Given current trading and economic conditions it would be easy to assume that value adding and investment might be thin on the ground in the New Zealand wood industry. So we went looking for evidence to the contrary.
A major scientific breakthrough – the world’s first DNA testing of lumber to combat illegal logging – is being used by one of Australia’s largest timber importers.
An extensive review of timber treatment standards is taking place following recent mainstream media publicity about health issues relating to the handling of LOSPtreated timber in New Zealand.
Some readers may remember the exciting few weeks of mid-1993 when wood prices went through the roof. The consensus amongst experts at the time was that the world had finally hit a wood crunch and a new paradigm shift would lead to vast wealth for all wood owners.
It was called ‘scrimber’, cost A$9 million to develop and was touted as the wonder-wood product that would change the way pulpwood was engineered. Then it disappeared from sight – until Inwood found it.
Analysis of a national timber market survey exclusive to Inwood suggests Australia’s housing industry is ready for an upswing in the second half of 2007.
