Opinions Archive
Archive of industry opinions from the global ttj industryOpinions By Date
June 2021
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The Definition of Resilience
It’s been challenging times for the US hardwood industry, but production is rising and optimism is in the air, reports AHEC executive director Mike Snow
Confident your timber is correctly fire-treated?
Most specifiers rely on their supply chain to deliver products fi t for purpose. Fire-retardant timber is a case in point. You’re given the paperwork to tick the box. But is that enough? And do you know what to ask to ensure correct treatment? asks Mark Eggleston, managing director of WJ Group
Physical event planned for 25th anniversary TTJ Awards
It’s heartening to see signs of normal life resuming once again. Meeting up with others following the easing of pandemic restrictions has been a welcome relief after what has seemed like a long winter and springtime. I don’t know about you but it seemed like I had exhausted my narrow list of Covid-safe things to do.
April 2021
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Not letting the FLEGT conversation flag
The TTF has big ambitions for its campaign to communicate the FLEGT timber legality assurance initiative, with COP26 a key focus, says FLEGT communications executive Lucy Bedry
A clear case for treatment clarity
The industry must get behind the TTF’s efforts to clear the fog around correct specification of treated softwood, says Keith Fryer of Fort Builders’ Merchant
Industry consolidation here to stay
Consolidation in the UK timber sector has been gathering pace in recent years and as we officially enter spring, it seems to have gone up a notch.
March 2021
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Greenpeace certification report covets headlines not consensus
It must be a burden being part of Greenpeace, being so ineffably right all the time, when everyone else is so unmitigatedly wrong.
February 2021
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Time to state the carbon case
As the European timber industry deals with the fallout from pandemic, it must continue to state wood’s case as a key material for decarbonising construction, writes European Woodworking Industries Confederation secretary-general Silvia Melegari
Tech immerses customers in sustainable forestry
More than ever, the timber sector needs to communicate the benefits of sustainable forest management – Södra is doing it in virtual 3D, writes sales director Nigel Buckley-Ryan
December 2020
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Working to boost African tropical forest certification
It’s time for new impetus for certification of tropical forests, and PEFC – with a diverse coalition of stakeholders – is making great strides towards this goal, writes PEFC International chairman Peter Latham OBE
Strict protection the way forward?
The FSC sees sustainable management as key for preserving tropical forests and aims to increase the area under its certification scheme from 18 million to 50 million ha, says director-general Kim Carstensen
A question of confidence
As I write this, England was preparing once again to go into another lockdown, albeit a shorter one.
October 2020
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Teaching Timber: Building Better
There’s growing realisation that construction has a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis and, within that context, of the need to teach building professionals about using timber, writes Tabitha Binding, university and regional engagement manager, TTF
Construction resilience in the era of Covid
The construction industry’s talents will always be needed, says Philip Pointon sustainability director at Pasquill
August 2020
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Backing the low carbon campaign
Timber products have such a great story to tell.
Agility is key in the new norm
The ability to adapt rapidly to fast changing market conditions proved key for businesses at the height of the health crisis, and it will remain so in the post-pandemic new norm, writes Lathams Ltd managing director Andrew Wright
Choose Science Over Emotion
A science first, fact-based approach to the Fire Safety Bill is required, says Jeremy English, Södra
June 2020
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Indonesia appreciates legality assurance value
Indonesia’s decision not to drop obligatory export legality assurance is key to combating the illegal timber trade, writes TTF FLEGT communications executive Lucy Bedry
Continued Communication on Carbon Is Key
The industry must continue to communicate timber’s role in mitigating climate change, another crisis that could turn the world upside down, writes American Hardwood Export Council European director David Venables
April 2020
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Planting plans remain a priority
To meet UK 2050 climate change targets, support biodiversity, rural livelihoods – and deliver a sustainable timber supply, politicians must be held to their pledges on tree planting, says Confor chief executive Stuart Goodall
