Fiji’s timber industry is set to innovate with the potential for new products that could enhance local specialty joinery and furniture manufacturing while also creating valuable export opportunities. Minister for Forests Alitia Bainivalu highlighted this prospect during her remarks about ongoing research on utilizing senile coconut stems as part of a project titled ‘Coconut and other non-traditional forest resources for the manufacture of engineered wood products.’
This five-year initiative focuses on developing and validating wood processing technologies that can convert coconut and other low-value forestry resources into high-value engineered wood products for both local and international markets. Ms. Bainivalu acknowledged that a significant challenge lies in convincing the forest industry to adapt its conventional processing methods and invest in new technologies suited to handling senile coconut logs.
The project includes collaboration with private sector stakeholders on Vanua Levu, specifically with Hyoulin Sawmill Fiji Ltd., a subsidiary of Long Investment Ltd. This partnership aims to achieve the project’s objectives effectively. Recently, Hyoulin Sawmill completed a significant upgrade by commissioning a steam box that facilitates heat conditioning for coconut and other non-traditional wood resources, preparing them for veneer processing and subsequent manufacture into engineered wood products.
Preliminary tests have shown promising results, indicating a move toward integrating senile coconut stem processing into commercial production. Additionally, the project is examining the use of lower-grade mahogany from the Fiji Hardwood Corporation as a core material.
A significant advancement within the project includes the creation of a financial modeling tool designed to guide stakeholders interested in the value chain of engineered wood products. This tool is expected to benefit plywood producers by clarifying pathways to profitability. The Labasa-based plywood processor Valebasoga Tropikboards has also expressed interest in joining forces to ensure the project’s success.
In summary, this project not only seeks to innovate within the timber sector but also promises to have positive social, economic, and environmental impacts. It stands to provide farmers with new sources of income while promoting sustainable forestry practices by utilizing senile coconut trees. This initiative represents a hopeful step towards diversifying Fiji’s economy and enhancing sustainable resource use.
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