Panels & Furniture Asia November/December 2019 by pablopublishing

MICA (P) No: 079/05/2019 • ISSN: 0219-5704 • KDN: PPS 1453/11/2012(022879) • www.panelsfurnitureasia.com • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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Contents

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • Panels & Furniture Asia EDITOR’S NOTE | 6 NEWS | 8 PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS International standards for phytosanitary measures no.15 (ISPM 15) data logging made easy | 16 BQC from STEINEMANN - Another milestone in sanding line automation | 18 MARKET REPORTS U.S. hardwood market update: Supply is conforming to demand, a lesson from history | 20 ENVIRONMENT REPORT FSC plans to double share in global timber trade by 2020 (Part 2) | 22 Australia gets tough on illegal timber | 25

27 29

34 38

IN-PERSON For DIEFFENBACHER, diversification is key | 27 FURNITURE MANUFACTURING Omnichannel retail on the rise in Singapore's furniture industry | 29 First Taobao offline store in Singapore: Let the consumers decide what to sell | 30 Commune: In Motion— Singapore’s first cloud-based, omni-channel furniture retail solution | 32 PANELS MANUFACTURING Meet the team behind SCM's Software and Digital Services | 34 MATERIALS The fine woods of France | 38 Malaysian Meranti: A versatile hardwood | 41 A retrospective look into the Japanese woodworking machinery industry (Part 2) | 45 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS SWATCH inaugurates its new headquarters in Biel, Switzerland | 48 DESIGN Leaving a legacy | 52 SHOW PREVIEW interzum guangzhou 2020 to grow in capacity | 58 SHOW REVIEW WMF 2020 shall continue to provide one-stop sourcing platform for woodworking industry | 58 Numbers of visitors that attended VIETNAMWOOD 2019 hit a record high | 60

The rising Indonesia’s furniture industry at IFMAC 2019 | 63 COLUMNIST Wood Clinic: Common problems seen in solid wood louvered door after assembly | 64 MMMA Newsletter: “One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade” | 68 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | 71 ADVERTISER’S LIST | 72

EDITOR'S NOTE Singapore MICA (P) No. 079/05/2019

SOME HARD TRUTHS

t is with clarity that Peter Fitch, founder of Segamat Panels Board (Malaysia) delivers some hard truths about the current state of the global economy and how it may pan out for the timber industry. “We were living in what many have termed the ‘Goldilocks Economy’; expanding economies, near full employment, low interest rates, bullish stock markets, exuberant funding liquidity from central b a n k s a n d re a s o n a b l e g e o p o l i t i c a l s t a b i l i t y,” Fitch writes. (Pg.68)

HIU YAN | Editor

“In fact, we were fooling ourselves that this was a sustainable economic model. When in fact, this was not sustainable environmentally, economically, financially and politically in so many diﬀerent ways,” Fitch continued.

At a time when it is easy to be distracted by the growing occurrence of spats and disputes across the globe, Mr Fitch’s words cannot be a more timely and brave reminder to not lose sight of the bigger picture and the long-term impact for every decision we make in the present; we must not lose sight of the kind of path we are paving for our next generation.

panelsfurnitureasia.com Editor | Szeto Hiu Yan hiuyan@pabloasia.com Editor | Pang Yanrong yanrong@pabloasia.com Graphic Designer | Edwin De Souza edwin@pabloasia.com Business Development & Marketing YanJun Pang yanjun@pabloasia.com Admin & Circulation Manager | Shu Ai Ling circulation@pabloasia.com Associate Publisher | Pamela Buckley pamela@pabloasia.com Publisher | William Pang williampang@pabloasia.com

Panels & Furniture Asia is a member of Especially in the business world, it is easy to only want to see and talk profits. Which is why I am grateful that Mr Fitch has started the diﬃcult conversation here on what it means to be sustainable. Sustainability must not become a word that is tossed around too lightly and casually to temporarily quieten people’s anxiety or to give them the illusion that enough is being done. More must be done, while bearing in mind that more may never be enough. In this issue of PFA, several stories surely have one thing in common – an ability to see the light in challenging times.

3 Ang Mo Kio | Street 62 | #01-23 | Link@AMK Singapore 569139 Tel: (65) 6266 5512 E-mail: info@pabloasia.com Company Registration No: 200001473N

DIEFFENBACHER’s Areas Sales Manager in Southeast Asia, Holger Ries, unlocked challenges with diversification as the key. (Pg.27) SCM’s software product manager, Manuela Adreani, shared her team’s journey in developing the company’s IoT platform from scratch. (pg.34) With Commune introducing Singapore’s first cloud-based, omni-channel retail solution, we hear about how Commune took the plunge to be the first in Singapore to invest, develop and test-and-trial this bold solution. The leap of faith is already paying oﬀ. (Pg.32) As 2019 draws to a close, may we end the year with more humility and capacity to ask the harder questions.

All rights reserved. Views of writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine. All advertisements are accepted on the understanding that the Advertiser is authorised to publish the contents of the advertisements, and in this respect, the Advertiser shall indemnify the Publisher against all claims or suits for libel, violation of right of privacy and copyright infringements. Panels & Furniture Asia is a controlled-circulation bi-monthly magazine. It is mailed free-of-charge to readers who meet a set of criteria. Paid subscription is available to those who do not fit our terms of control. Please refer to subscription form provided in the publication for more details. Printed by Times Printers

Panels & Furniture Asia is the official publication of Malaysian MDF Manufacturers Association

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November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

@panelsfurnitureasia

NEWS

FORMALDEHYDE LIMITS FOR MALAYSIA'S DOMESTIC PANEL SALES A regulation for a formaldehyde emission

on formaldehyde emission levels for

Since 2016, the Malaysian market has

limit of ≤ 1.5 mg/L (F**/E1 class) on

the domestic market in Malaysia.

been flooded with imported plywood

imported and locally produced wood-

All wood panel products, whether

panels which were suspected to have high

based panels products was recommended

manufactured locally or imported for

formaldehyde content.

after studies by the Malaysian government,

Malaysian consumers, are not subject to

reported ITTO. This standard is believed

inspection for formaldehyde emission

An awareness event was recently

to be achievable for majority of Malaysian

levels.

conducted by the Malaysian Timber

manufacturers.

Industry Board (MTIB) for domestic To address this, the Malaysian Panel

plywood mills, workers, agents/importers,

Limits on formaldehyde emissions are

Products Manufacturers Association

intermediate users and the public. An

mandatory in many consumer countries

(MPMA) requested the Ministry of Primary

investigation of formaldehyde emission

and the Malaysian panel products industry

Industries (MPI) to regulate formaldehyde

from Malaysian made plywood for the

responds accordingly when exporting.

emission for all panel products for

domestic market has been completed

the domestic market, be they locally

and studies on MDF and particleboard

manufactured or imported.

are ongoing. ℗

However, there is presently no regulation

NEW HOMES FOR 1.5 MILLION CIVIL SERVANTS NEEDED IN FUTURE CAPITAL OF INDONESIA INDONESIA’S PRESIDENT, Joko Widodo,

capital is expected to begin in 2024.

The shift is estimated to cost around US$33 billion, of which around 20

has announced that planning is underway to move the capital to Borneo. Jakarta,

The new capital will be located in East

per cent of the bill will footed by the

the current capital, is overcrowded and

Kalimantan Province near Samarinda

government, and the rest coming from

prone to flooding as much of the city is

and the port city of Balikpapan. Homes

public-private partnerships and private

below sea level and will continue to sink.

for an estimated 1.5 million civil servants

investment. ℗

Physical infrastructure works for the new

will be needed.

13 COMMUNITIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA ARE ADOPTING MASS TIMBER TECHNOLOGY 13 British Columbia (B.C.) communities are adopting innovative mass timber technology for taller wood buildings this year. The communities include University of B.C., City of North Vancouver, Township of Langley, Kelowna, Surrey, Richmond, Mission, Abbotsford and five more on Vancouver Island.

“Building with B.C. wood is good for people, communities, our economy and our climate. It will create thousands of jobs, reduce carbon pollution and support forest-dependent communities,” said Premier John Horgan. “These 13 communities will help us get there faster.”

They have all signed on to become early adopters to bring mass timber technology for the construction of new buildings as high as 12-storeys. These communities represent 35 per cent of all housing starts in 2018 in B.C.

Forest communities throughout B.C. will see economic benefits of increased production from B.C.’s mass timber manufacturers as they develop valueadded timber products and revitalise this cornerstone industry.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Abbotsford-based StructureCraft engineers and builds mass timber structures, manufacturing and prefabricating timber products using wood from B.C., including beetle-kill wood. “We are being approached by developers and architects from all over North America pursuing mass timber for projects that would traditionally be built with steel and concrete,” said Gerald Epp, president, StructureCraft. “And a lot of the wood fibre for this is coming from B.C.” ℗

NEWS 9 I N D O N E S I A T U R N S TO T I M B E R , F U R N I T U R E P R O D U C T I O N AMID TRADE WAR THE Indonesian government is mulling over banking on its timber and furniture industry to seize the momentum amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, reported ASEAN Economist. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in a meeting with industry players, said that Indonesia could take advantage of the trade war—which has roiled global markets for more than a year—through promoting timber and furniture products.

support the plan, among which are valueadded tax exemptions for logs and a partial relaxation of the timber legality assurance system (SVLK), a licensing requirement for each step in the wood supply chain in order for the industry’s end product to be accepted in selected countries.

Widodo said such products are the “key commodities.”

“The business players suggested that if the destination country does not require them to obtain an SVLK [license], then the government should not enforce the SVLK regulation,” said Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Economic Minister after the meeting .

“I believe the chances are huge [for Indonesia] to fill in the [wood and furniture] market that used to be held by China,” he said.

“The suggestion makes sense but we need to review the trade minister’s regulation,” he said.

The government also crafted policies to

At present, only the European Union, Canada,

Australia and the United Kingdom require timber and furniture exporters to have SVLKs. Darmin added that Widodo also urged the industry to partner with foreign businesses that have technical expertise and good marketing networks, saying that the government would lay the groundwork in a bid to invite more investors into the timber and furniture industries. Data from the Trade Ministry showed that Indonesia’s export of timber and its derivative products was worth $2.2 billion from periods January to July this year, down by 13.47 percent compared to the $2.55 billion recorded over the same period last year. Furniture exports, meanwhile, rose 9.41 per cent year-on-year to $1.12 billion in the first seven months of this year. ℗

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

10 NEWS

SLIGHT RISE IN CHINA’S TROPICAL SAWNWOOD IMPORTS IN FIRST HALF OF 2019 DATA from China Customs shows that there was a slight rise in sawnwood imports in the first half of 2019. China’s sawnwood imports in the first half of 2019 totalled 18.83 million cubic metres valued at US$4.43 billion, a year on year increase of 4 per cent in volume but an 8 per cent drop in value.

SAWN SOFTWOOD IMPORTS ROSE BUT SAWN HARDWOOD IMPORTS FELL Of total sawnwood imports, sawn

softwood imports rose 17 per cent to 14.12 million cubic metres and accounted for 75 per cent of the national total. However, sawn hardwood imports fell 22 per cent to 4.71 million cubic metres. Of total sawn hardwood imports, tropical sawnwood imports were 2.74 million cubic metres valued at US$1.0 billion, down 22 per cent in volume and down 28 per cent in value. Tropical sawnwood imports accounted for 15 per cent of the national total.

China’s tropical sawnwood imports from Thailand were 1.784 million cubic metres valued at US$528 million, down 24 per cent in volume and down 31 per cent in value. Tropical sawnwood imports from the Republic of Congo rose 87 per cent in volume and 71 per cent in value in the first half of 2019. However, China’s tropical sawnwood imports from Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia fell sharply by 69 per cent, 51 per cent and 30 per cent respectively. ℗

MALAYSIA EXPANDS TAX INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT MORE OVERSEAS COMPANIES TO SET UP HUBS MALAYSIA will be expanding t ax incentives for companies shifting to the country to set up regional or global business, reportede Reuters. Eﬀective as early as this year, companies eligible for the government’s Principal Hub (PH) incentive will be able to enjoy a 10 per cent tax rate for their operations instead of the wider corporate tax rate of 24 per cent, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said. Companies which had been eligible for the earlier round of PH incentive can opt for the 10 per cent tax rate only

on income over and above the money they made the year before joining the programme, according to a MIDA oﬃcial.

will be strongly integrated into the region as well as other markets,” MIDA said in a statement.

Companies that have yet to establish a presence in Malaysia can apply for tax rates of 0 per cent and 5 per cent for 10 years depending on their investments and job-creation commitments. Past tax rates for such companies were 0 per cent, 5 per cent and 10 per cent.

It said the PH incentive, first introduced in 2015, had helped Malaysia attract local and multinational companies to establish their hubs in the country.

“ This enhancement of the PH tax incentive is timely as Malaysia continues to innovate its policies and strategies to attract investments so that the country

Along with Vietnam and Thailand, Malaysia has been one of the main countries that has benefited from companies trying to shift part of their production out of China to avoid higher U.S. tariﬀs. ℗

EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM FORMS TO TURN MULTI-STOREY TIMBER BUILDING MAINSTREAM ARMED with €10m in EU funding, a consortium of 21 European companies and organisations has formed to try and make timber the material of choice for multi-storey buildings instead of steel and concrete, reported the Global Construction Review. Over the next four years, they aim to remove barriers to timber construction by developing standard, industrialised timber building systems, while documenting

the environmental, economic and social benefits. The group believes timber can be used to build the estimated 1.6 million new apartment units needed every year across Europe. Partners include universities and technical institutes as well as companies from diﬀerent parts of the construction supply chain, from building materials and design to finished structures.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

UK timber specialist Waugh Thistleton Architects is the sole UK member of the group. Canadian construction group EllisDon is also a member. Called “Build-in-Wood”, the initiative also involves end users, politicians, and local communities to push for the acceptance of wood as a building material. With funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Build-in-Wood runs until August 2023. ℗

NEWS 11

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

12 NEWS

LATEST EXPORT DATA REFLECTS DEVELOPING MARKET FOR AMEICAN HARDWOODS IN INDIA, SAYS AHEC and the various consumption hubs limit

USD 4.59 million of American hardwood lumber and veneer were exported to India during the first eight months of this year, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), were announced on the sidelines of MumbaiWood. Confident of more growth in India, AHEC is participating at the show with a record 20 U.S.-based hardwood and veneer exporters, who are all looking to sell into India.

India for the same time period was USD 2.94 million - up by 19 per cent in comparison to 2018.

According to the latest statistics, U.S. hardwood lumber shipped to India from January to August of this year increased by 196 per cent in volume to 2,842 cubic meters and by 96 per cent in value to USD 1.65 million. Close to a third of the volume shipped during this period was accounted for by red oak, which was not shipped to India at all in 2018.

A H E C R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r. “ T h e commitment shown by our members to participate at MumbaiWood and in our seminars with the Bombay Timber Merchants Association (BTMA) and with the Federation of Rajasthan Handicraft Exporters (FORHEX) is testament to their genuine interest and desire to do business in India.”

Significant increases were also seen in the volume and value of exports of American walnut (88 per cent and 117 per cent), white oak (14 per cent and 44 per cent), hickory (131 per cent and 42 percent) and maple (39 percent and 32 percent). In addition, the total value of U.S. hardwood veneers exported to

MORE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION NEEDED IN THE INDIAN MARKET

from October 21 to 22.

While exports of U.S. hardwood lumber

activity, we are positive of a bigger

products continue to increase into India,

market share and presence for American

there is still a general lack of awareness

hardwoods in India,” concluded Wiles. ℗

“While traditionally a tropical hardwood market, log export restrictions in Gabon, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other tropical countries have forced Indian manufacturers to look for alternate wood supply sources. In the past, a favourable tariﬀ structure has supported log imports, but the poor/inadequate level of processing by domestic sawmills has prompted the Indian trade to import higher volumes of lumber in recent years,” said Roderick Wiles,

exports. A particular reason for the smaller market share of U.S. hardwoods is the general lack of knowledge in India (grades, sizes, end-use and application) of the American species. As a result, the highly price-sensitive Indian importers and manufacturers are very quick to switch to alternate species from other countries, as they do not understand the diﬀerences in quality. AHEC’s return to MumbaiWood offers it a strategic platform from which to interact with timber importers, traders, furniture manufacturers, wood processing companies, as well as architects and interior designers. “Following on from MumbaiWood, we head to Jaipur where we are hosting a mini-convention in partnership with FORHEX. This follows a similar initiative undertaken earlier this year in Jodhpur and will include factory tours, a networking event and mini-convention

With all of this increased interest and

and education in the Indian market,

BIESSE DELIVERS FIRST PRODUCTION LINES READY FOR THREESPINE® ITALIAN machine supplier Biesse has

opportunities for companies interested

automatic inserter machines from Välinge.

delivered its first production lines

in introducing easily assembled furniture.

Drilling stations finish the line processing.

ready for production of furniture with

With this machine configuration, the

Threespine® click furniture technology

The new lines from Biesse include two

customer will be able to run the profiling

by Välinge. The launch of the new

double-sided STREAM edgebanding

of Threespine, edgebanding and drilling

line is a result of the growing interest

machines with extra motors for profiling

in one simultaneous process. ℗

in Threespine and will open up more

of Threespine, followed by high-speed

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

NEWS 13

CHINA’S OUTPUT OF WOOD-BASED PANELS RISE SLIGHTLY THE output of wood-based panel

but the pace of growth has slowed.

panel exports. There has been rapid

products in China was about 299 million

Consumption of plywood increased

development of the wood-based panel

cubic metres in 2018, a year on year

slightly in 2018 while consumption of

sector in China and this continues

increase of 1.43 per cent, according

other wood-based panels declined.

with a number of large enterprises

to ITTO.

investing in production capacity.

Total output of plywood, fibreboard,

D E V E L O P M E N T O F PA N E L SECTOR CONTINUES

Most leading enterprises in China have

particleboard and other wood-based

I n 2 0 1 8 , t h e vo l u m e o f C h i n a ’ s

expanded the range of wood-based

panel was 179 million cubic metres,

wood-based panel exports totalled

panels produced and developed into

62 million cubic metres, 27 million cubic

14.23 million cubic metres, a year-on-

multi-product enterprises making

metres and 31 million cubic metres

year increase of 2.1 per cent. The value

plywood, fibreboard and particleboard. ℗

respectively, accounting for 60 per cent,

of China’s wood-based panel exports

21 per cent, 9 per cent and 10 per cent

was about US$6.773 billion, up 6.8 per

in 2018.

cent over the previous year, reversing the decline seen in the previous three years.

The average annual growth rate of wood-

The export volume and value of plywood

based panel consumption in China was

products accounted for 80 per cent

about 13 per cent over the past 10 years

and 82 per cent respectively of the

and growth in consumption is still positive

total volume and value of wood-based

What it should have been: In the article "Trade War focuses on Design-to-cost approach"published on pg. 42 in the previous issue, the sentence on the third paragraph "They are (Versalink) planning to turn to other Southeast Asian producers to manufacture their products" should have been "Versalink is applying for projects which the Chinese used to produce and therefore gain more orders."

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

14 NEWS

DONGWHA/VIETNAM ORDERS 47 M LONG SIEMPELKAMP MDF PRESS AGAIN DONGWHA, Asia's largest producer of

deposits in northern Vietnam in the

many years of experience in processing

engineered wood from Korea, is securing

Hanoi area. Here, acacia is considered

the raw material acacia, and the good

the "longest MDF press in Asia" for the

one of the most common tree species -

cooperation during the last projects were

second time with another 8' x 47.1 m

ideal for improving soil quality, filtering

decisive for Dongwhas order. "We are

press. The new, third Siempelkamp plant

pollutants and enriching the soil with

proud to once again support our Korean

ordered by the company is designed for

nitrogen. However, the raw material

partner with a tailor-made solution to

processing the demanding raw material

acacia presents board producers with

expand its market-leading position,"

acacia.

challenges due to its demanding fibre

says Marc Müller, Area Sales Director

geometry.

Southeast Asia Siempelkamp. In addition to the forming and press

Group (VRG), ordered two MDF plants

CONTIROLL ® GENERATION 9 NEO: BEST REFERENCE FOR VISIONARY PROJECTS

from Siempelkamp. Both plants produce

With the ContiRoll

Generation 9

the scope of supply also includes

in the south of Vietnam in the greater

NEO – stands for New Entry Option -

a dryer and an energy system from

Saigon area and serve the country's

Siempelkamp developed a continuous

Siempelkamp subsidiary Büttner.

continuously growing wood-based

press with extended highly flexible

After the groundbreaking beginning

products market.

press infeed that ensures controlled de-

of December 2019, delivery/assembly

aeriation of the mat - important for reliable

will start in the third quarter of 2020,

T h e n e w i n v e s t m e n t i n a t h i rd

process stability at high production

commissioning is scheduled for the late

Siempelkamp plant is being made by

speeds, especially with special fibre

summer of 2021. ℗

Dongwha as an individual company in

geometries. The innovative press concept

order to exploit the specific resource

of the ContiRoll ® Generation 9 NEO,

Already in 2010 and 2015, the company VRG Dongwha, a joint venture of Dongwha International and the Vietnam Rubber

line, board handling and a glue kitchen adapted to the raw material acacia,

Team "Dongwha" with Project Director Dongman Shin (third from right). Second from right: Marc Müller, Area Sales Director Southeast Asia Siempelkamp, fourth from right: Jörg Melin, Sales Manager Büttner Energie- und Trocknungstechnik GmbH (Image credit: Siempelkamp)

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

16 PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES NO.15 (ISPM 15) DATA LOGGING MADE EASY

ritherm has a long experience in serving the wood packaging industry for more than a decade and has released “X-TERMINATOR 15”, a new intelligent and versatile data logger cum controller for the industry. The ISPM 15 is a standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that directly addresses the need to treat wood materials of a thickness greater than 6mm which are used to ship products between countries. Its main purpose

is to prevent the spread of disease and insect infestation across borders that may have an adverse impact on plants or ecosystems. ISPM 15 affects all wood packaging material including pallets, crates and dunnages, requiring that they be debarked and then heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and stamped with a mark of compliance. Products exempted from the ISPM 15 are made from alternative materials like paper, plastic or wood panel products (i.e. OSB, hard-board, and plywood). This standard requires all wood packaging materials to be fumigated or heat treated to a required temperature of 56 degrees celsius for not less than 30 minutes. The temperature measurements are based on calibrated and certified temperature sensors inserted into the core of the timber and fixed at prescribed locations in a heat treatment chamber. Some countries require the temperature higher than 56°C. The stipulated number of core temperature points can range from 4 to 6 points. The treatment temperatures must be recorded using a data logger to show the gradual increase in the room temperature to 56°C for the required fixed duration of 30 minutes. During the 30-minute period, the temperature is not allowed to drop below 56°C, otherwise the logging process will have to start all over again. The data must be captured in a standardised format showing the time and temperatures at regular interval (in minutes). A graphical report has to be made available and printed out in a format capturing details of the Heat Treatment Service provider such as company name, facility license number (provided by the Agriculture Quarantine Department) and also details of the product being treated. The difficulty encountered in this process is the availability of a versatile, flexible and easy to use data logger that can fulfil all the different requirements of the governing authority. In addition, the integrity of the captured data must be in the raw format to prevent manipulation by the service provider in the computer system.

An example of the X-Terminator 15 in use

Image credit: Tritherm

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Cases of cheating had occurred before whereby a service provider used the same stack of treated timber to be treated, each time

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 17 starting at a temperature several degrees below the required temperature of 56°C. As a result, different agriculture ministries required different starting room temperatures to be recorded prior to reaching 56°C. Over the years, Tritherm has seen the frustration of agriculture ministries having to deal with a myriad of data loggers in the market that do not meet their requirements. Heat treatment service providers, too, had to spend thousands of dollars getting the right equipment to comply with the ever-changing requirements of the governing authority. Moreover, most data loggers are used for capturing data only. Most heat treatment facility runs on electricity. The heat required depends on the number of pieces of packaging materials being treated and may range between 100 kw/hr to 200 kw/hr. If a data logger is not designed to stop at the end of the process, the heater will continue to remain at 56°C until an operator is present to shut down the system. The X-Terminator 15 is the ultimate ISPM 15 data logger the wood packaging industry is looking for. Salient features of the X-Terminator are as follows : 1. The X-Terminator has a Drying Option Mode where the wooden materials can first be dried before heat treatment starts. A target moisture content of say 20 per cent can be selected. The moisture content information is captured and displayed as the wood packaging materials are being heat treated. Moisture content measuring points from 1 to 4 can be selected. 2. Some governing authorities have indicated that a 12 wood core temperature points may be required. The X-Terminator is designed to accept up to 12 wood core temperature points, not including the two air temperature sensors which can act as 1 Dry Bulb temperature sensor and 1 Wet Bulb temperature Sensor or act as 2 Dry Bulb Temperature sensors. 3. The X-Terminator 15 temperature sensors and moisture content measuring points can be calibrated in-situ. The calibration carried out is timed stamped and recorded. This will have to correspond with the calibration provided by the certified calibration company. 4. The X-Terminator 15 can turn off the fans and heaters automatically when the heat treatment process is completed, saving electricity when the process finishes in the middle of the night and no operator is present to turn off the system. 5. Data recorded is stored in SD memory card and can be downloaded onto a computer or can be stored in our cloud storage for a minimum annual fee. It is also possible for the governing authority to subscribe to access the heat treatment records of the service providers’ under their supervision. This makes reporting and enforcement much more transparent and convenient. ℗

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

18 PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

BQC FROM STEINEMANN - ANOTHER MILESTONE IN SANDING LINE AUTOMATION

he Swiss technology leader calls its new development "BQC Board Quality Cockpit". Together with BQC, the brand-new satos TSQ wide belt sanding machine makes it possible to implement a fully integrated, automated sanding process. Steinemann also oﬀers a range of upgrade packages for existing machine installations like satos.

With the introduction of its nextgeneration satos TSQ machine, Steinemann has completed the technical groundwork for integrating an innovative process control system.

OPTIMAL SURFACE QUALITY WITH THE RIGHT SANDING RECIPE

Surface quality depends on a great many factors, all of which have to be perfectly coordinated in every sanding process. As a system provider, Steinemann not only provides its customers with comprehensive process expertise but also advises users about choosing the ideal abrasive and making sure that parameters are optimally adjusted. The goal here is to ensure customers have the perfect sanding recipe on hand for every new job. Success depends on the interplay of the factors of sanding machine, sanding belt, and sanding platen, with the quality of the final sanding result depending directly on the coordination of all three of these factors. Since Steinemann has its own tried and tested range of abrasives and abrasive accessories, which is also under continuous development, the company can provide customers with a complete, integrated sanding system. Segmented sanding belts are produced in-house, which ensures that the machine and tool can be coordinated optimally to the respective production process.

BQC Board Quality Cockpit - the process control system for a fully integrated and automated sanding process to achieve Total Surface Quality

Steinemann customers benefit from an integrated portfolio of services and all-round process expertise. At its Swiss headquarters, Steinemann operates a state-of-the-art Technology Centre that holds seminars for professionals and user training courses on a regular basis. Alongside satos TSQ, the newest generation of sanding machines from Steinemann, company HQ is also home to the very latest equipment for surface analysis. This means customers can send in panel samples to Steinemann and have them analysed by experienced specialists. The insights gained by this analysis are then shared and made available to the customer.

As an integrated solutions provider, Steinemann strives for "Total Surface Quality" to ensure consistent, reproducible panel quality. Total Surface Quality depends on ensuring standardisation and automation along the entire process chain: this, in turn, not only improves production quality, boosts productivity, and makes material flows more eﬃcient, but also reduces the reject rate and achieves significant optimisations in setting processes. With BQC deployed in the machine pre-setting process, an 80 per cent increase in A-quality panels produced can be achieved. Steinemann works closely with its customers to achieve this goal, with the focus here being on the continuous optimisation of the sanding line and the sanding process. With BQC, Steinemann customers can preset the machine automatically when changing jobs, increase machine availability, and significantly reduce the consumption of sanding belts and energy.

BQC – THE KEY TO A FULLY AUTONOMOUS SANDING PROCESS

FULL AUTOMATION AND INTEGRATION FOR THE ENTIRE SANDING LINE

Developed by Steinemann, Board Quality Cockpit (BQC) is a process control system that turns sanding into a fully integrated and automated process. Independent of the machine's own software, this is a standalone software suite that is used to network all of the peripherals in the sanding line. Interfaces to external and internal systems are provided to ensure the straightforward collection of all relevant information. The system also integrates order, product, and abrasives management. BQC first analyses all of this data, and then derives recommendations for action that result in improved quality and eﬃciency, plus cost savings. November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

The latest generation of wide belt sanding machines, the satos TSQ, oﬀer an ideal starting point for implementing a fully automated sanding line. Out of the box, satos TSQ already meets all of the technical requirements involved in integrating a modern process control system like BQC. When combined with BQC, satos TSQ can be linked to all of the sanding line peripherals needed. The ultimate aim is horizontal and vertical integration of the entire sanding line. Horizontal integration involves connecting selected sanding line units with BQC: BQC collects data from these machines to provide real-time process monitoring. Potential benefits increase with every unit that is

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS 19

The interlinking of the sanding line peripherals oﬀers a high level of process transparency, results in real-time process monitoring and improves production quality significantly (All images are credited to Steinemann)

added to the BQC network. A thickness measuring interface, for example, means optimum sanding machine settings can be monitored based on the panel's actual thickness before entering the sanding machine, while being processed and after exiting the machine. Steinemann oﬀers various BQC modules and packages for implementing an automated and fully integrated sanding process, which work together like building blocks to steadily increase the degree of automation available in the sanding line. The basic module, “BQC BASIC”, provides the important initial connection to the sanding machine. Other add-on modules provide additional interfaces: "BQC ERP" for the ERP system, "BQC HANDLING" for the handling system, "BQC EXT-THICK" for the external thickness measuring unit, and "BQC INT-THICK" for the internal thickness measuring system. These add-on modules handle all of the steps required to achieve full automation. For example, the interface to the handling system means operators no longer need to make entries in this system manually. The ERP interface also ensures that details of the various products can be transferred. Within BQC, each product is linked to a matching sanding recipe, which enables automatic machine presetting in the event of a job change. By choosing appropriate add-on modules, the sanding process can be almost entirely automated. The "Basic Package" (BQC-BASIC + ERP + HANDLING) includes automatic machine pre-setting

Level of automation - Steinemann oﬀers various BQC modules and packages for implementing successively a fully integrated and automated sanding process

after a job change as well as guided recommendations for action in the event of alarm handling being necessary. This leads to cost savings in both setup and operations. The "Total Thickness Control (K)" package (BQC-BASIC + ERP + HANDLING + INT-THICK + EXT-THICK) offers a fully automated calibration process, ensuring reproducible, constant panel thickness and parallelism. As a result, this means that the calibration unit can operate as part of a closed loop system (control plus regulation). At the end of 2020, Steinemann plans to release the "Total Surface Control (N)" package (BQC-BASIC + ERP + HANDLING + INT-THICK + EXT-THICK + CHATTER & ROUGH) for complete automation of the sanding process, calibration sanding, and fine sanding. Alongside solutions for its latest generation of machines, Steinemann

also oﬀers solutions for previous models such as the "satos". Upgrade packages can be used to retrofit these machines as needed and make them capable of integrating the new BQC process control system. The next few years will see major changes in practice in the sanding industry. The automation and networking of the entire machine pool therefore forms an essential part of ensuring a smart, successful production line, in which the overall system can apply machine learning to derive new knowledge from the vast volumes of data produced. Steinemann's technological quantum leap marks the beginning of a new and modern age of sanding process automation and process data handling. As always, the key focus here is on human-machine interaction and the performance capabilities of a fully automated, integrated sanding process. The automated replacement of actual sanding belts is one feature that will take a while to implement, however. ℗

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

20 MARKET REPORT

U.S. HARDWOOD MARKET UPDATE SUPPLY IS CONFORMING TO DEMAND A LESSON FROM HISTORY By: Judd Johnson Managing Editor, HMR

t the time of this writing, buyers of U.S. hardwood grade lumber have seen no real evidence of supply contraction. Not in China. Not in Vietnam. Not even in the U.S.. If anything, U.S. hardwood supplies seem abundant, if not excessive. Sporadic oﬀerings of lumber at deeply discounted prices are all the proof buyers need to form this opinion. Indeed, U.S. hardwood grade lumber inventories have been available, especially the species and grade combinations that are most reliant on the Chinese marketplace. However, those inventories are working down, despite the intermittent distressed sales that suggest otherwise. Also, less lumber volume will be introduced into the market behind the lumber inventories that are currently available.

The reason? Supply is conforming to demand, as it always does. The following developments have taken place to date: • Chinese distributors and secondary manufacturers have lowered inventories. They feel that less volume is needed because U.S. suppliers can quickly ship more lumber when necessary. Furthermore, and likely most importantly, Chinese distributors and secondary manufacturers simply do not need as much volume as before because demand is down. • U.S. hardwood sawmills have reduced production. (See Figure 1) • U.S. hardwood sawmills have altered the species of lumber produced by turning away from those that are most reliant

on the Chinese marketplace to species that are readily salable in other markets. • U.S. hardwood sawmills have altered production further by making less grade lumber and more industrial lumber and timber products. • Private hardwood timberland owners in the U.S. are suspending sales during this market downturn. Importantly, all sales are not postponed, nor are all timber harvests stopped. However, enough timber is being held back that sawmills could have diﬃculty increasing production rapidly once demand for U.S. hardwood lumber rebounds again. • U.S. hardwood concentration lumber yards have recalibrated inventories to be less dependent on the Chinese market and focus more on other markets. As with sawmills, concentration lumber yards have changed the quantities and types of products processed through their facilities. These moves by mills and yards have been helpful to minimise the eﬀects of a contracted Chinese market, but results develop slowly. In the interim, there are instances when mills and yards simply cannot avoid processing Red Oak, Ash, or Cherry, for example. It takes time for supply to conform to demand.

Figure 1: This graph demonstrates overall decrease in U.S. hardwood lumber output. It cannot show volume redirected to species other than Oak, Ash, or Cherry. Nor does this graph show how much sawn material is processed into industrial timbers rather than grade lumber.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Progress can be diﬃcult to see. In fact, progress in supply correction can easily be dismissed entirely. This is where buyers tend to make mistakes. They are confident with supply based on the number and types of offers currently received. Sometimes they ignore, reject, or are simply indiﬀerent to the fact that circumstances change … that supplies

are changing. They are content when they should be conscious of change. Buyers have been caught off guard in the past by what they thought was a sudden drop in supply. For many of those buyers who either misjudged or were simply unaware of changing supply circumstances, history has shown that purchasing the items and quantities needed for ongoing business can be difficult and costly. Undoubtedly, there will be buyers caught off guard by this latest correction. ℗ Figure 2 footnotes: HMR is the leading source of pricing and market information for North American hardwoods. It has provided reliable, expert analysis of pricing and market trends to hardwood companies throughout the world since 1922. Sample copies and subscription services for Hardwood Market Report® and all other HMR publications are available online at www.hmr.com.

1. The term “Supply” includes Eastern and Western U.S. hardwood sawmill production plus imports of hardwood lumber. 2. Data for Supply and Demand are comprehensive of 12 months for each respective year. 3. Demand data for year-to-date 2019 are uneven aged. This is due to diﬀering reporting periods by the various sources used. 4. The Supply graph line does not include inventory. 5. Inventory is represented by the space between the Supply and Demand graph lines. It is representative only for each year and is not cumulative over periods of inventory contraction or expansion.

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

FSC PLANS TO DOUBLE SHARE IN GLOBAL TIMBER TRADE BY 2020 (PART 2)

22 ENVIRONMENT

By Danii Farniev Lesnaya Industriya Journal

In the second part of Lesnaya Industriya’s interview with Kim Carstensen, director general of FSC, Carstensen shared more on FSC’s certification process and the various FSC bodies that help to resolve diﬀerent issues that may arise, be it accusations from the public or even dissociating itself from companies they think have significant reputational problems. He also answered to critics who think that standards of the FSC system are not strict enough.

How many aﬃliated companies does FSC have and what do they do? KC: FSC AC, based in Mexico, is our mother organisation. It manages the membership of the whole organisation, facilitates conversations among members, owns the brand, and determines the direction of the organisation and the definition of our principles and criteria. Under FSCAC, we have multiple subsidiary units. One of them is FSC Global Development, an important taxpayer in Germany that provides market and trade development related services to certificate holding members. Another of our non-profit organisations, FSC International Centre, is composed of technical experts that manage the rules, principles and criteria. In addition, we own an independent organisation called ASI (Accreditation Services International) that manages a system of auditors. It oversees the quality of audits and checks whether the auditors have the necessary qualifications to act on behalf of the organisation. How does FSC help in the reduction of tropical forests? KC: In certified tropical forests, of which there are about 20 million hectares around the world, we see a lot of positive benefits like decreases in poor forest management practices and far less deforestation. For example, from a biodiversity perspective, the presence of important jaguar populations has been recently documented within FSC certified operations in Central and South America. Independent research from the Centre for International Forestry Research has also shown that our operations have positive social impacts. This centre did a study of the social conditions of the people living in or around FSC certified forests in November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

the Congo basin. They found that no matter what social indicators they looked at, living conditions were better in FSC certified operations than in non-FSC certified forests. Researchers looked at indicators like access to clean water, sanitation, general health, education, etc. Everything was in favour of FSC certified forests. What proportion of all tropical forests is currently certified? KC: About 10 per cent of the FSC certified forests are natural forests in the tropics. That’s about 20 million hectares, which unfortunately is still quite a small proportion of the total forest area in the tropics. In addition to that, there are also certified plantations in tropical countries that bring important volumes of forest products to global markets. In the months leading up to 2020, how does the FSC intend to increase the amount of certified tropical forests? KC: We are currently working with our partners in Brazil, Indonesia and Congo to develop new FSC standards to make the certification process easier and more eﬀective. We have also begun working with partners in Europe, North America, and Japan to increase market interest and develop market tools that can help certified products enter the market. We hope that this will lead to improvements. We also work with indigenous peoples and strive to respect the rights that they have to natural forests. We work with indigenous peoples’ organisations from all over the world to make sure that FSC is a useful tool for them in terms of the management of a forest and also in terms of the market access. In 2014, Greenpeace accused FSC certified companies of

ENVIRONMENT 23 causing destruction in the Russian taiga, in particular in the Dvina forest. How valid are these charges? KC: We have had long discussions about the protection of intact forest landscapes, in particular in the forests in Archangelsk, Far East, and Siberia. In 2014, our members created rules to address the protection of intact forests. These rules are now in place globally and provide a moratorium that protects at least 80 per cent of these intact landscapes inside the forests certified by FSC. In Russia, moratoria in FSC, the certified forest managing companies have agreed to set aside 1.2 million hectares of intact forest landscapes for protection. We have had discussions with the government of Archangelsk and forest management companies and groups, including the WWF and Greenpeace, on how this idea of moratoria can be strengthened. It would be ideal if these moved beyond just being commitments by the certified companies to becoming government protected areas, which would of course provide stronger protection. But this is something we are unable to do on our own. We need to work with partners, particularly with the government. Therefore, I was very happy to see the recent joint announcement by two large forest companies in Arkhangelsk, Greenpeace, and WWF that they have agreed to establish a large protected area in the Dvinskoy forest. This is a very important development, and I believe

FSC certification has played a major role in making it possible. Does this mean that Greenpeace's accusations against your organisation are unfair? KC: Greenpeace is demanding more protection. From my understanding, Greenpeace would like to stop the logging of intact landscapes, and this goes further than our rules. However, we do agree that new protected areas need to be established. As we have seen in Arkhangelsk, there are good initiatives under way that can help make this happen. Recently, American company Lumber Liquidators pleaded guilty to smuggling timber -- with the help of a FSC certified Chinese company Xinjia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the forest in the Far East of Russia. A similar situation occurred in Peru. Can these incidents be attributed to the imperfection of the certification mechanism? KC: I would like to say that it demonstrates the opposite. The fact is that these incidents are a sign that the system works. We have 1,500 forest management certifications and 33,000 chain of custody certificates worldwide. Of course, there will be mistakes. There are people who cheat or try to avoid our rules, but we have a very elaborate system of managing this. Firstly, the certificates are checked and audited regularly. If detected irregularities are not addressed, certificates can be suspended. On our website,

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 6 â&#x20AC;˘ November / December 2019

24 ENVIRONMENT you can consult our public data base of all the certificates that have been issued worldwide. There are 17 pages of suspended certificates. 17 pages account for about 800 to 900 certificates, which is a significant number of suspended certificates. We also receive and process complaints from NGO, individuals, and other companies that detect irregularities. If some violations are confirmed, we either suspend or terminate the certificate. Does FSC support accused companies that it has certified? KC: We have a dispute system that assesses the validity of complaints. If there is enough evidence, we will take action against a company. However, we receive many invalid complaints. In such cases, we will continue to support the company, communicate with them, and maintain their certificate. How often does the FSC suspend certificates and under what circumstances? KC: I mentioned before that we have 800 to 900 suspended certificates. If we find, during the audit and complaint management processes, that the certificate is not well managed and does not fulfil all our rules, we usually suspend or terminate it. We also have a specific policy called "the policy for association". This policy allows us to disassociate ourselves from companies which we think create or have significant reputational problems. For example, we disassociated our organisation from the company Asia Pulp and Paper because it established plantations that were destroying rainforests. Their actions and environmental irresponsibility were found to be contrary to our principles. Recently we disassociated from the Schweighofer Group from Austria as a result of a complaint that had been filed against it. After closely investigating the complaint, we found suﬃcient evidence to conclude that the company had been involved with illegal timber in Romania. We faced a similar situation with Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) which had illegally destroyed thousands of acres of forests for rubber plantations in Cambodia. If company does something unacceptable under our rules, we will choose to not be associated with them at all. Are there cases where logging companies have gotten FSC certification to work in one forest then used it to work in other forests without taking into account the ecological compatibility or legality? KC: They cannot do that. A certificate is tied to one specific location - big or small – and you cannot use the certificate for other locations. This is completely against our rules, and if someone tries to do that, we will immediately terminate the certificate. How does the FSC secretariat supervise the certification bodies that are responsible for issuing certificates on behalf of FSC? How well does this control system work? KC: They are controlled by ASI, which is independent and has the task of authorising through accreditating the certification bodies, and overseeing their performance. Each of these bodies

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

is checked annually for their audit work. ASI also has a system that reports incidents. If a person goes to a certified forest and finds irregularities in the way it is managed, this can be reported as an incident to ASI. They will then check it in the next audit or earlier if is a major offence. What measures are in place to prevent errors in the audit? KC: Of course, there may be errors, as in any system. Recently we investigated allegations that an auditor had been bribed by a company. We immediately started an investigation to evaluate the validity of the complaint. In this case it was not valid, but if the suspicions had been confirmed, we would have suspended the certificate immediately. How are investigations conducted? KC: It depends on each specific case. For instance, if someone said "I believe that this certificate was given on a wrong basis, the auditor had been bribed", we would talk to the auditors, the company, and all people involved. We would also look for irregularities within audit reports. If we find there are some issues, we try to get a financial auditor to check the whole system. Can an accused company appeal the decision of a certification body? KC: Yes it is possible. Appeals will be looked at first by the certification body, but if the complainant is still not satisfied, the appeal will end up with ASI. If that is not sufficient, appeals and complaints can end up with FSC for the final decision. Critics of FSC note that the standards of the organisation are not strict enough. They also note that the organisation cannot influence illegal land use change. What is your response to such critique? KC: Our standards are built upon a compromise decision between social, environmental and economic interests. Not all of our stakeholders will be fully satisfied. Environmental organisations often feel that their demands are not sufficiently met, and the same is true of social groups. Therefore, there will always be someone who thinks that our system is not strict enough. On the other hand, there will always be others who consider our rules to be too strict, and these are often those with economic interests. All sides have to concede to a certain extent. It is very important to the FSC system that its rules and standards reflect the political and technical priorities of the different groups that it works with. How do you see FSC in 5 years? KC: Based on our global plan, we will move forward in improving our system for small forest managers and tropical forests. Through that, we hope to see a market increase in the level of certification. We will also have better tools and ways to demonstrate the impact of certification. We are in the process of increasing transparency by sharing maps and other information about the performance of certified areas. We are going to improve the digitisation of our system. ℗

ENVIRONMENT 25

AUSTRALIA GETS TOUGH ON ILLEGAL TIMBER A Queensland-based importer was the first company to feel the weight of the Australian Government's 'gloves oﬀ ' approach to illegal logging prohibition laws earlier this year.

he government has implemented a policy of random audits and the prospect of massive fines and criminal charges for repeat oﬀenders for those who do not supply timber from legal, sustainable sources into the lucrative Australian market.

HIGH RISKS OF BEING CAUGHT OUT The Australian government's approach to compliance when the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act was introduced in 2012, involved a period of 'soft' commencement, so that businesses could ensure their systems were adequate to demonstrate compliance. Today, Australia's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has adopted a new hard-line policy, with a spokesperson confirming that it is using random audits and an 'intelligence led' approach to identify and detect noncompliance, focusing on: • Tip-offs and sharing of intelligence information • Environment al non-government organisation reports and studies • Complex supply chains - including sourcing of product through multiple countries • Previous instances of identified noncompliance • Products from fragile and conflict aﬀected areas

• CITES listed species (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

PROVING 'CHAIN OF CUSTODY' Australian importers, manufacturers and the construction industry need to be able to prove the 'Chain of Custody' of even the smallest piece of timber, right down to dowel used for joints. 'Chain of Custody’ links the origin of the source of the wood to the final product. It provides documented evidence that timber or forest-based products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, and if properly understood, can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Australian Illegal Prohibition Acts and Regulations and fast track the preparation of customs documentation. The illegal logging laws take on even greater significance, in light of new Australian Commonwealth Procurement Regulations (CPR's). CPRs are the basic rules set for all Australian government procurements, with State and Territory regulations kept in line with the main provisions. It is now obligatory for any tendering business or individual to operate within the CPR law and have readily available proof of compliance.

PROVIDING THAT PROOF CAN BE A MINEFIELD FOR THE UNPREPARED. The complexity of the illegal logging regulations prompted the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA), with the support of DAWR, to summarise and simplify the Act and Regulation for suppliers, procurement officers, specifiers, designers, manufacturers and architects across the furnishing sector. The result was the development and implementation of the Due Diligence Toolkit. (https://afaddt.australianfurniture.org.au/). AFA CEO, and Australian Balustrade A s s o c i a t i o n E x e c u t i v e M a n a g e r, Patrizia Torelli, said that when laws and procurement regulations change, there can be significant diﬃculty and delays for businesses coming to terms with the new rules, and putting processes in place. “Suppliers to the Australian furnishing and construction industries, will want to protect their market in Australia, as manufacturers and designers become more diligent in ensuring the timber they are importing is verifiably sustainable and certified. The Australasian Furnishing Association provides advice, and tools like the Due Diligence Toolkit to protect their Members and provide guidance to those supplying the industry,” Torelli added.

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

26 ENVIRONMENT THE TRUE COST OF ILLEGAL LOGGING

THE REWARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Illegal logging has significant global economic, environmental, and social impacts, and Australian industry and consumers are increasingly keen to avoid purchasing products without legal timber certification.

Recently, major high-profile government procurement projects have underlined the rewards of verified environmentally sustainable choices for commercial furniture suppliers and in construction.

The United Nations and Interpol estimate that illegal logging costs the global community up to $206 billion each year, making it the largest environmental crime, by value, in the world. It is estimated that up to 10 per cent, or $800 million, of Australia's timber imports could come from high-risk sources annually. Leading the charge against illegal logging is the world's largest forest certification scheme, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which sets an international sustainability benchmark for the safeguard of ecologically important forest areas and the protection of communities and biodiversity. In Australia, Responsible Wood is the PEFC's oﬃcial accreditation body, with the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme providing construction and furnishing companies with the assurance they need to remain on the right side of the law.

In June this year, Sydney Metro North West, undertaken by John Holland and CPB Contractors, became the first Australian project to successfully achieve Responsible Wood Project Certification with a Responsible Wood claim being provided for timber supplied on the project. Comprising seven stations and four car parks, Sydney Metro North West is Australia’s largest infrastructure project in recent years, using 200,000 linear metres of timber. Responsible Wood Marketing and Communications Officer, Jason Ross, described forest certification as a little known 'blind spot’. “For construction professionals it’s simply a case of finding a timber supplier, merchant or broker that can make a Responsible Wood or PEFC claim on the timber materials invoice,” he said. In the past, certification has posed problems for the construction industry, when short-term projects involve numerous, uncertified contractors. This has been resolved with Responsible Wood's mechanism for attaining Chain

of Custody certification against the Australian Standard (AS4707) for a specified project with a limited duration. It is a solid assurance at a time when claims around sustainability and products being 'green' are abundant and, frequently, unproven. Currently in Australia there are 250 individual sites operating Responsible Wood certified Chain of Custody systems. The final message for businesses in a more connected and environmentally-aware world, is to get help from the specialists, and use the tools provided by industry bodies, to make compliance easier and more accessible. The Queensland-based company that fell foul of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act was fined a relatively modest $12,600, but those who disregard all the required checks, could risk millions of dollars in fines, perhaps five years in jail, and a criminal record. The penalty is a timely reminder to suppliers, importers and processors of timber for construction, furnishing or paper products, that they need to have processes in place to meet their obligations under Australia’s illegal logging laws. ℗ All images are provided by Australasian Furnishing Association.

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE - CASE STUDY

Zoran Angelkovski, 3RT's Vice President of Business Development

hen the makers of award-winning Designer W Hardwood, sustainable technology company 3RT, went on a global search for timber veneers, they wanted to do the right thing and source legally harvested, certified timber.

hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Mr. Angelkovski explained that 50 per cent of the international timber suppliers they were looking at, didn’t make it through the DAWR’s Due Diligence requirements.

Their innovative new timber product uses digital production units and materials science, to turn young sustainably sourced logs into hardwood, with the properties and performance of 100-year-old timber. The all-organic, non-toxic process requires a reliable source of certified sustainably sourced veneers.

Some suppliers did a poor job of answering questions, others didn’t have PEFC or FSC accreditation, or their certification had lapsed. In some cases the certificates were forgeries. The Toolkit helped refer 3RT to websites where licence or certificate numbers can be easily checked for legitimacy.

Like many businesses in Australia's manufacturing and construction industry, they found the government's timber regulations to be complex and time-consuming.

Giving his advice to Australian timber importers, Zoran said, “ If you are importing wood products, it is an absolute necessity that you do not just follow your gut feeling on suppliers, or simply accept their certification claims on face value. You must do your Due Diligence homework, and the Toolkit is a good framework, so that you don’t cause an issue for your customers, or companies sourcing the goods.”

3RT's Vice President of Business Development, Zoran Angelkovski says that the AFA's Due Diligence Toolkit saved time and possibly saved the company from

IN PERSON 27

FOR DIEFFENBACHER, DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY By Szeto Hiu Yan

In the past two years, DIEFFENBACHER has observed shifts in the Asian Pacific market, as manufacturers in the wood industry sought ways to avoid colliding head-on with challenges brought about by world events such as the U.S.- China trade war and an impending economic slowdown. PFA speaks to Holger Ries, DIEFFENBACHER's Area Sales Director in Southeast Asia, to find out more. "Diversification" was the word chosen by Ries when asked to describe the APAC market in 2018 and the first half of 2019. Diversification, indeed, makes good sense, given the uncertainty and nervousness surrounding the APAC market following the trade war. Besides, product trends rise and fall as market demands and tastes evolve or reach a saturation point. “China, for example, already has a large amount of MDF(Medium Density Fibreboard) capacity. Customers are now searching for new products with which to diversify their product range. Driven by competition, there is a simultaneous need to improve plant eﬃciencies to reduce unit cost and boost Return On Investment (ROI) through better technologies,” Ries explained.

TOP PERFORMING MARKETS AND PRODUCTS IN ASIA For DIEFFENBACHER, China and Thailand were the top performing market in 2018, followed by Vietnam and Malaysia sharing third place. “In China, we sold seven new 8 feet and

Holger Ries, DIEFFENBACHER‘s Area Sales Director in Southeast Asia

9 feet wide wood-based panel plants in the past year,” said Ries. “In general, we saw an increase in new plant orders that include

energy systems, dryers and gluing systems, environmental

the traditional core package of a forming station and continuous

technology and handling and finishing equipment.”

press but also a lot of other equipment such as wood yard and size-reduction technology, sorting and cleaning solutions,

“Beyond that, it strongly depends on the region. With the introduction of Super Particleboard and Fine OSB to the Chinese market, a range of key equipment in the preparation and forming areas were the top sellers. These include special MAIER Maxi Strand Flakers, new drum blenders and specialised forming systems, followed by innovative prepressing, mat preheating and compacting equipment,” he explained. As for Southeast Asia, Ries said that the company has seen a CPS+ boom, adding eight orders since LIGNA 2015 for their newest generation continuous press for THDF(Thin High Density Fibreboard) and particleboard lines. Additionally, the latest version of the Z-Sifter for rubberwood fibres with high-sifting eﬃciency and low-power consumption is another bestseller in the region. Eight of these “rubberwood specialists” have been sold for new plant projects as well as replacements and

DIEFFENBACHER CPS+ | The gold standard for eﬃcient continuous press systems

modernisations during the same period. PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

28 IN PERSON TRENDS IN ASIA

technology to meet the growing

Ries shared his observations

demand for diversification, e.g.,

on the products that he

diﬀerent panel types such as

suggested to be trending

THDF, Super Particleboard,

in Asia:

Fine OSB and alternative raw materials. ‘Value for money’ is demanded

• THDF boards “The

demand

everywhere, but it’s a strategy

for

T H D F b o a rd s s e e m s

that especially applies to

to be constantly growing

the Indian subcontinent,” said Ries.

throughout all of Asia, and we are fortunate to be at the forefront of this trend. The combination of CPS+ and

MAIER MRZ Knife Ring Flaker with integrated FlowOptimizer

to collaborate with our customers and

our powerful prepress works so

partners on what’s next, whether that’s

reliably that no additional equipment is required to produce ultrathin boards, even at the

“Looking further ahead—in Asia and throughout the world—we want

finding a substitute for fresh wood, complying

highest production speeds. The result is a high surface

with new environmental regulations, or digitalisation,”

density, which makes it possible, for example, to achieve

he remarked. ℗

significant savings during direct painting.” (All images are credited to DIEFFENBACHER.) • Oriented Strand Board “In Southeast Asia, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is another trend. The first continuous OSB line in the region was successfully started by DIEFFENBACHER in Malaysia in 2015. “Recently, Vanachai ordered a 32-metre long, 6-metre diameter drum dryer, a wet strand bin and automation of the front-end from the debarker to the strander for their new OSB plant in Thailand.” • Super Particleboard with slender core layer flakes “There is also increasing demand in Southeast Asia and China for Super Particleboard with slender core layer flakes produced by special MAIER Kinfe Ring Flakers with FlowOptimizer technology” • Fine OSB and Straw-based panels “In China, Fine OSB and straw-based panels are other trends for which customers strongly rely on DIEFFENBACHER solutions. Wanhua, for example, has ordered six straw-based particleboard plants, and two additional projects are planned. In the coming years, we will help Wanhua use straw content to produce MDF and Fine OSB.”

FUTURE PLANS As the coming year promises to be fraught with challenges, DIEFFENBACHER chooses diﬀerent strategies for diﬀerent regions of Asia. Diversification is key. “The APAC market is so big that there is no universal strategy for the entire region. In Southeast Asia, our goal is to provide our customers with solutions that help them gain a decisive edge in day-to-day competition. In China, our focus is on innovative

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

DIEFFENBACHER Z-Sifter – The rubberwood specialist

PANELS MANUFACTURING 29

OMNICHANNEL RETAIL ON THE RISE IN SINGAPORE’S FURNITURE INDUSTRY By Szeto Hiu Yan

he decline in retail sector may be hurting major developed markets as foot traﬃc in shopping malls fell with the onslaught of online shopping. But are brick-and-mortar stores doomed for good? Do they still have value?

It certainly doesn’t seem so, as both online and offline retailers are exploring ways to merge the advantages of online and offline retailing, There are even a few names for it — omnichannel retail or online-to-offline retail; Alibaba calls it “new retailing”. Meanwhile, IKEA has long mastered it.

SO, WHAT IS OMNICHANNEL RETAILING? The most sophisticated retailers are now closely examining the interplay between oﬄine and online customer decision journeys, recognising that consumers today shop across channels: they might visit stores to check out products before ordering them online or they might research a product online, go down to a store to see the product before buying it in-store, according to a Mckinsey report1. In our local furniture industry, this trend is emerging. Taobao, the largest consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer e-marketplace in China has opened Singapore’s first oﬄine store with a focus on the Home and Living category while Commune, a home-grown furniture brand, introduced Singapore’s first cloud-based, omnichannel furniture retail solution to all its local stores. So, it looks like physical stores won’t be disappearing any time soon. Mckinsey estimated that in-store sales will still make up 75 to 85 per cent of retail sales by 2025. “The physical store is no longer just a place to buy products. A store now plays several possible roles: it might serve as an experiential showroom for products, a fulfilment centre for online orders…a hangout where groups of friends can try things on and take selfies that they then post on social media, or a destination for those seeking ideas and inspirations. It’s entirely possible for a store to have weak sales and profits within its four walls while being a strong contributor to the retailer’s overall performance,” the report says. “In an omnichannel world, a store can do more than just raise awareness; it can drive sales through other channels, and vice versa.”

Alana Podreciks, Nathan Uhlenbrock and Kelly Ungerman. Who’s shopping where? The power of geospatial analytics in omnichannel retail. [Online] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/whos-shopping-where-the-powerof-geospatial-analytics-in-omnichannel-retail

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

30 PANELS MANUFACTURING

FIRST TAOBAO OFFLINE SHOP IN SINGAPORE: LET THE CONSUMERS DECIDE WHAT TO SELL Charlene Zhang, business development lead of Taobao Singapore

aobao, Alibaba’s popular social commerce platform, has unveiled its new home in Singapore’s Funan Mall. The 6,000-square-foot oﬄine outlet operated by Virmall, a local business partner of Taobao, is also the first fullfledged Taobao store in Singapore. The launch follows the success of a Taobao Home pop-up and an extended showcase at multi-label concept store NomadX last year.

Offering an estimated 400 products, mostly from its Home and Living category, Taobao’s oﬄine store has a strategy when it comes to selecting products for display. It lets the consumers do the job.

WHY SINGAPORE?

Taobao opened its direct sea-shipping option following its first mid-year sales campaign in Singapore in June 2017, providing an alternative way for those in Singapore to have their orders shipped from Taobao’s merchants to their homes, especially for heavy and large-sized items such as furniture. This strategy proved to be a right move. Taobao saw a significant growth in purchases from Singapore consumers, the Home and Living category being its fastest growing product category. According to Charlene Zhang, business development lead of Taobao Singapore,

GMV(Gross Merchandise Value) of the Home and Living category in Singapore saw a 50 per cent year-on-year growth from 2017 to 2018. “We were very impressed with the growth figure and we can see that there are great demand and opportunities here,” said Zhang. Additionally, when Taobao introduced its first Taobao Home pop-up in Singapore at Suntec City as part of its mid-year sale in June last year, the response was overwhelming. “The turnout was so massive that the crowd spilled over to other stores and their tenants were complaining. It was at this event that we realised how much demand there is for our products and we started our plans for NomadX, followed by an actual oﬄine store,” said Zhang. Around 400 Taobao items specially curated for Singapore shoppers are now available in the store and range from furniture to household items, textiles, fashion and more. Roughly 80 percent of the items are from the home and living category, with an estimated 50 per cent being furniture. Taobao, Alibaba Group’s Chineselanguage consumer to consumer platform, was first launched in 2003 and caters to small merchants and individuals as sellers. There are more than 600 million annual active consumers

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

using Taobao and other Chinese retail marketplaces under Alibaba Group, according to official figures, Since 2018, Alibaba Group has also put a big focus on a strategy it calls “New Retail”, which aims to bring together online and offline retail with technology t o c re a t e a s e a m l e s s c o n s u m e r experience. For example, it has a chain of grocery stores called Freshippo which digitalises the entire store operations, providing consumers with a 3-in-1 retail experience that encompasses technology-driven fulfillment of online delivery, seamless in-store purchases and in-store consumption. “In Singapore, we are also trying to bring together both the online and offline experience, so shoppers will find that some items are cash and carry while others can be purchased via scanning QR codes. We have also offered more delivery options. We want to blend the retail experience, as well as ways to enhance the whole shopping experience so that shoppers aren’t just staying at home and swiping their phones. With the offline store, they can touch and feel some items they have seen online or chance upon new merchants. There is also someone who can answer you on the spot,” said Zhang. As a Chinese-language platform, Taobao is primarily focused on the mainland Chinese market as well as markets with a large Chinese-speaking population, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore.

INTRODUCING A UNIQUE WAY TO SHOP

Bringing together the best of both retail spectrums, shoppers can now seamlessly make purchases of products at the Taobao store by Virmall via QR codes with the option to select colours, designs and sizes and make payment all within the Taobao app, while some items can be purchased with cash on the spot. There are more options for delivery — online orders can be arranged to be picked up from the oﬄine store, while ready stocks of larger furniture pieces will allow shoppers to receive their items as quickly as two to three days after purchase. One of the showcased merchants, Linsy (㤒㶊㢣ᾕ), has also started offering furniture assemble service for local customers.

PANELS MANUFACTURING 31

Wood furniture showcased at the Taobao store by Virmall

The Taobao Store by Virmall will include a Virtual Reality (VR) service for shoppers to visualise a particular piece of furniture in their own rooms, generated based on actual measurements of a room or even the entire house.

PRODUCTS SHOWCASED ARE ENTIRELY DECIDED BY CONSUMERS

Taobao has also fully embraced technology to determine what products to be sold at this offline store. “All the items showcased at our offline shop are selected based on search results, trends, requests made by shoppers both online and offline, as well as the top selling brands on the Taobao platform. Every day, we are looking for new products that fit this market, we get feedback from customers on products that we can buy and display here,” shared Zhang. Given the availability of direct sea-shipping, the best-selling furniture on Taobao in Singapore are sofas and dining sets, despite such furniture being big-ticket items and shoppers usually being more hesitant towards making big purchases without first seeing or touching the products. “Besides price and quality, I think it is also because of our huge variety. There are so many different styles to choose from since our platform hosts hundreds of thousands of merchants. The unique thing about Taobao is, if there is any particular style that you like, I am sure you can find something on Taobao,” she pointed out. “According to our insights, Singaporeans have a preference for the Scandinavian look, hence we have brought in more wood furniture.” Leading brands from Jiyoujia (㣼㢄ⴱ), Taobao’s home and living channel, and popular merchants such as Linsy are among the curated furniture sets chosen for display, with products on display to be refreshed regularly. ℗ PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

Maltine Soe, Commune’s Systems Architect

COMMUNE: INTRODUCING SINGAPORE’S FIRST CLOUD-BASED, OMNICHANNEL FURNITURE RETAIL SOLUTION It has long been known that happy employees are more productive. At Commune, a Singapore furniture design and lifestyle brand, they must know too that happy salespeople show better overall performance, and therefore achieve better sales.

n August this year, Commune unveiled Commune: In Motion – Commune’s cloud-based, omni-channel furniture retail solution and mobile augmented reality (AR) application. It is set to transform the shopping experience and reduce the time taken to serve customers by about 70 percent. Speaking to Maltine Soe, Commune’s systems architect, he shared that Commune recognises that customers today demand a more personalised and customised experience, creating a need to meld the digital and physical into a cohesive whole. While the app is designed primarily to integrate online and oﬄine data across various touch points to improve overall shopping experience for consumers, its first beneficiaries are actually its salespeople. “Our salespeople very much welcomed our new app, they waited so long for it,” said Soe, who revealed that the application took about a year to develop. Just what kind of diﬀerence did Commune: In Motion bring to them? “Now that every salesperson carries a tablet containing this new app, it makes the salespeople much happier and more confident,

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

which in turn improves the mood of the consumers because, suddenly, our salespeople have a heavy weight lifted oﬀ their shoulders. With a tablet, you know you can answer any question, there is a certain energy that is borne out of it,” said Soe.

SO HOW HAS THE NEW APP EMPOWERED COMMUNE’S SALESPEOPLE? 1 IT TAKES AWAY THE SALES COUNTER “The mobile POS – the tablet which our sales people use now replaces the sales counter. Our salespeople can access information about any Commune products right away. If the salespeople want more information about our Bowen collection, such as where are the stocks available, they can find out through the app. So apart from the AR application, the mobile POS is also part of the Commune: In Motion. Sometimes, customers come in with questions such as ‘I have a budget of $600, I am looking for coﬀee table that is 1.4 metres and I want something in light-coloured wood, what do you have?’ When faced with this type of question, any salesperson won’t be able to give an immediate answer. But the Mobile Pause allows you to answer that question right away. All they have to do is to look for the available lengths and prices through the filter or sorting options. In the past, when a customer asked a question,

If there is equal viewing of dining tables, dining chairs and benches – you will know right away that he/she is looking for dining sets and he is considering a bench. My more experienced salespeople will also be able to identify the stylistic preference of the customers. For example, if customers clicked on the Tusk and Rover collections, they will prefer the industrial, rustic style and you can propose things faster to them. You don’t even have to ask, what style are you into. Sometimes the customers may not be able to name it.”

The AR app helps customers to visualise Commune's products in any space

you had to walk to the counter and back…it adds up to a lot of inefficiency over the days. Now, staff can provide information in a faster and more efficient way and answers can be given in a confident manner when the information is more centralised.”

2 EASIER TO UNDERSTAND CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS “Commune: In Motion is very much about an integrated experience in our stores for our customers and members both online and oﬄine. A common scenario: Customers may come in and say, 'I was looking at something online and I really like it and I am wondering if I can find it in your stores.’ My salespeople can view customers’ basic information such as their favourites list through their accounts if they are members and almost immediately find answers to questions like: What is he/she interested in?

3 MAKING USE OF DATA FOR BETTER TARGETED MARKETING “Most viewed collections give you an idea of the customer’s stylistic inclination, since collections are organised by their aesthetics. Our marketing department can also use the raw data itself from consumers’ usage on our app, such as the number of pages browsed and what items they tend to click on, to start to find customer profiles. So if a customer clicked on the items from the Rover and Bruno collections, he likes the industrial style. Aside from that, we also know that he is also looking at a certain price point. We can then start to cluster and group them, so that marketing can make data-driven decisions. There are many different clusters and profiles, such as customers who are only looking for discounts, or table wares, and we can decide what promotion to roll out for the different clusters. It Is much more effective as we no longer waste the bandwidth and the advertisements. We should get our ads out the smart way.”

4 TIME SAVED ON TRAINING NEW STAFF “Commune: In Motion also solved the problem of long training time needed for part-timers and new full-timer. In the past, the newcomer has to know the products—what are their main selling points etc. Usually, a more senior full-time staff will guide you through but it’s a really long process. Sometimes senior staff have information that other staff don’t have, such as photographs from customers, how a sofa in black now looks at a customer’s living room. Now you can just access Mobile pause and you have information such as care and maintenance, accessories to match and lifestyle shots for visualising.”

5 ALL INFORMATION IS INTEGRATED “We integrated all our different systems into one. There used to be five different systems that salepeople had to access to find different information, like stock, shipping etc. Our salespeople had to carry around a file all the time.” The mobile POS – the tablet that replaces the sales counter

Commune: In Motion will be implemented progressively in the rest of the overseas retail stores by the end of next year. Commune currently owns 3 stores in Singapore, four in Malaysia, one in the Philippines and 61 in China. ℗ PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

34 PANELS MANUFACTURING

Manuela Adreani, SCM software product manager (Image is credited to SCM)

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND SCM’S SOFTWARE AND DIGITAL SERVICES By Szeto Hiu Yan

he woodworking industry may be

We nourish customer relationships by

turning data into useful and relevant

undergoing an inevitable digital

listening to their needs. We visit them,

information,” she said.

transformation, but it is a game

talk to them, watch and listen to them

that is still in its early stages. Many

to truly understanding what they need.

“We gave up talking about IoT as this

companies are still exploring the many

We believe this is the only rewarding

is not about the technology itself. It

possibilities of digitalisation.

approach. For example, we learnt what

is about what the technology enables,

type of information they needed to

that is value-added services. Today

“But this is also an exciting stage to be

improve performances, or experienced

we oﬀer our customers a fast growing

at,” said Manuela Andreani, SCM software

the importance of integrating data coming

portfolio of digital services, aiming either

product manager, whose team takes

from the machines and transmitted

to keep their machine in good health

care of Software and Digital Services.

to external, diﬀerent software to turn

or to improve the performance and

them into useful information of value”,

productivity of the machine. Isn’t this

explained Andreani.

gorgeous? ” Andreani said with a smile.

"Eventually, all these inputs from our

SCM’S DIGITAL INNOVATIONS

“Our digital services are customer-

customers become our products’

SCM’s Maestro Digital Systems is made

centric, each product development

specifications. This is how we develop our

up of two main product groups —

always starts from the customers.

digital services based on IoT technology:

Software and Digital Services.

How do Andreani and her team assess and decide on their customers’ digital needs?

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

PANELS MANUFACTURING 35 SCM Software, consisting of Maestro

transform their business operations.

“ The IoT solution offers several monitoring, maintenance and

office and Maestro active, covers all the SCM technologies throughout

Named Maestro connect, customers

performance services. This technology

the different stages of woodworking

can access the IoT platform to better

was launched as a proof of concept in

processes - from design to production.

understand their machines’ operations

2015 and today, it has been elaborated

Maestro oﬃce embodies software that

and efficiencies. For example, now

in terms of services."

is used in the office for the different

that customers can be notified in real

machine technologies — from design,

time when an alarm occurs and have

DEVELOPED ENTIRELY BY SCM

optimisation, simulation stages to before

access to smart, troubleshooting

Andreani is very proud of the fact that

production. Maestro active refers to

documentation as well as get an

Maestro connect is entirely “made in

the diﬀerent HMI software of the SCM

immediate cont act with the SCM

SCM”, having been developed by the

machines, which share a common look,

service; customers can seek faster

people at SCM.

feel and interaction modes.

s e r v i c e i n te r ve n t i o n a n d re d u c e troubleshooting time; finally, Maestro

“We develop our products internally by

SCM’s Digital Services are enabled by

connect’s full kit of sophisticated sensor

ourselves. We have digital specialists who

the IoT technology, which connects the

devices can easily detect and warn

are totally dedicated to these products

machines to centralise and share data

machine operators in case critical

and they work closely with the machine

and information among diﬀerent users,

conditions arise in the machine; real

production and technical oﬃces. They

thus providing customers with a wide

time access to spare parts inventories

also worked with the servicing teams

range of benefits which can support

and availability also shorten down

who know our customers and the worst

and assist them to move forward and

time.

pains they face. To have all these people

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

36 PANELS MANUFACTURING There are at least 15 people currently

“In fact, Maestro connect helps to bring

working on the development of the

about improvements in many aspects of

IoT platform. The software product

machinery operation and efficiency —

department, which is in charge of

instant notifications and insights optimise

the IoT platform, started the product

productivity and improve availability and

development process in 2018, with

use of the machines; maintenance costs are

research and innovation starting even

cut down while eﬃciency can be improved

earlier, back in 2015. Andreani herself

by drastically reducing errors, time and

joined the team in 2018.

costs; Service can improve performance by carrying out tasks faster and an immediate

stick around the table to create excellent

As a company, SCM has long understood

access to the Smart Parts e-shop reduces

the importance of innovation and

customer downtimes. Reports and KPIs

thinking ahead, which is why SCM

allows further data analysis and customer

reinvests 7 per cent of the company’s

awareness. Finally, Maestro connect oﬀers

total turnover annually into R&D. “This

machine learning services, to allow forward

is a continuous improvement and

looking maintenance and prevent failures

reinvestment that SCM places great

before they occur,” said Adreani.

priority in,” said Andreani.

digital products, it is very exciting and

“What the IoT platform provides, is actually

humbling. We are determined to help

Ultimately, it is about adding value to SCM

full awareness, and with that, users will

our customers solve issues and fix their

machines by enhancing the interaction

easily see an overall productivity and

machines in better ways than before.”

between customer and service.

performance improvement.” ℗

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

BIFA WOOD

VIETNAM 2020 www.bifawoodvietnam.com

27-30 October 2020 Venue: Binh Duong Convention & Exhibition Centre (open ground)

Duong Hung Vuong, Phu Hoa ward, Thu Dau Mot city, Binh Duong province, Vietnam

Google Map QR code Exhibition Site

WOOD & WOODWORKING MACHINERY EXHIBITION

Jointly organised by Enquiries For International Exhibitors Pablo Publishing Pte Ltd 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK Singapore 569139 Tel: (65) 6266 5512 Email: williampang@pabloasia.com info@pabloasia.com

WeChat

BINH DUONG FURNITURE ASSOCIATION (BIFA) PANELS & FURNITURE Group

BINH DUONG FURNITURE ASSOCIATION

38 MATERIALS

THE FINE WOODS OF

FRANCE BY Szeto Hiu Yan

Unit N°1 Les Bois Profilés, the production facility for 2nd transformation in Charolles, France

The hearts of countless Parisians may have been shattered by the sight of the damaged Cathedrale NotreDame de Paris due to a fire, but moved on steadfastly in bid to restore their beloved cathedral. It helped that high quality building materials are easily accessible within the country, such as strong timber beams from Ducerf Group, that were delivered on-site for a prototype project.

he Ducerf Group prides itself for standing against the test of time for the past 134 years and emerging time and again as the forerunner in the French timber industry, be it in adopting advanced technology or being an inspiration through its innovative and bold spirit.

This may also explain why it can be delivering timber for a prototype project (75 per cent scale) related to the rebuilding of the 850-year-old Grand Dame of Paris on one side, while debuting its graphic and innovative YD-WOODS© on the other. YD-WOODS© no. 1 is a solid wood panel in cross-ply glulam made of alternating plies of end-grain and threaded wood, designed by designer-cabinet maker Sylvain Hardy. How can wood panels be graphic? But YD-WOODS© is just that. It is a panel with a younger look and attitude. The natural growth rings of the wood are exposed, interrupted and reconstructed into a graphically distinctive and rhythmic surface.

Graphic panel YDWOODS© no. 1 designed by designer Sylvain Hardy

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Book shelves and staircases made of YD-WOODS© no.1

(Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm -Empreinte D'ailleurs)

MATERIALS 39 1

Profiléo® European Oak 1) 75mm (DKD) 2) 95mm (DKD) 3) 86mm (KKK)

BREAKING NEW FRONTIERS Ducerf Group is no stranger to breaking new frontiers. Back in 1962, it was the first company in France to provide finger jointed scantlings oak for joinery machinery. In the same year, the manufacturing unit of “Les Bois Profilés” was created, presenting the next stage in the group’s development, which they named “Second Transformation”. The DUCERF Group has come a long way since its first sawmill was built in Burgundy, France, in 1885. A fivegeneration family-owned business, the group has grown, spread and established new sites in France, implemented innovative processes and exported to many countries, while evolving with the market. The group has six production sites across France and 200 employees, with products supplied to more than 45 countries, with annual revenues of EUR 35 million, half of which come from exports.

FIRST AND SECOND TRANSFORMATION Its “First Transformation”, represented by its primary sawmilling business, still stands strong today. Its three manufacturing yards in France process 50,000 m3 of logs annually, of which 80 per cent are French Oak and the rest are other popular hardwood species such as ash, poplar, beech and chestnut.

Doors made with Profiléo® wood scantlings

Following the “Second Transformation”, there are now three manufacturing sites in France where 14,500 m 3 of wood-based products are manufactured annually. The main products of this Ducerf Group branch are panels and finger jointed scantlings. 80 per cent of wood used are French oak.

temperature treatment wood in 2008 and cross laminated wood made from oak– they have been working on a project for three years with a group of industrial and research partners. “We are const antly evolving and adapting. We are dynamic and adopt the latest technology. In fact, we are now

Speaking to Florence Perrucaud, Export Sales Director of Ducerf Group and newly elected President of French Timber, she shared some export sales figures. “Currently, 50 per cent of our products are exported, 20 per cent of which is exported to countries in Asia like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan and Australia. Our products are high in quality and used in mostly big-budget projects.”

CONSTANTLY INNOVATING The Ducerf Group has relentless drive in spearheading innovation in the wood industry. Its Research and Development department team has been around since 1960s. “We invest heavily in eﬃciency, new ways of manufacturing and new products. We have been exporting our products for the past 30 years so we are constantly on the ground, speaking to people in the industry . We have a very good sense of the market and we are very open to new ideas.” Over the years, the group continued to transform and introduced new products based on market trends, such as high

Florence Perrucaud, Export Sales Director of Ducerf Group and newly elected President of French Timber

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

40 MATERIALS

Panoplot® Cabinet making oak

Panoplot® Natural oak (Rustic)

Table made with Panoplot® oak panels

working with our team of engineers to develop the ‘Sawmill of the Future’ with a group of innovators from National French Wood Federation, a first in France,” said Perrucaud. The group also places great priority on the environment, becoming the first PEFC eco-certified sawmill in France for its control chain in 2002 and receiving certification from both PEFC and FSC for the control chain of Les Bois Profilés company in 2006.

diﬀerent profiles such as visible joinery, 100 per cent solid wood joinery and wood-aluminium windows, allowing for cost eﬀectiveness based on their uses. “We used only oak for scantlings for manufacturing windows, usually built for big houses and can go up to 6 metres in height. We have managed to open up new markets in India and China with this new product,” said Perrucaud.

Besides its processed raw materials, the best-selling products from the Group are the solid scantlings from the Profiléo® range, solid panels from the Panoplot® range and the three-ply panels from the 3 PLIS® range.

A good variety of species is available such as European oak, U.S. white oak, brown oak and larch. Depending on the species, diﬀerent combination types such as KKK, DKD and DKKD are available. For example, scantlings in European oak comes in thickness of 63mm (DKD, 21+21+21), 72mm (DKD, 22+28+22) or 84mm (DKKD, 21+21+21+21), with length of up to 6000mm.

The Profiléo ® range is designed for doors and windows manufacturing with

Panels from Panoplot® is made of solid full stave lamellas glued together on

STAR PRODUCTS

3 PLIS® panel in oak

3 PLIS® panel in walnut

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

the side and in the width. Intended for the manufacture of stair steps, tabletops, furniture and decoration, the range is is available in high quality wood species such as oak, natural oak, ash and beech; in thickness from 19mm to 40mm and length of up to 2400mm. Panels are made from lamellae of length 40mm onwards and sanded on two sides. The 3 PLIS® panel consists of continuous lamellas for the exterior sides and countercrossed lamellas finger-jointed for the external ply. Tabletops, furniture and decoration can be manufactured using 3 PLIS® panels, available in oak, unsteamed or steamed beech, ash, maple, birch, alder, cherry and walnut. The panels come in two thickness – 20mm and 26mm, with lengths ranging from 750mm to 2500mm. “It is not common to see timber businesses in France that have undergone First and Second Transformations, let alone oﬀer customers a wide range of premium quality raw wood materials and products - from logs to near finished products. We have been around for a long time, we have a deep understanding of the market’s needs but what is even more notable is our dynamism and robustness, which continues to fuel our drive to innovate and always stay ahead of the game,” Florence Perrucaud concluded. ℗ All images are credited to Ducerf Group unless otherwise stated.

MATERIALS 41

MALAYSIAN MERANTI – THE VERSATILE HARDWOOD Malaysia oﬀers a myriad selection of hardwoods which have been utilised in various structural and interior applications. They are processed into a range of export grade sawntimber/lumber as well as laminated scantlings, mouldings, builders' joinery and carpentry products, veneers, plywood and other panel products, and fine furniture. Among the internationally traded timber species are those of Malaysian Meranti (Shorea spp), the most popular of which are Dark Red Meranti and Red Meranti. The major species of Dark Red Meranti that are widely available include Meranti Bukit, Meranti Nemesu and Meranti Seraya.

importance. Malaysian Meranti has become

outdoor applications. It is a hardwood

established as one of the leading species

timber commonly used for decorative

amongst imported tropical timbers.

purposes such as doors, window frames, sidings, decking, mouldings, furniture,

VERSATILITY

panelling and joinery. It can be painted

Meranti is perhaps best known for its

and stained to match the colour and

versatility and durability in indoor and

designs of homes.

Types of Dark Red Meranti Meranti Bukit (Shorea platyclados)

Meranti Nemesu (Shorea pauciflora)

Meranti Seraya (Shorea curtisii)

Colour: Deep red brown

Colour: Deep red

Colour: Medium red

Common Application: Decking/joinery

Common Application: Staircases

Common Application: Windows

rich green heritage and a huge variety of

Density at 15% Moisture Content:

tropical hardwoods. Many are well known

550 – 700 kg/m3

500 – 650 kg/m3

450 – 550 kg/m3

commercial tropical timbers which are

Colour: Smooth pink

Colour: Soft red

sustainably managed, while others are

Common Application: Doors

Common Application: Interior Furnishing

Density at 15% Moisture Content: 420 -500 kg/m3

Density at 15% MoisturContent: 400 - 460 kg/m3

ith more than 50% of the country under forest cover, Malaysia is blessed with a

protected under strict forest legislation. One of the best-known tropical timber is Meranti, a wood of worldwide commercial

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

42 MATERIALS Attributes Properties

Durability

Uses

• Average overall strength and hardness

• Reported as relatively-durable in regard to decay resistance and insect attacks.

• Veneer and plywood

• Treatments will be required for specific applications and usages such as being in contact with the ground or in exposed conditions

• Doors

• Good nailing and gluing properties • Easy to apply finishing • Little movement in performance • Easy to work with hand tools and machines

• Joinery • Flooring • Window frames and sills, • Furniture and cabinet work • Mouldings • Decking • Panelling • Partitioning and skirtings • High class interior finishing • Naval construction • General construction work

SUSTAINABLE AND LEGALLY SOURCED Malaysia has been very active and successful in implementing the principles and standards of Sustainable Forest Management and in certifying its forests and timber products. Sustainably produced tropical hardwoods like the Malaysian Meranti will be the preferred material not only for technical and aesthetic reasons, but for ecological reasons too. The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) has been developed specifically to ensure that Malaysia is able to supply products that are sourced from sustainably managed forests. The MTCS became the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

A SOUND CHOICE M a l a ys i a n M e r a n t i s p e c i e s h av e established a reputation for quality, m a k i n g t h e m m u c h s o u g h t - a f te r by discerning buyers. They are the recommended hardwoods for outdoor and indoor applications due to their durability, strength and attractive grains. November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

• Certified legal and/or sustainable • No additional chemical needed for protection against fungal infestation after proper Kiln Dried (KD) process • Attractive appearance and easy to work with • Available grades under Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR), 2009; Select, Standard, Serviceable, Utility & Merchantable.

MATERIALS 43

Timber species from the Meranti group have been among the most important timber types exported into Europe for windows and doors construction for about 40 years. These wood types dominate the market, mainly due to their wide availability and good technical properties. Since the introduction of the European Timber Regulation (EUTR),

Viceroy Maldives is a haven of unspoiled nature dotted with palm trees and pristine sand encirclinga blue lagoon. The design of the villas is an interpretation of the hull of an inverted Maldivian dhoni – a traditional fishing boat. An interesting mix of Malaysian timbers including Meranti was used for different parts of the resort’s structure and interiors ranging from roof trusses, ceilings, flooring, doors and windows.

Meranti is being used increasingly and is set to remain a key timber export to Europe. Tested under temperate conditions, Meranti Seraya is rated as very durable. Assessment undertaken by TRADA Technology Ltd. in accordance with BS EN 350-1:1994).

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

44 MATERIALS

STUNNING SHOWCASE OF MALAYSIAN MERANTI These projects are just a few of the many found in various parts of the world that prove that a discerning eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of Malaysian Meranti timber’s technical qualities as a building material could result in breathtaking functional structures. And whatever the design script is, Malaysian timbers such as Dark Red Meranti or Red Meranti help dramatise and enhance properties’ design. For more information on Malaysian Meranti and other timber species, use the Malaysian Timber Council’s Wood Wizard software at www.mtc.com.my. ℗

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. Meranti was used for many interior timber works in the resort. The giant central columns in the resort’s Fa s h a l a R e st a u ra n t are clad with strips of Meranti and the screen walls are of Meranti slats. All the timber works were finished to a consistent lime-washed look and feel, which binds all the disparate materials to provide a harmonious and relaxed spatial experience.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives: Malaysian Meranti has been used judiciously for interior applications such as wall panels, doors and window frames as well as other interior fit-outs.

JAPAN SPECIAL 45

A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK INTO THE JAPANESE WOODWORKING MACHINERY INDUSTRY (PART 2) By Szeto Hiu Yan

In part two of this report, Japanese Woodworking Machinery Association provides more insights into the domestic timber industry, in particular plywood manufacturing, which is now the best performing sector. PFA continues the conversation with Masanori Imoto, a respected member of the association and president of IIDA Kogyo Co., Ltd.

ith less houses built in the future due to depopulation, many companies in Japan’s wood industry, which include wood products manufacturers and woodworking machinery

manufacturers, have started to venture overseas in recent years to seek export opportunities. “For now, most of Japan’s export markets are still in their early stages. Some of the housing and building materials manufacturers as well as loggers are exporting to Asian countries, mainly South Korea, Taiwan and China,” said Imoto. Furniture manufacturers are also expanding overseas, mostly targeting countries in Europe and the U.S..

PLYWOOD SECTOR In Japan, the plywood sector is currently the strongest sector in the wood industry due to its extensive application in house construction, floorings and wood packaging, simultaneously driving up sales of plywood manufacturing machines. With the government’s push for the use of domestically harvested wood, plywood made with local timber has grown by leaps and bounds. “Plywood plants in Japan are huge and some manufacturers Masanori Imoto, a respected member who is also the President of IIDA Kogyo Co., Ltd

of plywood machinery have even succeeded in exporting some machines,” Imoto said.

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

46 JAPAN SPECIAL Some of the more prominent plywood machinery manufacturing

Total amount of plywood supplied/demanded in Japan saw a

companies in Japan are:

generally downward trend since 2000, mirroring total wood consumption in Japan. However, the consumption of domestically produced plywood has surged quite drastically since 2000.

• Meinan Manufactures the rotary lathe in plywood machines. 50 per

Amount of domestically produced plywood has increased

cent of their products are exported to Russia, China, Canada,

from 138,000 m3 in 2000 to 2.49 million m3 in 2010 and

the U.S., Korea and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia

3.87 million m3 in 2016.

and Indonesia • Hashimoto Gluing machine manufacturer

Unsurprisingly, given the influx of domestic plywood, the amount of imported plywood has plummeted over the past 20 years. Compared to 13.7 million m3 of plywood imported in 2000,

• Taihei Pressing machine manufacturer

there was only 7.06 million m3 of plywood imported in 2010 and 6.37 million m3 of plywood imported in 2016.

• Uroko Rotary lathe manufacturer and a competitor of Meinan • KIKUKAWA Sanding machine manufacturer

The self-suﬃciency rate of plywood supply also soared from a mere 1 per cent in 2000 to 26.1 per cent in 2010 and 37.8 per cent in 2016.

• KITAGWA Pressing machine manufacturer

The total value of plywood imports has seen a gradual fall

INCREASE IN SUPPLY OF DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED PLYWOOD

since hitting a peak of 221.94 billion Yen or approximately

“ We used to import around 81 per cent of our raw materials

i n 2 0 1 8 w a s 1 9 4 . 8 2 b i l l i o n Ye n o r a p p rox i m ate l y

from Malaysia, Indonesia and China, but they stopped exporting

US$1.81 billion. As seen in Table 1, the top seven plywood

logs. As there is now an abundance of domestic timber, we are

exporting countries to Japan have seen a general slide in

using more Japanese timber – Sugi (Cedar), Hinoki(Cypress) and

plywood exports supply since 2013, with the exception of

Karamatsu(Larch),” said Imoto.

Vietnam.

For plywood production, the share of domestic wood

As mentioned in part one of this report, Japan’s forests are

used by local manufacturers is on the rise, reaching

mature for harvesting in recent years and the Japanese

80 per cent in 2016, according to the 2017 Annual Report on

government has been trying to push for more logging activities

Tableand 1 Forestry in Japan released by Japan’s Ministry of Forest Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Source: Japan Customs

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

US$2.06 billion in 2014. Total plywood import value

through taking up a more active role in forest management and structural reform.

JAPAN SPECIAL 47 Imoto pointed out that one of the biggest challenges faced by the

be exported as well,” said Imoto.

industry now is the oversupply of Japanese logs, resulting in below market prices which is too cheap for loggers to earn any profits.

In particular, Japanese building companies are looking into

To help ease the oversupply, the government has been supporting

exporting pre-cuts such as beams, pillars, mouldings, windows,

the industry through various policies in the past 10 years.

doors, wooden houses.

“20 to 30 years ago, we only used 15 to 20 per cent Japanese

To top it off, with mass engineered timbers such as cross

logs, we have now reached 36 per cent. It will continue to

laminated timber gaining more acceptance and popularity, Imoto

increase. Some logs are also being used for biomass energy as

shared that grading machines and moisture content grading

they need big logs to burn. We have huge biomass stations and

machines produced by Japanese companies are also expected

the main energy used is from wood.”

to gain more interest from export markets.

“The Japanese are becoming less reliant on plywood imported

Industrial grade moisture meters, which use microwave to

from Southeast Asia. On top of that, a new policy introduced

measure moisture content, usually do not cost more than

two years ago required for every prefecture to have at least one

US$22,000. Industrial grading machines cost around US$10,000

plywood manufacturer, thereafter boosting the sales of plywood

or less, depending on the speed of the production line. The

machinery,” said Imoto. On a personal note, Imoto thought that

higher the production speed, the faster and costlier the grading

this has now resulted in “too many” plywood manufacturers in

system required.

the market. All sawmills and buildings must have their moisture content and

JAPANESE PRE-FABRICATION SECTOR

beam strength taken for Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS),

As Japan’s population falls, a prolonged decline in the number

in order to obtain building approval.

of houses built is expected. According to MLIT, there were 942,370 new housing starts across Japan in 2018, a 2.3 per cent

Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) requires all engineered

drop from 2017 and the second year in a row to see a decline.

wood’s moisture content to be less than 12 per cent; for laminated beam, grading systems are used to check for the strength of the

“My own prediction is that, in three years’ time, the number of

beams. There are also special earthquake regulations for wooden

new houses will reduce further to 650,000,” remarked Imoto.

high-rise building.

Japan’s total population in 2019 stands at 127.44 million,

According to Imoto, wooden structures are now allowed to be

based on statistics from the internal aﬀairs ministry. The total

built up to four storeys. New regulations will be issued in 2020,

population in Japan has been on a decline since reaching a

where wooden structures will be permitted to go even higher.

peak of 128.1 million in 2008 and is expected to decrease to 88.08 million people by 2065, according to the 2017 White Paper

UTILISING AUTOMATION WITH A DIFFERENT SYSTEM

on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan.

Japan’s timber industry has long relied on technology to ease manpower woes. The pre-fabrication industry uses CAD/

As demand for new houses drops, house renovation may

CAM software, for example. Due to the modest size of Japan’s

become the next trend. MLIT is already promoting house

woodworking factories, the amount of manpower that can be hired

renovations to achieve long-life housing and co-habitation of

is limited and factories have long depended on automation.

multiple households, such as three-generation households. A diﬀerent kind of system is used in Japan since there are often The government has also introduced the Promotion of Wood

only three to four workers in a plant. Production volumes of

Use in Public Buildings in 2010, a policy that requires all public

Japanese woodworking factories are also moderate in scale.

buildings of three storeys or lower to have a wood structure.

FUTURE PLANS “The pre-fabrication (or pre-cut in Japan) machinery companies

Moving forward, the association is exploring new opportunities

that used to supply machines to house builders in Japan are

and markets for its members. Last year, nine companies exhibited

therefore shifting their businesses from housing to commercial

at a Russian trade show under a Japanese Pavilion. It was their

buildings. It is the same for house builders who are now seeking

second time in Russia. “It is our new strategy. We have also invited

opportunities to export made-in-Japan houses to China, Taiwan,

the Russians to exhibit at our show,” said Imoto. ℗

South Korea and Russia. If all goes well, pre-cut machines can

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

48 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

SWATCH INAUGURATES ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS IN BIEL,SWITZERLAND

After a construction period of almost five years, Swatch inaugurates its new headquarters in Biel – one of the world’s largest timber structures, designed by the Japanese st ar architect Shigeru Ban. Heralding a new chapter in the history of the brand, this building defies current conventions, just like the watches created there.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 49

mesmerising new home to exhibition spaces, oﬃces, storage units and a brand new Swatch store, the Swatch building has an unconventional, elongated silhouette

that extends over 240-metre long and 35-metre wide. With an area of 11,000 m2, the vaulted façade connects to the Cité du

Temps, which houses two musems. Both exterior and interior of the building are interspersed with a variety of leitmotifs, with curved shapes, colours and transparency. A timber grid shell construction forms the basic and overarching

to meet various technical requirements. A complex network of cables is discreetly integrated into its structure. While the wooden structure was still being erected, the installation of around 2,800 honeycomb timber grid shell elements, which make up most of the façade, began. Each element was meticulously tailored from up to 50 individual parts and adapted to its individual function and position. Three basic types of honeycomb can be distinguished: the opaque, the translucent and the transparent element.

structure of the façade. The traditional material was chosen for its ecological and sustainable properties.

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Produced and assembled by Bluer Lehmann AC, the ambitious project is realised through parametric planning. A combination of spectacular craftsmanship, extensive planning, and advanced technology, the timber roof is the product of 3D modelling and 4,600 CNC cut wooden beams. Using a sophisticated plug-in principle, the individual beams were fitted to each other perfectly. Since the timber grid shell of the Swatch building serves as a large oﬃce façade, it also had PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

50 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

UNIQUE WORKING SPACES Alcove Cabins - For moments when privacy is necessary, separate “Alcove Cabins” accommodate up to six employees for telephone calls or work requiring particular concentration.

Reading Stairs - An especially unusual installation is located at the very rear of the second floor: the “Reading Stairs” that leads to nowhere – whose steps and views encouragae brainstorming among colleagues during creative breaks.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 51 A total of nine balconies ranging in size from 10 m2 to 20 m2 space provide views over several floors. Tiny white dots on the glass façades serve as sun protection. 124 wooden Swiss crosses on the ceiling improve the acoustics in the oﬃces thanks to their fine perforations.

INSIDE THE BUILDING Inside the building, 25,000 m2 of floor space is spread over five floors for all departments of Swatch International and Swatch Switzerland. The surface area of the four upper floors decreases successively from floor to floor, while galleries with glass balustrades provide a view of the lower floors.

Cité du Temps

The basement extends under the entire length of the building. In addition to the technical rooms, ventilation centre and archive, it

also houses the

underground car park, with 170 car

parking spaces and

182 bicycle parking spaces.

CITÉ DU TEMPS Also designed by Shigeru Ban,

the Cité du Temps

forms an independent architectural

unit that perfectly

complements the Swatch building

and stands at

80-metre long, 17-metre wide

and 28-metre

wide. The Cité du Temps hosts

both the Omega

Museum, located on the 1st floor,

as well as PLANET

SWATCH on the 2 nd floor. The

Nicolas G. Hayek

Conference Hall on the 4th floor,

which is reserved

for Swatch Group, stands out

with its elliptical

shape. ℗ All images are credited to Swatch.

SUSTAINABILITY • 100 per cent Swiss timber, primarily spruce • 1,997 m3 timber used: an amount that can regrow in the Swiss forests in less than two hours • Heating and cooling of the building by groundwater pumping system for Swatch, Omega and Cité du Temps with nine underground wells and two former oil tanks which were converted into water reservoirs • 442 curved solar elements, 1,770 m2 of photovoltaics installed

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

52 DESIGN

LEAVING A

London’s top cultural leaders collaborate with influential designers to create a ‘legacy’ piece in American red oak for London Design Festival.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

DESIGN 53

n May of 2019 Sir John Sorrell CBE, Chairman of London Design Festival, invited leaders of London’s cultural institutions to collaborate with some of Europe’s most exciting designers to create a ‘legacy’ piece of design – an object of personal or professional relevance that they would like to pass on to a family member or the institution they lead.

The pieces also celebrate an abundant species of hardwood, American red oak, which is an expanding resource in North America, and regenerates naturally in vast amounts. In fact, redoak makes up nearly one fifth of all hardwood volume in the American forest and even when harvesting is taken into account, the volume is increasing every year by over 21 million cubic metres – equivalent to five Wembley stadiums.

The pieces – ten in total – are all crafted using American red oak. Nine of these beautiful and thought-provoking collaborations are on show in the Sculpture Gallery of the Victoria & Albert Museum, and one piece outside the Natural History Museum on Exhibition Road, for the duration of London Design Festival, 14-22 September 2019.

Wood is renewable and easily recycled. It is low impact and a carbon store – each cubic metre of red oak keeps more than one tonne of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere for as long as the product is in use. Legacy aims to showcase what this timber is capable of and just how versatile and beautiful it can be.

Legacy conveys the message of sustainability in multiple ways. In the face of global environmental challenges, any new objects we create should be designed with the intention to last and to be passed on through generations – whether to family or to an institution.

The project is in collaboration with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), whose European Director, David Venables, spearheaded the idea, and Benchmark Furniture whose Berkshire workshop made all of the pieces over the summer. PFA presents a selection of these pieces.

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

54 DESIGN

THE PARTNERSHIPS AND THEIR OBJECTS Maria Balshaw (Tate) | Max Lamb VALET Designer Max Lamb was commissioned by Dr Maria Balshaw CBE, Director of Tate, to create a multifunctional dressing screen. Balshaw is regularly running between meetings and events, getting changed in the oﬃce, but without anywhere to store her clothes and makeup.

“ This

piece has a personality: it’s almost like a person standing in the room handing Maria her dress to put on.

”

Unable to articulate what she needed, Balshaw asked Lamb to create ‘a hanging-mirrorscreen-storagehelp-me-get change-unit’ and the idea of Valet was born. Lamb wanted the piece to be free-standing with a natural and soft form and to incorporate colour. He exploited the porosity of the red oak by pushing a teal blue dye into its surface. The components of the dressing screen slot together, like a piece of flat-pack furniture, without the need for hinges or extra pieces. Valet will be installed in Maria Balshaw’s oﬃce at Tate Britain.

– Max Lamb

Alex Beard (Royal Opera House) | Terence Woodgate DUO Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House collaborated with designer Terence Woodgate to create two sofas, named Duo, which would feature in the room where Beard holds most of his meetings at the ROH. A CNC router was used to create the components of the sofa. The red oak was given a curved chamfer detail with hidden metal rods to ensure the sofa is robust despite its lightweight appearance. Duo will grace Alex Beard’s meeting room at the Royal Opera House.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

DESIGN 55 Kwame Kwei-Armah (Young Vic) | Tomoko Azumi AU Designer Tomoko Azumi of TNA Design Studio was paired with commissioner Kwame KweiArmah OBE, Artistic Director of the Young Vic. Kwei-Armah wanted to create something for his garden that he could pass on to his grandson. Kwei-Armah also told Azumi that wood made him think of outdoor furniture in the Caribbean, of the slave ships that brought his ancestors from Africa to the Caribbean and the colonial ship that brought his parents to the UK. In response, Azumi created Au by using thin slats of American red oak, steam-bent into shape, to create a boat structure. It will be placed in Kwei-Armah’s garden in London.

“

This piece encapsulates somewhere for me to sit, somewhere for me to remember, something carries the huge framework of the last 500 years of my family.

”

– Kwame Kwei-Armah

Amanda Nevill (British Film Institute) | Sebastian Cox WRITER’S COLLECTION Designer Sebastian Cox was commissioned by Amanda Nevil CBE, CEO of the British Film Institute to create a pen holder, a desk and a chair. Nevill wanted a piece that represents her love of writing and storytelling, something that is important to her personally as well as to her work at the British Film Institute. The angled curve of Writer’s Collection matches up with the perspective lines on the BFI mezzanine where this piece will reside. The chair is on the same line of projection. The discreet leather panels on the desktop can be removed to reveal a special compartment for the pen case and a paper scroll for the desk user to sign. Writer’s Collection will become a fixture on the British Film Institute’s mezzanine overlooking the box oﬃce.

“

I wanted the desk to capture the view overlooking that box oﬃce because it’s almost like being in the wings of a stage. The idea is that over time this desk and chair will absorb the creative energy of the people who have used it and become a place where emerging British creatives can come and absorb some of that energy.

”

– Sebastian Cox

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

56 DESIGN

Tamara Rojo (English National Ballet) | Martino Gamper MUSICAL SHELF Tamara Rojo CBE, Artistic Director of the English National Ballet, was paired with Martino Gamper. Rojo wanted a piece that reflected her life-long love of music and, practically, would work as a space to house her extensive vinyl collection. Gamper used a combination of fumed red oak to create the horizontal shelves and a lighter veneer on the upright components to create an angled grain direction, a subtle detail which reflects the oblique design of the piece. Musical Shelf will hold Tamara Rojo’s record collection in her living room in London.

Sir John Sorrell (London Design Festival) | Dallas-Pierce-Quintero (Juliet Quintero) THE NEST Sir John Sorrell CBE, Chairman of London Design Festival, commissioned Juliet Quintero of Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, to create a lookout seat for the garden of his country home. The seat is shaped like a bird’s nest and will be placed next to one of the ponds facing the sunset, creating a space for contemplation and reflection. The planks of red oak were thermally modified to make the piece more durable for outdoor use and the piece was structurally engineered by Arup. The Nest will overlook the ponds in Sir John Sorrell’s country home, surrounded by trees.

“

We wanted to offer the experience of something like a cocoon but at the same time allow dappled light to come through so that you get a sense that you are within the trees. It’s a space of contemplation and a space of reflection.

”

– Juliet Quintero

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

All images are credited to AHEC.

SHOW PREVIEW 57

INTERZUM GUANGZHOU 2020 TO GROW IN CAPACITY

o the delight and relief of numerous companies that have been kept out of exhibiting at Asia’s largest and most comprehensive furniture production, woodworking machinery and interiors trade fair every year due to space crunch, show organisers have announced recently the expansion of exhibition space for the upcoming edition. B a s e d i n C h i n a ’ s m a n u f a c tu r i n g powerhouse of Guangzhou, the move highlights the booming industry’s insatiable demand and stakeholders’ market confidence in the region. Scheduled to be held from March 28 to 31, 2020, CIFM / interzum guangzhou serves as a cornerstone for suppliers globally to access the fast-growing Asian and China furniture manufacturing markets. Come 2020, the event will see a boost of 10 per cent in capacity to accommodate more exhibitors, as the accelerated growth of the furniture production market in the region has seen an increasing number of overseas raw material companies shifting their focus to the area. On the eﬀects of the new development, a re p re s e n t at i ve f ro m o rg a n i s e r Koelnmesse (China) said: "Since 2015, the exhibition area at interzum guangzhou has reached saturation point, and many high-quality International brands have not been able to participate because of space limitation. After announcing news of the expansion, we have received positive responses from German, Turkish, Italian and many more overseas brands. In addition, existing exhibitors have also applied to expand their booth space. I believe that the growth will elevate the internationalization and professionalization of the exhibition to a new level."

UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE PRODUCTION KEY CATEGORY FOR EXPANSION

The product categories to receive a boost from the additional space include: upholstered furniture accessories, textiles, pneumatic components and machinery for mattress production, cutting, sewing, woodworking, as well as cutting tools. Among them, upholstered furniture accessories and machinery are the key categories for expansion. A newly occupied hall - Hall 13.2 - will be dedicated to Upholstered Furniture Production. As one of the world's seven major textile export manufacturers, the Turkish pavilion is one of the first to snap a spot in the new Upholstered Furniture Production Hall. Among the exhibitors featured in the pavilion, several will be showcasing their products for the first time in mainland China.

CHINA'S BURGEONING UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE MARKET

By 2035, China's urbanisation rate will increase from the current 60 per cent to 75 per cent to enter maturity stage. This signifies that between 100 million and 200 million people will be moving from rural to urban areas in the years to come, which will guarantee stable growth, drive investment eﬃciency, and provide important support for economic development. Being a downstream sector of the real estate industry, a large influx of urban residents and an increase in housing demand will inevitably drive the growth of the entire furniture market. This is coupled with the habits of Chinese consumers who prefer new furniture when they move into a new home.

At present, Asia Pacific is the world’s main upholstered furniture production region, accounting for more than half of the total global production. China has become the world's largest consumer of upholstered furniture. The penetration rate and price of upholstered furniture are expected to continue to climb, and reach a market value of nearly US$31 billion in 2020.

INTERNATIONAL BRANDS CARVING A SHARE OF PIE IN ASIA An impressive lineup of national and association pavilions comprising foreign high-end brands are also seizing the opportunity to tap into the market, including those from Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United States / Canada, the American Hardwood Export Council, Canada Wood, the Malaysian Timber Council and French Timber. ℗

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

58 SHOW PREVIEW

WMF 2020 SHALL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ONE-STOP SOURCING PLATFORM FOR WOODWORKING INDUSTRY

he Shanghai International Furniture Machinery & Woodworking Machinery Fair (WMF) has achieved unprecedented success in 2019. The four-day fair has drawn over 150,000 local and overseas visitors, setting an alltime attendance record for the event. To continue showcasing a wide array of stage-of-the-art equipment and technologies and facilitating the sustainable development of the woodworking and furniture industry, WMF will be grandly held again on 7-10 September 2020 in collaboration with CIFF (Shanghai).

OVERWHELMING RESPONSES FROM VISITORS WMF 2019 brought together exhibitors from 13 countries and regions including Austria, Belgium, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, China, Romania, Singapore, U.S.A and Taiwan Region. Star exhibitors like HOMAG, WEINIG, BIESSE, EXCITECH have participated in the exhibition. The international exhibition attracted a large number of overseas visitors. In order to allow buyers and exhibitors to have more in-depth exchanges, “Business Matching Service” is arranged to connect the buyers and exhibitors more eﬃciently. Visitors all expressed satisfaction with the exhibition.

LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION OPENS UP BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY In order to create a more international platform, WMF 2019 welcomed 42 delegations organized by various associations, including 23 overseas associations from Vietnam, Russia, Myanmar, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Peru and other countries. 19 delegations were formed by woodworking associations in diﬀerent regions in China, including the Hubei Furniture Association, the Wuhan Furniture Industry Association,

and the Jiangsu Wooden Door Committee. Mr. Nguyen Mai Tong, Education and Technology Representative of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), said that China’s furniture industry is diverse and focused on its function, unlike Vietnam’s young and vibrant wood industry. The show provides a convenient platform for information exchange. The Myanmar Furniture Industry Association (MFIA) President Mr. Kyaw Kyaw Win and the Wood Based Furniture Association (WBFA), Mr. Aung Kyaw Moe expressed satisfaction with the organizer’s arrangement. “The fair provided a one-stop platform where our members could communicate with other associations and exhibitors.”Nantong City Household Industry Chamber of Commerce Secretary Chen Hui said the companies’ representatives are satisfied with the arrangement, especially the visiting route which they met lots of renowned exhibitors. Some of them have spent over RMB 600 thousands for the machines. Wuxi Furniture Industry Association Secretary Chen Yao-kang said the exhibition showcased a series of machinery in the entire industry chain. Some of their delegates have purchased onsite as well. WMF is committed to integrating industry resources from upstream to downstream of the whole woodworking supply chain. Apart from showcasing a wide array of machineries, several forums were held to share industry information such as China National Forestry Machinery Association 6th Session of Second Council Meeting, 1st Session of Second Board of Supervisors Meeting, TECH TALK (I): Surface Treatment Technology, China National Forestry Machinery Association Woodworking Machinery Committee Annual Conference and Group Standard Project Review Meeting, TECH TALK (II): Upholstery Machinery and CAD/CAM, The Conference of Development for China Wood Industry Park and Port Industry. WMF 2019 has successfully helped exhibitors and buyers forge closed relationships and tap into business opportunities. Some exhibitors and buyers signed cooperation agreements on the spot. With the view of benefiting the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry at large, WMF will upgrade its services and take a step forward to Industry 4.0 in the next edition to be organized on 7-10 September 2020. ℗

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

SHOW PREVIEW 59

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

60 SHOW REVIEW

N A C I R E M A R O F E T I T E APP S E U N I T N O C S D O O W D R HA T E K R A M Y E K N I W O R G TO OF VIETNAM The American Hardwood Export Council s h o ws c o m m i t m e n t to V i e t n a m e s e partnership as over 30 members join the pavilion at this iconic tradeshow

t the recent VietnamWood show, held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, 31 American companies joined the American Hardwood Export Council at their pavilion, a space of 252 square metres. A further 10 booked their own booths. This strong showing underlines the commitment of American timber producers to growing trade partnerships in the country and the event was a positive experience for all involved. A busy four days attracted timber traders and industry specifiers from across the region and facilitated some fruitful conversations regarding the quality, versatility and availability of American hardwood species.

need to communicate with customers. AHEC has done a lot of publicity for us and we hope this will help speed up the process of education on American hardwood.”

As Mr. Bert Gary, CEO of CLC Hardwoods, an AHEC member agreed, “It’s a great trade show to be at. Lots of folks here who are excited about Vietnam, it will be a big part of our future.

To this end, Mr. John Chan, American hardwood expert and longstanding Regional Director of The American Hardwood Export Council for Southeast Asia and Greater China said, “Over the next year, we aim to create programmes to help to develop domestic consumption in Vietnam. We will create programmes to influence designers – architectural, interior and furniture designers – who are the specifiers of materials used, to learn more about the applications of American hardwood. We already see that people are interested in American hardwood but most of these at this point, are from trade and processing. When the economy grows here, the domestic market will grow, the end users will also be interested in American hardwood. I see great potential to develop this market.”

The energy here is exciting. They are well-educated, they understand our industry, they understand American hardwood lumber and they have incredible manufacturing, wonderful quality. Every furniture manufacturer here is gearing up for expansion.” These sentiments were echoed by another member, Ms Maggie Peng, General Manager of Blue Mountain Hardwoods: “We are very positive about Vietnam, especially in the current climate. It is still developing and has some way to grow. We

At the event, Mr. Pryor reminded customers and partners in Vietnam, “The U.S. is the world’s largest sustainable and legally harvested supplier of wood products. American hardwoods are globally recognised and you have a wide variety of species so you can achieve multiple looks and utility all from the same supply. As consumer tastes develop and as the middle class continues to grow, we look forward to growing the market together and developing our partnership.” ℗

Mr. Tripp Pryor, The American Hardwood Export Council’s International Programme Manager said, “It’s really helped our members to have direct contact with customers and manufacturers and hear first-hand how this market is growing and developing. It’s a very important market for us now, a larger volume is going to Vietnam than even to Canada, our next-door neighbour. It’s growing 20 per cent so far this year.”

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

SHOW REVIEW 61

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

NUMBERS OF VISITORS THAT ATTENDED VIETNAMWOOD 2019 HIT A RECORD HIGH

6622 S SHOW HOW R REVIEW EVIEW

he 13 th Vietnam Int’l Woodworking Industry Fair,

decision, from 28 countries and regions had the opportunities

concurrent with Vietnam Int’l Furniture Accessories,

to check out exhibitors’ launches, new brands, and share

Hardware and Tools Exhibition, was held from

knowledge. 56 per cent of the visitors were happy with overall

18-21 September, at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center

experience at VietnamWood 2019 and the other 26 per cent of

(SECC). The exhibition was the world’s leading trade fair for

them felt exceptionally satisfied. This confirms VietnamWood

woodworking and wood processing plant, machinery and tools

as one of the best business platform to experience the dynamic

gave a considerable boost to the wood industry, paving the way

business interactions and the must-attend event to catch up on

for future investment. Oﬃcially organised by Ministry of Industry

the latest happenings in the Vietnam market.

and Trade – Vietnam National Trade Fair & Advertising Company (VINEXAD) and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd.,

In 2021, the 14th edition of VietnamWood will continue the

and co-organised by Handicraft and Wood Industry Association

momentum to bolster the growth of the woodworking industry

(HAWA), the four-day trade show closed on an impressive note,

and market in Vietnam and will be held from September

bringing VietnamWood to the next level.

15-18. As always, VietnamWood will continue to be one of the most prestigious industrial exhibitions and the must-go event

Statistic has proved once again that VietnamWood 2019 was

for everyone in the woodworking and processing industry.

the woodworking and wood processing industry’s definitive

See you in 2021!

event and the place of choice to unveil the latest innovation in Vietnam. The presence of global key players brought together in the 25,000m2 exhibit floor showed the credibility and tradition of the largest fair in Vietnam. This year, the number of the exhibitors achieved the highest record ever, with 573 exhibitors in total, a 33 per cent increase compared to the previous edition. Exhibitors from 32 countries and regions displayed their optimal manufacturing solutions and their innovative machinery and technology for extensive business contacts and technical exchanges. 86 per cent of the exhibitors were satisfied with the exhibition and showed high interests to participate again in 2021. Moreover, 11,650 visitors, with 84 per cent having decisive influence towards purchasing

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

THE RISING INDONESIA’S FURNITURE INDUSTRY AT IFMAC 2019

akarta, 14 Oct, 2019 – IFMAC, The International Furniture Manufacturing Components Exhibition finally ended on 12th October 2019 with the latest technological oﬀerings for Indonesia’s fast-expanding furniture production

industry. Showcasing their latest machinery and products, participation from over 200 exhibiting companies from 23 countries unveiled new perspectives for local businesses to enhance their furniture manufacturing capabilities. 12.917 trade visitors got a first-hand look at various furniture and woodworking machinery, accessories, assembly tools and components, software for furniture design, raw materials and solutions for interior works, adhesives, abrasive, paint, coatings and fitting needs. Apart from delivering a robust one-stop sourcing and information experience for visitors, the seminar entitled “Technology Needed for The Indonesian Furniture Manufacturing Industry” augmented the exhibition to highlight issues on future design trends as well as opportunities for market players to optimize computer-automated systems and technologies to improve manufacturing processes. Mrs. Rini Sumardi, Director of PT Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur (WAKENI) shared that. “Now that we are officially part of Deutsche Messe’s Woodworking Shows Worldwide, we are confident and optimistic that with this partnership, IFMAC will be the right platform for global trade, catering you from raw materials, furniture machinery equipment, woodworking machinery technology, to software for furniture design that will be able to answer the furniture industry needs in Indonesia and South East Asia that continues to grow.” For their partner, IFMAC is a true industry driver as Mr. Christian Pfeiﬀer highlighted that, “We are even more pleased to support the show for the first time and to promote the expansion of production facilities and investments in eﬃcient of process technology and modern accessories. IFMAC is the marketplace that brings the industry closer to the government's goal of making Indonesia one of the ten largest economies in the world by 2030.” ℗ PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

64 WOOD CLINIC

Hello, Mr Shen! I am a reader of PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA. I am in charge of making wooden doors and interior decoration in a small wood factory. The company purchased a second-hand louvered door making facility days ago, using Red Meranti wood and Nyatoh wood for small batch production of solid wood shutters. There are many quality defects encountered during production. For example: The slats near the transom above the louvered door are slanted, damaged or loosened. (As shown in figure) • Some slats become bent. (As shown in figure) Mr Shim (Shen Yuxin) • Cracks or damage on the doorpost • The louvered door can be packaged only after repairing by hand sanding several times, resulting in low production eﬃciency. • In the warehouse with finished products, the doorposts of the louvered doors made from Nyatoh wood are found to be out of shape and poorly glued. I hope you can help to evaluate these issues and provide some suggestions for improvement. Yours sincerely, Lin Yongkang 17/7/2019

Common problems seen in solid wood louvered door after assembly Based on your descriptions, I have provided the reasons for the common problems seen in solid wood louvered door after assembly and solutions for improvement: 1. Slanted slats on the louvered door It is often found that the slats on the upper transom are not parallel after assembling the louvered door, the main reason is: • Improper operation of the automatic slotting machine: when two doorposts enter the automatic slotting machine to be slotted and one of the doorposts is not pressed tightly, it may shift during milling, resulting in some non-parallel slats. It is recommended to ensure that both doorposts are tightly pressed and that both milling cutters are sharp during the operation of the automatic slotting machine. 1. When the automatic slotting machine is not properly aligned, the accuracy of the automatic slotting machine will decline from wear and tear for a prolonged time. A thorough check and maintenance is recommended to ensure the accuracy of the automatic slotting machine. 2. Damaged slats If there are broken grains or knots on the slats of the louvered door, or the wood grains are not straight, the pressure created when assembling and pressing will cause damages to the slats, in which case, the slats need to be replaced. It is recommended to strictly control the quality of the slats when preparing materials to ensure they are free of the defects listed above, and that the chamfering on both ends of the slats is in place.

November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

3. Loose slats After assembly of the louvered door, slats are often found loosened (as shown in the figure), the two main reasons are as follow: • Mismatched automatic slotting specifications: if the milling cutter with a metric diameter of 6.0mm is used with the milling cutter with a diameter of 1/4 inch (1/4" - 6.35mm), slats will not be tight after assembly. It is suggested that the worker set the specifications of the milling slot according to the louvered door design drawing, making sure that the milling cutter diameter is 6.0mm when replacing it. • Inconsistent specifications of slats: when the setting of the slat manufacturing machine is not in place, the slats may come out too thin, or with irregular thickness, resulting in inconsistent thickness after sanding. Any of these reasons will lead to inconsistent slat tightness throughout the louvered door. It is suggested that the workers set the thickness of slats after sanding to 6.0mm, and follow the specifications on the drawings of the louvered door. 4. Bent slats Slats become bent if the milling cutter of the automatic slotting machine is blunt, or the milling slot depth has been pushed beyond limit, or the slat arch is too tight because some of the slats are too long. It is suggested to check the sharpness of the milling cutter regularly and ensure that the milling slot is deep enough. The length of slat must be strictly controlled in sawing, and both ends should be at right angle.

WOOD CLINIC 65

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

66 WOOD CLINIC

Figure 1: After spraying white paint on the louvered door, there is an obvious loose seam between the slat and the milling slot.

Figure 2: Some slats on the louvered door are not straight and become arched.

5. Damaged doorpost There are three main reasons why the doorpost is often damaged when assembling the louvered door: - Improper setting of automatic slotting machine: this leads to milling slots that are too short. When dozens of slats are pressed into the milling slots of the doorpost at the same time, the milling slots crack.

possible to reduce the screening and repair work, thus indirectly improving the production eﬃciency.

It is recommended to thoroughly check the accuracy of the automatic slotting machine and train skilled workers to set milling slots according to the specifications on the drawings. • Improper specifications of slats: the thickness and width tolerance of slats is too large. Suppose an 80-inch-high door requires about 64 slats. If the slat is 0.30mm larger than the milling slot, the door post will crack. It is suggested to follow strictly the thickness and width of slats specified on the drawing. • Improper chamfering of slats: due to improper chamfering of slats, where the chamfering is not in place on one side or one end of the slat, it will be stuck at the edge of the milling slot when pressed and installed to the doorpost, resulting in crushed milling slots. It is recommended to check the chamfering equipment and reset it to ensure that the chamfering at both ends of the slats is even and in place. • Improper setting of assembly press: the assembly press mold setting is not accurately enough, different parts of the louvered door are not centred uniformly,on the same horizontal surface, or the centre line of the doorpost of the louvered door, the wood mortise of the transom and the milling slot are not aligned. When the centre line is not accurately aligned during assembling and pressing, this will lead to crushed milling slot of the doorpost, or distorted louvered door. It is recommended to re-check the mold setting of the assembly press to ensure that the setting is in place, and strictly control the positions of the wood mortises of the louvered door post and the transom, as well as the milling slot centre line. According to the information you have provided, regarding the problem that the louvered doors need many repairs by hand sanding after assembly and thus affecting production efficiency, the suggestions for improvement in the process are as follows: 1. Quality control of materials • The grade of wood purchased should meet the requirements of the louvered door order. Wood with too many defects such as knots, wormholes and discoloration are not acceptable. When purchasing wood, such defects should be avoided as much as November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

2. Four-side planer • When using four-sided planer, doorposts and louvered door transoms should follow the specifications on the louvered door design drawing, the linear speed of the planer should be kept at 10 m/min (planer tool mark at 12/inch). The planing tool should be sharp at all times to reduce fuzzing and roughness on the some areas of the surface, thus reducing the use of putty and hand sanding. 3. Multiple louver door slat machine • Slats should be produced according to the specifications of the louvered door design drawing. The arcs on both sides of the slat should be kept symmetrical (r = 6.0mm). Linear speed should be kept at 8 m/min and the planing tool should be kept sharp to reduce fuzzing and roughness in some areas on the surface, thus reducing the puttying and hand sanding work. 4. Fixed length • When using the radial arm saw to trim diﬀerent parts of the louvered door, the most ideal sequence is to start from large louvered doors to the smaller louvered doors. Make sure the saw blade is sharp and at a right angle. If the linear speed of the saw is too high, the surface will become rough and fuzzy. It is recommended to use an appropriate linear speed when trimming parts of the louvered door, and replace the saw blade and the bottom plate regularly to reduce fraying edges, thus reducing the need for puttying and hand sanding. 5. Automatic louver slotting machine • Following the louvered door design drawing, set the inclining angle of the automatic louver slotting machine and the specification of the milling slot. Check to make sure that the milling cutter of the automatic louver slotting machine is sharp, the clamping pressure of the fixed doorpost and the accuracy of the milling slot are in place. 6. Wide-belt sander • The wide-belt sander can be used to sand flaws such as the planer tool marks, burrs and putty on the flat louvered door post, upper, middle and lower transoms and the slat; and the wide-belt sander can also be used to achieve equal thickness. 7. Drilling machine • The drilling of the louvered door set and transom’s log mortises should be set according to the specifications on the drawings. The operator will check the accuracy of the mortises regularly with a special mold to make sure it is in place. 8. Nail dowels • One must ensure that the dowels on the upper, middle and lower

WOOD CLINIC 67

Figure 3: Common shortcomings of homemade dowels.

transoms of the louvered door are uniformly glued and of the same height. The quality of dowels should be strictly controlled and the chamfering of both ends of the dowel should be in place. This can reduce the chances of pressure damage to the door post when assembling the louvered door. Colour matching of the louvered door components • The colour of the components of each louvered door and the number of slats (tied in a bundle) should be allocated before assembling the louvered door. It will improve the efficiency of the louvered door assembly. 9. Louvered door assembly press • Skilled workers are required to accurately set the template of the louvered door assembly press. When laying out the parts of the louvered door on the template of the assembly press, one must make sure that the centre lines of the parts are on the same horizontal plane without any dislocation. When assembling and pressing the doors, it is common to see cases where the milling slot of the doorpost are crushed or the assembled louvered door is distorted when the centerlines are not aligned. • There are two stages of pressing when operating the louvered door assembly press. At the first stage, one must confirm that the dowels of the louvered door transom are aligned with the doorpost mortises, and that there is no dislocation between the slats and the milling slot. The second stage of pressing is to make sure that there is no crack between the post and the transom of the louvered door, and to remove any spilled glue. After that, pressure can be released upon the assembly of the louvered door. It will also reduce the repair work and improve the efficiency of the louvered door assembly. According to your description, regarding the problems of distortion of the doorpost and weak gluing strength of the Nyatoh wood louvered door in the finished product warehouse, reasons are analysed and solutions are given as follows: 1. Distortion of the doorpost of the Nyatoh wood louvered door • The moisture content of Nyatoh wood is 12%-20%, and the equilibrium moisture content in the warehouse is 10%-14%. When other lumber with high moisture content in the warehouse continues to release moisture, wood shrinkage will lead to deformation of the doorpost of the Nyatoh wood louvered door, and will affect the gluing strength of the log nail. Reason for uneven moisture content: Due to non-standardised operation of the drying kiln -- the materials used for the doorpost and the transom are dried in the same drying kiln, the material used for the doorpost is high in moisture content due to its greater thickness, which results in the deformation of the doorpost.

Figure 4: Diagram showing the measuring of moisture content of dowels at 14.5% using a moisture meter

Suggested improvement solutions: in addition to stacking materials with 1-inch square stickers for wood drying in the kiln, make sure the wood is of the same thickness, and avoid mixing with other tree species as possible. Before drying, it is necessary to confirm the hot air circulation of drying kiln is uniform without short flow. 2. Weak gluing strength of the Nyatoh wood louvered door after assembly: • Non-standard, uneven or insufficient glue is applied on the log mortises. It is common to apply glue only on one side of the mortise or only on its bottom, which will result in weak assembly gluing strength. It is recommended to use a small brush, or a pneumatic glue gun with a nozzle diameter of 8.0m and a small hole in the periphery. It will help coat the glue evenly around the perimeter and ensure there is sufficient glue. • Mortise glue film crusts. After the glue for the doorpost mortise has been applied but left untouched for too long, the glue the mortise turns into glue crust in a semi-dry state, which will lead to insufficient gluing strength after the door is assembled. It is recommended that assembly should be finished within 3 to 5 minutes after application of Europe D3 water-based white latex. • The dowel is unstable in quality. Shortcomings of the dowel such as fuzzing, different diameters, different length, uneven chamfering at both ends (as shown in Figure 3), and high moisture content (as shown in Figure 4) will affect the gluing strength of the door after assembly. It is suggested to strictly control the specification of dowel and its screw thread quality. Diameter tolerance ≤0.1mm and moisture content control at 8%±2% are the most ideal. • The log mortise is unstable in quality. Different size and depth of the log mortise will also lead to insufficient gluing strength after assembly of the louvered door. It is suggested to strictly control the specification of the log mortise and ensure that the mortise diameter tolerance is ≤0.1mm, and the drill bit should be checked regularly and stays sharp. The above explanation and suggestions are provided for your reference. I hope it will help you deal with the shortcomings of the louvered door, and improve the production efficiency. ℗ Yours sincerely, Mr Shim PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

NEWSLET TER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ( MMMA )

“ONE GENERATION PLANTS THE TREES, ANOTHER GETS THE SHADE” By Peter Fitch MMMA Newsletter for PF Asia Nov / Dec 2019

“O

ne Generation Plants

main causes as to why we find ourselves

countries, companies were encouraged

the Trees, Another

where we are today.

to invest in larger and larger capacities

Gets the Shade”. How

to satisfy this new demand. At the same

true this Chinese

In 2008, the world’s financial markets

time shareholders were rewarded with

proverb is on so many

went into meltdown after the sub-prime

increasing stock prices fuelled by more

levels, not just based

loan crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve and

liquidity, low interest rates and company

on the current issues facing the timber

other central banks embarked on a very

share buyback schemes.

industry on sustainability and climate

aggressive recovery process which was

change, but also figuratively speaking

labelled Quantitative Easing (QE). This

What could possibly go wrong? We

on global events that have brought us

dramatically reduced interest rates and

were living in what many have termed

to where we are today. This one proverb

pumped billions of additional dollars,

the “Goldilocks Economy”; expanding

can have profound meanings for so many

euros, pounds, yen and yuan into the

economies, near full employment, low

people on so many levels. However, I will

global economy. Once the global economy

interest rates, bullish stock markets,

limit my interpretations to the timber

was on the road to recovery, central bank

exuberant funding liquidity from central

industry and wood panels in particular.

Balance Sheets should have been reduced

banks and reasonable geopolitical stability.

and interest rates normalised.

In fact, we were fooling ourselves that

I think that it is fair to assume that

this was a sustainable economic model.

the timber industry in general is in

As history will document, this did not

When in fact, this was not sustainable

the doldrums. Profitability, growth and

happen as Central Banks became addicted

environmentally, economically, financially

innovation are at an all-time low. There are

to low interest rates and cheap money

and politically in so many diﬀerent ways.

only a very few exceptions to this general

all conveniently justified by the limitless

As a result of what we sowed all those years

malaise. On a positive development, I

growth potential from Emerging Markets

ago, we have created a partisan world

would like to acknowledge the improved

and, especially, China. With such low

order with a “Beggar Thy Neighbour”

profitability aﬀorded to those furniture

interest rates and the relative ease at which

attitude that fuels Protectionism, Trade

companies in Malaysia, Vietnam and

loans were available, government bonds

Wars and a growing disparity between

Indonesia that have taken advantage of

yields turned negative and corporate

the rich and poor. Nationalism globally

the re-alignment of the U.S. supply chain

borrowings went into overdrive. With the

is fuelling Brexit, fragmentation within

away from mainland China. But first, let

promise of insatiable market demands

the EU, and regional disputes such as

us revisit what I believe to be some of the

from China, India and the other BRICS

that between India/Pakistan, Japan/

NEWSLETTER

THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ( MMMA ) NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Source: CEIC / Ambank Research

Figure 1

South Korea and not to mention the all-

than 50) in key regional markets

there will be a small number of ‘winners’

encompassing U.S. vs China trade spat.

(see table and chart).

which are able to quickly adapt to the changing supply chains and economic

A general breakdown of the post-World War 2 Bretton Woods economic model

We have painted ourselves into the

means that we are seeing;

corner and now it will be very diﬃcult to

• Global debt surging to the highest

move out without some major disruptions

levels ever in peacetime. Further debt

and realignments. I am not in a position

• Environmental protectionism with legitimate claims to sustainability will

environment. • Uncertainties in the geopolitical situation will depress economic activity.

creation could be possible as Central

to be able to predict the outcome or how

Banks are either unable or unwilling to

the new world order will develop, all I can

reduce government borrowings.

do is to highlight some of the issues that

• Economic stimulus packages such as

will aﬀect the Timber Industry and the

Quantitative Easing and Low Interest

major economies have turned negative

Wood Panel Industry specifically.

Rates which have enriched only a few

for the first time ever!

• Most industries are facing an over

and have widened the disparity between

• Government Bonds yields for many

increase overall costs.

• Corporate Bonds have also started to

investment in low productivity and

the rich and the poor, will continue to

turn negative for the first time ever, and

capital with returns on investment

suppress wage growth. This will prove

private debt levels have reached

often over stated due to the cheap cost

to be a critical failing, with the result

USD1.2 trillion in the first six months

of borrowing. The resultant over

of curtailing consumer spending which is

of 2019 alone. One must ask when will

capacity will maintain deflationary

crucial to expanding the global economy.

these loans ever be paid oﬀ ?

pressures on prices and subdue

Furthermore, it has led to increased

• The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)

profitability for the foreseeable future.

state dependence which in turn increases

which is often referred to as an

• Trade disputes driven by nationalism

government spending and expands the

indicator of business confidence has

will increase protectionist practices.

turned pessimistic (any figure lower

This in turn will dampen demand, but

welfare system. • The emergence of disruptive

NEWSLET TER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ( MMMA )

Figure 2

Source: CEIC / Ambank Research

technologies such as A.I. and Industry

and the design innovations of Italy. To

to this ‘Value Addition’ sector for the

4.0 will only exacerbate the disparity

achieve this, we will need to develop

profitable and sustainable future of all concerned.

between the rich and the poor (highly

sustainable supporting industries and

educated and less educated)

create infrastructure such as eﬃcient

populations. This will maintain

supply chains of raw materials (lumber,

pressures on employment levels and

panels, overlays, coatings, hardware

further dampen wage growth.

and packaging), a skilled workforce, cutting edge production technology,

If we look at Malaysia specifically; it

designers, marketers and logistics

has just launched its Shared Prosperity

specialists, etc.

Vision 2030 (SPV 2030) which replaces

Vision 2020. The intended outcome is

The future of the Malaysian Timber

to ensure a decent standard of living

Industry will become dependent on

for all citizens, which is commendable.

a successful and thriving Furniture

For a nation to be prosperous, it must

Manufacturing Sector. To do this, we

ensure a high standard of global

must move on and leave behind dated

competitiveness. I believe that we have

past practices and think outside of

an opportunity to develop and grow

our comfort zones to embrace the

a truly world class Furniture Business

new economic and social realities. The

that can compete with the eﬃciencies

Malaysian Timber Industry should focus

of Japan, the competitiveness of China

on how best to support and supply

About the Author Peter Fitch is the founder of Segamat Panel Boards (Malaysia) and is currently chairman of the Malaysian MDF Manufacturers Association (MMMA) and executive committee member of the Malaysian Panel Manufacturers Association (MPMA). Prior to working in Malaysia he worked for Plantation Timber Products (China) and Takeuchi MDF (Malaysia). Peter has been based in Asia for more than 25 years and in the wood panel business for more than 20 years.

2019 | 2020 | EVENTS CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2019 BEX ASIA 2019 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER SINGAPORE

https://www.bex-asia. com/x

SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE & WOODWORKING MACHINERY FAIR (CIFF/WMF) 8 TO 11 SEPTEMBER

FMC CHINA 2019 9 TO 12 SEPTEMBER Shanghai, China http://www.furniturechina.cn/zh-cn/fmc

INDEX DUBAI 2019 17 TO 19 SEPTEMBER

Dubai, UAE https://www.indexexhibition. com/

VIETNAMWOOD 2019 18 TO 21 SEPTEMBER

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam https://www.vietnamwoodexpo. com

Shanghai, China http://www.woodworkfair.com

OCTOBER 2019 ARCHXPO 2019 1 TO 3 OCTOBER

Singapore https://www.archxpo.com.sg/

NHLA CONVENTION 2019 2 TO 4 OCTOBER

New Orleans, USA http://nhla.com/networking/details.aspx?aid=1369

IFMAC 2019 9 TO 12 OCTOBER

Jakarta, Indonesia https://www.ifmac.net/

NOVEMBER 2019 MALAYSIAN WOOD EXPO 2019 19 TO 21 NOVEMBER Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://malaysianwoodexpo.com.my/

VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR 2019 27 TO 30 NOVEMBER Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

JANUARY 2020 DOMOTEX 2020 10 TO 13 JANUARY

Hannover, Germany https://www.domotex.de/home

IMM COLOGNE 2020 17 TO 19 JANUARY

Cologne, Germany https://www.imm-cologne.com/

FEBRUARY 2020 INDIA WOOD 2020 27 FEBRUARY TO 2 MARCH

Bangalore, India http://www.indiawood.com/home

MARCH 2020 DUBAI WOOD SHOW 2020 16 TO 18 MARCH

Dubai, UAE https://www.dubaiwoodshow.com/

CIFF GUANGZHOU 2020 18 TO 21 MARCH

Guangzhou, China https://www.ciff-gz.com/en/index

DOMOTEX ASIA CHINA FLOOR 2020 24 TO 26 MARCH

Shanghai, China https://www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/

MAY 2020 XYLEXPO 2020 26 TO 29 MAY

Milan, Italy http://www.xylexpo.com/index.php/en/

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 6 • November / December 2019

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX November / December 2019 • Issue 6 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA

Heavy Duty Helical Planer Cutter Heads with Changeable Knives Knife: 14 x 14 x 2 x 30º 14 x 14 x 2 x 37º

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COMPANY

PAGE

ADINO GMBH

AHEC

IBC

Anthon GmbH

Baillie Lumber

Biesse Malaysia Sdn Bhd

BIFAWOOD 2020

Cabinet Vision South East Asia

CAIRO WOODSHOW 2019

Electronic Wood Systems GmbH

Gau Jing Machinery Co Ltd

Hanoi Wood 2020

IMEAS spa

IPCO Sounth East Asia Pte Ltd

Jiangsu Baolong Electromechanical Mfg Co Ltd

Kuang Yung Machinery Co Ltd

Lesnaya Industriya

Malaysian Wood Expo 2019

IFC

Northwest Hardwoods Plytec Oy

Scheuch GmbH SylvaWood 2020

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OBC 2

Technik Associates Ind Co Ltd

Tong Fong CuƩers Co Ltd

Tritherm CorporaƟon Pte Ltd

Yalian Machinery Co Ltd

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Panels & Furniture Asia November/December 2019

Articles inside

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MMMA Newsletter: “One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade

Wood Clinic: Common problems seen in solid wood louvered door after assembly

The rising Indonesia’s furniture industry at IFMAC 2019

Leaving a legacy

Commune: In Motion— Singapore’s fi rst cloud-based, omni-channel furniture retail solution

SWATCH inaugurates its new headquarters in Biel, Switzerland

The fi ne woods of France

Meet the team behind SCM's Software and Digital Services

Malaysian Meranti: A versatile hardwood

A retrospective look into the Japanese woodworking machinery industry (Part 2

First Taobao offl ine store in Singapore: Let the consumers decide what to sell

Omnichannel retail on the rise in Singapore's furniture industry

U.S. hardwood market update: Supply is conforming to demand, a lesson from history

FSC plans to double share in global timber trade by 2020 (Part 2

For DIEFFENBACHER, diversifi cation is key

BQC from STEINEMANN - Another milestone in sanding line automation

NEWS

International standards for phytosanitary measures no.15 (ISPM 15) data logging made easy

Australia gets tough on illegal timber

EDITOR’S NOTE