Raw material supply, rising prices and biomass subsidies were flagged up as concerns at Timcon’s recent AGM.
Timcon president John Dye told the AGM that a shortage of reconditioned pallets and potential threats from alternative packaging had also contributed to another demanding year for the industry.
Mr Dye said the timber pallet and packaging industry was still achieving good results in Germany and Turkey, which experienced growth of 3.6% and 7.5% respectively in 2010.
He said the threat from the plastic pallet industry was intensifying and “becoming litigious”, particularly in the US.
“It’s not just the manufacturers who have to be alert to these threats,” he said. “The sawmillers must also take note and be aware of the threat to their market.”
Timcon is collaborating with other timber industry sectors to co-ordinate a response on key issues such as alternative materials and biomass.
Wood Panel Industries Federation director-general Alistair Kerr addressed the AGM, speaking about its political lobbying efforts and Make Wood Work campaign.
