BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT97-3775 - End use and substitution analysis for sawn timber and wood-based panels: implications for European forestry

FAIR-CT97-3775
End use and substitution analysis for sawn timber and wood-based panels: implications for European forestry

Contacts
Further Information

To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Forestry : Solid Wood Products : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Concerted Action
	Contract No	FAIR-CT97-3775
	Total Cost	90,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	90,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/09/1998
	Duration	18 months

End use and substitution analysis for sawn timber and wood-based panels: implications for European forestry

Objectives

to pool existing knowledge of end uses trends of sawn timber (softwoods and hardwoods) and wood based panels in Europe and methods of end use analysis
to collate trends in the substitution of sawn timber and wood panels in Europe by other wood and non-wood products and to evaluate methods of substitution analysis
to assess the need by the wood based industries and forest sector policy makers for systematic and consistent studies on end uses and substitution

Technical Approach

The objectives will be met by holding two workshops, the first attended by the partners and the second by partners and selected industry representatives. The objectives of the proposal are relevant to two key issues for the future of European forestry. The first relates to the diverging trends of raw material requirements and resource availability. Whilst the forest industries increasingly use small roundwood, silvicultural and management regimes continue to put greater emphasis on the production of saw logs. Second, the solid wood processing industries (sawmilling, joinery, furniture, etc.) are important employers in rural forest areas. The predicted slower growth in demand for solid wood products compared with newer materials could jeopardise employment and incomes in these regions. An understanding of the changing end uses for sawn timber and wood-based panels and of substitution trends affecting these products will contribute to a better appreciation of their impact on silvicultural priorities and forest based employment.

Contacts

Coordinator

Roger J COOPER / University of Wales Bangor School of Agricultural & Forest Sciences / UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant