Ta Ann Holdings in Malaysia is increasing the harvest of its plantation logs to produce hybrid plywood and started planting acacia trees last year to fulfill this plan as it is a fast growing commercial timber. Source: The Star
The company has invested about RM100mil ($32 million) to establish more than 32,200ha of planted forests in six areas. Last year, it planted 2,150ha.This year’s target is to plant about 3,000ha.
Acacia trees take about 15 years to mature, and a plantation yields higher wood supply than natural forests as the density could be increased with one hectare able to produce around 400 matured acacia trees.
The Sarawak government has set aside one million hectares for planted forest projects to increase the supply of raw materials for timber processing mills. Authorities have issued around 40 licences to companies to undertake planted forest projects.
Ta Ann is on a trial development of hybrid plywood using planted acacia as the main component, which is mixed with hardwood from natural forests. Acacia floor base is one of the new eco products being developed.
Ta Ann sees the harvesting of its planted acacia forest will enhance its competitiveness and enable it to come up with more eco-friendly products.
The company has been producing eco-friendly products for the Japanese market using entirely imported logs from its plantation in Tasmania or a combination of imported wood and locally produced tropical logs.
The more matured plantation logs from Tasmania produce better quality wood than the locally planted acacia trees, which had yet to attain full maturity.
