Timcon believes already tight raw material supply for timber pallet and packaging manufacturers could be soon worsened as wood is diverted away from the sector and into the fencing and construction wood industries following the storms.
"Independent sources such as the Markit and Poyry reports corroborate what our members have been reporting for some time on the availability of raw material for the production of pallets and packaging," said Timcon general-secretary Stuart Hex.
"Non-standard sizes of timber have been most affected, as sawmills have the improved yield and higher prices in alternative sectors and we’re already seeing significant and concerning shortages. The sawmills are reporting that log prices are also rising strongly, especially for small roundwood."
Timcon, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, has given the go-ahead to continue its annual Timbertrends survey into a fifth consecutive year. The report gives an overview of the UK pallet and packaging sector.
