Delegates were in positive mood at the 50th European Softwood Conference in the Netherlands in October where the underlying theme was change.
Leading softwood importing and exporting nations, meeting to discuss issues affecting producers, distributors and consumers of softwood products, heard the market experienced lower demand and weaker profitability during 2001 and 2002. But despite the backdrop of economic uncertainty, the mood was optimistic.
Delegates reflected on the changes that have occurred during the past 50 years and on those likely to happen over the next few years, many of which will benefit the industry and its consumers.
These include the active wood promotional campaigns – both national and local – which have increased awareness and consumption of wood products.
Softwood is benefiting from housing repair and refurbishment, consumer demand for decking and other external products, and its progression towards sustainable forestry management practices.
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“It’s clear that the timber industry is changing to reflect the immense advances which have taken place in production distribution and communication technology” |
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Charles Hopping, chairman Hoppings Softwood Products |
For the first time the conference reviewed the global softwood market and examined the difficulties facing many importing and exporting nations.
Charles Hopping, chairman of Hoppings Softwood Products plc, who led the UK delegation, said: “It’s clear that the timber industry is changing to reflect the immense advances which have taken place in production distribution and communication technology.”
He said delegates valued the statistical information made available and added that an important development was the decision to write to the European Commission expressing support for the principle of certification but expressing the industry’s concerns at attempts to specify a single certification body to the exclusion of others.
