Panels & Furniture Asia (PFA) is a leading regional trade magazine dedicated to the woodbased panel, furniture and flooring processing industry. Published bi-monthly since 2000, PFA delivers authentic journalism to cover the latest news, technology, machinery, projects, products and trade events throughout the sector. With a hardcopy and digital readership comprising manufacturers, designers and specifiers, among others, PFA is the platform of choice for connecting brands across the global woodworking landscape.
MICA (P) No: 079/05/2019 • ISSN: 0219-5704 • KDN: PPS 1453/11/2012(022879) • www.panelsfurnitureasia.com • MAY/JUNE 2020
Contents
May / June 2020 • Issue 3 • Panels & Furniture Asia
6 | EDITOR’S NOTE
8 | NEWS
MARKET REPORT
18 | Supply Shocks. Demand Shocks. Aftershocks
ENVIRONMENT REPORT
20 | Turning the Tables: Choosing responsibly sourced
timber to make your furniture
IN PERSON
24 | Global Timber: In constant pursuit of the next level
PANELS MANUFACTURING
30 | Highest capacity particleboard cutting plant in
Southeast Asia
32 | Jiangsu Baolong successfully installs first debarking
line for OSB production in Thailand
34 | IPCO enhances in-house training with QUICKBENCH
36 | Stop manual patching, start upgrading veneer quality
FLOORING
38 | Therrawood: Bringing outdoor solutions from
Turkey to Southeast Asia
MATERIALS
42 | Gabon Forest, a sustainably managed resource
46 | Why Canadian Wood? A sustainable resource for
emerging economies
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
48 | Fjorporten, a tower of lightness
DESIGN
52 | 466 Flow chairs add a touch of modern to
historical school building
54 | The Preservation Bench in American oak to make
its India debut this summer
SHOW PREVIEW
56 | The highly-anticipated BIFA WOOD VIETNAM is back
for its second edition
COLUMNISTS
59 | Wood Clinic: How to solve several issues with
manufacturing louvered door
64 | MMMA Newsletter: Between a forest and a
piece of furniture: pandemic control or growth?
64 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS
67 | ADVERTISER’S LIST
24
38
56
FROM THE EDITOR
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
HIU YAN | Editor
The trees are
still thriving
Depending on which country you live
in, you may still be staying home under
some form of limited outdoor movement
to flatten the curve, such as in Singapore
or Malaysia; or you may be seeing the
light in the tunnel as your country starts
seeing single-digit of new cases, your
government is easing lockdown and
businesses are getting ready to reopen,
such as in New Zealand and China.
For the past few months, the COVID-19
virus has taken the world by storm, morphing from an outbreak into a global
pandemic. The economies of many countries have also since been falling into
a dark abyss.
PABLO SINGAPORE
Publisher
Associate Publisher
Senior Editor
Editor
Business Development Manager
Graphic Designer
Circulation Manager
William Pang
williampang@pabloasia.com
Pamela Buckley
pamela@pabloasia.com
Pang Yanrong
yanrong@pabloasia.com
Szeto Hiu Yan
hiuyan@pabloasia.com
YanJun Pang
yanjun@pabloasia.com
Edwin De Souza
edwin@pabloasia.com
Shu Ai Ling
circulation@pabloasia.com
“Authorities around the world are between a ‘rock and a hard place’:
they need policies that both limit the spread of the coronavirus and allow
their economies to open for business. The two demands are inherently
incompatible, so neither one can be fulfilled,” writes Peter Fitch, founder
of Segamat Panel Boards (Malaysia) and chairman of the Malaysian MDF
Manufacturers Association (MMMA). Do read his insightful analysis of the
current uncertainties and possible outcomes. (Pg.64)
PABLO BEIJING
General Manager
PABLO SHANGHAI
Editor
Ellen Gao
pablobeijing@163.com
Sharon Wu
pabloshanghai@163.net
With manufacturing in China halted for weeks after the Lunar New Year’s
holiday, Judd Johnson, managing editor of Hardwood Market Report discusses
the impact of having at least one full manufacturing cycle lost during the
shutdown. “This directly caused supply shocks that impacted essentially
every aspect of human lives throughout the world, even if people were
generally unaware of the risks from shortages,” Johnson cautioned. (Pg.18 )
On a lighter note, I would like to share with readers some success stories in
the wood industry.
Be inspired by Global Timber, the Danish wood trading company that
constantly pushes boundaries through streamlining sales processes and
placing their priority on providing clear communication to customers. The
result? Business has been so good in 2019 that one of their challenges now is
to keep pace with growth. (Pg. 24)
In Thailand, Anthon saw the successful delivery and installation of its sanding
and sawing line for Green River Panels, which started operation of its third
production line in Trang – also its largest particleboard production line to
date. (Pg. 30)
As we clamber through each day, let’s take comfort in knowing that at least,
the trees are continuing to flourish and thrive.
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8 | NEWS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
NEW FOREST LAW TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL TIMBER IN CHINA
CHINA’S government has implemented
a new forest law that will take effect on
1 July 2020, reported ITTO.
Article 65 of the newly revised Forest Law
clearly states that a timber processing
enterprise shall establish an entry and
storage account for raw materials and
products. No unit or individual may
purchase, process or transport trees of
illicit origin, knowing that they have been
cut or cut indiscriminately.
This provision will provide a clearer
legal basis to crack down on illegal
timber purchasing, processing and
transportation. It will also provide a
clearer legal guide for timber processing
enterprises to fulfill their duty of due
diligence on timber legality. P
OSHIKA DEVELOPED LIGNIN PHENOL ADHESIVE FOR PLYWOOD
OSHIKA Corporation (Tokyo),
adhesive manufacturer, has developed
lignin phenol adhesive for plywood
manufacturing. It has been testing this
new adhesive at Niigata Gouhan Shinko
and has acquired JAS certificate on
January 7, 2020.
Lignin is derived from wood and is an
important component in the formation
of cell walls in wood and bark. Softwood
contains 25-30 per cent lignin while
hardwood contains 20- 25 per cent
lignin. When manufacturing paper and
pulp, lignin is usually removed and used
as fuel. However, since it plays a role in
bonding fibres in wood with phenolic
polymers, it is expected to be used as a
renewable resource in adhesive materials.
For the last 10 years, Oshika has been
studying how to turn plant-originated
materials into adhesive since corporations
are now moving away from fossil fuelsderived
materials and are racing to develop
environmentally friendly materials.
The lignin used by Oshika is procured
from UPM Kymmene of Finland. Kymmene
has been manufacturing resin from
renewable materials like wood and owns
a biorefinery business.
Lignin is blended with phenol resin
and reacts with formalin to make lignin
phenol adhesive. Acquired JAS covers low
formaldehyde structural plywood, termite
treated structural plywood and standard
plywood. P
TELECOMMUTING IS BOOSTING OFFICE FURNITURE SALES
WORKING from home in times of the
coronavirus are contributing to the rise
in sales of office supplies and furniture.
supply manager at brand owner Inter IKEA
Group, which is in charge of supply, in a
report by Reuters.
during the Olympics and Paralympics, in
addition to a surge in tourists and new
traffic regulations.
In the U.S., some companies are offering
employees a stipend to buy what they
need to make the transition from office
to home easier in during the current
pandemic, reported Fox Business.
E-commerce software company Shopify,
which employs 5,000 people worldwide,
is providing them with a $1,000 stipend to
buy equipment such as office chairs, a new
desk and lamps as they work from home
until further notice. Music-streaming
service Spotify, has allowed employees to
spend $250 for a monitor and $250 for a
chair or desk.
IKEA: SALES OF OFFICE
FURNITURE HOLDING UP
Demand for office furniture is holding up
as many people are working from home in
the health crisis, said Henrik Elm, global
"The sales pattern is changing. One
area where we are selling pretty well
compared to others is office furniture.
People are working from home and they
have identified needs in their homes for
it," Elm said.
Telecommuting trending in Japan ahead
of the Olympics and coronavirus outbreak
In another report by Nikkei Asian Review,
the telecommuting trend may have
arrived late in Japan, but is expected to
gain momentum this year as the nation
gets ready for the Tokyo Olympics. The
coronavirus outbreak is also pushing
employers to implement telecommuting.
More employees will consider working
from home in the months ahead as Greater
Tokyo residents begin to dread the added
crush of people on their peak-hour trains
According to a Nikkei survey of some
700 companies across Japan, the share
of those taking up telecommuting
programmes exceeded 50 per cent even
back in 2019. The demand for office
furniture among the country's increasing
number of work-from-home employees
is growing because most home furniture
is not designed for long hours of work.
Domestic office furniture makers are in
turn adapting products for telecommuters.
Osaka company Kokuyo sells a line of desk
chairs with spring-loaded seats that can
tilt in all directions as the user shifts. They
are targeted at both private and business
users. Kokuyo's sales of office chairs for
personal use in 2019 were 150 per cent
higher than those in 2015. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia NEWS | 9
CHINA SEES RISE IN SAWNWOOD
IMPORTS BUT NOT TROPICAL
SAWNWOOD IN 2019
ACCORDING to data from China’s Customs, China’s sawnwood
imports in 2019 totalled 38.11 million cubic metres valued
at US$8.591 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4 per cent in
volume but a decline of 15 per cent in value.
Of total sawnwood imports, sawn softwood imports rose
15 per cent to 28.62 million m 3 accounting for 57 per cent of
the national total, down 11 per cent on 2018.
Sawn hardwood imports fell 19 per cent to 9.5 million m 3
because China’s sawn hardwood imports from the top sources,
Thailand and USA, fell 19 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.
Of total sawn hardwood imports, tropical sawnwood imports
were 6.05 million m 3 valued at US$2.126 billion, a y-o-y
drop of 16 per cent in volume and 21 per cent in value and
accounted for about 25 per cent of the national total, up
5 per cent on 2018 levels.
DECLINE IN THE AVERAGE PRICES FOR SAWNWOOD
The average price for imported sawnwood in 2019 was
US$225 per m 3 , a y-o-y decline of 18 per cent.
The average price for imported sawn softwood was US$172
per m 3 , down 14 per cent y-o-y. The average price for imported
sawn hardwoods was US$386 per m 3 , a y-o-y decrease of
11 per cent.
The average price for imported tropical sawnwood was US$352
per m 3 , down 5 per cent y-o-y.
RISE IN RUSSIAN SAWN SOFTWOOD IMPORTS
Russia was the main sawn softwood supplier to China in 2019
and China’s sawn softwood imports from Russia rose 9 per cent
to 17.03 million m 3 , accounting for 60 per cent of the national
total, down 3 per cent y-o-y.
In the meantime, China’s sawn softwood imports from
Belarus, Germany, Sweden and Ukraine surged 393 per cent,
349 per cent, 136 per cent and 101 per cent respectively,
however, imports from the U.S. fell 34 per cent mainly due to
the China-US trade conflict.
Average prices for all sawn softwood suppliers fell at different
rates. Average prices for imported sawn softwood from Sweden
and Germany declined 65 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
SURGE IN SAWN HARDWOOD FROM CANADA
In 2019, China’s sawn hardwood imports from the top sources
declined and hardwood imports from Indonesia declined
(44 per cent). However, China’s sawn hardwood imports from
Canada surged 56 per cent to 170,000 m 3 while imports from
the Philippines and Germany rose 18 per cent and 8 per cent
respectively. P
10 | NEWS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
PEFC EXTENDS TRANSITION PERIOD FOR 2020 STANDARDS
TO support certified entities and
certification bodies during the COVID-19
challenge, Programme for the Endorsement
of Forest Certification (PEFC) has extended
the transition period for its three revised
international standards by six months.
This extension applies to the 2020
versions of the Chain of Custody (ST
2002), PEFC Trademarks (ST 2001) and
Certification Body Requirements - Chain
of Custody (ST 2003) standards. The
transition date is now 14 February 2022.
This extension gives certified entities and
certification and accreditation bodies
an additional six months to align their
procedures with the requirements in
the 2020 versions of these three vital
standards. The aim of the extension is to
give PEFC stakeholders more flexibility in
when they move to the 2020 standards.
In addition to this extension, PEFC has also
provided guidance to certified entities and
certification bodies regarding auditing. The
document provides general procedures
for the application of this guidance, as
well as specific rules for initial and recertification
audits, surveillance audits
and verification of corrective actions.
PEFC is the world's largest forest
certification system. P
INDONESIA’S CIVIL SOCIETY EXPRESSES DISMAY AT
RELAXATION OF THE V-LEGAL REQUIREMENT
SEVERAL civil society groups have
expressed dismay at the relaxation of
the V-legal requirement saying this
undermines Indonesia's credibility in
international markets. They say since
it has adopted the SVLK and V-legal
system, increase in trade could be seen in
Indonesian wood products, reported ITTO.
In a press release, the Coordinating
Ministry for Economic Affairs on March 13,
2020 stated, the policy of removing V-legal
document from export requirements
documents was a non-fiscal stimulus in
the context of handling Covid-19. The
implication is that there will be a relaxation
of export restrictions including those for
the timber sector.
According to Muhamad Kosar of the
Forestry Independent Monitoring Network
(JPIK), elimination of mandatory Vlegal
document requirements for export
products is a mistake because, in the
long term, this will reduce the credibility
of Indonesian wood products and make
it difficult for the small-medium timber
industry to establish direct business with
international buyers.
In related news, the Indonesian Civil
Society Coalition has sent a letter to
the President asking for the revocation
of Trade Regulation No. 15 of 2020 as
this change is considered detrimental to
efforts of improving Indonesia's forest
governance. P
U.S. IMPOSED DUTIES ON CHINESE CABINET IMPORTS
IN February this year, the U.S. Department
of Commerce announced affirmative final
determinations in the anti-dumping
duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD)
investigations of wooden cabinets and
vanities imported from China, reported
ITTO. The petitioner in this case is the
American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance.
Commerce has determined that
producers and/or exporters from China
have sold wooden cabinets and vanities
at less than fair value in the U.S. at rates
ranging from 4.37 per cent to 262.18
per cent.
In addition, Commerce determined that
producers and/or exporters from China
received countervailing subsidies at rates
ranging from 13.33 per cent to 293.45
per cent. In 2018, imports of wooden
cabinets and vanities from China were
valued at an estimated $4.4 billion.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has
recently issued final duty determinations
on Chinese imports of wooden cabinets
and vanities. Anti-dumping and
countervailing duties are as follows:
• Dalian Meisen: 269.91%
• Foremost: 122.1%
• Ancientree: 13.33%
• All others: 58.89%.
This means that almost all Chinese
manufacturers will now face a combined
AD/CVD cash deposit rate of about 59
per cent.
In October 2019, preliminary
anti-dumping duties ranging from
4.49 per cent to 262.18 per cent, with
most Chinese producers facing antidumping
duties of 39.25 per cent, were
imposed.
These anti-dumping duties are in addition
to earlier countervailing duties averaging
16 per cent, which have been in effect
since August 2019. As a result of this final
decision, cash deposits will continue to
be required on all wooden cabinets and
vanities imported from China. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia NEWS | 11
HARDWOOD PLYWOOD, WOODEN CABINETS AND VANITIES
FROM VIETNAM MAY BE INVESTIGATED BY U.S. FOR
TRADE DEFENCE MEASURES
HARDWOOD PLYWOOD, wooden cabinets
and vanities exported to the U.S. are
among the 12 products at risk of being
investigated for trade defence measures,
origin fraud or illegal conveyance,
announced the Trade Remedies Authority
of Vietnam, reported Viet Nam News.
The rest of the list included mattresses,
quartz surface products, seamless
refined copper pipes and tubes, forged
steel fittings, steel wheels, fabricated
structural steel, steel propane cylinders
and carton-closing staples exported
to the U.S., tyres for buses and lorries
to the EU and electric bicycles to
both the U.S. and EU.
VIETNAM EXPORT OF HARDWOOD
PLYWOOD TO THE U.S. ROSE ALMOST
TENFOLD IN THREE YEARS
For hardwood plywood from Vietnam,
the U.S. Department of Commerce may
initiate trade defence investigation.
From 2016 to 2019, China exports
of hardwood plywood fell from
US$1.1 billion to $215.6 million
after being subject to anti-dumping and
anti-subsidy duties by the U.S. In the
same period, Vietnam’s exports to
the U.S. rose almost tenfold from
$33.4 million to $322.2 million.
Vietnam’s exports of the remaining
products to the U.S. and the EU also saw
substantial increases while China exports
of these products dropped when the U.S.
and the EU’s imposed anti-dumping and
anti-subsidy duties.
The list was announced based on the
tracing of exports of products which were
subject to trade defence measures by the
importing countries. P
12 | NEWS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
DIEFFENBACHER HELPS DEVELOP SIMULATION
PLATFORM FOR SMART SERVICES
AFTER-SALES, including process
optimisation, training, maintenance,
conversions and modernisations, is
becoming increasingly important for
DIEFFENBACHER and others throughout
the industry. To maximise after-sales
potential, DIEFFENBACHER and nine
other German companies and institutes
have joined forces to launch a research
project called SEAMLESS (Simulationsupported
assistance system-based
engineering and maintenance solutions
for lean after-sales services).
The aim of the project is to develop and
provide simulation tools on a cloud-based
platform, allowing users to combine
different simulators synergistically
and use them for smart services. By
networking various simulation systems
with each other and production plants,
companies can learn from real-time data,
control processes automatically and make
better decisions.
One potential outcome from the research
project is augmented reality assistance
systems for use during service visits.
Service technicians or customers could
be provided technical support via data
glasses or mobile devices, thus increasing
the efficiency of service visits. Another
example could be wear-based planning
of service activities. By improving
maintenance evaluations and predictions
using simulation-supported condition
monitoring, impending failures of critical
plant components could be detected at
an early stage and proactive service visits
could be scheduled.
SimPlan AG from Hanau is coordinating
the research project. Project partners
include DIEFFENBACHER, Actimage
GmbH from Kehl, EKS InTec GmbH
from Weingarten, EXAPT Systemtechnik
GmbH based in Aachen, the Karlsruhe
FZI Research Centre for Information
Technology, Aachen-based Innolite
GmbH, Seeburger AG from Bretten, the
Chemnitz University of Technology and
the RWTH Aachen University.
DIEFFENBACHER and nine other German companies and institutes have joined forces to launch a
research project called SEAMLESS
SEAMLESS is funded by the German
Federal Ministry of Education and
Research in the funding area “Complex
Products, Production Processes and
Plants (Smart Services)” and is supervised
by the project executing organisation
Research Centre Karlsruhe. P
HOMAG AND 3TEC AGREE ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
HOMAG Group AG and 3Tec automation
GmbH & Co. KG have signed a cooperation
agreement and intend to work closely
together in future. The aim is to achieve
optimum software integration of
machines from different manufacturers.
"It happens time and again that our
machines and plants have to be linked with
machines from other manufacturers",
explains Wolfgang Augsten, Executive
Vice President of the Homag Group. "This
may be the case for a customer's existing
machinery or for new projects. When it
comes to this integration as part of a
higher-level production control system,
3Tec can provide us with effective support
in order to achieve the best possible result
for the customer".
"It is precisely this know-how that we have
built up over many years and have a great
deal of experience in linking machines
from different manufacturers in terms of
production technology," emphasises Arno
Sturm, Managing Partner of 3Tec.
3Tec is a leader in the development
of software solutions in the field of
production control systems (MES). Using
the latest software technologies, 3TEC
continues to develop production control
systems to optimise the automation
processes of industrial production -
especially in the kitchen and office
furniture industry. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia NEWS | 13
DONGWHA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF MDF MANUFACTURING
PLANT IN HANOI
KOREA'S leading wood materials
manufacturer Dongwha Enterprise has
begun construction of its production
facility in Hanoi, Vietnam, reported The
Korean Times.
Located in Thai Nguyen province near
Hanoi, the plant will manufacture mainly
laminate flooring and medium-density
fiberboard (MDF) used for furniture
manufacturing.
Dongwha Enterprise held a groundbreaking
ceremony for its new facility on
22 nd April.
A total 180 billion won (US$0.15 mill)
has been invested in the plant which
covers 50,000 square metres. Besides
production facilities, dormitory and
education facilities for workers and their
families will also be built.
The manufacturing plants for laminate
flooring and MDF are expected to be
completed in April and August next
year respectively. The targeted annual
capacity is 370,000 cubic metres for
MDF and 3.62 million m 2 for laminate floor.
COLLABORATION WITH VIETNAM
RUBBER GROUP
The plant is also expected to produce 1.07
million m 3 of MDF, in collaboration with
VRG Dongwha in Ho Chi Minh City, a joint
venture between Dongwha International
and Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG). VRG is
a state-own conglomerate and a leader
in Vietnam's rubber plantation and
processing industry in Binh Phuoc. With
the new plant, Dongwha will establish
its presence as a dominant player in
Vietnam’s MDF manufacturing market.
The construction business boom in
northern Vietnam presents a good opportunity for
Dongwha, with Hanoi carrying out a large-scale
city development project in its northern area.
General Manager Kim Myung-sik of Dongwha
Vietnam said the distance between the southern
part and the northern part of Vietnam is 1,700
kilometres and VRG Dongwha had difficulties
satisfying the market demands in the north.
"Through the construction of our plant near
Hanoi, we will take occupation of the MDF
and laminate floor markets in the north while
solidifying our status as a leading player in the
wood board and construction material sectors
here," said Kim Myung-sik, general manager of
Dongwha Vietnam.
Dongwha established a joint venture with VRG in
2008, signifying its entrance into the Vietnamese
MDF market. It currently has a 40 per cent share
of the MDF market in southern Vietnam. P
14 | NEWS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
FIRST RUBBERWOOD-OSB-CONTIROLL ® FROM
SIEMPELKAMP ACCEPTED BY VANACHAI
ON March 14, a Siempelkamp plant for
OSB at Vanachai in Surat Thani/Thailand
– the first OSB plant in Southeast Asia
– was accepted. The ContiRoll ® with
dimensions of 4' x 48.7 m also sets the
record of being the longest 4’-ContiRoll ®
from Siempelkamp. This milestone
stands for almost 40 years of business
relations between Thailand’s leading
panel manufacturer and Siempelkamp.
The cooperation between the Vanachai
Group and Siempelkamp started almost
40 years ago; the first single-opening
presses from Krefeld were installed at
the Chachoengsao location in the early
1980s. In Surat Thani alone, six woodbased
panel plants for particleboard,
MDF, and now OSB cover all performance
facets. The Vanachai site in southern
Thailand is considered a mega-site
among the few plant locations of similar
size - panel production in Surat Thani is
around 2 million m³ per year.
The new OSB plant, ordered by
Siempelkamp in 2017, contributes
700 m³ per day to the total output of
the site, or 210,000 m³ per
year. The plant complements
Vanachai's production
spectrum with OSB and
sets new benchmarks in
the Southeast Asian woodbased
panel market, which
has long been dominated
by particleboard and
MDF plants. This latest
cooperation represents
another important milestone
in Southeast Asia through
the first industrial use
of rubberwood in the
production of OSB boards.
"With the new plant, we are
setting ourselves ambitious
goals for the wood-based panel
production of the future. Our boards are
produced highly efficiently and according
to strict sustainability criteria, and
our plants are state-of-the-art. In this
respect, Siempelkamp, as a partner with
many years of experience and strong
innovative capabilities, is the right choice
for an ambitious project like this one,"
Shaking hands after sealing the deal in 2017, Wanthana
Jaroennawarat (right), Chairman of the Executive Board Vanachai, with
Henning Gloede, Managing Director Siempelkamp Pte. Singapore
says Wanthana Jaroennawarat, Chairman
of the Executive Board at Vanachai.
Marc Müller, Head of Commercial
Sales at Siempelkamp, adds: "We are
proud to play our part in such a futureoriented
project of a visionary woodbased
products manufacturer with this
plant!” P
CHINESE GOVERNMENT DECIDES ON NEXT MOVE FOR ITS
FURNITURE INDUSTRY AFTER BUSINESSES RESUME
AS reported by ITTO, China’s State
Council Information Office has reported
the situation in the manufacturing sector
as follows:
DECLINE IN BOTH INTERNATIONAL
AND DOMESTIC DEMAND
Since the epidemic situation in China
has been effectively controlled in the
early stage, the resumption of industrial
production is still good, but with the
current situation, international and
domestic demand is declining, which
has caused a huge impact on some
export-oriented furniture enterprises.
If this problem is not solved in time and
effectively, these furniture enterprises
may face the pressure of shutting down.
At present, the measures taken are
mainly to ensure supply stability.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ONLINE
FURNITURE FAIRS AND EXHIBITION
Many orders are usually made at
important furniture fairs and exhibition in
March or April in the past. However, some
important furniture fairs and exhibitions
have been cancelled due to prevention
and control. The Chinese government
hopes to solve this problem through
online furniture fairs and exhibitions. In
this regard, it is actively making further
exploration.
FORMULATION OF SUPPORTING
POLICIES
Supporting policies can help to stabilise
the domestic furniture enterprises.
Right now, relevant departments are
studying how to stabilise these furniture
enterprises through stimulating demand
on one hand while strengthening policy
support, policy support, financial support
on the other hand, in order to help
furniture enterprises. The follow-up
work will involve further strengthening
policy research and ensuring furniture
enterprises can get through the current
difficult situation. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia NEWS | 15
SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY DECISION TO IMPOSE
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON PLYWOOD IMPORTED FROM VIETNAM
KOREA’S Ministry of Trade, Industry
and Energy has made a preliminary
decision to place anti-dumping
duties on plywood products from
Vietnam, and requested the Ministry
of Economy and Finance to impose
an anti-dumping duty of 9.18 percent
to 10.65 percent on plywood coming
from Vietnam, reported Business
Korea on 17 th April.
one month from its official request.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry
and Energy, abnormal prices of plywood
products imported from Vietnam has
adversely impacted the domestic industry.
The plywood products that will be investigated
include those used as interior and exterior
building materials, furniture, packaging
boxes and interior goods. In 2018, the
plywood market of South Korea was
valued at approximately 900 billion won,
with plywood from Vietnam accounting for
about 45 percent of the market.
The investigations will cover the period of
2016 to the first half of 2019. P
The Ministry of Economy and Finance
is expected to make a decision within
FSC INTRODUCES
TRANSACTION
VERIFICATION FOR
ALL FORESTS IN
CHINA
FSC will introduce transaction
verification for all forests in China in
2020. This transaction verification will
cover all FSC claims made between
1 January and 31 December 2019.
All FSC forest management certificate
holders in China are required to
participate.
Affected certificate holders will
receive a direct notification
from their certification body by
14 May 2020 with further details
on requirements. The deadline for
these certificate holders to submit
requested transaction data is
14 June 2020.
Transaction verification is a process
of comparing and then verifying all
transactions within a specific product
type, group or region that are claimed
to be FSC certified over a given time
period. FSC and its accreditation
body ASI have been conducting
transaction verification on supply
chains with selected certificate
holders since 2017. This action is a
response to allegations of non-FSC
certified products being inaccurately
claimed as FSC certified. P
16 | NEWS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
MTC APPOINTS ACTING CEO AND NEW COO
MTC has appointed Mr Wong Kah Cane as
its Acting Chief Executive Officer effective
13 March 2020. Mr. Wong, who joined
MTC on 1 November 2019 as Deputy CEO,
takes over from Mr. Richard Yu Tuan Chong
upon the expiry of the latter’s contract.
Mr. Wong, 52, who graduated with a
degree in Business Administration
from Universiti Utara Malaysia in 1992,
started his career transforming SMEs
into successful enterprises by bringing
in experts for training programmes which
centred on strategic management, quality
control, sales and marketing.
He is most noted for his contributions in
Eu Yan Sang, a traditional Chinese
medicine company. Mr. Wong joined Eu Yan
Sang in 2000 as its Area Sales Manager
and in 2006, he was appointed as General
Manager of the company leading Eu Yan
Sang’s business development, sales and
marketing operations as well as branding.
Mr. Wong left Eu Yan Sang as its Senior
General Manager to take up the post of
General Manager at Everpro Sdn Bhd
in 2016 and in 2018, he joined Vistage
Malaysia as its Business Coach providing
training for CEOs. In August the same year,
Mr. Wong was appointed as an Independent
Member of MTC’s Board of Trustees.
Mr Wong Kah Cane,
MTC’s incoming Acting Chief Executive Officer
MTC has also appointed Mr. Roger Chin
Chew Choy as its new Chief Operations
Officer effective 1 March 2020. Prior to
joining MTC, Mr. Roger Chin was attached
to Advance Information Marketing Berhad
where he served as its Executive Director
since January 2018.
A Bachelor of Law graduate from the
University of Wolverhampton, United
Kingdom, Mr. Roger Chin, 54, brings with
him more than 25 years of experience in the
financial services sector with international
banks specialising in consumer, corporate
and Islamic banking.
His career in the banking industry started
in 1993 with Standard Chartered Bank in
Mr. Roger Chin Chew Choy,
MTC’s new Chief Operations Officer
1993 which was seconded to its regional
team in Singapore serving in various Asian
countries including Indonesia, Philippines,
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. He had
also held senior management positions
in Citibank, GE Capital, Hong Leong Bank
and Kuwait Finance House.
“The appointment of Mr. Wong Kah
Cane and Mr. Roger Chin is to further
strengthen the management team of
MTC,” said Chairman Dato’ Low Kian
Chuan. He added that with their combined
fields of expertise, Mr. Wong and
Mr. Chin will be great assets to the timber
industry and MTC, a council under the
Ministry of Plantation Industries and
Commodities. P
FORESTRY ENTERPRISES BACK TO WORK EXCEPT IN HUBEI
ACCORDING to the State Forestry and
Grass Administration, domestic forestry
and wood processing enterprises are
resuming work especially the state
forestry enterprises, reported ITTO.
With the exception of Hubei Province, the
rate of resumption of work in forestry
enterprises nationwide had exceeded
90 per cent by 22nd March 2020.
However, the Chinese media has reported
that many private employers are operating
at a fraction of normal levels because
employees have been unable to return
from their home provinces.
Even after the government started
allowing some businesses to reopen,
many provinces still have travel
restrictions in place.
The People's Daily newspaper reported
in late March that most migrant workers
had returned to work, however no official
figures for possible job losses have been
reported.
A spokesperson from the State Forestry
and Grass Administration said that
forestry enterprises were seriously
affected by the epidemic; production
costs increased, earnings dropped and
losses increased.
According to a survey by the China Forest
Industry Association, more than 78 per
cent of forestry and timber enterprises
were affected, 14 per cent seriously so
and 8 per cent could not survive.
Currently, forestry and timber enterprises
are faced with practical difficulties such
as a shortage of raw materials, tight
liquidity, blocked import and export of
products and slow domestic sales. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia ENVIRONMENT REPORT | 21
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18 | MARKET REPORT
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
Supply Shocks.
Demand Shocks.
Aftershocks.
Far-reaching effects
of COVID-19 on the U.S.
hardwood trade
By: Judd Johnson
Managing Editor,
Hardwood Market Report
This article considers three problems: Supply shocks,
demand shocks, and aftershocks. By no means are
these problems unique to U.S. hardwoods, though U.S.
hardwoods are certainly affected.
Manufacturing in China stayed offline for weeks after the New
Year’s holiday. Arguably, no less than one full manufacturing
cycle was lost during the shutdown. This directly caused supply
shocks that impacted essentially every aspect of human lives
throughout the world, even if people were generally unaware
of the risks from shortages.
Over time, global inventories of Chinese-produced finished
goods declined. Additionally, there were manufacturers located
in other countries awaiting parts from their Chinese sources;
many were forced to either cease operations until the parts
arrived or find new suppliers. Both options have challenges.
First, it is difficult to suspend manufacturing activity indefinitely.
Second, it is not a good time to pursue new suppliers when
supply shortages exist.
The outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in China
became widely known at a time in close
succession with the Lunar New Year. Global
supply chains were prepared for business
closures that normally accompany the Chinese
New Year holiday. But, supply chains were not
prepared for what occurred thereafter – the
world’s largest manufacturing hub would shut
down for a protracted amount of time.
While supply shocks were affecting markets downstream of
manufacturing, shuttered manufacturing operations caused
Chinese distributors and producers to limit purchases of U.S.
hardwoods and other raw materials. By and large, U.S. hardwood
logs and lumber were bought to support normal manufacturing
activity that was scheduled to resume after the New Year holiday.
DEMAND SHOCKS: FROM U.S. HARDWOOD SUPPLIERS
TO CHINESE MANUFACTURERS
Of course, manufacturing did not resume immediately following
the holiday as originally expected. Even several months after
the government lifted quarantines, reopened travel, and
rebooted business activities, Chinese industrial output was
not what it was previously, and it is not what U.S. hardwood
suppliers had anticipated. In this sense, suppliers to the Chinese
manufacturing sector experienced demand shocks that left them
with fewer sales and less revenue than was planned.
Now, Chinese manufacturers are also experiencing demand
shocks. As production facilities are coming back online and
gaining momentum, the rest of the world is sheltering in place
as a precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19. And because
Chinese manufacturers are experiencing or likely will experience
pushback in product demand, there is a ceiling on how much
industrial output can increase until consumer activity rebounds
globally. This establishes a benchmark for U.S. hardwood lumber
demand going forward.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia MARKET REPORT | 19
Since the purpose of any manufacturing
company is to produce, it is reasonable
to expect U.S. hardwood sawmills
and lumber yards to increase output
when reaching peak production season
this summer. It is hard to dispute this
defined business pattern. But in doing
so, it is unreasonable to dismiss the
severe effects on U.S. hardwood lumber
processing capabilities caused by the
U.S./China trade war. Yes, tariffs on U.S.
hardwoods are suspended for the time
being, but financial damage has been
done to U.S. suppliers.
LOW GRADE HARDWOOD AND
LUMBER AND INDUSTRIAL
TIMBER MOST AFFECTED
U.S. hardwood log and lumber supplies
were low this spring as a result of
conditions previous to COVID-19. The
ability for sawmills and lumber yards
to increase production is limited by
the lingering financial strains alluded
to above, though now, production
capabilities are damaged further by
contraction in domestic U.S. markets
caused by COVID-19.
Affected most is U.S. domestic demand
for low grade hardwood lumber and
industrial timber products. Until recently,
these markets carried U.S. hardwood
companies through the businesses
downturn with China over the past twentyplus
months. But, without sufficient
markets for inherent species and full
range of qualities produced, it will be
difficult for U.S. hardwood lumber output
to increase. Effects on businesses caused
by COVID-19 are unique circumstances
never experienced by anyone in business
today. However, the potential outcome
for supply shortages is reminiscent
of 2013. P
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and market information for North
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reliable, expert analysis of pricing
and market trends to hardwood
companies throughout the world
since 1922. Sample copies and
subscription services for Hardwood
Market Report ® and all other HMR
publications are available online at
www.hmr.com.
20 | ENVIRONMENT REPORT
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
TURNING THE TABLES: CHOOSING RESPONSIBLY
SOURCED TIMBER TO MAKE YOUR FURNITURE
Wood is making a comeback as the raw material of choice for architects and designers. Inside and out,
buildings around the world are featuring the natural characteristics and embedded strength of timber.
There has been more pressure on governments and the
related industries to be responsible in the sourcing of
wood and ensuring that production and supply chains are
secure and sustainable.
With 17 million hectares of forests certified, Asia is the fastest
growing region in the world for PEFC. However, there’s a lot of
room to grow responsible sourcing in countries like Singapore,
Mr Gunneberg pointed out.
As a big consumer of imported materials for buildings and
furniture, Singapore is in an ideal position to become a centre of
influence, committed to responsible procurement from the region’s
forests and plantations.
By incorporating it into private and public sector procurement
policies, countries and companies can help to gather the pace
required to move towards the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability
Development Goals.
This was the message from Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International
CEO, who visited Singapore in September last year for the
launch of new accreditation programme for PEFC’s Chain of
Custody certification scheme, now recognised by the Singapore
Accreditation Council (SAC) and managed by Enterprise Singapore.
IMPACT OF RECOGNISING PEFC’S COC CERTIFICATION
IN SINGAPORE
This scheme will provide greater support to the industry to meet
the Green Mark requirement for Mass Engineered Timber (MET)
and for the timber to be sourced from sustainably managed forests,
said Ms Lee Ham Eng, Deputy Director of Enterprise Singapore.
It also facilitates recognition and acceptance of certified
wood products from Singapore’s key trading partners, notably
Indonesia, Malaysia and China, all of which have PEFC endorsed
forest certification systems.
PEFC also asserts that Chain of Custody certification programmes
enables companies to meet legality issues and customer
expectations, as well as introduce traceability solutions into the
supply chain.
SEA: MOST OPPORTUNITY IN CERTIFICATION OF
WOOD FOR BUILDING AND FURNITURE
It’s in the certification of wood for buildings and furniture where
PEFC is seeing the most opportunity in Singapore and Southeast
Asia.
Mr Gunneberg points out that Singapore has already made its
mark in the region by providing the expertise of one of its smart
companies, Double Helix Tracking Technologies, to work with
PEFC in Myanmar to help set up forest certification processes to
meet stringent regulations for the export of Teak to the European
Union and United States.
The Local Tree Project by Roger & Sons is described as an
“ethical furniture initiative”, as it salvages abandoned logs by
making fine furniture and wooden objects out of them.
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22 | ENVIRONMENT REPORT
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
He also drew attention to The Local Tree Project, an initiative by
Singapore wood crafts company Roger & Sons and supported
by National Parks Board, to turn discarded logs into fashionable
furniture, which is very much aligned with the principles of PEFC’s
Trees Outside Forests.
By using already-felled trees that have been cut down for urban
development instead of importing new raw materials, the project
shows that good quality furniture can be made with not only
imported wood but also local waste wood, and that local trees
can have a useful afterlife.
PEFC is currently in talks with the Singapore Furniture Industry
Council (SFIC) to foster the introduction of responsible sourcing
of timber for furniture designers and makers from the Southeast
Asia region.
It has initiated a proposed collaboration between Singapore
and the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation
(STIDC), as there are already a number of certified companies
in Sarawak available to supply the furniture industry and the
State has 635,000 hectares PEFC-certified under Sustainable
Forest Management.
MALAYSIA’S CERTIFIED TIMBER LEADERSHIP
Already Malaysia is ahead of the game when it comes to the
use and application of certified timber. The PEFC-supported
National Governing Body in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Timber
Certification Council (MTCC), has been operating for 20 years.
MTCC and PEFC both support the view that wood is the best
environmental and sustainable choice.
Believing in the crucial role of architects in specifying the use of
wood in designing and constructing buildings, MTCC collaborated
with a renowned architect, AR Azman Zainal and members of the
Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), to take advantage of
“good wood” in built structures, providing benefits for the wellbeing
of society and the environment.
Sustainable manufacturing and responsible sourcing are at the
centre of Malaysian firm One-Tech, that recently became the first
manufacturer in Malaysia producing PEFC-certified homeware
under its DAPO brand.
Founded in 1993, One-Tech has been strongly advocating ‘green
manufacturing’ and sustainable design since 2013, in a desire
to be a more responsible producer. It has future ambitions to
make Malaysia the Southeast Asian hub for sustainable timber
products.
The Malaysia corporation, Sam Ling, manufactures high quality
home furniture. As today's consumers become increasingly
conscious about how natural resources are being used, the
company takes pride in providing assurance that its wood
products come from well-managed forests, in accordance with
an approved standard, specifically MTCC/PEFC.
From basic to ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture for convenience,
and also flat-packed collections, its furniture products are
principally made for export markets, with major ones including
Japan, United States, United Kingdom and Europe.
VIETNAM’S FURNITURE INDUSTRY
Vietnam is another ASEAN nation which is paying renewed
attention to the value and importance of certified forestry,
particularly since its furniture manufacturing and export industry
are one of the top performers in Vietnam.
PEFC has recently been working with Government and industry
to institute a forest certification scheme and this was highlighted
at the 2019 Vietnam International Furniture Fair (VIFF), which
took place last November in Ho Chi Minh City.
The event welcomed participants from the furniture sector,
including manufacturers of wood-based panels, joinery products,
furniture and flooring, as well as interior designers and architects.
PEFC discussed with invited participants the important role of
sustainably managed forests for the furniture sector.
The DAPO range carries the
MTCC and PEFC labels, and is
helping to raise the profile and
importance of using certified
timber in national and ASEAN
markets. In September 2019,
One-Tech won the MTCC
Sustainability Award for Product
Innovation and Diversification.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia ENVIRONMENT REPORT | 23
In addition, PEFC and the Vietnam Forest Certification Office
(VFCS) held a seminar on 'Market Demand and Availability of
PEFC/VFCS Certification', discussing possibilities to increase both
the market demand for and the availability of certified products.
“The endorsement of our national system will promote
sustainable forest management in Vietnam. Together with new
agreements we have with the European Union, this will help to
increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese wood products and
expand access to international markets,” said Mr. Bui Chinh Nghia,
Deputy Director of VFCS.
its own particular characteristics, because it is unique in terms of
its grain, colour and lines.
Also, wood is a carbon neutral material and healthy forests are net
producers of oxygen through photosynthesis, the carbon is stored
in the wood for the life of the tree and in the products made from it.
Additionally, natural wood products are among the most energyefficient
to produce, while making products from steel, aluminium,
glass, concrete, and brick can require up to 126 times more energy
to manufacture.
SO WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT WOOD?
PEFC asserts that wood in buildings is healthy. It has a positive
influence on the indoor climate and therefore on the well-being
and health of the people who live or work in the building. Wood
is an excellent heat and humidity regulator. Walls made of wood
breathe; they control the humidity of the surroundings.
Wood allows for creativity in design. Wood is strong, flexible and
attractive, and easy to work, process and finish, making it ideally
suited to creative and innovative designs. Every piece of wood has
PEFC, for example, works with the World Architecture Festival
(WAF), to offer the annual prize for the Best Use of Certified Timber.
What’s more, PEFC certification assists in meeting regulatory
requirements, such as the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR)
and the US Lacey Act. By gaining PEFC certification, companies
can sell their certified timber products and maintain access to
these environmentally conscious and demanding markets. P
(All images are credited to PEFC.)
SINGAPORE CASE STUDY:
VENTURING INTO CERTIFIED TIMBER BUILDINGS
If Singapore can make more “responsible” progress with its
furniture industry as it has with construction, it will be welcomed
by PEFC and Government agencies alike.
The ten-year-old Singapore Green Building Council and the
Building Construction Authority (BCA) are seen amongst the
leaders in the Asia region for adopting and maintaining the
most advanced standards in the use of sustainable materials
for buildings.
Singapore has also seen renewed interest in the use of
materials from certified forests for Mass Engineered Timber
(MET) projects, with two major buildings under way, one at the
Singapore Management University (SMU) and one at the Nanyang
Technological University (NTU).
One early pioneer in advocating the use of certified Chain of
Custody timber is Kevin Hill and Venturer Timberwork. He has
long been a user of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam
Timber – from certified European sources – in a number of projects
in Singapore and the region for some years.
Venturer Timberwork is also proud to be the first Mass Timber
Contractor to apply for PEFC Project Certification in Singapore.
Kevin Hill believes the construction industry faces specific
challenges when proving that the timber specified and supplied
for individual construction projects is from certified sustainable
sources.
PEFC solved this challenge with Chain of Custody certification
for specified projects, or ‘project certification’, a mechanism for
gaining independent verification of the use of certified timber in
a one-off project with a limited duration.
Acknowledging the sustainable choices made within the
construction industry is becoming increasingly important,
as engineered wood such as CLT and glulam becomes more
mainstream. With PEFC project certification, it’s now possible
to clearly and reliably demonstrate the decision to build with
responsibly-sourced sustainable timber.
The entrance canopy at JTC Furniture Hub was the first job that Venturer
shipped "break bulk", from Europe to Asia, without having to fit the CLT
Components into a container. The long span and heavy load of the glass
canopy made a single spanning component a necessary engineering
feature for this mass timber construction in Singapore.
24 | IN PERSON
Ma
May / June
2020, 0, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture re Asia
Global Timber:
In constant
pursuit of the
next level
Global Timber opened its brand-new
headquarters south of Aarhus, Denmark,
in January this year
(Image credit: Global Timber/ Studio55)
By Szeto Hiu Yan
To say that business
has been brisk at
Global Timber is an
understatement.
It is booming.
Per Friis Knudsen, Global Timber’s Director Asia
(Image credit: Global Timber/ Christian Berg)
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia IN PERSON | 25
A
few other signs of how well the
company has been performing
– the company has recently
held the grand opening of its brand-new
headquarters south of Aarhus, Denmark
in January this year; its annual turnover
in the Asian region alone was an eightdigit
figure.
Speaking to Per Friis Knudsen, Global
Timber’s Director Asia, he mentioned that
one of the challenges at Global Timber
is “keeping pace with our own growth”.
Founded in 2006, Danish-owned Global
Timber is a prominent name in the
global wood trading industry and is the
largest stockist of hardwood in Northern
Europe. Its large centralised warehouse
in Denmark holds between 4000 to 5000
cubic metres of hardwood belonging
to more than 40 different species from
35 countries and six continents at any time.
When Knudsen joined Global Timber in
2013, the company already found its
niche in Malaysia’s and Indonesia’s wood
flooring industry.
“Back in 2013, Thailand was still a
sleeping market and Vietnam was not
explored. With these markets being where
my strong networks lie, I gradually found
the right people to work with us, turning
the company into a significant player
in those markets. We expanded quickly
from 18 employees in 2013 to about
35 in 2020,” recounted Knudsen.
“Today, our best performing markets in
Asia are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
and Vietnam. We have also since ventured
and established a strong presence in
the furniture, doors, toys and moulding
industries in these markets,” he added.
Global Timber’s successful entrance into
Southeast Asia can be largely attributed
to Knudsen. A qualified furniture maker
armed with expertise in the furniture
manufacturing business, Knudsen
Danish-owned Global Timber is the largest stockist of hardwood in Northern Europe and has a
large warehouse in Denmark (Image credit: Global Timber/ Studio55)
switched tracks to be a hardwood trader
in 2009. A Danish native turned global
citizen, he has lived and worked in the
U.S. and Germany before heading to
Southeast Asia in 1995. After working
in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, he
eventually settled down back in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, with his wife and two
daughters, where they have called home
for the past 13 years.
GREAT SERVICE: ADDING VALUE
TO AN ALREADY EXCELLENT
SUPPLY CHAIN
Global Timber is well-known for its
diverse selection of hardwood. Given that
more than half of its business activities
are global, with international sales
constituting approximately 60 per cent
of its total annual turnover, building an
efficient logistics operation is paramount
to the business and Global Timber has not
only managed to achieve it, but bring it
to the next level.
“We tie the ends of the rope together. We
link the sawmillers, or forest owners with
their export markets and manufacturers
to their source of imported material. A
trading company needs to bring value
to the chain by providing the service
needed to link everything together. It is
not only trying to have the lowest prices
for the best quality available out there and
then hoping we have earned money too,”
explained Knudsen.
26 | IN PERSON
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
One way that Global Timber adds
value to the supply chain is through
their commitment in providing clear
communication to customers. “In our
office in Denmark sits a unique and
very experienced international supply
chain team that tie these ends together.
The team consists of employees from
Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Romania
and Denmark. They speak most of the
languages needed at both ends of the
rope. They communicate with suppliers
and customers to keep them updated on
any movement happening in the field and
any shipments on the go,” said Knudsen.
“So we have people in most markets at
all times. The sale staff are close to our
customers and our procurement close
to our suppliers.” Given any changes in
product price or freight cost, or delays in
shipments, customers will be informed
promptly by staff speaking in their
languages, if not English. “We can say
that we are specialists in logistics on all
continents,” said Knudsen with pride.
NEW INNOVATIVE SALES TOOL:
THE POWER BI
Innovations like the use of Power BI, a
sales tool developed by Global Timber,
is another example of the company’s
commitment in providing fast and easy
access to information.
“Power BI gives all our sales staff full
access to most of our price lists anytime,
anywhere. They can now have meetings
with customers and use this tool together
with the customer to show them the best
possible specifications that our company
can offer on most standard timbers. Not
only are prices and specifications listed,
but also photographs.”
How has that helped its sales staff? “In
the past, there was a lot of back and forth
in communication before we could close a
deal, now we only need to follow up with
our customers on the upcoming shipment
date. Our programmer has really done a
great job to get our sales force up to a
different level. We are now continuing to
improve the interface of our software.”
TRENDS IN WOOD MATERIALS
Oak continues to be the bestselling
species and the most popular wood
materials for most wood products in
recent years.
“The bestselling species has to be Oak –
American oak, European oak, White oak,
Red oak. We even sell European oak to
the U.S. and American oak to Europe,”
Knudsen said half-jokingly.
“African species also play a huge role in
our success. Even though Africa is one of
the more difficult areas in our business, we
still managed to sell a very large volume
to Asia,” he added.
Currently, European species make up
65 per cent of timber sold at Global
Timber Asia, followed by American
origin (20 per cent), African origin
(15 per cent); 40 per cent of products sold
are logs, with the rest being sawn timber.
Knudsen (left) with part of the Global Timber Asia team, who are based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
(Image credit: Global Timber/ Christian Berg)
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia IN PERSON | 27
28 | IN PERSON
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
More beech is also sold in the last five
years, as Global Timber has secured very
good sources in FSC-certified beech, the
company still offers PEFC-certified beech
like before.
White oak at the Global Timber warehouse (Image credit: Global Timber/ Christian Berg)
OAK, OAK…AND BEYOND?
resemble oak, that is how much ash and
“Trends in flooring, doors and furniture oak looks alike.”
unfortunately continue to be oak, oak,
oak. Unfortunate, because there are NEW PRODUCTS
so many other wood species that I “In recent years, we’re selling more
personally think is under-used for birch than we ever have before. It is a
flooring, such as walnut and ash.” trend that came up with the trade war
between U.S. and China. Many Chinese
“Ash should be used a lot more; it is manufacturers move production of
more value for money in my opinion and kitchen cabinets and cabinet doors to
its grain structure is a lot like oak but Southeast Asia and it’s an opportunity
with many more options for finishing we hope to bank on – we have good
because its base colour is much lighter. supply and some customers need exactly
Its physical properties are very similar to what we can supply in birch, so that has
oak too. One can also easily stain ash to been a great win-win situation.”
A unique product that is sold by the
company is smoked oak. “European oak
is high in acid tannic, hence it is suitable
for the ammonium fuming process, where
the ammonium reacts with the tannin in
the wood, penetrating through it and
darkening the wood in black nuances that
is also colourfast,” explained Knudsen.
All of Global Timber’s products have
environmental certifications or comply
with various internationally recognised
environmental certification.
While Global Timber does not supply
wood directly for construction projects, it
is the largest supplier of outdoor decking
in Scandinavia. A large percentage of
families probably had barbeques on
terraces where the handsome decking
was supplied by Global Timber.
Global Timber also provides a wide
variety of dimensions of sawn timber, as
well as in customised sizes.
FUTURE
In line with the move to its new
headquarters, the company also
implemented a rebranding exercise
where its 12-year-old logo and website
welcomed a new look in 2019, as well as
expanded its warehouse by 655 square
metres to a total of 10,000 m 2 .
“We are also considering entering the
Japan market,” revealed Knudsen, “we’re
still finding the right partner in Japan.” P
Smoked oak is a darkened wood that has gone through the ammonium fuming process
(Image credit: Global Timber/ Studio55)
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia IN PERSON | 29
30 | PANELS MANUFACTURING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
HIGHEST CAPACITY PARTICLE
BOARD CUTTING PLANT IN
SOUTH EAST ASIA
The Southeast Asian market has always been an important market of Anthon’s. One of the
biggest projects over the years was the high capacity sanding and sawing plant for the new
particleboard plant in Trang (South Thailand), ordered by Green River Panels Thailand in
2017. The project has once again shined a spotlight on Anthon’s know-how in the field of
high capacity sawing systems.
Anthon GmbH, based in Flensburg, specialises in complex
machine and plant systems for the panel processing
industry. Significant emphasis is placed on board sizing
systems including feeding, stacking and sorting systems for
a wide range of materials in the wood and building materials
processing industry.
By the end of 2019, with after the successful delivery and
installation of Anthon’s sanding and sawing line, Green River
Panels Thailand started operation of its third production line in
Trang, which is also its largest particleboard production line with
a sawing capacity of up to 2,800 m³/day.
All of Green River's requests and requirements have been
implemented and optimised to the highest level of
productivity:
high capacity feeding of single
boards
high speed double side sanding
automatic surface inspection
automatic quality grading
high capacity angular cutting
destacking of different quality grades
lowest tolerances of sanding, cutting and destacking
ANTHON THROUGHFEED SAW MODEL PVL/PVQ - A
HIGHLY EFFICIENT CUTTING SOLUTION
PVL/PVQ, the throughfeed sawing system, is more often used to
cut single boards or mini boards, compared to the pressure beam
saw system. This results in significantly lower drive power of the
sawing units and thinner saw blades - energy and raw materials
are reduced. Currently, sawing systems are equipped with saw
blades of approximately 3.0 to 4.0 mm width, whereas saw blades
with twice the thickness are not uncommon with pressure beam
saws. This is one of the reasons why well-known manufacturers
and now, Green River Panels Trang Thailand, chose Anthon’s
throughfeed saws systems.
3D rendering of the Green River
Panels Thailand Trang’s latest and
largest particleboard production line
LONGEST, WIDEST, HIGHEST, HEAVIEST
PARTICLEBOARD STACK IN SEA
The fully automatic sanding and sawing line has been in operation
at the newly built chipboard plant in Trang since the end of 2019.
At this plant, up to 2,800m³/day of chipboard are sanded, sawn
to various formats and destacked with the highly efficient Anthon
equipment.
The particleboard stack at Green River also sets the record
of being the longest, widest, highest and the heaviest one
in Southeast Asia. At 7.4m long, 2.5m wide, 5.0m high and
weighing 60 tonnes, the particleboard stack is used to transport
particleboards from the storage to the Anthon sanding and sawing
line for final sizing and processing before delivery to Green River’s
customer worldwide.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia PANELS MANUFACTURING | 31
FULLY AUTOMATIC SANDING AND SAWING LINE
At the infeed of the line, a Storage Transport System delivers the
Masterboard stack to the infeed system of the Anthon Sanding
line. When the stack is lifted, a push-feeder pushes single boards
onto a roller conveyor where they are accelerated to a speed of
approximately 120m/min. The newest generation of a ten-head
sanding machine is integrated into the line for sanding the raw
boards on both top and bottom side with a single pass, according
to the requested quality and thickness. The sanding machines
come with an automatic thickness measurement system that
measure thickness throughout the sanding process
for quality control.
book through the cross cut saw. The cross cut saw is also equipped
with 2x hogging units at the outer sides and 3x main saw aggregates.
All cutting units are also equipped with soring saws to guarantee
a perfect cutting quality. No separate waste disposal is necessary
due to the use of chippers at the outer units. The aggregates are
designed
as under table
units. This allows easy
adjustments and effective work
of the suction system. The controlled
blade projection above the material
surface ensures a good quality of the
cut and in combination with the scoring
saws ensures a chatter free cutting of the
boards. The boards are guided by the push feeder and
are transported through the saw. This ensures continuous
transportation without vibration and highest cutting quality.
AUTOMATIC SURFACE INSPECTION THROUGHOUT THE
SANDING PROCESS
After the sanding process, the board surface is automatically checked
for defects with an automatic surface inspection system. If a board
shows defects, these boards will be separated and transported
into a drop box system for stack building of b-quality boards.
Boards without defects are further transported to and though
the Anthon longitudinal through feed saw Model PVL. This first
rip cut saw is equipped with 2x hogging units on each side and
a main saw aggregate which performs a centre cut. All cutting
units are also equipped with soring saws to guarantee a perfect
cutting quality. The boards are transported by a top pressure
system through the saw. This ensures a continuous transportation
without vibration. Behind the saws, adjustable guides are installed
to avoid board displacement during sawing, results in highest
accuracies and stable sizing within minimum tolerances.
After passing through the rip saw, the cut single boards are
transported to a so-called book building station. Single boards
are stacked up to a maximum height of 65mm. When the
preselected book height is reached, the mini-book or single board
is transported to the preparation of the cross cut saw Model PVQ
which has a width of approx. 7.600mm.
ENSURING THE HIGHEST CUTTING QUALITY
Prior clamping and cutting the mini-book or single board is
aligned in longitudinal and cross direction. The aligned mini-book
or single board is fixed by a push feeding system which pushes the
DESTACKING AND GRADING MADE EASY
After the final cutting the mini-books or single boards are transported
to the destacking section for stack building of the final board size. In
3x drop box systems, the stacks can be graded to different quality
grades. Prior destacking, the drop boxed are supplied with bottom
protection boards on which the mini-books or single boards are
stacked. Every mini-book or single board are aligned. An adjustable
rake aligns the boards against fences in longitudinal and cross
direction. All drop boxes are built with driven roller conveyors
mounted on lifting tables. If the final stack height is reached, the
stack is transported in cross direction out onto the connected chain
conveyor and further into the storage.
WHOLE LINE CONTROL USES NEWEST PROGRAMMABLE
LOGIC CONTROLLER
The whole line control is based on the newest programmable logic
controller Siemens Simatic S7-1500. All operating elements are
mounted in a control desk placed in the middle of the line, giving the
operator an overview of the total sanding and sawing plant.
With an actively cultivated mix of competence in heavy mechanical
engineering and innovative EDP-solutions, Anthon has been opening
up new markets since 1865. In line with the motto “Tradition and
Innovation”, the Anthon’s drive to improve and optimise products
has been persistent. Its 150 employees in Flensburg work together
on development, production and worldwide sales of the company's
product range. P
All images are credited to Anthon.
32 | PANELS MANUFACTURING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
The first OSB debarking line
produced and installed by
Jiangsu Baolong
JIANGSU BAOLONG INSTALLS FIRST
OSB DEBARKING LINE IN THAILAND
Jiangsu Baolong has successfully installed its first OSB debarking line for VANACHIAI group;
the project is also the first OSB production line in Thailand.
This first OSB production line in Thailand has an annual
output of 220,000 cubic metres. The performance
test for Jiangsu Baolong’s debarking line was conducted
in January 2020 and accepted by the customer thereafter.
When Vanachai group, one of Asia's leading particleboard and
MDF manufacturers, decided to build the first OSB production
line in Thailand, they collaborated with Jiangsu Baolong to
customise the debarking line, consisting of a set of drum
debarker machine that is 21 metres in
length and four metres in diameter, as well
as an automatic feeding system starting
from the debarker to strander.
Jiangsu Baolong Electromechanical
Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is one of the
key enterprises in the Liyang city of
Jiangsu province in China. It is a hightech
enterprise and a member of the
China forestry machinery association.
"Baolong" has been selected and
recognised as a "Best-known brand of
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia PANELS MANUFACTURING | 33
the Jiangsu province" many times, and has
won the "China’s best-known brand" before.
Its main products include wood debarking and
preparation line, drying system, drum and rotary
debarkers, drum and disc chippers, wood and
flake screen, re-cutter, flaker and double-stream
mill, silo and transportation equipment that
have been sold in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand,
Mexico, Vietnam, Japan and other countries. P
The debarking line installed at
VANACHAI’s plant in Thailand
(All images are credited to Jiangsu Baolong)
34 | PANELS MANUFACTURING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
IPCO ENHANCES
IN-HOUSE TRAINING
WITH QUICKBENCH
New training tool to support in-house belt technicians
Press belt manufacturer IPCO has
enhanced its customer support
capabilities with the introduction
of a purpose-designed demo/training
bench that can replicate production line
repair conditions.
Representing the latest addition to
the company’s QuickTool range, the
QuickBench is a strong framework unit
designed to hold a section of the steel
belt. The frame itself can be adjusted to
accommodate different sizes of belt and
belts of any thickness. A pair of clamps
on either side of the unit grip the belt
section in place and these can be then
be tensioned to ensure that training
procedures are as realistic as possible.
“Customer support is central to the way
we work,” explains Sascha Porst, Global
Product Manager (Press Belts), “and the
QuickBench is a great example of this.”
IPCO QuickBench and QuickDisc Plus 500
“Belt damage is an unfortunate but
unavoidable reality of the manufacturing
process and when this happens,
customers need to know that their belts
can be returned to a condition as close
as possible to initial production standard.
While our Global Service Support team
is always on call, some repairs can be
carried out in-house if technicians have
access to the right tools and training,
resulting in a significant reduction in
downtime. This is what we aim to do with
QuickBench.”
SERVING AS A DEMO UNIT FOR
SPECIALISED REPAIR TOOLS
As well as enabling IPCO to train
technicians on belt edge repairs, welding,
grinding and suchlike, the QuickBench
also serves as a demo unit for specialised
repair tools such as the QuickDisc Plus
500, the latest in a range that enables
the replacement of a damaged area of
steel press belt.
In its basic form, the QuickDisc is used to
remove the damaged area and produce
a circular blank replacement from the
extra length of belt that IPCO supplies
with each order for this purpose. The
use of a special cutting tool produces a
clean-cut hole to such precise tolerances
that no additional treatment such as edge
grinding is necessary.
The QuickDisk Plus 500 is the most
advanced model in the range. It has
a self-contained cutting and welding
system that can remove and replace
damaged areas up to 480 mm in diameter.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia PANELS MANUFACTURING | 35
Other tools available include the QuickCutter, used for
cutting and preparing belts for welding up to 4 mm thick; the
QuickGrinder, which enables engineers to achieve a smooth
surface with minimal thickness deviations, even over large areas;
and the QuickPeener, a portable shot peening unit specially
designed for flattening deformed press belts without having
to halt production.
ENSURING QUICK AND PRECISE BELT REPAIR
“These and other tools and techniques are available to
customers around the world,” says Porst, “and we are able to
deliver training and education through local seminars. This
service – this reassurance – is a key reason why customers
continue to place their trust in IPCO.”
“Press downtime can be extremely costly so we are geared up
to providing a rapid and efficient response to press belt issues
anywhere in the world. And with the market moving towards
ever thinner boards – produced at speeds up to 2 500 mm/sec
– belts repairs need to be as close to perfect as possible, so we
continue to invest in the precision technologies necessary to
deliver the highest standards.” P
IPCO’s Quick Bench is designed to hold a section of a steel belt
36 | PANELS MANUFACTURING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
STOP MANUAL PATCHING,
START
UPGRADING
VENEER
QUALITY
Are you still patching veneer by hand? Everyone in the
woodworking business knows that manually patching holes
and knots in veneer can be a tedious and time-consuming job.
Adjusting knives, positioning sheets manually and keeping
the veneer quality consistent also takes a lot of manpower.
That’s why one of the biggest advantages in adapting to more
efficient ways to patch is the savings on labour. With a good
patching machine, the labour-saving ratio can be up to 1:10.
Patching with a machine is faster, more efficient and safer.
However, when investing in patching machinery the pros
and cons should be calculated precisely. Does it give
more yield, does it lead to labour savings, how often does the
machinery need to be maintained and does it really do a better
job? The tradition of patching manually is deep-rooted, but there
are better and more efficient ways to patch veneer.
“The technology itself isn’t new since patching machines have
been on the market for a long time. However, the quality of the
machines and especially the dies used in them have significantly
improved in the last few years, and Raute P2 technology has set
a new benchmark” says Shawn Cheo, Vice President of Raute
Asia and Oceania, Singapore.
With one-man operated patching machinery, the labour costs
decrease significantly. This is simply due to the fact that the
machine can patch a sheet full of defects even 10 times faster
than when patched by hand. While wood is a delicate material
and needs a lot of manual effort, patching might not be a task
you want to do by hand.
“The patch needs to be the same quality as the rest of
the sheet, but when done by hand, the hole and the patch
are never the same shape or size,” states Jukka Siiriäinen,
Raute Group Vice President, Grow. “This leads to irregular
quality. As we all know, a human can never be as precise
as a machine. With a patching machine, the patch is perfectly
fitted for each defect thus upgrading the veneer quality,”
he adds.
KEEPING IT TOGETHER WITH BUTTERFLY PATCHES
Because the quality of the end product is the main point of
patching, the shape of the patch and how it is cut make a lot
of difference. With manual patching, the shapes and sizes vary,
and the quality is uneven. With a good machine, the patch fits
the defects perfectly and there’s no need for manual repair and
gluing of the patch afterwards.
“With manual patching, there’re always going to be defects on
the edge of the patch, but with P2 butterfly patches, the patch
is secure since the patch holds firmly and doesn’t pop off later
in the production process,” Shawn Cheo states.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia PANELS MANUFACTURING | 37
RAUTE P2 PATCHER CUT
The patch
holds firmly
and doesn’t
pop off.
PATCH
90°
VENEER
FIRM HOLD
ANGLE
CONVENTIONAL
MACHINE CUT
PATCHING
PATCH
VENEER
LOOSE HOLD
Raute butterfly patches
even suit joint patching
Hand patched
MANUAL PATCHING COMPARED TO
RAUTE P2 PATCHER MACHINE
Capacity example
Repairing need
120 000 M 3 / Year
12 patches / veneer sheet
Manual
P2 Patcher
Repairing Capacity Pcs/H 210 750
Workers Needed 102 28
SAVINGS IN OPERATORS - 73 WORKERS
The P2 die lifespan is around
50 million patches, and sharpening
interval 2 million patches.
Themo-bond taping
to repair veneer splits.
A butterfly type patch is the
recommended veneer patch
type. The P2 butterfly patches
ensure a bigger contact area
and better adhesion than
oval shaped patches. With
P2 butterfly patches, you
can save up to 25 per cent
in patching material costs
compared to the boat type
patches. Due to their retention
properties, butterfly-type patches bear double the load
compared to other patch types.
“But defects vary in shape and size. That’s why we make
several different patch types and sizes. We can also offer
an integrated thermo-bond taping feature in our patching
machines, depending on the customer needs,” adds
Marko Perttilä, Portfolio Manager, Raute.
With a patching machine,
the patch is perfectly
fitted for each defect
thus upgrading the
veneer quality
Jukka Siiriäinen, Raute Group
Vice President, Grow
WHY WOULD YOU INVEST?
“Usually mills see the biggest
expense not as the machine itself,
but the possible maintenance. But
with a die that lasts for around
50 million patches, and a robust
machine structure, you can use
the same patching machine for
15 to 20 years and minimise
maintenance costs,”Jukka
Siiriäinen, Raute notes.
All in all, manual patching will soon be history. Machines win in
every aspect: quality, efficiency and safety. The quality of the
veneer is upgraded, and the veneer recovery can be up to 30
times more than with composing. And of course, it’s a cliché but
true, safety is always key. Not a single hand will be harmed by
a knife anymore. Last but not least, end product rejects due to
veneer hand patching errors will be significantly reduced with
high quality patches. P
All images are credited to Raute.
38 | FLOORING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
THERRAWOOD:
BRINGING OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS
FROM TURKEY TO SOUTHEAST ASIA
By Szeto Hiu Yan
TherraWood’s decking
that is made with the
unique WPC material
Since 2008, Istanbul-based TherraWood has been manufacturing and supplying wood polymer
composite outdoor solutions to more than 54 countries and with more than 230 projects
worldwide. While its biggest markets have been in the Middle East and the Western countries,
TherraWood has set its sight on further horizons with the aim of bringing its products to
Southeast Asia. As TherraWood makes its stop in Singapore, PFA took the chance to speak with
Philippe Van Wassenhove, Managing Partner of TherraWood Middle East.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia FLOORING | 39
TherraWood is perhaps best known for its unique wood
polymer composite (WPC) material, which is solely
manufactured by the company at its manufacturing
facilities in Corlu, Tekirdag, 100km west of Istanbul.
WPC is a unique blend of PVC, high quality wood fibre and
other proprietary components, creating a cost-effective,
durable and safe material that resembles the appearance
of wood for both residential and commercial outdoor
recreational areas. With WPC, TherraWood produced a range of
outdoor solutions that include decking, siding, fence, pergola
and railing.
On what makes WPC outperform similar materials from
other competitors, Van Wassenhove shared that “one of the
differences is that we are using PVC as a component, while
many other manufacturers are using PE and PP. PVC is a
harder component compared to PE or PP, hence we are able to
offer hollow profiles for some products such as WPC-coated
hollow aluminium railings, combining strength, durability and
lightweight into one.”
Besides, products made from WPC require low maintenance and
are resistant to decay, insects and UV damage. Coupled with
anti-slip and splinter-free properties, the composite material
can be used to make safe structures for outdoor environment.
The products also come in a range of elegant colours. “The main
component for the decking’s top coat is rice husks, which can
prevent water penetration.”
For the environment conscious consumers, products created
from WPC are 100 per cent recyclable and FSC certified.
“We have always been using the same supplier providing us with
cut-off, therefore we know the quality of the pine wood used is
always the same,” said Van Wassenhove.
MOVING INTO SOUTHEAST ASIA
A prominent brand in the Middle East, 50 per cent of
TherraWood’s productions are exported.
“Our biggest market is in the Middle East region, followed closely
by Europe and Northern America. For Asia, we still have to invest
more in marketing our products. We are actively looking for partners
that will distribute and promote our materials in Southeast Asia,”
said Van Wassenhove.
TherraWood is currently operating at an annual capacity of
6000 metric tons and has 65 employees, including production
40 | FLOORING
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
workers. All production steps — wood
grinding, polymer recycling, wood drying,
mixing, extrusion, tooling and surface
treatment are completed in-house.
TherraWood also saw three joint ventures
since 2015. The first is TherraWood
Middle East Fzc, located at Sharjah Airport
International Free Zone, that has a 400
square metres warehouse and office
facilities. The second is TherraWood
North America LLC which is headquartered
in Richmond, Virginia with 1,000sqm
warehouse facilities in Atlanta.
High profile projects that have used
TherraWood products include Microsoft
Turkey Head Office (Istanbul, Turkey),
L’Oreal Head Office (Paris, France), Hilton
Türkbükü Resort (Bodrum, Turkey),
Trump Towers (Istanbul, Turkey) and
St. Regis Hotel (Dubai, UAE). P
All images are credited to TherraWood.
Therrawood’s pergola
TherraWood’s decking, pergola and fences are used in this housing project
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia FLOORING | 41
ADVERTORIAL
42 | MATERIALS
Aerial view of Gabon’s Furniture
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Manufacturing Asia Cluster
Gabon Forest, a sustainably
managed resource
Gabon lies on the equator in the central west part of Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to
the west, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea to the north and the Republic of the Congo to the
southeast. It is a picturesque country with rich natural resources.
Gabon’s climate is classified as equatorial tropical, with an
extensive rainforest system covering 22.8 million hectares
i.e. almost 88 per cent of the territory. There are three
major forest types:
• evergreen rainforest in the west characterised by abundance
of Okoumé and Ozigo
• the central Gabonese forest covering most of the country with
abundance of species like Azobé and Ayous
• semi-deciduous forest with dominance of Limba, Wenge and Ayous
With a low overall population density and 60 per cent of its
population living in urban areas, there is little anthropogenic
pressure on Gabon's forests. The Gabon government has
indicated an average annual deforestation rate of 0.12 per cent
or 10,000 ha per year. All forests in Gabon is owned by the state.
The 2001 Forest Code divides forest into two categories i.e. First
Category (13.5 million hectares) include Production Permanent
Forest Estate (PFE) managed by private concessionaires and
the protection PFE managed directly by the state. The Second
Category (8.3 million hectares) belongs to the non-PFE, known
as domaine rural, includes open access forest for hunting,
agriculture, mining and gathering of NTFPs, sacred forests and
community protected area for which rights are limited to local
communities.
NEW SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT LAW
Gabon has gone through structural reforms affecting the forest
and timber processing industry. The new forest law emphasises on
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) as the overall approach in
forest harvesting. Forest management plans are fully developed
for over 9.25 million hectares of forest in concessions and were
under preparation for another 2.5 million hectares of forest in
concessions since 2011. An estimated 8.42 million hectares of
the natural production PFE is under SFM, including 3.37 million
hectares of forest were certified under the FSC (some of them
also had ISO 14001 and Keurhout certificates) as of June 2010.
Gabon’s low deforestation rate and forests rich in valuable
timber species are among the best prospects for a healthy and
sustainable forest and timber processing industry. Reforestation
has been continuously promoted, and selective thinning and
clearing have prevented the over exploitation. Over 50 firms are
engaged in the harvesting of Gabon’s forests. Forest concessions
covering about 12 million hectares have been granted by the
Gabonese Republic. The timber industry of Gabon already
represents an extremely significant growth potential.
A WIDE ARRAY OF TIMBER SPECIES FROM GABON
Gabon's forests offer enormous possibilities with a logging
potential of 12.5 million hectares with more than 400 species.
Until 2010, i.e. before ban on export of raw logs, Gabon was
the largest exporter of raw wood in the region, and its sale
represents 20 per cent of Africa’s raw wood exports. Gabon’s
reserves of exploitable timber is estimated to be upwards of 400
million cubic metres which includes 130 million m 3 of Okoumé,
15-25 million m 3 of Azobé and 10-20 million m 3 of Padouk.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia MATERIALS | 43
Gabon’s rainforests are home to many timber species
44 | MATERIALS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
WENGE
Wenge is the premier dark hardwood from the
forests of Gabon and suitable for contemporary
interiors as it blends quite well with glass and
stainless steel. Due to its dark colour, it is well
suited for straight or clean line furniture and is
quite popular in Europe.
ALTERNATIVE SPECIES FOR TEAK
Iroko, Beli, Tali and Okan species can be
considered as alternative species to provide
teak-like finish. These species are quite popular
in Asia and Middle East for furniture and
joinery. Tali and Okan are extensively used in
furniture manufacturing in Vietnam, mainly for
export and has helped Vietnam to become the
second largest exporter of furniture after China.
Furniture made out of these species is very
popular in Asian and American markets.
Cabinets made from the premier dark hardwood, Wenge
LIGHT COLOUR TROPICAL WOOD SPECIES
Light colour tropical wood species from Gabon includes Izombe,
Movingui and Bilinga. These species have appearance similar to
Merbau / Kwila and are suitable for furniture as well as joinery
and interiors.
Bench made with Iroko
HIGH-END WOOD SPECIES
Kevazingo (Guibourtia Spp.) is the most expensive and coveted
wood species from the forests of Gabon. Trunk diameter of
150 cm is quite common for Kevazingo. Live-edge table tops made
from it are in high demand in China because of its natural beauty
and its relation to customs and beliefs of Chinese community
world over.
REDWOOD
Padouck is a dark coloured redwood found in Gabon; quite
similar to Rosewood and suitable for outdoor furniture as well
as joinery. Outdoor flooring, decking and garden furniture made
out of it is exported to European markets. It is resistant to
damage from weather elements. Padouck is also very popular
in southern part of India due to its red colour and high density.
Door and door frames made from Padouck are very popular in
the Asian markets.
Live-edge table tops made from Kevazingo are popular in China
Padouck live-edge table
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia MATERIALS | 45
Ready-to-use sheds are provided in Gabon SEZ’s Furniture Manufacturing Cluster for furniture manufacturers to kickstart production quickly
CHANGE HAS JUST BEGUN
Gabonese Republic had banned exports of raw logs in 2010.
Thereafter, to facilitate the secondary and tertiary processing
of timber within the country, Gabonese Republic has developed
1126 hectares SEZ at Nkok in partnership with Olam International,
Singapore to provide ready and reliable infrastructure. Gabon
SEZ offers an array fiscal incentives to industrial investors which
includes complete exemption from all taxes (income tax, corporate
tax, capital gain, MAT, VAT, customs, Property Tax), reduced rate
of export duty (0-2 per cent) and permission for 100 per cent
repatriation of profits.
GABON WOOD HUB: FIRST FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
CLUSTER IN CENTRAL AFRICA
Nkok SEZ also has 60,000 square metres of ready-to-use sheds
as Furniture Manufacturing Cluster to promote manufacturing of
finished products i.e. furniture in Gabon. Such sheds are provided
on rental model in module of 500 m 2 to furniture manufacturers
intending to start their unit in the Furniture Manufacturing Cluster.
The cluster also offers common facilities like:
Kiln Drying: With a dedicated 1000 m 2 per month capacity, kiln
dryers are installed to serve furniture manufacturing units.
Show Room: A show room of over 3000 m 2 can provide the space to
showcase furniture manufactured in the cluster.
Packaging and Logistics: 2000 m 2 of packaging and 4000 m 2 of
logistics facility are available within the cluster for customs clearance.
As of now, there are 12 units working from this cluster. The quality of
raw material i.e. wood available and huge variety of wood species found
in Gabon is a unique opportunity for any furniture manufacturing unit.
Matured wood of any size, any length is available in good quantity on
sustainable basis. Furniture Units are starting manufacturing of upscale
furniture for customers in Asian, European and the U.S. markets. Furniture
majors like Wolf Mobile from Germany; Artemano from Canada; Terry as
well as Williams-Sonoma from the U.S.; Habufa from Netherland, have
expressed their interest to buy furniture manufactured from sustainably
harvested wood available in Africa. Solid wood furniture made from
various wood species like Beli, Tali, Sapeli, Mouvingui, Wenge, Padouck
and Kevazingo is of pertinent interest to many furniture majors.
Moreover, major import houses in the U.S. and Europe have taken a resolution
to source minimum 30 per cent of furniture done with SFM compliant / FSC
certified wood by 2020 and this SFM compliant / FSC certified wood with
genuine Traceability and Legality certificates is easily available in Gabon.
For business, investment and trade enquiries, please get in touch with
team of GSEZ at gsez@olamnet.com or at +24102001086. P
All images are credited to Gabon SEZ.
Why Canadian Wood?
A sustainable resource
for emerging economies
About 200 million seedlings are planted every year in B.C. as part of sustainable forest practices.
British Columbia
(B.C.), Canada is
recognised as
a world leader in
sustainable forest
management. About
95 percent of the forests are owned
by the Government of B.C. Each year,
the Government allows less than
one percent of the forest to be
harvested and ensures that over
200 million new trees are planted.
In this way, B.C. makes certain there
will be trees for generations to come.
Independent studies have confirmed
Canada has some of the most
rigorous forest laws in the world.
This is further supported by Canada
being the international leader in forest certification. The majority of B.C.’s
harvest comes from operations that are certified to the Programme for
the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) system and/or Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC).
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF IMPORTING
CANADIAN WOOD
Customers can be assured that sourcing wood products from Canada
will not have a negative environmental impact when it comes to
transportation. An independent study showed that the environmental
benefits of harvesting trees, producing wood products in mills,
transporting them to ports and shipping them overseas far outweigh
any negative impact from the process. This is because trees store
carbon while they are alive, and then afterward in the lumber and in
finished products.
CANADIAN WOOD: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN VIETNAM
MANUFACTURING WITH WOOD
B.C., Canada is your trusted source for wood products from
sustainably managed forests. As a natural, renewable resource,
wood’s versatility, character and individuality are unmatched.
THE UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF CANADIAN WOOD
Some of the B.C. species available in Vietnam are Western Hemlock,
Douglas-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), Western Red Cedar and Yellow
Cedar. The design flexibility of Canadian wood makes it suitable for a
wide range of applications, both structural and aesthetic.
WESTERN HEMLOCK
Western Hemlock is ideal for
solid wood furniture and interior
finishing. Known for its even colour,
excellent machining properties,
and being non-resinous, Western
Hemlock can be finished naturally
or stained to create traditional or
contemporary appearance. Due
to its high strength, knotty grades
of Western Hemlock are ideal for
structural applications.
DOUGLAS-FIR
Douglas Fir, highly prized as one
of the strongest softwood species
in the world, is used extensively in
structural applications, including
timber-frame construction and
glue-laminated beams. Its attractive reddish-brown colour and
distinctive grain make its clear grades ideal for joinery products
(window frames, doors, cabinets, and panelling).
SPRUCE-PINE-FIR (SPF)
The Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) group is mainly a mix of white spruce and
lodgepole pine. Due to its dimensional stability and superior gluing
properties, SPF is used extensively in the flat-packed furniture industry.
Due to its strength and light weight, SPF lumber is used extensively
in wood-frame construction.
WESTERN RED CEDAR
Western Red Cedar is one of the world’s most naturally durable
softwood species, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, exterior siding,
fencing, and playground equipment. Its appealing dark colour and
soft, lightweight texture makes it suitable for various interior finishing
applications as well.
YELLOW CEDAR
Yellow Cedar is a species quite unique to the coastal mountains of B.C.
It is easy to work with and therefore is prized for applications such
as joinery and carpentry, decorative panelling, furniture, moldings
and cabinetwork.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia NEWS | 17
48 | STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Fjordporten,
a tower of
lightness
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
Fusing tradition and innovation,
Fjordporten at Oslo central station
merges transport, work, leisure
time, culture and business into
a forward-looking and
robust hub.
Fjordporten is designed to combine effective traffic
logistics with appealing internal and external urban
spaces. This is achieved by high architectural
quality and streamlined transfers between the various
means of transport, resulting in a clear architectural
identity that emphasises on sustainability.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS | 49
REFERENCE TO THE CITY’S HISTORICAL USE OF
WOOD
Fjordporten comprises a tower with a base building. The
tower mainly houses offices, while the base building
contains service functions for transport users. The building
volume interacts with the towering "cathedral space" in
the existing Østbanehallen and tapers downwards with
inspiration from Oslo's landscape and buildings.
50 | STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
By combining the use of timber with modern materials such as
concrete and high-tech glass, these materials made a subtle
reference to the time when the city was built from wood.
Maximising the daylight entering the building, the workspaces
have shared infrastructure, break rooms and informal meeting
places to facilitate a flexible, mobile working life. "Green lungs"
in the form of vertical connections across multiple levels and
terraces with vegetation provide ample contact with nature
and its landscape. The tower will provide public areas, as a
contribution to city life.
A DESIGN THAT EMPHASISES LIGHTNESS
At the base, the different areas are designed to be easy to
navigate. The building structure is clearly evident and facilitates
smooth transfers between the various means of transport. A
wooden pergola of lightweight mesh structures defines the
central railway station's new main entrance, while spacious
amphistairs connect the area to Østbanehallen’s food market.
Outdoor atriums and roof lights ensure optimal daylight
conditions in the base. P
Client: Bane NOR Eiendom
Size: 45770 m²
Location: Oslo, Norway
Year: 2017-
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Reiulf
Ramstad Arkitekter
Collaborators: Bollinger Grohmann, Transsolar
Prizes: Architizer A+Awards - Unbuilt Commercial, finalist, 2018
1 st prize in architectural competition, 2018
BIFA WOOD
VIETNAM 2020
www.bifawoodvietnam.com
27-30 October 2020
Venue:
Binh Duong Convention &
Exhibition Centre (open ground)
Duong Hung Vuong, Phu Hoa ward,
Thu Dau Mot city, Binh Duong province,
Vietnam
Google Map
QR code
Exhibition Site
WOOD &
WOODWORKING
MACHINERY
EXHIBITION
Enquiries For International Exhibitors
Pablo Publishing Pte Ltd
3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK
Singapore 569139
Tel: (65) 6266 5512
Email: williampang@pabloasia.com
info@pabloasia.com
WeChat
Jointly organised by
BINH DUONG FURNITURE ASSOCIATION (BIFA)
PANELS & FURNITURE Group
BINH DUONG FURNITURE ASSOCIATION
52 | DESIGN
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
466 FLOW CHAIRS
ADD A TOUCH OF
MODERN TO HISTORICAL
SCHOOL BUILDING
By Szeto Hiu Yan
466 of PlyCollection’s Flow chairs recently filled the Jelgava State Gymnasium’s
concert hall in Latvia, adding a touch of modern to this historical building that
was built before World War I.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia DESIGN | 53
With a clean, timeless design, the Flow chair brings an
understated sophistication to any space. Furniture
connoisseurs will certainly appreciate the construction of
Flow where no screws or metal joints are used, resulting in elegant,
smooth lines. It is also light, both in terms of looks and weight. The
Flow chair personifies a minimalistic perfection – there is simply no
unnecessary details.
With an excellent backrest angle and height, the chair has every back.
Elegance, lightness, versatility, stackibility
This wooden chair with a stable frame is made of bent plywood with
variable thickness in the curves. Due to the stackability of these
wooden chairs (up to 10 pieces), they are easier to keep and move.
Produced in Latvia, the Flow chair was designed by famous Danish
designer Jakob Berg. It is available in a range of finishing. P
All images are credited to PlyCollection.
54 | DESIGN
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
The Preservation Bench was recreated in
American white oak for Downtown Design Dubai
(Image Credit - Brett Rubin)
The Preservation Bench in
American oak to make
its India debut this summer
Houtlander and AHEC collaborative installation to go on display at Index Mumbai and Delhi
A
collaboration first presented in 2019 by the American
Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Houtlander is
making its way to Mumbai and Delhi this summer as
part of Index - a leading interior design exhibition that has been
held annually for the past 30 years.
‘The Preservation Bench’, crafted with American white oak,
is a collaborative installation between Houtlander and AHEC
and will be on display at Index Mumbai (June 4 - 7) and Delhi
(July 24 - 26).
Houtlander will also showcase its award-winning
‘Interdependence Two’ bench, a twisted slatted seat for two
people to sit intimately facing each other, at the shows.
FROM THERMALLY-MODIFIED AMERICAN RED OAK TO
WHITE OAK
The Preservation Bench, in thermally-modified American red
oak, was first presented at 100% Design South Africa in August
last year and then recreated in American white oak for Downtown
Design Dubai, which ran from November 12 - 15, 2019. The
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia DESIGN | 55
Interdependence Two (Image Credit - Hayden Phipps)
piece going to India was built in American white oak since it is
intended to remain indoors.
Known for its modern take on spindle furniture, the two
designers re-worked their signature style to celebrate the
sapling growing from the forest floor, seeking the light and
growing up towards the canopy.
Three grounded benches in American white oak curve into one
gravity-defying twisted form that seemingly disappears into
the air.
“AHEC’s participation at Index Mumbai and Delhi follows
an extremely successful showing of the Preservation Bench
at Downtown Design Dubai last year. We are confident that
visitors will appreciate the beauty of Houtlander’s design,
which incorporates American white oak and is a masterpiece in
timber design and craftsmanship. With a minimal environmental
footprint, which speaks to the inspiration behind it, we hope
this unique commission will inspire the next generation of
furniture designers and specifiers in India whilst demonstrating
the versatility and beauty of American hardwoods and the
ability to push the limits of the material,” said Roderick Wiles,
AHEC Regional Director.
According to Houtlander, no other material that furniture is made
out of can claim to be carbon negative. The bench therefore is
a visual representation of the furniture ‘coming out of the air’
and meant to suggest the form and function of a park tree with
a bench offering some shade. The bench is an expression of
the fact that the material being used comes out of the air - it
is carbon which has been absorbed out of the air by the living
forest and converted into timber.
WHITE OAK USED CAN BE REPLACED THROUGH
NATURAL REGENERATION IN LESS THAN 1 SECOND
AHEC has calculated that all the white oak used to make the
bench would be replaced through natural regeneration in the
U.S. hardwood forest in less than 1 second and, while in use,
the Preservation Bench will keep 733 kg of CO 2
equivalent out
of the atmosphere.
“Our collaboration with Houtlander has resulted in a fascinating
approach to working with an age-old material. This unique
exercise has not only thrown the spotlight on the beauty of
American white oak, but it has also helped in increasing the
understanding of the material for the designers involved with
this project. Celebrating the versatility of timber in design and
the enormous variety that can be achieved with one material,
the Preservation Bench demonstrates the performance potential
of sustainable American hardwoods. By showcasing the bench
at Index, we want to ignite new thinking and excite designers
about new ways to use wood, particularly underutilised, yet
widely-available American hardwoods,” concluded Wiles. P
56 | SHOW PREVIEW
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
The highlyanticipated
BIFA WOOD
VIETNAM
is back for
its second
edition
Year 2020 marks the second year
for the highly-anticipated biennial
BIFA WOOD Vietnam.
The event is jointly organised by two of
the most influential brands in Southeast
Asia’s timber and woodworking sector:
Binh Duong Furniture Association (BIFA)
and Panels & Furniture Asia Group of
wood magazines.
BIFA represents the wood processing
industry in Binh Duong province. It
supports members with market
development, products, raw materials
and technology. It also works with
the government to influence policies
favourable for business. BIFA also works
closely with the Vietnam Timber and
Forest Association (VIFORES), Handicraft
and Wood Industry Association of Ho
Chi Minh City (HAWA), Handicraft and
Wood Industry Association of Dong Nai
Province (DOWOOHA), Binh Dinh Timber
and Forest Association – FPD Binh Dinh.
BIFA WOOD VIETNAM 2020 will take place
This ensures BIFA
from
is connected
27 th to 30
with th October,
the
2020
wood processing industry across the
entire country.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia SHOW PREVIEW | 57
Vietnam is increasingly recognised
as the country to be for wood
processing. In 2019, the export value
of wood and wood products was
US$2.7 billion, a 32.8 per cent increase
compared to 2018. And this year, the
country aims to hit US$12.5 billion in
export value of forest products, a 10 per
cent increase compared to 2019.
Year 2020 marks the second year for the highly-anticipated biennial BIFA WOOD Vietnam
For nearly two decades, Panels & Panels & Furniture China,
Furniture Group of wood magazines Wood in Architecture, American
has been delivering timely, thoughtprovoking
insights to its global readership. American Hardwood China. The Group
Hardwood Southeast Asia and
The Group's umbrella encompasses is also the organiser of the Sylva Wood
five titles: Panels & Furniture Asia, show in Shanghai.
With high taxes from the Chinese market,
Vietnam has become the place to be to
meet the demands for wood products. The
country has also implemented a series
of free trade agreements (FTAs) such
as the Comprehensive and Progressive
Trans-Pacific Partnership; EU-Vietnam;
Vietnam-ASEAN; Vietnam-Japan; Vietnam-
Chile; Vietnam-Korea; Vietnam-China; and
Vietnam-Thailand. With the implementation,
import tax in the agreement are set to
be reduced or eliminated, providing a
competitive edge for the country.
58 | SHOW PREVIEW
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
1
2
1
3
Photos 1-3: The event is jointly by two of the most influential brands in Southeast Asia’s timber and woodworking sector:
Binh Duong Furniture Association (BIFA) and Panels & Furniture Asia Group of wood magazines
Binh Duong, known as the capital for
wood exporting in Vietnam, is at the
centre of all activities. With a plentiful
labour force; dynamic team of
businessmen; strong investments in
manufacturing and processing; and
ideal connections to key timber areas in
the Southeast and the Central
Highlands of Vietnam, Binh Duong has
the favourable business and investment
environment. In fact, about 60 per cent
of Vietnam’s furniture and woodworking
factories are located within 40km radius
around Binh Duong, as well as Long An
and Dong Nai provinces, and Ho Chi
Minh city.
“BIFA WOOD VIETNAM fair is really
important event; timely to advertise,
promote trade and investment of the
wood industry, not only in 2018 but also
in the following years,” said Ha Cong Tuan,
deputy minister of Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development (Vietnam).
“The fair will not only create opportunities
for enterprises to meet, exchange
information and seek business
cooperation, but also for the vertical
linkages in the industry: From suppliers
of raw materials and accessories;
machinery and technology providers to
manufacturers and traders. It provides
an opportunity for businesses to develop
together sustainably,” he added.
So do not hesitate, unlock the endless
possibilities for your business that BIFA
WOOD VIETNAM is set to bring! Join the
crowd at Binh Duong Convention from
27 th to 30 th October, 2020. P
For more informaton, please visit:
www.bifawoodvietnam.com
BIFA WOOD VIETNAM 2018 saw a
resounding success in its inaugural
edition. About 183 exhibitors and
740 booths spread across a massive
hall of 14,500 square metres. The show
also saw about 4,200 visitors seeking
the latest technologies and products
in the furniture manufacturing and
woodworking sector.
Many had commented on the show
location, chosen specifically for its close
proximity to the factories and for the
convenience of factory managers.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia WOOD CLINIC | 59
Hello, Mr. Shen!
I am a reader of PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA. At present, I am in charge of making wood doors
and interior decoration in a small wood factory. The company purchased a second-hand louvered
door manufacturing facility not long ago and is using Red Maranti and Nyatoh wood for small
batch production of solid wood shutters. We are facing many problems in our production process,
for example:
• The slats near the transom above the louvered door become slanted, damaged or loosened
(see Figure 1)
• Some slats are bent (see Figure 2);
Mr Shim (Shen Yuxin)
• Doorpost would be cracked or damaged;
• The louvered door can be packaged only after several rounds of repairs by hand sanding,
resulting in very low productivity;
• In the finished product warehouse, the doorposts of the louvered doors that are made of Nyatoh wood are deformed and
poorly assembled due to weak glue strength.
I hope you can provide some suggestions for improvement.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Lin
How to solve several
issues with manufacturing
louvered door
(I) Analysis and recommendations to solve the common
shortcomings of solid wood louvered door after assembly:
1. Slats on the louvered door becoming slanted
The main reason why the slats on the upper transom are not
parallel after assembling the louvered door:
- Improper operation of the automatic slotting machine: with
two doorposts on the automatic slotting machine used to
shape a milling slot for slats, if one of them is not pressed
tightly, it may move during milling, resulting in some slats
being non-parallel. It is recommended to make sure that
both doorposts are tightly pressed and both milling cutters
are sharp when operating the automatic slotting machine.
- Inaccuracy of the automatic slotting machine: after a long
period of wear, the automatic slotting machine will become
less accurate. A thorough check and repair is recommended
to ensure that the automatic slotting machine remains
accurate.
2. Damaged slats
If there are broken grains or knots on the slats of the louvered
door, or the wood grains are not straight, the slats will be
damaged during assembly and pressing and need to be
replaced. It is recommended to strictly control the quality of
the slats when preparing materials to ensure they are free of
the defects mentioned above, and confirm that chamfering on
both ends of the slats are in place.
3. Loosened slats
Two reasons for why slats are often loose and ill-fitted after
assembly of the louvered door (as shown in figure 1):
- Mismatched automatic slotting specifications: if the milling
cutter with a metric diameter of 6.0mm is mixed with the
milling cutter with an imperial diameter of 1/4 inch
(1/4" - 6.35mm) in use, slats will get unconsolidated after
assembly of the louvered door. It is suggested that the
worker set the specifications of the milling slot according
60 | WOOD CLINIC
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
to the louvered door design drawing and confirm the milling
cutter diameter of 6.0mm when replacing it.
- Inconsistent specifications of slats: if the multiple louver
machine is not set in place, the slats are too thin, or
the thickness is irregularly set during wide-belt sanding,
the thickness of slats will be not consistent, thus leading
to inconsistent tightness of slats of the louvered door. It is
suggested that the workers set the thickness of slats to
6.0mm after sanding, and in accordance to the specifications
on the drawings of the louvered door.
4. Slats arched
When the milling cutter of the automatic slotting machine is
blunt, the depth of milling slot is at critical point, or the slat
arch is too tight because of the excessive length tolerance of
slats... All of these will cause the slats to arch (Figure 2). It is
suggested to check that the milling cutter of the automatic
slotting machine is sharp and the milling slot is deep enough.
The length of slat must be strictly controlled when sawing, and
both ends should be at right angles.
5. Doorpost damaged
There are three main reasons why the doorpost is often damaged
during assembling the louvered door.
- Improper setting of automatic slotting machine: when the
milling slot is too short, the milling slots will become
damaged during the assembling when dozens of slats are
pressed into the milling slot of the doorpost at the same
time. It is recommended to thoroughly check the accuracy of
the automatic slotting machine and train the worker so
that they are skilled in setting milling slots according to the
specifications on the drawings.
- Improper specifications of slats: the thickness and width
tolerance of slats is too large. Suppose an 80-inch-high
door requires about 64 slats. If the slat is 0.30mm larger
than the milling slot, the door post will crack during slotting. It
is suggested to strictly control the thickness and width of slats
according to the specifications on the drawing.
- Improper chamfering of slats: when chamfering on one side
or at one end not in place, it will be stuck in the milling slot
edge when pressing during the doorpost installation,
resulting in crushed milling slots. It is recommended to
check the chamfering equipment and reset it to ensure that
the chamfering at both ends of the slats is even and in place.
- Improper setting of assembly press: in the cases where the
assembly press mold is not set accurately enough, the centre
lines of the louvered door components are not on the same
horizontal surface, or the centre lines of the louvered
door posts, the transom’s log mortise and the milling slot
center line are not aligned in the most accurate positions,
the main implication will be a crushed milling slot or
distorted louvered door during the assembling and pressing
process. It is recommended to do a thorough check of the
setting of the mould at the assembly press, confirm that the
setting is in place, and strictly control the positions of the
log mortises of the louvered door post and the transom, as
well as the milling slot centre line.
(II) After assembly, the louvered doors need many rounds of
repairs by hand sanding, affecting production efficiency. Some
suggestions to improve the process are provided as follows:
1. Quality control of materials
- The grade of wood purchased should meet the requirements
of the louvered door order. Wood with too many defects such
as knots, wormholes and discoloration are not acceptable.
When purchasing wood, such defects should be avoided as
much as possible to reduce the screening and repair work,
thus indirectly improving the production efficiency.
2. Four-side planer
- When using the four-sided planer for processing doorposts
and louvered door transoms, the linear speed of the planer
should be maintained at 10 m/min (planer tool mark
12/inch) according to the specifications of the louvered
door design drawings. The planing tool should be kept sharp
to reduce fuzzing and roughness on the surface, thus
reducing the need for puttying and hand sanding after
processing the door components.
Figure 1: After spraying white paint on the louvered door, it can be
clearly seen that there is an obvious loose seam between the slat and
the milling slot
3. Multiple louver machine
- Slats should be produced according to the specifications
of the louvered door design drawing. The arcs on both sides
of the slat should be kept symmetrical (r = 6.0mm).
Linear speed should be kept at 8 m/min and the sharpness
of the planing tool should be maintained to reduce fuzzing
and roughness on the surface, thus reducing the need for
puttying and hand sanding afterwards.
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia WOOD CLINIC | 61
7. Drilling machine
- The setting of log mortises for the louvered door post and
the transom with the drilling machine must be based on the
specifications of the louvered door design drawing. The
operator must also check the accuracy of the mortises
regularly using a special mould to make sure the mortises
are n place.
8. Nail dowels
- Make sure the dowels in the upper, middle and lower
transoms of the louvered door are nailed as well as uniformly
glued and of the same height. Ensure strict control of the
quality of dowels and that the chamfering of both ends of the
dowel is in place to reduce the possibility of pressure
damage to the door post when assembling the louvered
door.
9. Colour matching of the louvered door components
- The color of the components of each louvered door and the
number of slats (tied in a bundle) should be allocated before
assembling the louvered door. It will improve the efficiency
of the louvered door assembly.
Figure 2: It is clear that there are some flaws in the louvered door
where some slats have become arched
4. Fixed length
- When the radial arm saw is used to cut the parts of the
louvered door, the most ideal sequence is to start sawing the
large louvered doors followed by smaller-sized louvered
doors. Make sure the saw blade is kept sharp and at a right
angle. If the linear speed of the saw is too high, it will lead
to rough and fuzzy surfaces. It is recommended to saw
the parts of the louvered door at an appropriate linear speed,
replace the saw blade and the bottom plate regularly to
reduce the burrs, thus reducing the puttying and hand
sanding work required afterwards.
5. Automatic louver slotting machine
- Set the inclination of the automatic louver slotting machine
and the specification of the milling slot according to the
louvered door design drawing. Check to make sure that the
milling cutter of the automatic louver slotting machine is
sharp, the clamping pressure of the fixed doorpost and the
accuracy of the milling slot are in place.
10. Louvered door assembly press
- Skilled workers are required to accurately set the template of
the louvered door assembly press. When arranging
components of the louvered door on the template of the
assembly press, it is necessary to make sure that the centre
lines of the components are on the same horizontal plane
without any dislocation. When assembling and pressing the
doors, the milling slot of the doorpost is often crushed or
the assembled louvered door is distorted if the centerlines
are not aligned.
- Two stages of pressing are required for the louvered door
assembly press. The first stage of pressing is to confirm that
the dowels of the louvered door transom are aligned with the
doorpost mortises, and that there is no misalignment
between the slats and the milling slot. The second stage of
pressing is to make sure that there is no gap between the
post and the transom of the louvered door, and for spilled
glue to be removed. This will be followed by pressure relief to
complete the assembly of the louvered door. It will also
reduce the repair work and improve the efficiency of the
louvered door assembly.
6. Wide-belt sander
- The wide-belt sander can be used to sand the planer tool
marks, burrs, putty and other imperfections on the flat
louvered door post, upper, middle and lower transoms
and the slat; the wide-belt sander can also be used for equal
thickness treatment.
(III) For the Nyatoh wood louvered doors in the finished product
warehouse that are presenting problems such as deformed
doorpost and weak gluing strength, possible causes and
solutions are provided as follows:
1. The door post of the Nyatoh wood louvered door is deformed
62 | WOOD CLINIC
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
Figure 3: Common problems in homemade dowels.
- The moisture content of Nyatoh wood is 12 to 20 per cent,
with the equilibrium moisture content in the warehouse
being 10 to 14 per cent. When other wood with high
moisture content in the warehouse continues to release
moisture, wood shrinkage will lead to deformed doorpost;
the gluing strength of the log nail will also be affected.
Reasons why there is uneven wood moisture content: it can be
due to the non-standardised operation of the drying kiln – the
materials used for the doorpost and the transom are dried in the
same drying kiln, and the material used for the doorpost is high
in water content due to its greater thickness, which results in the
deformation of the doorpost. Suggested solution: in addition to
stacking materials with 1-inch square stickers for wood drying
in the kiln, make sure the wood is of the same thickness, and
avoid mixing with other tree species as much as possible. Before
drying, it is necessary to confirm the hot air circulation in the
drying kiln is uniform without short flow.
2. Weak gluing strength of the Nyatoh wood louvered door
after assembly
- Non-standard, uneven or insufficient glue is applied on the
log mortises. It is common to apply glue only on one side
of the mortise or only on its bottom, which will result in
weak assembly gluing strength. It is recommended to use
a small brush, or a pneumatic glue gun with a nozzle
diameter of 8.0mm and a small hole in the periphery. It will
help coat the glue evenly around the perimeter and ensure
there is sufficient glue.
- Mortise glue film crusts and dries up. After the doorpost
mortise is glued and upon delay in gluing, the glue film in the
mortise will crust and become semi-dry, leading to
insufficient gluing strength after the door is assembled. It
is recommended that assembly should be finished within
3 to 5 minutes after applying Europe D3 water-based
white latex.
Figure 4: Schematic diagram showing that the moisture content of dowels can go
up to 14.5 per cent with the moisture meter
- The quality of the dowel is inconsistent. Shortcomings of
the dowel such as fuzzing, different diameters, different
lengths, uneven chamfering at both ends (as shown in
Figure 3), and high moisture content (as shown in
Figure 4) can affect the gluing strength of the door after
assembly. It is suggested to strictly control the specification
of dowel and its screw thread quality. Diameter tolerance
≤0.1mm and water content control at 8%±2% are the best.
- The quality of the log mortises is inconsistent. The
difference in sizes and depths of the log mortises will also
lead to insufficient gluing strength after assembly of the
louvered door. It is suggested to strictly control the
specification of the log mortise and ensure that the mortise
diameter tolerance is ≤0.1mm, and the drill bit should be
checked regularly to ensure its sharpnesss.
The above brief description and suggestions are provided for
reference, which I hope will be helpful to you when dealing
with the shortcomings of the louvered door, and improving
production efficiency. P
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia WOOD CLINIC | 63
HANOIWOOD 2021
20-22 JANUARY 2021
Venue:
International Centre of Exhibition
(I.C.E ), Hanoi
91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem
District, Hanoi , Vietnam
QR Code to exhibition
location on Google Map
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY
BINH DUONG FURNITURE ASSOCIATION
VIETNAM TIMBER AND
FOREST PRODUCT ASSOCIATION
PANELS & FURNITURE GROUP
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NEWSLETTER
MAY/JUNE 2020
THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (MMMA)
Between A Forest and A Piece of
Furniture: Pandemic Control
or Growth?
By Peter Fitch
MMMA Newsletter for PF Asia May/Jun 2020
think it has become clear that
I
authorities cannot limit the coronavirus
and restore global growth to December
2019 levels. So what is next?
Authorities around the world are
between a ‘rock and a hard place’: they
need policies that both limit the spread of
the coronavirus and allow their economies
to open for business. The two demands
are inherently incompatible, so neither
one can be fulfilled. The problem is the
intrinsic natures of the virus and the global
economy.
The virus is highly contagious during
its asymptomatic phase, and therefore
impossible to control with conventional
tools such as isolating people with
symptoms. Isolation has to be done for the
whole population and not just those with
symptoms. Covid-19 is not like normal
flu, though the vast majority of those that
succumb to the disease are the elderly
and those with chronic health issues; there
is an element of semi-random lethality
in younger and healthier people. In a
regular flu season, people with a healthy
immune system have little fear of dying
from the flu.
To avoid moral hazard, most countries have
opted for some form of Movement Control
or Lock Down of their economies, together
with financial compensation and stimulus
packages.
These financial packages in most cases for
most countries can only be generated by
the creation of more debt. However, over
the past 12 years, debt has been exploding
higher to maintain weak global growth.
Debt is like a shark: it must keep moving
forward in growth or it dies. The difference
we have here is that new debt is being
created but the economy is in real decline
and not growing, the consequences will be
significant in many ways.
The problem is debt must be serviced:
interest must be paid and the principal paid
down. Even at near zero interest rates the
principal payments loom large. This applies
equally to companies and individuals as it
does to nation states, that is why we are
entering a time of extreme uncertainty.
So what happens when income falls as it
is doing now? There is no longer enough
income to pay all the expenses, as a result
large sectors of the economy will default
on the debt. The lenders will then pursue
legal action to collect the debt, but heavily
indebted companies will then have no choice
but to declare bankruptcy and the lenders
will need to take the losses.
If this happens we enter a negative feedback
loop where less lending, less profit, and
more losses pile up. Bailouts are shortterm
emergency measures, they do not
create sustainable debt and will not create
credit worthy borrowers - in fact they do
the opposite.
If we summarise the uncertainties:
• Covid-19 is not as risk-free for healthy
people as ordinary flu. Therefore, this
uncertainty is causing nations to be cautious
and undertaking risk-free strategies, such
as limiting the economy through movement
control.
• From the point of view of borrowers, there is
uncertainty about the future, so lowering risk
makes sense. The easiest way to avoid risk is to
avoid new debt and discretionary purchases.
• From the point of view of lenders, there
is uncertainty to the credit worthiness of
borrowers. So to mitigate the risk, reduce
the lending and as a result halt or limit
future growth.
64
NEWSLETTER
MAY/JUNE 2020
The global economy is optimised for a vast and steady
expansion of debt to fund an equally vast and steady increase in
consumption. Once the global economy slips out of this narrow
band of control, it crashes.
Central banks and governments can mask this in the shortterm
by substituting bailouts for revenues, but bailouts are not
sustainable replacements for revenues, incomes, profits and debt
servicing. The only question is how long will the current bailout
fuel last? Like an aeroplane with no fuel, the global economy will
either glide or crash to the ground.
There is no way authorities can limit the coronavirus until a
vaccine becomes universally available and until then global
growth and debt expansion will come to a grinding halt be
greatly reduced.
I believe Malaysia has made significant progress in bringing the
Pandemic under control, but the economic price for doing so
has been very high. Our Wood Panel business has only been able
to operate between 30 per cent to 40 per cent capacity at best
during this difficult time.
The time has now come for us as an industry to “Emerge from
the Twilight of this Coronavirus Pandemic”. As we restart our
operations, many things have changed while challenges remain.
Our Supply Chain has been totally destroyed, and this will need
time to rebuild.
On the Raw Material supply, we need the resumption of the
replanting of Rubber Plantations (our main source of wood),
Loggers need to be able to return to the forest, Saw Mills have
to reopen and lorry drivers must be able to transport materials
freely without restrictions. I believe that other essential raw
materials such as chemicals, inks and packaging items can be
resupplied more easily.
On the Demand or Market side, domestically we need the
Furniture Makers of which Malaysia has some of the best in
the world, to restart their businesses. Export markets need
to be informed that Malaysia and Malaysian Manufacturing is
“Back in Business” or as we say in Malaysia – “Buatan Malaysia
Terbaik” (Malaysian Made is the Best). To the rest of the world
and especially to the Malaysian Domestic Market we would like
to clearly announce that we are back in business and ready
to meet your requirements. We would like to wish the best of
luck and good health to all our customers wherever they are
and hope that they are able to restart their businesses as soon
as possible.
Our industry and businesses will not escape this catastrophe, the
only positive thought is that as our industries suffer, our forests
will continue to thrive, grow and flourish.
About the Author
Peter Fitch is the founder of Segamat
Panel Boards (Malaysia) and is
currently chairman of the Malaysian
MDF Manufacturers Association
(MMMA) and executive committee
member of the Malaysian Panel
Manufacturers Association (MPMA).
Prior to working in Malaysia he worked
for Plantation Timber Products (China)
and Takeuchi MDF (Malaysia). Peter
has been based in Asia for more than
25 years and in the wood panel
business for more than 20 years.
65
66 | ENVIRONMENT
Events Calendar 2020 / 2021
May / June 2020, Issue 3 | Panels & Furniture Asia
January / February 2020, Issue 1 | Panels & Furniture Asia
MAY
SEPTEMBER
25 MAY TO
27 MAY
GABON WOOD SHOW 2020
Gabon, Central Africa
07 SEP TO
10 SEP
CIFF Shanghai 2020
Shanghai, China
07 SEP TO
09 SEP
Dubai Wood Show 2020
Dubai, UAE
JULY
08 SEP TO
10 SEP
6th Bangladesh Wood International
Expo 2020
Khaka, Bangladesh
16 JUL TO
21 JUL
(Postponed)
SALONE DEL MOBILE. MILANO
Milan, Italy
08 SEP TO
12 SEP
FMC CHINA 2020
Shanghai, China
18 JUL TO
21 JUL
(new date)
CIFF Guangzhou - PART 1
Guangzhou, China
23 SEP TO
26 SEP
IFMAC & WOODMAC 2020
Jakarta, Indonesia
27 JUL TO
30 JUL
(new date)
CIFF Guangzhou - PART 2
Guangzhou, China
27 OCT TO
30 OCT
OCTOBER
BIFA WOOD VIETNAM 2020
Binh Duong, Vietnam
27 JUL TO
30 JUL
(new date)
Interzum Guangzhou 2020
Guangzhou, China
NOVEMBER
10 NOV TO
13 NOV
(new date)
Xylexpo 2020
Milan, Italy
AUGUST
31 AUG TO
02 SEP
(new date)
Domotex Asia China Floor 2020
Shanghai, China
JANUARY 2021
20 JAN TO
22 JAN
HANOI WOOD 2021
Hanoi, Vietnam
ADVERTISERS’
INDEX
May / June 2020 • Issue 3 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
COMPANY
PAGE
American Hardwood Export Council
IFC
Anthon GmbH 9
Baillie Lumber 11
Biesse Malaysia Sdn Bhd
FC
BIFA Wood Vietnam 2020 51
Cabinet Vision South East Asia 13
Canadian Wood 39
CMC - Carpenterie Metalliche Colzate Srl 19
Electronic Wood Systems GmbH 57
Gabon Special Economic Zone GSEZ 27
Gabon Special Economic Zone GSEZ (Advertorial) 42 - 45
Gau Jing Machinery Co., Ltd 33
Hanoi Wood 2021 63
IMAL SRL 1
IMEAS spa 53
IPCO South East Asia Pte Ltd 5
Jiangsu Baolong Electromechanical Mfg Co., Ltd 47
Kuang Yung Machinery Co., Ltd 15
Lesnaya Industriya Journal 41
Nanxing Machinery Co., Ltd 2 & 3
Northwest Hardwoods 21
Plytec Oy 49
Raute Corporation OYJ 17
Scheuch GmbH
OBC
Shanghai Wood-based Panel Machinery Co., Ltd 7
Sichuan Hero Woodwork New Technology Co., Ltd 68
Softwood Export Council 29
Technik Associates, Inc
IBC
Tong Fong Cutters Co., Ltd 67
Heavy Duty Helical Planer Cutter
Heads with Changeable Knives
Knife:
14 x 14 x 2 x 30º
14 x 14 x 2 x 37º
Heavy Duty Helical Planer Cutter
Heads with Changeable Knives
Knife:
30 x 12 x 1.5 x 35º
Helical Planer Cutter Heads
with Changeable Knives
Knife:
15 x 15 x 2.5 x 30º
15 x 15 x 2.5 x 37º
Adjustable Planer Cutter Heads
with HSS or TCT Knives
Safety Corrugate Cutter Heads
with HSS Knives
Spindle Shaper Planer Cutter
Heads with Changeable Knives
Knife:
30 x 12 x 1.5 x 35º
50 x 12 x 1.5 x 35º
60 x 12 x 1.5 x 35º
Changeable Knives
-TCT
Single/Double Surface Planers Helical Planer
Cutter Heads with Changeable Knives
Knife: 14 x 14 x 2.0 x 30º
15 x 15 x 2.5 x 30º
15 x 15 x 2.5 x 37º
30 x 12 x 1.5 x 35º
30 x 12 x 2.5 x 35º
14.6 x 14.6 x 2.5 x 30º
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PFA May/June 2020
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