WOOD MARKETS successfully wrapped up its seventh international tour of Russia’s forest industry on 16 September 2012. Some key issues identified during the tour included:
University of Canterbury researchers have made a breakthrough in treating export logs by heating them using high voltage electricity. Export logs are usually fumigated to rid the timber of pests, such as insects and fungi which could pose a biosecurity threat.
Ford investigating using cellulose in their plastic components
Ford is investigating using cellulose in vehicle components to help further reduce the automaker’s reliance on traditional content such as fiberglass and petroleum.
400 jobs on the line as Sappi mothballs paper machine
Paper and packaging group Sappi has issued over 400 of its staff members with Section 189 notices regarding its decision to mothball the PM4 paper machine at its KwaZulu-Natal-based Tugela mill, from January 1.
“New Zealand’s primary industries have this week been dealt another blow to value-added forestry products as Norske Skog has favoured re-building their Tasmania paper machine, over the one in Kawerau, and the reason is clear – government subsidies bought the deal for Australia,” said Forest Indus
In-market log prices are reduced slightly this month. However demand is still strong as shipping prices have lowered. The in-market log price has lowered 1-2% for the products Agrifax monitors, however the cost of shipping in $/JASm³ has lowered 5-6%. Inventories
If you're a pulp supplier in it for the long term these days, there's no standing still. It's been clear for a while that real demand in traditional end-use markets such as graphic papers is not going in our favour and we'd be foolish to think that's going to change.
Forest Industry in January-June 2012: Difficult Market Conditions Led to Weaker Forest Industry Production
Finland, Aug 29, 2012 - Forest industry production volumes decreased or remained unchanged in a challenging operating environment during the first half of 2012.
