Features Research & Innovation
The Forest Resource: Traditional And Emerging Uses

Small dimension logs (pulpwood) -Traditional users of pulpwood logs are pulp mills and the wood-based panel sector. However energy companies have a high wood-paying capability and are competing directly with these industries for raw material.

Harvesting residues -Tree tops and branches left behind in the forest after harvesting. This remains a largely unutilized resource in most countries and has low competition from the traditional wood consuming industries.

Bark -Has relatively low calorific value and high ash content and is therefore not favoured by the bioenergy industry. It is a major by-product of the softwood sawmilling industry, and often burned at sawmills to provide heat (for drying kilns) and energy.

Chips/Sawdust -A major by-product from the sawmilling industry, and important raw material for the pulp and paper and wood-based panels sector. Now also in strong demand by wood pellet producers and energy companies. Recovery of waste wood from communities and construction/demolition is also growing in importance for the bioenergy sector.

Wood pellets -Generally made from compacted sawdust. Wood pellets are extremely dense and have a low water content, which offers logistic advantages. They are mainly used in domestic heating and co-firing plants due to their homogeneity and their high quality as wood fuel. Source: Petri Visnen of Pyry Energy