South Africa is launching a Timber Marketing Forum to promote the use of wood in the face of rapidly increasing competition from alternative products.
The inaugural meeting of the organisation in Isando on June 22 will see the unveiling of a constitution, logo and a strategic plan.
“As an industry, we have done little in a co-ordinated manner to promote the benefits of timber,” said the organisation.
It said the “green revolution” of energy efficiency building codes and the emphasis on carbon reduction meant the timber industry was well placed to position its products more favourably.
But increased competition is coming from steel frame and trusses, fibre cement products, aluminium and composite decking, while timber poles are up against steel vineyard poles and cement and steel electricity and transmission poles.
“In the marketing of their products, competitors are targeting the alleged perceived weaknesses of timber products, with steel frame and truss producers stating their products do not rot and are safe from insect attack,” the organisation said. “But we know this is dealt with by the treatment of timber.”
Participating associations include Sawmilling South Africa, Institute for Timber Construction, South African Wood Preservers Association, Timber Frame Builders Association, South African Utility Pole Association, Thatchers Association of South Africa and Forestry South Africa.
In addition to promoting timber products, the organisation aims to create greater educational and promotional synergy for the timber industry.
