Sustainability, aesthetics, warmth, health and well-being and their low-carbon benefits.
We probably take for granted this fantastic narrative and assume everyone out there understands this message, which of course is rarely the case.
The industry-wide “Wood CO2ts less” campaign is now under way to educate the timber industry, construction sector and wider society.
The campaign, developed by Swedish Wood in cooperation with Wood for Good and the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), has been signed up to all by UK timber associations.
The impetus for the campaign came from a presentation at the Institution of Structural Engineers by government adviser Professor Gideon Henderson, who said the government would need to rely on carbon capture to reach net zero. He identified greater use of wood in construction as one simple and largely cost-free way of capturing carbon.
This is something that all wood-related companies need to understand and get behind – it’s a massive topic for now and the future but we can’t expect everyone to just get it. It’s going to take a concerted amount of wood evangelism to make timber’s low carbon message fully heard and understand that we all have a role to play.
Members of trade associations can help the campaign by use of the campaign logo at a nominal cost. See page 54 for further details of this great new campaign.
This issue sees our latest softwood market report by the TTJ Softwood Specialist, who highlights some of the gaps that are appearing in specifications.
Importers had delayed forward shipments as lockdown took effect, but merchants had then experienced high DIY sector demand. Now we have the summer Nordic mill shutdown period which may exacerbate the situation and lead to shortages.
But as our correspondent says, the last thing needed after this break is for the mills to over produce – a measured approach is required and stronger demand from other markets should help that happen.
Also featuring in this issue is our annual joinery focus, with content from the BWF, case studies on Gowercroft Joinery, Input Joinery and Haldane, updates from Moralt and Halspan on the door front, as well as news on what suppliers like Lathams and W Howard are doing in the market.
We have some more details on our first-ever Virtual TTJ Awards taking place in September – it is shaping up to be an exciting venture and we’re glad to now launch the guest registration page to register free attendance.
Lastly, a mention for industry pioneer Sandy Brownlie who has sadly died – he was a giant figure in the world of UK sawmilling. And also to plywood legend Mike Perry, who has retired after nearly 50 years in the trade!
