“Forest-based welfare in Finland till 2015”, by the Finnish Forest Research Institute, says one future is based on developing the current industry structure.
This would see production reducing by more than 20% and use of domestic stout timber falling by 5 million m3 per year. Plywood and laminated wood would fare better than solid timber, with overall sawmilling capacity falling by about a fifth, while woodchip and stump use in energy production would grow.
The other future envisages active change in the sector and risk-taking to yield results in the long-term. New companies and risk capital would feature as other branches of business life invest in developing wood-based products.
Wood’s market share in construction would be maintained, profit levels increased and the export of construction systems would grow.
The report says the forest industry should concentrate on how it can benefit society and change its biased attitudes. Researchers also say forest policy should stay connected to other policy branches, such as trade, industry, energy and the environment.
