Post by Trade facilitator on Feb 12, 2020 19:31:23 GMT 1
There are many opportunities in wood processing, among which is charcoal production. Although, the wood processing industry is currently undergoing changes with a gradual switch from the production of only timber products using large diameter trees to those utilizing smaller diameter from second cuts, as well as moving toward plantations and the estate sector.
With an expected increase in demand and shortage in supply, the growing of wood trees for furniture and panel products industries and charcoal and firewood production is envisioned. This would dramatically increase wood processing business which is currently as low as 25 percent.
Despite the spread of innovations in many of the wood mills, there is still a high number of low productivity mills in operation which have very low productivity rates, frequently less than 40 percent, this ultimately gives room to full capacity investment in the sector.
Wood product processing technologies have also undergone extraordinary advances. Improvements have been achieved in terms of recovery rates, higher qualities in terms of durability and protection, higher utilization of various grain stalks, bamboo, as well as the development of new products such as reconstituted wood-panels.
Production Process
Wood production process involves in the first steps of debarking and chipping. Cleaned chips are then cooked in a digester and refined into wood fibres which are then mixed with resin and wax. The mixture of wet fibre, resin and wax is dried and transported to the mat former before it is pressed to produce a continuous mat. In the final processing stage it is trimmed, sanded and cut to specified dimensions, depending on customer requirements.
Market overview
Wood processing has a ready market for investors. It is from wood processing, paper is derived and charcoal production cannot be possible without wood.
Product diversity has also increased to such an extent and developments have also increased. The current developments in the wood processing sector is a result of emerging opportunities that exist in the industry. Advanced machinery and technologies for more efficient wood use is now existing in industries. This is why there is need for farmers to grow trees.
Apart from the fact that it can be a source of income, it also helps to preserve the environment. Pulp and paper have also seen tremendous growth rates over the last decade. A more important aspect for the pulp and paper industry (particularly the large scale complexes) is whether it will be able to satisfy its demand.
