HARDWOOD MARKET REPORT is pleased to present “Changes and Trends in the Pallet Industry” in this issue, the final of a three-part series. This paper was produced by Robert J. Bush, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management, Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; Philip A. Araman, Project Leader, USDA Fores...

BACKGROUND Occupational disease linked to the paper recycling industry has not been well documented. No previously confirmed formal diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) caused by hydroxylamine has been made. METHODS We have assessed and performed occupational assessment of eight workers involved in this industry. Two of these were later diagnosed with OA and are reported here. RESULTS Both...

New Zealand produces large diameter radiata pine (Pinus radiata) in short rotations, making it the dominant species used in its forest products industry. As with other fast growing pine species, radiata pine produces wood that consists primarily of sapwood, and is susceptible to dark discolorations due to sapstaining fungi. As a result, significant losses are incurred by the New Zealand forest ...

The white-rot fungus Physisporinus vitreus preferentially degrades the pit membranes of bordered pits in tracheids and subsequently enhances wood permeability. Thus, P. vitreus can be used to improve the uptake of wood preservatives and environmentally-benign wood modification substances. This process can be used to enhance the use and sustainability of native conifer wood species by the wood i...

In anticipating future rates of adoption of new technology in forest products, several uniquely important factors come into play. In this respect, the role of innovations imported from other industries, the effect of raw material shortages, the importance of economic factors in adoption of innovations, and the problems presented by the heterogeneity of wood raw material and finished products ar...

Wood-based additive manufacturing (AM), some examples of which are called 3D printing, is a promising technology for reducing the environmental impact and increasing sustainability construction industry. This review paper provides an overview various AM methods, including commonly used wood-based techniques mechanical physical properties their products. The also discusses challenges related to ...