Tight supply of hardwood fiber in the Pacific Rim have pushed prices for Latin American hardwood chips upward during the first half of 2019, reports the WRQ. However, a decline in chip consumption in China is expected to occur in the second half of the year, which would likely end the most recent price rally that started in mid-2018. / Wood Resources International

After a slump in notifications in June the forest owners’ engagement for final felling increased considerably in July. That is shown by monthly statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency. The area notified for final felling in July was the highest in 9 years. One reason for the increase could be higher activity in forest operations due to infestation of bark beetle which leads forest owners to notify for final felling to clear damaged forests despite it being the main summer holiday month. / Swedish Forest Agency

The message from the European Bioeconomy Scene 2019 conference in Helsinki was that by now we have enough research and development to start upscaling bioeconomy. The most challenging task is, however, to engage the people at large, the consumers and the various European regions in the change. / Finnish Forest Association

The demand for sustainable packaging among consumers and brand owners all over the world is growing at an exponential rate, which in many cases drives a strong need to replace plastic packaging. Strong partnerships are required to bring about the development and innovation needed to meet this demand. A good reason for Bosch Packaging Technology and BillerudKorsnäs to intensify their successful collaboration. / BillerudKorsnäs