Project/activity information

This pre-project study will support the devel-opment of draft guidelines on increasing utilization efficiency and the reduction of losses and waste throughout the tropical timber production chain. The terms of reference are:

(i) Carry out a comprehensive review of previous work related to guidelines on increasing timber utilization efficiency and the reduction of losses and waste with a focus on saw milling and plywood manufacturing processes and products;
(ii) To undertake a survey to determine conversion efficiency in a representative sample of producers tropical timber-based export saw milling and veneer/plywood industries;

(iii) Analyze producers efficiency vis-a-vis efficiency in countries which are more advanced in log conversion and in utilization of main products and waste;

(iv) Compile and assess information and data on policies, measures and technologies which contribute to increase utilization efficiency and to reduce losses and waste throughout the production chain; and

(v) Prepare and present to the Forest Industry Committee a technical document reporting on the work carried out under items (i) through (iv) above. The report shall also evaluate options and provide suggestions and recommendations on the methodology to be utilized to prepare and finalize the guidelines.