FOrest-based Solutions
Forests offer a variety of renewable and recyclable products that are suitable for promoting a greener transition in human activities. When forests are managed responsibly, they can provide valuable sources of biobased products, such as timber, as well as non-timber forest products like bamboo and cork.
Wood and other forest products are considered sustainable because they are renewable resources that can replace less sustainable materials, have a low carbon footprint, are biodegradable, and are versatile. However, as wood becomes increasingly in demand in the future, it's crucial to ensure that forests are managed sustainably. Responsible harvesting, reforestation, conservation, resource efficiency, and proper recycling can all contribute to achieving this goal.
In addition to forest management, there are numerous sustainable approaches in the supply chain that can help get the most out of the raw material while minimizing waste. It's important to use wood to its full potential while also ensuring that its production and use have a minimal impact on both social and environmental factors.
Forest products
Did you know that there are more than 70,000 species of trees around the world dominated by the tropical species? Yet only a small proportion of these has been properly tested for specific applications.
Tropical forests contain a wealth of lesser known timber species (LKTS). Many of these offer untapped potential to cover our construction and design needs
Lesser-known timber species are currently underutilised compared to their potential. Bringing them from well-managed forests to the market could relieve pressure on the most popular species and increase the product range of these forests which are currently limited in harvest volumes by principles of low impact logging and single-species considerations.
Tropical timber is characterised by certain natural advantages such as strength, durability, and an incredible variation in look. With many thousands of timber species available, the potential is worth investigating.
Rich opportunity exists for sharing responsibility for our tropical forests. Manufacturers, architects, engineers etc. are able to support product development on behalf of Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia and contribute to future-proofing forest preservation.
TIMBER DIVERSITY
Plantions ROLE
Natural forests alone are not able and should not be expected to supply the world’s need for wood and fibers. More intensive production systems are needed for this.
While plantations cannot replace the richness, stability and beauty of natural forests or the complexity of the services they provide. Applying the FSC standards to plantations ensures that management is defined by transparency and fairness and minimises negative environmental and social effects.
Since growth rates of many plantation tree species exceed those of species in natural forests, production oriented plantations can achieve concentrated production of wood of consistent quality, which helps to reduce wood harvest pressures on natural forests. Indeed, plantations already play a vital role in supplying wood and other products.
That goes for species relevant to the shipbuilding industry such as Teak (Tectona grandis), Red Grandis (Eucalyptus Grandis), or Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale).
Plantations can also offer a second commercial opportunity to some of the historical popular species that are in some ways limited in more natural forests or species that are in some way restricted. That could be species protected and regulated under the CITES-convention such as Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata) and Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
Non-timber forest products (NTFP)
Forests are mostly known as a source of wood-based products such as timber, pulp, and paper. Other parts of trees and forest resources known as non-timber forest products (NTFPS) can be harvested for local needs or on a greater industrial scale adds an extra dimension to the range of biobased products.
Non-timber forest products are important resources for rural, and even urban, populations worldwide. Especially in tropical regions, NTFPs can provide a range of social and economic benefits at the local, regional, and international levels and have the potential to diversify income sources for forest operations.
Certification is also relevant in the case NTFP
Some of the most common NTFPS are: Nuts, essential oils, plant extracts, resin, Christmas trees, pine cones, seeds, maple, sugar, honey, mushrooms, latex, bark, fruits, straw, wicker, rattan and meat.
Cork, bamboo and rubber are of particular interest to the shipbuilding industry.
Bamboo forests
Photo: MoSo
REUSE AND RECYCLE
We consume far more resources than are available in the long run, and there is a pressing need to extend the life cycle of all materials, including wood and other forest products.
The use of recycled or reclaimed wood can contribute to reducing the pressure on the world's forests. It also helps in the prevention of waste and the storage of carbon for a longer period of time. Most types of wood can be recycled in some form, which adds to the many benefits of this fantastic and renewable material.
There are several opportunities in shipbuilding to contribute to a more circular economy. Where you may face difficulties with some products, there will be opportunities for others.
To be more circular in a business model, is not only by useing use reclaimed materials, but also ensure that any wood replaced during renovation or refitting gets a second life.
This can be accomplished by designing for disassembly and carefully dismantling and sorting the wood for reuse. Everyone has an obligation to contribute to a good infrastructure that converts waste into a resource for others.
There is a pressing need to track and share recycling value chains as policies requiring more recycled material arise. A helpful tool for this is certification, which also guarantees that the material is indeed reclaimed.
