under this standard.
American Tree Farm System (ATFS) The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) includes 27 million acres of certified
More than 79 million hectares of forestland in North America are certified to the SFI forest management standard, making it among the world’s largest sustainable forestry programs
Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) The essential elements of the Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS), which commenced with the drafting of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) in 2000, were fully developed during 2002 and 2003 to provide an ‘Australian forest certification scheme’ based on Australia’s conformity assessment framework. The AFS is a nationally endorsed Australian Standard that has been developed within the recognized
eight standards of sustainability. A program of the American Forest
international frameworks of the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators
forestland managed by America’s family
Foundation, ATFS has been endorsed by
(1995) and the ISO 14000 series of
forest owners who are meeting the
PEFC since 2008. The ATFS certification
international, voluntary environmental
highest standards of sustainability and
process incorporates established
management standards, but which takes
managing their lands for water, wildlife,
standards and guidelines and offers
account of local operating conditions.
wood, and recreation. ATFS, the largest
three certification options, which
As such, the objective of the Australian
and oldest sustainable family woodland
must conform to the Standards of
Forestry Standard is to provide forest
system in America, is also internationally
Sustainability for Forest Certification.
managers and owners with economic,
recognized, meeting strict third-party
These standards recognize new
social, environmental and cultural
certification standards. For more than
conservation forestry practices and
criteria and requirements that support
70 years, ATFS has enhanced the quality
evolving consumer demand for
the sustainable management of forests
of America’s woodlands by giving forest
sustainably harvested forest products.
for wood production.
owners the tools they need to keep their
Once ATFS verifies that the standards
forests healthy and productive. Offering
are met and the Tree Farm is certified,
forest and wood products certification in
certification to landowners who are
landowners can proudly display the
Australia, the AFCS scheme has an open
committed to good forest management,
ATFS green and white sign - the national
and transparent process for stakeholder
ATFS certifies forest management to
symbol for good forestry.
consultation and involvement in the
As the leading authoritative voice for
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
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ANALYSIS
issued to Forest Management Units (FMUs) covering 4.65 million hectares or 32 percent of the total permanent reserved forests (PRFs) in Malaysia. Eight of the certified FMUs (Pahang, Selangor, Terengganu, Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Johor) are in Peninsular Malaysia, while the Segaliud Lokan Forest Reserve is located in Sabah. All certified FMUs under the MTCS are now considered as PEFCcertified and the MTCS-certified logs originating from these FMUs and their downstream products are now eligible to carry the PEFC Logo. There are more than 150 Malaysian timber companies (manufacturers and review and ongoing improvement of the standards to ensure business relevance and capability, environmental responsibility and social awareness. Moreover, the AFCS National Standards are world-class forestry standards that
The AFCS National Standards are worldclass forestry standards that have been endorsed by PEFC
exporters) that hold the PEFC Chain of Custody under the MTCS, dealing with a wide variety of tropical timber products, including sawn timber, plywood, veneer, mouldings, laminated timber and garden furniture.
over 8.7 million hectares (77 percent)
Forest Management Units (FMUs) for
Indonesian Eco-labelling Institute (LEI - Lembaga Ekolabel Indonesia)
of native forests and plantations
the purpose of certification was the
The Indonesian Eco-labelling Institute
across Australia and the AFCS target
Malaysian Criteria, Indicators, Activities
(LEI - Lembaga Ekolabel Indonesia)
is to certify the remaining 2.5 million
and Standards of Performance for
is a non-profit constituent based
hectares by this year.
Forest Management Certification, (MC&I
organization that develops forest
2001) which is based on the 1998 ITTO
certification systems as part of its
Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable
mission to promote sustainable forest
Management of Natural Tropical
resource management in Indonesia.
The Malaysian Timber Certification
Forests. During the second phase
Established in 1994, LEI is a constituent
Scheme (MTCS) began operation
of the implementation of the MTCS,
based organization and as such
in October 2001 using a phased
which began in late 2005, the MTCC
has retained its independence and
approach due to the greater challenges
has been using the Malaysian Criteria
transparency, which are both necessary
encountered in managing the complex
and Indicators for Forest Management
for the credibility of forest certification.
tropical forests in Malaysia. Managed
Certification (MC&I 2002), which
LEI introduced its certification program
by the Malaysian Timber Certification
contains nine principles, 47 criteria and
to implement Sustainable Forest
Council (MTCC), an independent non-
96 indicators.
Management (SFM) in 1998. The system
have been endorsed by PEFC as well. To date, the AFCS has been used to certify
Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS)
profit organization, the MTCS is a
The MTCS is the first tropical timber
and its criteria and indicators are based
voluntary national timber certification
certification scheme in the Asia Pacific
on the ITTO, FSC and ISO principles,
scheme that provides assurance to
region, and the second in the world
criteria and guidelines.
buyers of Malaysian timber products
after the Gabonese Forest Certification
that the products have been sourced
Scheme, to be endorsed by the PEFC.
certification includes schemes for:
from sustainably managed forests. The
To date, a total of nine Certificates
Natural forest certification; Plantation
standard initially used for assessing
for Forest Management have been
forest certification; Community forest
Mutually recognized by FSC, LEI’s
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
ANALYSIS
certification; and Chain of Custody (COC), a log tracking system for industries that process forest products such as furniture, ply足wood, sawn wood and pulp and paper. The LEI certification schemes have been designed specifically considering the Indonesian context with a focus on community forestry, a commitment to involving traditional communities, and a multi stake足 holder approach that is supported by NGOs, indigenous communities, forest companies and the government.
Brazilian National Forest Certification Program (Cerflor) Forest certification began in Brazil in the mid-90s as a reaction to environmental concerns and pressure from international consumer groups. Initially considered to be a response to deforestation and illegal timber extraction, it soon extended to all forest activities, including industrial plantations. Despite the parallel FSC
While certification is an important tool, it is certainly not a measure of sustainability
process underway, Brazilian forest
Pan African Forest Certification (PAFC) The African Timber Organization governments decided to support a Pan African Forest Certification system (PAFC) based on the Principles, Criteria and Indicators (PCI) established by
industry associations such as the
Endorsed by PEFC, Cerflor is based on
the Center for International Forestry
Brazilian Silvicultural Society (SBS) were
five principles - accompanied by criteria
Research (CIFOR) in early 2004.
keen on the creation of an autonomous
and indicators - that vary according to
These PCIs have been validated by
national forest certification scheme.
local conditions. Significant emphasis is
the International Tropical Timber
The system, entitled the Brazilian
placed on management plans, monitoring
Organization (ITTO) and have been
National Forest Certification Program
exercises and development plans for the
tested in the Ivory Coast, Ghana,
(Cerflor), is managed by the National
local communities, however no minimum
Cameroon, Central African Republic
Institute of Metrology, Standardization
and clear social and environmental
and Gabon and serve as a base for
and Industrial Quality (INMETRO), a
requirements exist with regards to
sustainable African tropical forest
government agency connected to the
performance. Cerflor follows norms
management. To date, Gabon is the
Ministry of Development, Industry
similar in name to those established by
first country to develop a national
and Foreign Trade. Today, INMETRO
FSC in Brazil, but are considered more
PAFC system and this system aims at
accredits certification bodies associated
process-oriented than FSC. Despite the
becoming the basis for an all-African
with Cerflor whilst the Brazilian
presence of the FSC standards, Cerflor
standard. PAFC Gabon has established
Association of Technical Standards
proponents consider it desirable to
standards and procedures that are
(ABNT) is charged with the process of
offer an optional parallel standard
compliant with the requirements of PEFC
development and revision of Cerflor
to companies. Nonetheless, both FSC
thereby enabling Gabon to became the
standards for forest management and
and Cerflor certification requirements
first African member of the international
chain-of-custody practices.
take as a starting point the forest
PEFC Council. PAFC currently is open
management criteria defined in
to other African nations, wanting to
Brazilian regulatory law.
develop their national standards within
Cerflor was officially launched in 2002 and started to operate in March 2003.
the system.
International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes the conservation and sustainable management, and use and trade of tropical forest resources, which includes 59 member countries. Established under the auspices of the United Nations in 1986, ITTO develops internationally agreed policy documents to promote sustainable forest management and forest conservation and assists tropical member countries to adapt such policies
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
ANALYSIS
to local circumstances and to implement
However, there is one major issue
and a proven track record of responsible
them in the field through projects. In
in certification that is of paramount
forest management. In fact, in these
addition, ITTO collects, analyzes and
importance - gaining credibility for the
cases, one might ask what the relevance
disseminates data on the production
certification procedure. The truth is that
of timber certification is.
and trade of tropical timber and funds
there is no easy path towards attaining
a range of projects and other action
credibility, as we are confronted with
somewhat muddled on account of the
aimed at developing industries at both
the apparent complexity that credibility
development of many competing and
community and industrial scales.
actually means different things to
even conflicting systems as discussed
different people, and to the same people
above. There is a very real risk that
in different settings.
timber suppliers may be required to
ITTO has developed guidelines, criteria and indicators of sustainable
While certification is an important
forest management for tropical
At present, the certification picture is
obtain more than one certificate for
countries, which are being further
tool, it is certainly not a measure of
the same product in order to satisfy
elaborated in some producing member
sustainability. It is interesting to note
different groups of customers, on
countries. These international and
that FSC adopts the ISO position on the
account of their preference for a
national criteria and indicators are
usage of the term ‘sustainability’, which
particular scheme, or sometimes to
not being developed specifically for
is that it cannot truly be determined
even comply with mandatory schemes,
certification purposes but they can serve
and, instead, requires certificate holders
which are a prerequisite towards doing
as a useful framework in this regard. It
to describe FSC certified products as
business in a given country. That being
is noteworthy that the various processes
sourced from ‘responsibly managed
said, any viable timber certification
are not necessarily developing criteria
forests’ and not ‘sustainable’ forests. It
scheme will have to be seen to be
and indicators at the same level; some
is also important to understand that,
credible, objective with transparent
are working at the national or regional
while certification schemes can provide
and measurable criteria, reliable and
level, while others are concentrating on
reassurance to the buyer that the timber
independent and, most importantly,
the management unit level.
they are buying is from responsibly
covering all types of timber. The issue
managed forests, there are other ways
still remains very sensitive in nature
to determine this. This is particularly
and no doubt influenced by politics.
Timber certification is certainly a
relevant for timber sourced from North
Nonetheless, it will remain an actively
positive step towards sustainable
America and Europe, where there is a
debated topic with no foreseeable
long history of good forest governance
solution in the near future.
Beyond Certification management of the world’s forests. MTCC AD 2012_Output2.pdf 2/2/12
TM
PEFC/34-01-01
11:51:37 AM
Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) - your source of PEFC-certified Malaysian timber products
Sustainable Forest, Sustainable Future
Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)
is an independent organisation which operates the MTCS C-08-05, Block C, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603-2161 2298 Fax: 603-2161 2293 E-mail: info@mtcc.com.my Website: www.mtcc.com.my
Multi-stakeholder CONSULTATIONS Independent AUDITORS
FARLIN GROUP OF COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE IN TIMBER LOGS, SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS AND COAL FOR ENERGY SECTORS. 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
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
CAMBIA
Image Š Leo A. Daly Architects
Cambia: Wood made better Resource efficient technology improves performance and appearance of wood
C
ambia by NFPÂŽ is a venture formed
the use of sustainably-managed forest
by Northland Forest Products
products. In 1996, Northland Forest Products
to manufacture and market
became the 22nd company in North America
thermally modified (TM) lumber as an
to be chain-of-custody certified by the Forest
environmentally responsible choice to
Stewardship Council (FSC). Today, Northland
tropical hardwoods or petrochemical-
Forest Products is one of the leading suppliers
based wood alternatives. The thermal
of wood from FSC-certified forests. The
modification treatment, which uses high
company operates two lumber concentration
heat in a controlled atmosphere to remove
and distribution yards located in Kingston, NH
naturally occurring organic compounds in
and Troy, VA, and a retail outlet warehouse
wood that provide a food source for insects
in Manassas, VA. The Cambia production
or fungi, can be applied to just about any
facilities are located in Kingston, NH.
wood, and so exact characteristics will thermal modification is a clean and efficient
Wood Made Better: Thermal Modification
technology that modifies the cellular
Northland Forest Products operates one
structure of the wood, limiting the amount
of the first ovens in the United States to
of water that can be absorbed by the wood
produce thermally modified lumber. The
cells, which significantly increases the
thermal modification process, a clean and
dimensional stability of wood.
energy efficient technology, uses high heat
tend to vary by species. Nonetheless,
Founded in 1970, Northland Forest
in a controlled atmosphere to improve
Products is a family-owned, wholesale
both the dimensional stability and the
processor and distributor of quality hardwood
decay resistance of wood by permanently
lumber, and an industry leader in advocating
altering its chemical and physical
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
CAMBIA
properties. By processing wood produced from America’s well-managed hardwood forests, Cambia provides an affordable, domestically-sourced, environmentallyfriendly alternative to imported hardwoods that often are illegally harvested from endangered tropical rainforests. The thermal modification process limits the ability of wood to absorb moisture, so Cambia products are more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in relative humidity. This increase in dimensional stability significantly extends the service life of applied finishes, thereby reducing maintenance costs. The thermal modification process also removes those nutrients in wood that would otherwise provide a food source for insects and wood-destroying fungi. As a result, Cambia products do not contain any toxic chemicals to improve longevity and performance. The thermal modification process also sequesters carbon within the wood, giving Cambia products a rich brown color and appearance; and the uniform coloration of Cambia products rival that of many imported tropical hardwood species. Thermally modified wood was introduced in Europe in the early 1990’s and has since become widely accepted and utilized for both interior and exterior applications. Cambia accepts stains and finishes that have been formulated for non-modified hardwoods as the thermal modification minimizes the difference in early and late wood densities, actually allowing paints and stains to last longer. Thermally modified wood is also extremely durable; the wood is rot and insect resistant, and as there are no toxic chemicals involved, special handling precautions and scrap waste disposal are not issues. Testing by an independent testing lab placed Cambia™ Yellow Poplar in the highest durability rating class achievable for rot and decay resistance. Currently available in a selection of domestic hardwoods and prefabricated components, Cambia hardwoods are most commonly used for siding, decking, lumber and site furniture.
MAIN USES • • • • • • • • •
Exterior Trim, Siding, and Decking Window frames, Sashes, Sills Interior Flooring Interior/Exterior Doors and Cabinetry Outdoor Furniture Docks and Floats Hot tub and Spa surrounds Bench Slats Playgrounds
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
By processing wood produced from America’s well-managed hardwood forests, Cambia provides an affordable, domesticallysourced, environmentallyfriendly alternative to imported hardwoods that often are illegally harvested from endangered tropical rainforests The Green Choice
environmentally friendly as no chemicals are used to preserve the wood and no pollutants are emitted to the environment, thereby enabling it to have a low carbon footprint. Cambia adds value and utility to wood harvested from sustainably managed temperate forests, thereby promoting responsible and sustainable forestry practices. The enhanced performance of Cambia thermally modified wood makes it an environmentally responsible alternative to wood produced from tropical rainforests. Further, Cambia wood scrap is easily disposed of as it can be burned or landfilled without adverse environmental impact. As a testament to its environmental
Cambia wood may be the first truly green
credentials, Cambia products are available with
lumber resource that performs better and
a FSC certification and can qualify for 100
costs less than alternative wood species and
percent valuation under the LEED ‘certified
substitute products developed to replace
wood credit’ (MRc7). Cambia is currently
wood. A significant percentage (up to 80
available in red oak, poplar, white ash and soft
percent) of the energy required to thermally
maple lumber.
transform wood using the Cambia process comes from the wood itself, making the
Working with Cambia
process not only energy-efficient, but also
Despite the thermal modification, Cambia
CAMBIA
Image © Northland Forest Products
PROPERTIES • Color: The color of thermally modified wood is determined by treatment time and temperature. Color may vary from light brown to a deep roasted brown. • Dimensional Stability: Thermally modified wood significantly reduces the ability of the modified wood to absorb water. This limits the amount of swelling or shrinking associated with non-thermally modified kiln-dried wood. • Density: Thermally modified wood has a slightly lower density than non-thermally modified kilndried wood. This is mainly due to the removal of sugars and other non-essential organic compounds during the treatment process.
Image © Britton Timbers
• Permeability: Thermally modified wood is 20-30 percent lower in permeability than that of normal kiln-dried samples. • Thermal Conductivity: Thermally modified wood has a thermal conductivity that is 20-25 percent lower compared to untreated wood. • Resistance to insect attack: Thermally modified wood has no food source for wooddestroying insects. Insects may bore into a piece of thermally modified wood, but will not infest the piece due to the lack of a food source.
Cambia adds value and utility to wood harvested from sustainably managed temperate forests, thereby promoting responsible and sustainable forestry practices wood is still wood. The mechanical and chemical properties unique to each species modified remain roughly the same as before
Image © Leo A. Daly Architects Image © Northland Forest Products
Image © Northland Forest Products
• Fire Resistance: Thermal modification does not significantly alter resistance to fire.
the thermal modification process. As such, Cambia wood can still be worked with all standard woodworking tools, though the
• Biological Durability: Thermally modified wood demonstrates a remarkable ability to resist decay by brown rot. Test results do indicate that thermally modified wood should not be used in ground contact applications where structural performance is required. • Weather Resistance: Thermally modified wood will change color over a period of time from the original brown to a grayish weathered color and may also develop light surface checking when exposed to direct sunlight. The original color and surface integrity may be preserved with pigmented or UV-protective non-toxic coatings. • Leachate: Thermally modified wood is not subject to chemical leaching issues. • Surface Hardness: Thermal modification does not significantly change the surface hardness of wood of the same species. • Bending Strength: Thermally modified wood has a slightly reduced modulus of rupture, though no significant reduction in modulus of elasticity when compared to kiln-dried wood of the same species. • Compression Strength: The thermal modification process has no significant effect on the compression strength values.
use of carbides will definitely extend the life of cutting edges. Sawdust produced from sawing and planing operations is wood, possibly requiring better quality dust masks and more frequent cleaning of dust collection systems. In addition, material safety data information for kiln-dried wood remains unchanged by the thermal modification process.
Image © Northland Forest Products
generally finer than that of non-modified
• Splitting Strength: The thermal modification process can cause some reduction in the splitting strength. • Screw Extraction: The thermal modification process has no significant effect on screw extraction resistance.
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
DESIGN & DéCOR
OVO lights up downtown Istanbul Sensory art installation in Turkey uses Accoya® wood
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
DESIGN & DéCOR
A
sensational new art installation is lighting up downtown Istanbul, Turkey. OVO (Latin for egg) is
an interactive artwork, which offers visitors a multi-sensory experience with lighting animations, visuals and acoustic accompaniment. The egg shaped concept was unveiled earlier this year at Marmara Forum, a shopping centre and garden office. The egg is made from Accoya® wood manufactured by Accsys Technologies and was supplied by Van Steenberge in Belgium. Accoya was used for the complete structure of the egg due to its superior sustainability and performance credentials.
A unique shape Created by artist and sculpture team Odeaubois and ACT Lighting Design for the lighting concept and set design, OVO is a standout attraction. Its unusual shape is achieved with a combination of 24 crossed spiral pairs, which is based on the double helix model - something present everywhere in our universe, from DNA to the solar system! Visitors can make up their own interpretation of the creation, be it an egg, pineapple, or pine cone. OVO’s structure is made of Accoya wood that has been cut into 356 different pieces bolted together to make an eyecatching structure with almost invisible seams. Accoya’s exceptional properties of durability, stability, strength and beauty made it ideal for use as the main construction material for this highly original design. Guaranteed against rot and decay for 50 years in exterior use and 25 years when used in the ground, Accoya is perfect for outdoor use and has an extended coatings maintenance cycle due to its dimensional stability and UV resistance. Prevention of possible distortion due to dimensional stability and retained strength, despite going through the transformative wood modification process, were also important selection criteria. “Accoya shows outstanding performance and sustainability benefits, it perfectly fits this new creation,” said Jean Pierre Noel, Commercial Director at Van Steenberge. “OVO is a fantastic concept and we are proud to be part of it. It is also our first project in Turkey and hopefully this showcases how Accoya can create outstanding and inspirational projects.”
Captivating Sensors Image © Lucia Carretero
The choice of the shape of OVO is symbolic. The egg evokes birth, unity, perfection, cocoon and transformation. Inside the structure, the visitor is offered a complete experience for the senses, bringing them in contact with the four elements: air, via
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
DESIGN & DéCOR
PROJECT CREDITS Odeaubois: Pol Marchandise and Mostafa Hadi for the wooden sculpture ACT lighting design: Koert Vermeulen for the lighting concept and Marcos Viñals Bassols for the scenography
the two gateways; fire, with the changing colors of the LED lighting system; water in the basin of the structure; and finally earth, with Accoya wood.
Experience Sustainability The project was built with strict sustainability criteria. Everything in the creation has been thought through to answer environmental needs. Accoya is created using a proprietary patented non-toxic modification process on sustainably sourced woods and exceeds or matches the durability, stability and beauty of the very best tropical hardwoods without their endangerment. As such, it has received many prestigious environmental awards and certifications. The LED lighting system uses only about 700W of continuous power. The system is IP67 rated and no replacement of bulbs is necessary. The water system is also very economical. Finally, minimal waste was produced in the construction and installation, using only natural materials such as wood, rubber and metal that were all reusable and recyclable. “With a passion for ecology and a real love for wood, Accoya ticked all the boxes for OVO. We needed a simple, natural and durable material for our creation and it suited our design well,” said Mostafa Hadi and Pol Marchandise, both Sculptors and Artists at Odeaubois.
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Its unusual shape is achieved with a combination of 24 crossed spiral pairs, which is based on the double helix model - something present everywhere in our universe, from DNA to the solar system! Visitors can make up their own interpretation of the creation, be it an egg, pineapple, or pine cone
modified wood by Accsys Technologies
www.accoya.com
AN INNOVATION IN WOOD
The Haven, Norfolk
WOOD WITHOUT COMPROMISE Accoya速 is ideal for decking, cladding and external joinery. Created from sustainably sourced wood and completely non-toxic, Accoya速 is a revolution in wood technology.
- Class 1 durability - Warranted for 50 years above ground - Warranted for 25 years below ground - Exceptional dimensional stability - Outstanding coating performance for low maintenance - Consistent quality throughout
AVAILABLE FROM: Beirut Port Tel : +961 3 503 191 rani@distinctwood.com ACCOYA速 and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
www.distinctwood.com/accoya
PROFILE
PVS International outlines aggressive expansion plan for MENA region Leading player confident of 50 percent growth in turnover for 2012
Image Š PVS International
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Image © PVS International
PROFILE
P
VS International is a global leader in the supply chain management of wood products.
Vijay Nihalani, Managing Director, PVS International
The company established its first office in Singapore in 1992 for the purpose of sourcing Malaysian hardwoods for use in construction Image © PVS International
in the Middle East. Since then it has grown to become a worldwide supplier of logs, sawn timber and finished wood products. In the MENA region, the company’s operations
We believe that our efficient supply chain coupled with our comprehensive customer service gives us an edge and keeps us competitive
are handled exclusively by United Agencies, which has been present
Malaysia, Brazil and Romania that
and logistics, as well as the sales and
in Dubai since 1963. In an exclusive
have built long-term relationships
marketing throughout the region for
interview with Timber Design &
with forest owners and factories.
all our products. We have also set
Technology, Vijay Nihalani, Managing
Additionally, our procurement teams
up a sales team in India since the
Director, PVS International outlines
are always on the lookout for new
market is large enough to warrant its
the company’s long-term plans.
products that can be introduced
own offices.
into our markets. By placing quality Could you give us a brief overview
control teams at each of these
What do you think has been the main
of your company and its operations
locations, we ensure that the products
reason for your success in the region?
in the region?
always match the standards that we
Due to better communication, ease of
Our supply chain begins at the source
have set since each market has its
travel and innovative technology, the
- where the forests are located. We
own unique quality requirement. Our
world is becoming a smaller place
have procurement offices in China,
hub in Dubai handles all the shipping
and unless an organization is adding significant value, it becomes obsolete very quickly. We believe that our efficient supply chain coupled with our comprehensive customer service gives us an edge and keeps us competitive. All along the supply chain we are mindful of adding value - for our suppliers by exporting their products worldwide and for our customers by providing an entire range of wood products.
Image © PVS International
How important is the Middle East market for PVS International? What growth do you expect in the region in 2012 and beyond? In 2011, the Middle East market contributed a significant amount to
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
Image © PVS International
PROFILE
Markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where significant investments into infrastructure are being made, will continue to drive our growth in the region
wood. As a result, the trade is subject to various factors such as fluctuating shipping costs, unsafe sea routes, political uncertainties in the source countries, logging bans and in some cases, sudden surges in demand. Additionally, the understanding of sustainable forestry practices aimed at managing the world’s forests is still relatively low in the region. It is important that all the entities Image © PVS International
in the supply chain work together to ensure that the use of these
our global revenues and so is a very
the years. These species are used in
valuable resources is regulated in
important market for us. We have
the construction industry as well as
order to protect our environment
implemented an aggressive growth
for pallet manufacture. For joinery
and ensure a steady supply.
strategy this year and are targeting
and carpentry purposes, Malaysian
With due diligence and a deeper
an increase of 50 percent in overall
Red Meranti, European Beech
understanding of the issue, we can
sales for 2012. Markets such as Saudi
and various African hardwoods
ensure that the Middle East does
Arabia and Qatar, where significant
have been the species of choice
not become a dumping ground for
investments into infrastructure are
for many years. Apart from the
timber from non-certified forests.
being made, will continue to drive
reasons mentioned above, these
our growth in the region. Outside
species are also relatively easy
What trends do you anticipate in the
the Middle East, we have already
to use and are very durable. They
coming year?
begun sales into several African
are used to manufacture door and
We believe that the demand for
countries as well as into the Indian
window frames, as well as to make
timber from certified forests is set to
Subcontinent; two regions where we
furniture. The panel industry has
increase across the region in the next
expect considerable growth in the
been dominated by China, Indonesia
few years. With the development of
near future.
and Malaysia. What sets us apart
‘green building codes’ in the Middle
from many of our competitors is
East, contractors and builders will be
With regards to the timber industry
the fact that we supply the entire
forced to ensure responsible sourcing
in the region, which species are
range of wood products - softwoods,
when it comes to wood products.
primarily in demand and why?
hardwoods and panels.
Since the 2008 crisis, we see that the demand for wood products
In this region, there needs to be a fine balance between price, quality
What are some of the challenges
has grown steadily and in a more
and steady supply. As a result,
facing the regional timber industry?
sustainable fashion. We anticipate
softwoods from Chile and Romania
The region does not have any forests
that this trend will continue in the
have proved to be most popular over
and therefore has to import all of its
near future.
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
TECHNOLOGY
Improved productivity through software Martina Schwartz, MD, CAD+T talks about the role of software in the timber industry
T
he global recession of the late
and in the last two years, competition in
2000s certainly left its mark across
the region has increased significantly. The
all sectors in the Middle East.
increased competition has meant companies
Particularly hit was the real estate market
have to be more productive to win tenders.
in the UAE, which consequently affected
However, given that material prices and
the contracting, interior design and related
labor costs are more or less maxed out, the
industries. However, 2012 remains poised to
industry has to look towards improving
break this trend. According to new research
their workflows and this is only possible
by Ventures ME, the overall interior
with software and better organization.
contracting and fit-out market in the GCC
Timber Design & Technology speaks to
will increase by 87 percent in value this
Martina Schwarz, Managing Director, CAD+T
year, the highest increase since 2008, from
Middle East, to get an understanding of the
USD 5.04 billion in 2011 to USD 9.4 billion.
role that software can play today.
Of note is the fact that the UAE remains the
industry have already started to implement
spend in interior contracting and fit-out
a variety of software solutions in order
across residential, commercial, hospitality
to speed up their processes in certain
and retail segments totaling USD 3.73 billion
departments. For instance, AutoCAD 2D
for 2012, up 62 percent on 2011 figures.
has become a standard for the design
Judging by the aforementioned figures,
42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
“At present, most players within the
GCC’s largest interiors market, with forecast
and technical shop floor drawings within
one could then conclude that the upside to
the industry. However, all of the other
the recession has been the tough lessons
necessary information during the whole
learnt by all firms across all industries.
production process is still usually created
Typically, the interior design and joinery
manually, which is very time consuming and
business has always been a tough business,
prone to human error,� says Schwarz.
TECHNOLOGY
Given that material prices and labor costs are more or less maxed out, the industry has to look towards improving their workflows and this is only possible with software and better organization
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
TECHNOLOGY
Image © CAD+T
The answer lies in the ability to render information, which has been already created, available for the next process in a digital format so that the information can be used straight away
The simple truth is that companies can save a lot of time in sales, engineering and production if they don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. However, complications arise from the amount of different work steps that need to be processed during the Image © CAD+T
execution of an order: estimation, shop floor drawings, cutting lists, BOQs, stock handling, material orders, time calculation and capacity planning for the factory, quality control, need to be created once, and all of the
shipping organization, CNC files and so on.
other necessary data will be created by
“We must also not forget that it is necessary to do a post-calculation of the
the software automatically - from design
job at the end of the entire process of
through to installation. At the heart of the system is the drawing.
executing an order. The question then arises as to how to optimize such a complex
Still based on AutoCAD, the add-on from
process. The answer lies in the ability to
CAD+T gives draftsmen the possibility
render information, which has been already
of drawing the parts directly in 3D even
created, available for the next process in a
though they can still work on 2D. More
digital format so that the information can be
importantly, the software allows information
used straight away,” adds Schwarz.
on the parts such as materials, finishes, edges, profiles, hardware, etc. to be saved
CAD+T Software has launched its own software solution that can help companies
directly. As such, the drawing then consists
maximize their workflow processes. Schwarz
of not only mere lines and text - it actually
explains that even in the case of custom-
understands what you are drawing. The majority of the joineries in the
made projects, the information will only Image © CAD+T
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
TECHNOLOGY
Middle East have already invested into CNC woodworking machines in order to speed up their work and improve their quality. However, these machines need to receive the right information in order to process the job. Schwarz confidently states that even this information can be created automatically from their software. The company has specifically developed a highly sophisticated interface for CNC machines, which not only transfers the parts to the machine, but it also selects the right tool, speed and coordinates depending on the Image © CAD+T
material and subject to the work that is required of the machine. In addition to all the technical information required to execute a job, every workshop or joinery will need to maintain a track of its commercial and operational information including material consumption, wastage, labor hours, capacity planning, prices for materials and labor etc. Aiming to offer a complete solution, CAD+T provides support for these fields as well. By combining the custom made information from the drawing together with a company specific database of prices, capacities, etc., the system will allow the user to track and manage this information.
Still based on AutoCAD, the add-on from CAD+T gives draftsmen the possibility of drawing the parts directly in 3D even though they can still work on 2D. More importantly, the software allows information on the parts such as materials, finishes, edges, profiles, hardware, etc. to be saved directly
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
“The idea is that after the finalization of the drawing, all other information technical or commercial - is managed simply with a push of a button. Software can offer you huge time savings (approximately 60 percent per order) in addition to error prevention (up to 80 percent). All of this gives companies the advantage of handling and quoting more projects whilst also allowing them to achieve higher profit margins at the same time,” concludes Schwarz.
SHOWTIME
Top Industry
Exhibitions coming up This season Project Iraq Project Iraq is being held in Erbil, Iraq from 17-20 September 2012. The show is the premier event of its kind in Iraq and is the ideal venue for all those in the
Timber Expo
construction industry. In 2011, Project Iraq hosted 393 exhibitors from 20 countries - representing a 30 percent increase compared to the previous edition and welcomed
Timber Expo is the premier show in the UK for all those
more than 23,000 professional visitors including
involved in the timber sector. Timber Expo 2012 will
architects, engineers, contractors, construction specialists,
take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry from the 25-26
high-ranking officials, regional and national investment
September and over 4,000 visitors are expected, including
authorities, in addition to local and regional VIPs.
architects, specifiers, engineers and contractors plus central
The show provides a unique and dynamic platform for
government departments and local authorities. All four
buyers and suppliers to make contacts and drive future
corners of the timber sector will be represented for all
developments within Iraq’s massive construction sector
attendees to promote, learn and experience why timber
and to penetrate local markets. Exhibitors benefit from
is the number one commercially available low carbon
massive exposure to premier regional agents, dealers,
construction material.
buyers and distributors. Project Iraq is being held
The exhibition in 2012 will be 50 percent bigger,
concurrently with Energy Iraq 2012 - the International
showcasing the products and services of over 200
Exhibition for Electricity, Alternative Energy, Lighting,
companies in 6,000 sqm of space and will provide a forum
Water Technology and HVAC. The show will leverage
for new business and a demonstration of how timber
the recovery in Iraq, which has lead to a boom in
can deliver an effective, more attractive and sustainable
reconstruction and development needs across all sectors
built environment. The exhibition is complemented by a
of its economy.
comprehensive Timber Talk seminar programme in addition to the Timber Buyers Forum, which offers a highly effective
Date: 17 - 20 September Venue: Erbil International Fairground Location: Kurdistan,Iraq Expected Attendees: 20,000+ WEBSITE: www.project-iraq.com
way for timber buyers to meet with Timber Expo exhibitors in a structured manner in order to maximize the networking and business opportunities during the event. New for 2012, the BM TRADA Group will host a series of technical tours for buyers and members of the press, wherein groups of approximately 20 people will be taken around the exhibition, highlighting different technologies and innovations. Also new is the introduction of the Timber Expo 2012 Awards, which will be judged by independent experts, media partners and representatives from official industry body partners. In addition, the Student Exhibition will showcase the designs of students of architecture at Oxford Brookes University who have been asked to design a demountable timber pavilion - the brief requiring that it can be deconstructed then transported and used as a temporary shelter for an injured marine stranded in bad weather conditions on an island.
Date: 25 - 26 September Venue: Ricoh Arena Location: Coventry, UK Timings: 25 September (Tuesday), 9:00 - 17:00 and 26 September (Wednesday), 9:00 - 16:00 Expected Attendees: 4,000+ WEBSITE: www.timber-expo.co.uk
46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
SHOWTIME
W12 W12 is the UK national exhibition of machinery, materials and components for the joinery and furniture manufacturing industries. Each year this major sector buys trade supplies of around GBP 3.5 billion with 75 percent of this coming from UK based companies. Two co-located shows - Working with Wood and Working with Design - make up W12, which is being held at the NEC this year for furniture and joinery manufacturers. Working with Wood is about technology and machinery across the woodworking industries. Working with Design showcases the vast range of materials and components available to assist manufacturers. The event will also include the ‘Design in Manufacturing Awards 2012’, which will be judged by a carefully chosen panel of industry experts. The judges will be looking for examples of practical design of direct value
MTC Global WoodMart 2012
to manufacturers. All materials and components with a strong design element can be considered for an award - but the over-riding feature is practical, commercial application.
Following its highly successful debut in 2010 in Kuala
Organizers have confirmed that the significant
Lumpur, the MTC Global WoodMart (MGW) 2012 will
suppliers of technology to the UK market are booked
once again take centre stage at the Kuala Lumpur
to exhibit at W12 as the show presents the perfect
Convention Centre from October 4-6, 2012 providing
opportunity to engage with buyers of technology,
a premier one-stop selling, buying and networking
materials and components across the joinery and
platform for local and international timber suppliers
furniture manufacturing industries. The last edition of
and buyers. Buoyed by the success of the debut show,
the show in 2010 attracted 10,000 visitors from 6,500
MTC has doubled the exhibition space for MGW 2012 to
companies over 4 days highlighting the importance of
2,000 sqm occupying two halls at the KLCC Convention
the event.
Centre, and has extended the show duration from two to three days. A new feature of MGW 2012 is the ‘Wood in Art’ section, specially introduced for craftsmen to express their creativity in timber in various finished forms. There will also be a ‘Best Presentation Award’ for the most creative exhibitor’s booth. Apart from facilitating business among local and overseas suppliers, agents, distributors, importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and others in the supply chain, MGW 2012 also aims to promote and encourage the wider application and use of timber from Malaysian and international sources. MGW 2012 will feature a wide selection of tropical and temperate hardwood and softwood products such as logs, sawn timber, plywood and panel products, wooden flooring, wooden decking, doors and windows, mouldings and furniture components. MGW’s debut show in 2010 attracted 108 exhibitors from more than 20 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, New Zealand, South Korea, the UAE, UK and USA. In addition, over 2,000 trade buyers from 50 countries attended the show, with sizeable representations from Japan, the Netherlands, China, India, Singapore, Thailand and the UAE.
Date: 4 - 6 October Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Timings: 9:00 - 17:00 Expected Attendees: 2,000+ WEBSITE: www.globalwoodmart.my
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Date: 7 - 10 October Venue: The NEC Location: Birmingham, UK Timings: 7 - 9 October (Sunday - Tuesday), 9:30 - 17:00 and 10 October (Wednesday), 9:30 - 16:00 Expected Attendees: 10,000+ WEBSITE: www.w12exhibition.com
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
SHOWTIME
Modef Expo
in Turkey. Current export statistics show that there are around 300 Inegol furniture companies exporting their products to over 100 countries across the globe. The exhibition is primarily for those companies who are looking to purchase a wide range of high quality products at competitive rates. Due to the fact that Inegol is rich in raw materials, the woodworking industry benefits from direct access to high quality raw materials that are sourced locally. This further contributes to the international competitiveness of timber products being manufactured in Inegol. In addition, the strategic location of Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and its close proximity to the Middle East, ensures exporters have access to both regions whilst also ensuring a fair balance in international visitors to the exhibition. The profile of exhibitors at Modef Expo includes manufacturers producing modern and classical sofa sets, bedroom sets, dining room sets, sitting groups, Inegol, Bursa will play host to the 28th Modef Expo -
sofas, couches, children and young room furniture, and
Furniture and Decoration Fair from 10-14 October 2012,
kitchen and furniture accessories. Further, the show is
wherein over 150 furniture manufacturers and decorators
well attended by professionals including furniture and
will display their new design products and concepts to
chain store representatives, wholesalers, distributors,
professionals visiting from all over the world. Through the
importers, exporters, procurement officers, dealers,
exhibition, visitors will be able to discover the wide range
architects, interior designers and decorators, industrial
of products and unique samples that reflect both modern
designers, contracting companies, and furniture
and classical design themes, and also understand why the
manufacturers. Last year, the fair hosted 146 exhibitors
heart of the Turkish furniture sector is in Inegol.
and was visited by more than 15,322 professionals, of
The furniture industry in Turkey is very dynamic and this has resulted in the international competitiveness
which over 1,765 were international trade visitors from 48 different countries.
of Turkish manufacturers, particularly when it comes to quality, design and price. At present, around 25 percent of the USD 6 billion furniture production in Turkey is marketed across global markets. Inegol constitutes 35 percent of this and the aim is to hit USD 1 billion in exports in 2012. With more than 260 large-scale factories and 1,500 production centers, Inegol has maintained its position as the largest furniture producer and exporter
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Date: 10 - 14 October Venue: Hikmet Sahin Cultural Park International Exhibition Center Location: Inegol - Bursa, Turkey Timings: 10:00 - 19:30 Expected Attendees: 15,000+ WEBSITE: www.modef.com.tr
SHOWTIME
Intermob Istanbul and Wood Processing Machinery Fair
furniPRO Asia The biennial furniPRO Asia offers unparalleled outreach and access for the international woodworking and furniture
To be held at the T端yap Fair and Convention Center,
production industry to trade professionals in the ASEAN
B端y端k巽ekmece between October 13 and 17, 2012, the
region and beyond - showcasing some 250 exhibitors and
International Wood Processing Machinery, Cutting Tools
attracting more than 8,000 trade visitors in the first year.
and Hand Tools Fair and the Intermob International
Serving as an ideal sourcing platform for customers from
Furniture Components, Accessories, Forestry Products
the ASEAN furniture and furnishings manufacturing industry,
and Wood Technologies Fair will host the wood products,
the show offers manufacturers and service providers from
machinery and technologies industries. The two fairs
the international woodworking and furniture production
create a fair, unbiased platform for two industries with a
industry an ideal gateway to ASEAN markets. It is the premier
combined export target of USD 3.8 billion in 2012, and
networking and innovations exchange platform, boasting
gather the leading participants of the growing wood,
unique business matching and opportunities for participants
furniture and components industries under one roof.
to exchange knowledge and insights with fellow industry
The two fairs will showcase a great variety of sustainable, world-class wood products to a wide base of
professionals. The exhibition will feature country pavilions from Germany,
professional visitors. The fairs display the full potential
Italy, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States of America.
of the industry while providing a point of entry to the
furniPRO Asia 2012 brings together ASEAN buyers and
market, making Istanbul the hub of industry and trade for
sellers with a focus on woodworking, wood products,
the wood industry.
materials and furniture production to buy, sell and network.
Date: 13 - 17 October Venue: Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center Location: Istanbul, Turkey Timings: 13 - 16 October (Saturday - Tuesday), 10:00 - 19:00 and 17 October (Wednesday), 10:00 - 18:00 Expected Attendees: 50,000+ WEBSITE: www.intermobistanbul.com
Date: 17 - 19 October Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 2 Location: Singapore Timings: 17 - 18 October (Wednesday - Thursday), 10:00 18:00 and 19 October (Friday) 10:00 - 16:00 Expected Attendees: 8,000+ WEBSITE: www.furniproasia.com
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SHOWTIME
INDEX 2012 INDEX is well established as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition. Under the theme ‘Where Inspiration Thrives’, the exhibition will cover 34,000 sqm gross space of the Dubai World Trade Centre exhibition centre, occupying halls from 1 to 8 and the Zabeel Hall. Over 900 exhibitors from 45 countries
Cairo WoodShow
- including Brazil, Canada, Greece, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, UK - have booked a floor space to showcase their products. INDEX 2012 will replicate the successful and
The second edition of the pioneering Cairo International
easy-to-walk-around product specific show structure
Wood & Wood Machinery Show (Cairo WoodShow) is set to
that was introduced for last year’s edition; plus five
take place in October showcasing the products and services
completely new sectors - Inspire, Surface & Finishes,
of over 700 leading manufacturers and traders from over 50
Couture, Fixture & Fittings and Furniture - have
countries at the Cairo International Convention Centre. As the
been added to the six already existing - Furnishings,
biggest international specialized wood and wood machinery
Kitchen & Bathroom, Lighting, Outdoor Living, InRetail
show in Egypt, the event aims to highlight the best local and
and Textiles - giving commercial visitors an even more
regional wood products in addition to focusing on import
comprehensive and extensive offer.
capabilities, manufacturing and processing potential as
During the four days of the exhibition, INDEX will
well as trade mechanisms for the sector in Egypt. The Cairo
also host a number of events and features, providing
WoodShow offers participants and visitors a comprehensive
the design community with incredible networking
program and is part of a series of wood and wood machinery
and educational opportunities. The calendar of events
exhibitions, which includes the ‘Dubai WoodShow,’ that are all
includes Design Talks; the 4th Annual Contemporary
being organized by Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions.
Majlis Design Competition; Les Collections Exclusives
Aiming to become the largest and most effective trade
- a daily fashion show featuring couture collections
platform for the wood and wood machinery sector and all
realized by award winning Emirati designers DAS
related activities in Egypt and Africa, the second edition
collection; the Artist Avenue where artists and
follows the success of the inaugural Cairo WoodShow, which
galleries display their own creations; and Lighting
exceeded all expectations despite the political instability in
Visione designed by SVEN|M, which is a special
Egypt. In the aftermath of the revolution, the country has
section of the Lighting Show featuring iconic lighting
maintained its leading position within the regional wood
products and innovations from the past, present and
market, which is expected to post over USD 5 billion in
future.
domestic wood production by the end of this year. To date, Egypt has already been able to key in more than USD 3 billion in furniture production and USD 1 billion in furniture exports this year and the organizers are positive that the exhibition will play a fundamental role in shaping the market for wood and wood machinery in Africa. The Cairo WoodShow benefits from Egypt’s position as both
Date: 24 - 27 September Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Location: Dubai, UAE Timings: 11:00 - 19:00 Expected Attendees: 28,000+ WEBSITE: www.indexexhibition.com
a major North African economic power and the cultural leader of the Arab world. According to the organizers, the 2012 edition is aimed at helping the government showcase the stability within the timber sector in the country with a view towards attracting further investment into the sector. As such, the show will include daily thought leadership conferences, multiple workshop sessions and two days of exclusive oneto-one business meetings. Aiming to offer a comprehensive platform, the organizers have also announced plans to host an ‘Auction Zone’ - a first for the sector in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. The daily auction will run for 2 hours and will allow exhibitors to sell products through this unique platform.
Date: 18 - 21 October Venue: Cairo International Conferences and Conventions Center (CICC), Hall 4 Location: Cairo, Egypt Timings: 11:00 - 21:00 Expected Attendees: 15,000+ WEBSITE: www.cairowoodshow.com
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
SHOWTIME
DOMOTEX Middle East
DOMOTEX Middle East, the leading trade fair for carpets
being organized by IHIB.
and floor coverings in Turkey and Middle East, is set to run
According to the organizers, international exhibitors
from 8-11 November at the Istanbul Expo Center. Starting
participating at the fair include companies from Austria,
from this year, DOMOTEX Middle East will be organized
Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Iran, France,
annually in Istanbul by Hannover-Messe International
Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands,
Istanbul. The fair is expected to provide an international
Pakistan, South Korea, UAE, United Kingdom and United
business platform in Turkey and the Middle East for the
States. Amidst the confirmed exhibitors are leading Turkish
carpet and flooring industry with its current exhibitors from
and international key players such as Balta (Belgium), Egger
20 different countries as well as its visitors coming from 20
(Austria), Oriental Weavers (Egypt), Saray Hali / Tiffany Halı
focus countries, including Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Armenia,
(Turkey), Eco Hali, Turkuaz Hali, STEPEVI, Bahariye Mensucat,
Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia,
Serfloor, Yıldız Sunta MDF and Covtex-Feizy (Turkey).
Yemen, Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Turkmenistan. Under the theme - ‘Get the spirit of flooring’ - DOMOTEX
The decision to host the show in Turkey was based on Turkey’s position as one of the world’s top five exporters of hand- and machine-made carpets and textile floor coverings
Middle East aims to provide a lively platform for visitors,
- with around a quarter of its exports going to the Middle
wherein they have the opportunity to see, touch, smell the
East. At the same time, Turkey, with its population of around
products displayed at the show, to compare their quality,
73 million, now ranks as the world’s 17th largest economy
feel the mystic ambience and discover new trends in the
and also boasts economic growth that is well above the
industry. Visitors to the show will primarily comprise
global average. In the second quarter of 2011, Turkey’s
of interior designers, architects, floor layers, industrial
gross domestic product (GDP) grew by a stunning 8.8
designers, furniture and dye manufacturers, planners,
percent year on year. The country’s economic growth rate
investors, real-estate developers, whole sellers, retailers,
for 2010 as a whole was an impressive 8.9 percent growth.
purchasing executives for hotels, shopping malls and public
Economists expect the country’s rapid economic expansion
institutions as well as ship and yacht building companies.
to continue, especially in the building and construction
The exhibition is being organized with the permission of
sector. More importantly, forecasts predict that around 210
the Union of Chamber and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey
million square meters (2.26 billion sq. ft) of carpets and
(TOBB) and is supported by important associations and
floor coverings will be laid in Turkey in 2012 alone, which
unions including the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association
augurs well for exhibitors and visitors going to DOMOTEX
(IHIB), Chamber of Interior Designers, Izmir Chamber of
Middle East.
Commerce (IZTO), Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Simav Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Turhal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zile Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Salihli Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dudullu Organized Industrial Zone, and the OSTIM Organized Industrial. In addition to the exhibition, the organizers are hosting a conference, panel discussions and special events such as ‘IHIB Carpet Design Awards’, which is
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Date: 8 - 11 November Venue: Istanbul Expo Center Location: Istanbul, Turkey Timings: 8 - 10 November (Thursday - Saturday), 10:00 18:00 and 11 November (Sunday), 10:00 - 17:30 Expected Attendees: 25,000 WEBSITE: www.domotex-middle-east.com
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
MTC Global Woodmart 2012 To Boost Regional Timber Industry Cheah Kam Huan, CEO, Malaysian Timber Council talks to Timber Design & Technology ahead of the upcoming MTC Global Woodmart 2012
Image © MTC
In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2010 show? MTC Global WoodMart (MGW) 2010 was able to attract 108 exhibitors
As such, it is meant for local and
creativity, product focus and space
overseas suppliers, agents, distributors,
utilization. The judging will take
importers, manufacturers, wholesalers
place on 4 October and the prize
and others in the timber supply chain.
presentation ceremony is slated for 5 October 2012. In addition, the ‘Timber
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France,
What are the main objectives for this year’s edition?
Germany, India, New Zealand, South
The main objectives of MGW 2012
and engineers on the use of wood
Korea, the UAE, UK and USA. As a small
are to provide a platform for the
in a wide range of building designs.
but very focused show, MGW 2010
strengthening of the global timber-
It is aimed at providing an insight
successfully hosted over 2,000 trade
based network and to promote the
into understanding timber’s inherent
buyers from 50 countries with sizeable
use of timber in construction, interior
qualities as a building material. Both
representations from Japan, the
fit-outs and furniture manufacturing.
the guest speakers are award-winning
Netherlands, China, India, Singapore,
The show aims to generically promote
architects and urban designers who
Thailand and the UAE. A closer look at
timber as a renewable and most
have regularly specified timber in
the numbers reveals that 84 percent
eco-friendly raw material whilst also
many of their projects. Kevin Hill, of
of the visitors were in management,
positioning Malaysia as a high quality
Venturer Pte Ltd based in Singapore
decision-making roles, purchasing,
timber-based manufacturing hub and
will share his extensive experience
planning, production and sales; 82
springboard for the Asian timber-
on ‘Creative Structural Timber Works’
percent of the exhibitors rated the
based market.
while Kenneth Yeh, of Marra and Yeh
from more than 20 countries including
show as good/excellent compared to other trade shows; and 92 percent of the exhibitors rated the quality and quantity of trade visitors as having
Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at this year’s edition?
Talk on Wood and Design’ provides technical information to architects
Architects based in Sydney, will talk about ‘Building with Wood – Technique and Technology’.
(4-5 October 2012) and ‘Timber Talk
How does MTC Global WoodMart aim to be different from other timber industry trade fairs?
MGW 2012 will feature double
on Wood and Design’ (5 October
MGW is a timber materials show that
the floor space in comparison to
2012). In all honesty, timber is a raw
is focused on delivering results to
the 2010 edition. The American
material, and unlike furniture, requires
its exhibitors and visitors. It is the
Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
more effort to attract visitors. The
first show in Malaysia and Southeast
and FrenchTimber are again partner
‘Best Presentation Award’ is aimed at
Asia to focus primarily on timber raw
organizations for the show. The show
encouraging creative booth designs
materials.
is a small but a highly focused show,
and timber-based product display at
and the first in Southeast Asia to
MGW 2012. Booths will be judged
focus mainly on timber raw materials.
based on visual impact, concept,
met/exceeded their expectations.
How is this year’s edition positioned?
56 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
There are two side events at MGW 2012 - the ‘Best Presentation Award’
How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Image © MTC
who are making their debut at MGW 2012 are Samling, Subur Tiasa and Ta Ann. The first ever Sarawak Pavilion at MGW 2012 with a confirmed space of 108 sqm will be coordinated by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and Sarawak Timber Association (STA). In addition, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) and the American Softwood Export Council will also be taking up booths for the first time. Other first timers include Asia Pioneer Impex Pte Ltd (Singapore), Bamboo Bio-Composites Sdn Bhd Image © MTC
there at the fair this year? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?
(Malaysia), Gilbert Hardwood Industries (Malaysia), Houtimport aan de Vecht
Nina Company LLC, Northland
BV (Netherlands), Premier Wood Profile
Corporation, Robinson Lumber
Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), PT KaryaBhakti
Company, Snowbelt Hardwoods Inc,
Manunggal (Indonesia), and Robin
Somerset Wood Products, Sonoking
Resources Sdn Bhd (Malaysia).
There are currently 96 exhibitors
Corporation and Missouri Walnut.
who have registered for MGW 2012,
The US-based International Wood
out of which 70 percent are repeat
Products Association will also be
exhibitors. We believe that 10 - 20
participating under the AHEC banner.
percent of the exhibitors will be
FrenchTimber’s members who have
Do you have an idea of the volume of business that might be conducted at the show this year?
participating for the first time this year
confirmed their participation include
For MGW 2010, although we
and we expect at least 5,000 visitors
Eurochene, Ducerf, Groupe Lefebvre
disseminated a survey form to all
for this year’s show.
and Saint-Loubert. FrenchTimber has
exhibitors on the show, many of them
also increased their booth size from 36
did not reveal the amount of sales that
sqm to 54 sqm.
they had made, saying that for many
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has increased the size of their booth from 36 sqm
participating include Baillie, Bridgewell
Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show this year?
Resources LLC, Graf Brothers, HSEG,
Among the major Malaysian companies
in 2010 to 126 sqm for MGW 2012. Its members that will be
of them, it was normal to not get any sales immediately after the show. Most of them, however, said that the number and quality of visitors to their booths met or exceeded their expectations.
September 2012 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 57
SHOWTIME
EXPO Calendar Furniture Asia
Intermob Istanbul
Lesdrevmash
11th - 13th September Karachi Expo Center Karachi, Pakistan
13th - 17th October Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center Istanbul, Turkey
22nd - 26th October Expocentre Fairgrounds Moscow, Russia
www.furnitureasia.com.pk
www.intermobistanbul.com
www.lesdrevmash-expo.ru/en
Tekhnodrev Siberia
furniPRO Asia
SASO
11th - 14th September Siberia International Exhibition Business Centre, 19, Aviatorov st. Krasnoyarsk, Russia
17th - 19th October Singapore Expo, Hall 2 Singapore
24th - 28th October Expo Centre, Nasrec Split, Croatia
www.furniproasia.com
www.sasofair.com/index_eng.htm
Cairo WoodShow
Wooden House Building
18th - 21st October Cairo International Conferences and Conventions Center (CICC), Hall 4 Cairo, Egypt
www.woodenhouse.kiev.ua
http://old.restec.ru/exhibitions/featured/ tekhnodrev-siberia/index.en.html Project Iraq 17th - 20th September Erbil International Fairground Iraq
www.cairowoodshow.com
www.project-iraq.com “SouthExpoFurniture”, “Woodworking”, “Interior” 20th - 23rd September Vertol Expo Exhibition Center Rostov-on-Don, Russia
www.en.vertolexpo.ru INDEX 2012 24th - 27th September Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE
www.indexexhibition.com Timber Expo 25th - 26th September Ricoh Arena Coventry, UK
www.timber-expo.co.uk LIGNUMEXPO & FOREST 2012 2nd - 5th October Fairground Agrokomplex Nitra, Slovakia
www.agrokomplex.sk/vystava/199 RISI North American Forest Products Conference 3rd - 5th October Park Plaza Hotel Boston (MA), USA
www.risiinfo.com/events/na_conf MTC Global WoodMart 2012 4th - 6th October Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.globalwoodmart.my W12 7th - 10th October The NEC Birmingham, UK
www.w12exhibition.com MODEF Expo 2012 10th - 14th October Hikmet Sahin Cultural Park International Exhibition Center Inegol - Bursa, Turkey
www.modef.com.tr/index.php/en
58 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | September 2012
Index Trade Fairs - Mumbai 2012 18th - 21st October MMRDA Exhibition Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) Mumbai, India
www.ubmindexfairs.com
1st - 4th November Kiev Expo Plaza Exhibition Center Kiev, Ukraine
DOMOTEX Middle East 8th - 11th November Istanbul Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey
www.domotex-middle-east.com/en/index.html
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