A five-year study into global eucalyptus resources and developing markets for eucalyptus solidwood products has been published.
The authors believe fast-growing hardwood plantations can help “save the world’s rainforests” and revolutionise the industry.
The 300-page report – “The Global Eucalyptus Wood Products Industry” published by DANA Ltd – includes a 2003 directory of eucalyptus producers listing more than 300 companies in 20 countries. The number of producers has tripled in the past three years.
There are now more than 15 million ha of eucalyptus plantations in South America, South Africa, Australia and Asia. Eucalyptus has a growth cycle of 15-20 years compared with native hardwood tree cycles of 50-100 years.
The report says plantation eucalyptus lumber and plywood can substitute more valuable native hardwoods like meranti, mahogany and cherry, but with prices 20-30% lower.
Major retail chains in the US and Europe are now using plantation eucalyptus for plywood, windows and furniture.
