Brazil unveiled its plans for the certification of elliottii pine structural plywood in London last week.
Plywood players from around the globe attended the presentation of Brazil’s national programme of plywood quality by ABIMCI, the Brazilian Mechanically Processed Timber Industry Association.
The first two Brazilian companies are expected to be certified by the end of this year with eight more following in 2001. The first certified pine plywood is likely to be on the market by February. By the end of 2001, between 20-30% of elliottii pine plywood coming into the UK from Brazil will be certified and each accredited company will have an identity number.
The certification programme, developed in four stages, is being managed by the National Council of Plywood Quality.
Mike Cater, former president of the National Panel Products Association, said: ‘This is a good start for Brazil, and it is an achievement to have got as far as they have – but there is an enormous amount of work still to be done. Our trade has to support them.’
