Finland is to embark on a four- year multi-million pound campaign to promote the use of wood throughout Europe.
Wood Europe follows hard on the heels of its successful Time for Wood campaign. Backed by the Finnish government, the four-year domestic campaign saw the use of wood double to 0.78m³ per person per year, compared to less than 0.2m³ per person per year in most mid-European countries.
The aims of Time for Wood were to upgrade the processing level in the mechanical woodworking industry, increase exports, create new jobs, establish forest policy based on the new legislation and improve training in the field.
The campaign focused on more efficient wood construction, using modern technology, while developing the Finnish tradition of craftsmanship in handling wood. As a result, the practice of building several blocks or entire town sectors using wood as the main material has spread.
Now emphasis is to be placed on the export market. Minna Hämäläinen of Wood Focus Oy said: ‘We are currently negotiating with the government for funding and hope to start the Wood Europe campaign this summer.
‘We estimate it will cost about £700,000 a year for the next four years. The work will support the Wood. for Good campaign in the UK.’
