Packaging markets have faced unprecedented volatility, with paper and board manufacturers experiencing surging demand during COVID-19, followed by an energy crisis and de-stocking effects. As we enter the second half of 2024, the industry shows signs of recovery. This article explores the ongoing challenges, including cost pressures, sustainability concerns, and the competitive landscape between paper and plastic packaging.
Engineered wood solutions like CLT and LVL present a viable alternative to traditional construction materials, offering a significant reduction in embodied carbon emissions. While their widespread utilisation may be hindered by industry traditions and supply constraints, their potential for positive environmental impact is undeniable.
A number of factors are influencing Europe's intricate forest ownership landscape. This includes a diverse mix of public entities, private companies, and individual proprietors. These owners navigate a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental values that dictate how forests are managed. Notable variations in ownership models exist, with implications for market trends and land prices
The biofuel industry faces a critical challenge as it navigates the changing landscape of transportation fuels. There is a risk that biodiesel and bioethanol might serve merely as transitional fuels until full electrification of the vehicle fleet. Amidst these dynamics, the biofuel industry is engaged in an upbeat discussion around sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and their potential to dominate the biofuel market in the future. What is the role of the forest industry in this equation? Could collaborative efforts between the forest industry and biofuel sectors address the widely acknowledged challenge of feedstock availability?