Summary
• The Languedoc-Roussillon region has 1 million ha of forest.
• Its timber industry comprises 3,500 companies.
• Annual wood production is 850,000m³.
• Nearly 60% of its timber output is destined for joinery or structural use.

The southern French region of Languedoc-Roussillon is on a mission to boost its trade with the UK and underlined its ambition last year by opening an office in London.

The Maison de la Region Languedoc-Roussillon in Cavendish Square works with the Sud de France Export organisation to develop strategic commercial links and contacts with prospective British customers. It provides economic information and advice on doing business and also identifies trading opportunities – and key among these are trading opportunities in timber and wood products.

Forestry and timber are among Languedoc-Roussillon’s primary industries. They employ 10,000 people in the region and comprise about 3,500 businesses, covering the gamut from forest management and sawmilling, to joinery, flooring and timber frame production. The area also boasts a major wood energy sector.

Size and diversity

The size and diversity of the region’s timber sector fundamentally stems from the fact that it is so heavily forested. In fact, more than a third is woodland, a total of around 1 million ha (compared with 2.8 million ha for the whole of the UK). Currently less than half is harvested commercially, but that still generates 850,000m³ of timber a year.

The area also stands out in its variety of tree species. Its mix of Mediterranean coastal, inland and mountain climates supports everything from oak, chestnut, beech, Scots pine, spruce pine fir and Douglas fir to black pine and cedar. This, in turn, provides the foundation for the wide spread of timber end products coming out of the region, from untreated chestnut cladding, to pallets and packaging and the full range of softwood construction products and grades. And there is still scope for widening this spread, with some species, like holm oak and Aleppo pine, as yet relatively unexploited.

Naturally the Languedoc-Roussillon wood economy has been hit by the international recession. But the region’s timber businesses still see major scope for development. In particular they believe there are growing opportunities to capitalise on wood’s environmental benefits given rising concerns over climate change, governments’ implementation of sustainable development policies and the desire of consumers and businesses worldwide to shrink their carbon footprint.

Timber building opportunities

Against this background, energy-efficient timber-based construction has been identified as a key market for the future, with the Languedoc-Roussillon industry having particular advantage here given that 57% of its sawmills’ production is construction or joinery grade. It also has the benefit of being able to source its raw material from sustainable forestry. PEFC certification was first achieved by woodlands in the area in 2001 and today it covers 20% of the total. In addition, a growing number of businesses are implementing chain of custody systems.

To maximise the potential of this growing market, there are now plans to develop a brand or label highlighting the environmental credentials of timber building products from the region.

For more information on doing business with the Languedoc-Roussillon region and making contacts, go to www.maisondelaregionlanguedocroussillon.com.

The area also has its own timber industry association, Arfobois, which also has a website, www.arfobois.com. Its membership comprises the full range of timber and associated businesses, from forestry contractors to timber construction-oriented architects, and it also includes training and research bodies.