Wood & Paper

The wood industry is under pressure. Trees are, because of their CO2 intake, critical in reducing the impact of global warming. Sustainable forest management and responsible logging are therefore important ingredients of the global climate policy. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certifications contribute to this. Inevitably, this will increase the cost of timber extraction. Furthermore, these are turbulent times for the paper and cardboard industry, a major wood consumer alongside construction, the furniture industry and the distribution sector (for crates and pallets). 

The demand for paper is decreasing due to growing digitalisation, evidenced by the decreasing print runs of journals and magazines, and the receding volumes of paper mail. In addition, less new wood fibres are required for paper production. Increasingly, the fibres come from alternative sources such as old paper, grass and cotton. On the other hand, the demand for cardboard for packaging purposes is increasing due to the explosive growth in online orders and the associated package delivery. Due to stiff competition – for example, with ‘no delivery costs’ – there is here, too, significant price pressure.

Therefore, machinery and production lines for the wood and paper industry must be efficient and maximally equipped with low-cost standard components. At the same time, there are heavy processes in this industry in terms of mechanical burdens, temperature, moisture and dirt. Components must therefore be robust, and there are high demands placed on servicing and maintenance.

The emphasis on costs and sustainability makes energy saving an important challenge. This means, for example, the deployment of variable-frequency drives in the various installations. Furthermore, energy-efficient LED lighting helps reduce the plant’s total cost of ownership. Of course, there should always be ‘good’ lighting, for occupational health and safety reasons and in a sector such as the graphic industry for visual quality assurance as well. With a detailed lighting plan, there is profit to be gained in both fronts.

The technical value-added distributor can advise on this wide range of technical and economic topics with his know-how. He delivers not only the technology needed for innovation, but also the mechanical and electrotechnical supplies for efficient operation. This partner really hits the nail on the head in this sector.

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