HAUT, the 21-storey wooden residential building by the Dutch River Amstel, is a serious contender to become the tallest timber tower in the world. The municipality of Amsterdam has selected Team V Architecture with Lingotto, Nicole Maarsen, ARUP and brand partner NLE to develop this remarkable high-rise structure. Construction work is expected to start in the second half of 2017. HAUT promises to be a prototype of building in an innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.
The use of timber in high-rise buildings is one of the most keenly discussed innovations in the 
construction industry worldwide. It represents an important step towards the carbon-neutral city: Continue reading "World's tallest timber tower could be built in Amsterdam"
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World’s tallest timber tower could be built in Amsterdam
HAUT, the 21-storey wooden residential building by the Dutch River Amstel, is a serious contender to become the tallest timber tower in the world. The municipality of Amsterdam has selected Team V Architecture with Lingotto, Nicole Maarsen, ARUP and brand partner NLE to develop this remarkable high-rise structure. Construction work is expected to start in the second half of 2017. HAUT promises to be a prototype of building in an innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.
The use of timber in high-rise buildings is one of the most keenly discussed innovations in the construction industry worldwide. It represents an important step towards the carbon-neutral city: Continue reading "World’s tallest timber tower could be built in Amsterdam"
Uncertain policy implications after Brexit
There are also uncertain policy implications for the timber sector associated with Brexit. UK technical standards for the vast majority of building products are now set at EU level under the terms of the EU Construction Products Regulation.
This situation won’t change any time soon, particularly as even after the UK has left the EU, UK manufacturers selling any product into the EU will have to continue to abide by EU standards. However, the UK’s exit from the EU would open the door to gradual divergence of UK and EU standards for construction and other products.
The same could be said of regulatory requirements like the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), although again it’s unlikely that there will be any significant change in the terms of this regulation in the UK in the foreseeable future. Continue reading "Uncertain policy implications after Brexit"
Austria: Price of wood pellets on a stable trend in July
Austrian pellets price recorded an average of EUR 222.7 per kg of Enplus A1 pellets. This represents a 0.1% increase from June 2016 and a -2.9% drop, as compared to the previous year. Continue reading "Austria: Price of wood pellets on a stable trend in July"
Latest prices of teak logs, sawnwood and plywood in India
The current pace of deliveries matches demand, thus C&F prices remain stable.
Prices for imported plantation teak, C&F Indian ports
| US$ per m3 | |
| Angola logs | 459-574 |
| Belize logs | 350-400 |
| Benin logs | 290-614 |
| Benin sawn | 530-872 |
| Brazil logs | 321-665 |
| Brazil squares | 370-558 |
| Cameroon logs | 405-616 |
| Colombia logs | 428-775 |
| Congo logs | 450-761 |
| Costa Rica logs | 320-780 |
| Côte d'Ivoire logs | 289-756 |
| Ecuador squares | 254-564 |
| El-Salvador logs | 399-732 |
| Ghana logs | 276-434 |
| Guatemala logs | 360-451 |
| Guyana logs | 300-450 |
| Kenya logs | 515-876 |
| Laos logs | 300-605 |
| Liberia logs | 265-460 |
| Malaysian logs | 225-516 |
| Mexican logs | 515 |
| Nicaragua logs | 402-505 |
| Panama logs | 368-430 |
| PNG logs | 443-575 |
| Sudan logs | 488-857 |
| Tanzania, teak, sawn | 307-613 |
| Thailand logs | 511-700 |
| Togo logs | 354-590 |
| Trinidad and Tobago logs | 557-680 |
| Uganda logs | 411-576 |
| Uganda Teak sawn | 680-900 |
Variations are based on quality, length and average girth of logs.
Prices for locally sawn hardwoods
The US dollar/Rupee exchange rate continues to trade in a narrow band, allowing importers to maintain past price levels.
| Sawnwood, (Ex-mill) (AD) | Rs. per ft3 |
|
Merbau
|
2400-2650 |
|
Balau
|
1750-1950 |
|
Resak
|
1250-1450 |
|
Kapur
|
1750-1890 |
|
Kempas
|
1250-1350 |
|
Red Meranti
|
1200-1350 |
|
Radiata pine AD
|
850-950 |
|
Whitewood
|
850-950 |
Myanmar teak flitches resawn in India
Ex-mill prices for sawn teak reamin unchanged.
| Sawnwood (Ex-mill) | Rs. per ft3 |
| Myanmar Teak (AD) | |
|
Export Grade F.E.Q.
|
8000-15000 |
|
Plantation Teak A grade
|
6500-7500 |
|
Plantation Teak B grade
|
5000-5500 |
|
Plantation Teak FAS grade
|
4000-4500 |
Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section.
Prices for imported sawnwood
Overall, prices remain unchanged, except for American walnut, for which firm demand resulted in an upward pressure on prices.
| Sawnwood, (Ex-warehouse) (KD) | Rs per ft3 |
| Beech | 1350-1450 |
| Sycamore | 1500-1650 |
| Red oak | 1600-1750 |
| White Oak | 2100-2150 |
| American Walnut | 4000-4400 |
| Hemlock clear grade | 1300-1400 |
| Hemlock AB grade | 1250-1300 |
| Western Red Cedar | 1650-1850 |
| Douglas Fir | 1350-1450 |
Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section.
Prices fo WBP Marine grade plywood from domestic mills
| Plywood, | Rs per sq.ft |
| Ex-warehouse. (MR Quality) | |
| 4 mm | 41.55 |
| 6 mm | 55.00 |
| 9 mm | 70.00 |
| 12 mm | 86.00 |
| 15 mm | 114.50 |
| 18 mm | 120.00 |
Domestic ex-warehouse prices for locally manufactured MR plywood
| Locally Manufactured Plywood “Commercial Grade” |
Rs per sq.ft | |
| Rubberwood | Hardwood | |
| 4mm | Rs.21.00 | Rs.31.00 |
| 6mm | Rs.31.80 | Rs.40.00 |
| 8mm | Rs.40.00 | Rs.48.50 |
| 12mm | Rs.49.00 | Rs.58.50 |
| 15mm | Rs.59.50 | Rs.71.50 |
| 19mm | RS.67.80 | Rs.80.00 |
| 5mm Flexible ply | Rs.42.00 | |
Source: ITTO
European wood-based panel production up 3% in 2015
On the occasion of the European Panel Federation (EPF) Annual General Meeting in Venice on 7 th & 8 th July, and in the presence of MEP Simona Bonafè, MEP David Borrelli, Mr Carlo Mari Medaglia of the Italian Ministry of the Environment, captains of the European panel industry and their suppliers, the Chairman and President of the Composite Panel Association of North America and members of the trade press, Mr Clive Pinnington, EPF Managing Director presented an economic review of the wood-based panels industry in 2015. Figures were drawn from the recently published EPF Annual Report, an extensive compilation of industry statistics collected by the federation.
Continue reading "European wood-based panel production up 3% in 2015"
China moves towards a national timber legality verification scheme
The Illegal logging update and stakeholder consultation meeting held by Chatham House on 16-17 June provided an interesting overview on the developments of China Timber Legality Verification Scheme (CLTVS).
According to UK's Confederation of the Timber Industries, Continue reading "China moves towards a national timber legality verification scheme"
US lumber prices continue to rise
The framing lumber prices have continued to increase due to the growing consumption across the continent. Yet, the weather conditions negatively affected the activity in the Midwest and Southeast, while the overall supplies flowed smoothly through the pipeline. Also the supplies in Eastern Canada were limited due to the seasonal mill shutdowns. All in all, the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price rose $5, to $357.
| Week Jul 22 |
Week Jul 15 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $357 | $352 | $344 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 329 | 324 | 302 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 427 | 423 | 386 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 353 | 353 | 352 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 399 | 389 | 332 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 352 | 357 | 338 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 705 | 705 | 670 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
The structural panels prices were mixed. The OSB and western Fir plywood prices increased, while prices of Southern Pine plywood softened due to the offshore imports. Mill order files pushed mostly into mid-August. Activity in western plywood slowed compared to previous weeks, but prices continued to rise. Some southern mills discounted their offerings to sell next week’s shipping schedule.
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Jul 22 |
Week Jul 15 |
Year Ago 2015 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $396 | $391 | $352 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 378-407 | 378-407 | 380-420 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 378-415 | 382-417 | 382-420 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 421 | 417 | 393 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 306 | 298 | 197 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
EU's pellet production expected to reach 22.5 MMT by 2017
The consumption of 20.5 MMT (million metric tonnes) of pellets during 2015 made the EU the world’s largest wood pellet market. By 2017, the demand is expected to expand to nearly 22.5 MMT.
With a production of about 13.5 MMT in 2015, about 50% of global production, the EU is the world’s biggest producer of wood pellets. Compared to production plants in North America, plants in the EU are mainly small or medium-sized. Continue reading "EU's pellet production expected to reach 22.5 MMT by 2017"
EU’s pellet production expected to reach 22.5 MMT by 2017
The consumption of 20.5 MMT (million metric tonnes) of pellets during 2015 made the EU the world’s largest wood pellet market. By 2017, the demand is expected to expand to nearly 22.5 MMT.
With a production of about 13.5 MMT in 2015, about 50% of global production, the EU is the world’s biggest producer of wood pellets. Compared to production plants in North America, plants in the EU are mainly small or medium-sized. Continue reading "EU’s pellet production expected to reach 22.5 MMT by 2017"
Innovations4Flooring wins patent dispute against Unilin
Innovations4Flooring (I4F) has won a court case against the Unilin group. This concerns an invalidation action against the Dutch part of I4F’s European Patent EP 2 440 724 before the court of The Hague in the Netherlands filed by Flooring Industries Limited, the intellectual property entity of the Unilin group.
The court confirmed the novelty and inventiveness of the patent claims, and hence the validity, of the Dutch part of I4F’s 3L TripleLock patent EP’724 denying all Unilin’s claims to nullify the patent.
I4F’s 3L TripleLock one-piece drop-lock technology has patents granted in 37 countries worldwide and multiple additional patent applications pending, according to I4F. I4F’s technology is already being used on millions of square meters of different types of flooring, including laminate, wood, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and wood plastic composite (WPC).
John Rietveldt, CEO of Innovations4Flooring said, “This decision reaffirms our strong global market position and underlines the true added value of 3L TripleLock for our licensees. Tried and tested over the last two years by the world’s leading global flooring manufacturers, no other one-piece drop lock solution has undergone such breadth of testing to offer a superior installation system across all types of flooring. Our goal is to revolutionize the global flooring industry through freedom of choice and game changing innovations offered at a reasonable fee compared to the total manufacturing cost price of products.”
Austria's CLT producer KLH Massivholz receives JAS certification in Japan
Austrian KLH Massivholz GmbH has recently announced that it has managed to obtain JAS certification in Japan, becoming the first company in the world to receive JAS certification for cross-laminated timber (CLT). Continue reading "Austria's CLT producer KLH Massivholz receives JAS certification in Japan"
Austria’s CLT producer KLH Massivholz receives JAS certification in Japan
Austrian KLH Massivholz GmbH has recently announced that it has managed to obtain JAS certification in Japan, becoming the first company in the world to receive JAS certification for cross-laminated timber (CLT). Continue reading "Austria’s CLT producer KLH Massivholz receives JAS certification in Japan"
Prices for wood products rise in Germany
In July a slightly upward trend for the German wood products price index could be noticed. As compared to the previous month, only the index values for boards, planed softwood and pellets have decreased minorly. Continue reading "Prices for wood products rise in Germany"
Huge interest for Swedish wood in Western China
Raute supplies machinery for Metsä Wood's €100 million LVL and plywood expansion
Raute Corporation has received orders worth approximately EUR 25 million from Metsä Wood. The orders are related to the investment program resolved and disclosed by Metsä Group on June 8, 2016.
The orders now received by Raute consist of a Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) production line to be delivered to the Metsä Wood's LVL mill in Lohja, and machinery and equipment for a birch veneer production plant to be set up in Äänekoski. Installation and commissioning of the new LVL line in Lohja will start during the first quarter of 2017, and installation Continue reading "Raute supplies machinery for Metsä Wood's €100 million LVL and plywood expansion"
Raute supplies machinery for Metsä Wood’s €100 million LVL and plywood expansion
Raute Corporation has received orders worth approximately EUR 25 million from Metsä Wood. The orders are related to the investment program resolved and disclosed by Metsä Group on June 8, 2016.
The orders now received by Raute consist of a Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) production line to be delivered to the Metsä Wood's LVL mill in Lohja, and machinery and equipment for a birch veneer production plant to be set up in Äänekoski. Installation and commissioning of the new LVL line in Lohja will start during the first quarter of 2017, and installation Continue reading "Raute supplies machinery for Metsä Wood’s €100 million LVL and plywood expansion"
Sweden: Positive trend in the sawmill industry, despite Brexit chaos
Canfor opens two wood pellet plants with 175,000 t/yr capacity
Canfor opened two new pellet plants in Chetwynd and Fort St. John on Tuesday, 19th of July. Continue reading "Canfor opens two wood pellet plants with 175,000 t/yr capacity"
Sarawak timber exports fell by 3.5 during 1st half of 2016
The timber and timber products exports from Sarawak decreased by 3.5% in the first half of 2016.
During January-June 2016, the total earnings of Sarawak reached 762 EUR million, while the export earnings in 2015 amounted to EUR 789 million, as reported by The Borneo Post.
The uncertainty on the major consuming markets, such as Japan, India, Taiwan or China, has seriously affected the timber and timber products exports during this period of time.
“The export value of timber and timber products to major markets has declined between four and 52 per cent during the same period,” said Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Exports to China declined by 52%, while the one in Thailand went down by 27%. Also, the timber and timber products exports to Taiwan registered a 26% decline, the ones in India 9% and the exports to Japan decreased by 4%.
At the same time, the export values to the Philippines increased by 74%, while the ones in the Middle East went up by 23%. Also the exports to Australia and South Korea increased by 27% and 4%, respectively.
The plywood exports also decreased by 6% during the first half of 2016, reaching EUR 374 million. Plywood accounted for 49% of the total exports earnings of Sarawak. Moreover, the sawn timber and MDF exports value increased by 23% and 20%, respectively.
