Features Archive
Archive of features from the global ttj industryFeatures By Date
August 2023
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Combustibility challenge
Dr Daniel Brandon discusses recent advances in fire safety for mass timber buildings
Ligna returns
The Ligna exhibition returned to Hanover for the first time in four years and the result was a welcome coming together for the international wood-based panel sector. Stephen Powney attended the show
Safe and secure
Matt Grierson, president of the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) provides some guidance on keeping your employees safe
Slip sliding away
Meherrin River Forest Products has found that loading lumber is quicker and way more efficient with a Combi-CSS
Weather dependable
Nick Glaves reports on racking modifications to protect timber from the great British weather
NMITE launches TED 2 course
NMITE is building on the success of TED 1 and continuing to address the sustainable construction skills crisis, so the sector can reach net zero by 2050
Imports down, prices steady
Latest TDUK figures show imports still down but prices stabilised
Timber and joinery continues slide
Latest BMBI stats show that April’s timber and joinery products volume fell -20.6% year-on-year
Construction decarbonisation opens doors
With growing pressure on the building industry to go low carbon, major opportunities are opening up for the structural timber sector, reports Structural Timber Association chief executive Andrew Carpenter
Big data, big advantages
Rolf Schmitz, co-founder of CollectiveCrunch, explains how data collection software systems and AI can benefit timber management
Living in a digital world
Digitisation is introducing many efficiencies into businesses. Sally Spencer reports
Entering the electric age
Robert O’Donoghue, vice-president marketing and solutions, EMEA for Hyster, explores the landscape of industrial truck electrification
Europe sets mood for UK MDF market
UK demand for MDF is holding up but Europe’s situation is the bigger influence on the market. Keren Fallwell reports
Ebbs and flows for French
France’s timber sector has felt the impact of global economic volatility since 2019, although one thing remains constant, the UK remains its biggest oak export market. Thibaud Le Moign of the industry’s international marketing body French Timber reports
Hardwood hiatus can’t halt investment
After a buoyant 2021/2022, French hardwood mills are seeing the heat going out of the market in 2023, but remain upbeat about prospects. Mike Jeffree reports
A steamroller of reform
A Structural Timber Association roundtable discussion at Future Build addressed the Building Safety Act, described as the biggest regulatory change for UK construction in 40 years. Mike Jeffree reports
Serpentine showcase for bio-based building
Wood was the natural material for the architect to turn to for this year’s London summer arts venue. Mike Jeffree reports
US hardwood unpacked
AHEC’s American Hardwood Trade Symposium packed out its London venue and delivered a full programme, addressing latest trade trends and the sector’s challenges, opportunities and initiatives. Symposium chair Mike Jeffree reports
US softwood keeps up powerful run
The US softwood industry remains in robust good health, with continuing near record exports and southern pine shipments at an all-time high. American Softwoods consultant Charles Trevor reports
One material, multiple solutions
A new book is out to tackle decision makers’ assumptions that a timber building is just a timber building. Mike Jeffree reports
