Timber measurement links forestry with industries, such as wood processing, paper, wood composites, energy etc. All these sectors are important to the Swedish economy, landscape and rural ways-of-life.
By connecting issues that affect wood properties from forests into industrial production and across supply chains, Wood Technology distinguishes itself from other forestry and wood related disciplines. This discipline is therefore unique to SLU’s Forestry Faculty.
Timber’s value is dependent upon wood properties with different industry sectors placing specific price-quality requirements.
Wood properties are dependent upon a complexity of factors including genetics, site conditions, climate and forest management practices. Knowledge about the influence of these can be used to calculate wood properties. This is one key to timber trading, enabling an optimal match of timber harvests to industrial segments. e.g. pulp & paper or wood furniture.
Knowledge about the combined effect of forest management and other factors on wood properties can also be used to influence future harvests and their values. Wood properties is of course also important for the theme program (MIK) in forest products marketing.
Harvesting itself can also influence the characteristics of wood products. There is an unexploited potential to increase supply chain effectiveness by tailoring harvesting approaches to the needs of the subsequent industrial production process. For example, cross cutting in the forest can be optimised to suit the length of wood products that sawmills will produce for their customers.
This example illustrates Timber Measurement´s scope also crosses firm boundaries, which is one motive for this Department of Forest Products hosting a Masters Programme in Management of Forest Products Industries.
Contact person: Mats Nylinder