Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1511664
PalletCentral • November-December 2023 29 iStock/Yevhen Smyk shifted away from pallets and into other markets. e industry reacted with shifts to softwood lumber, that was at the time cheaper and more readily available. is transition was made easier by the use of pallet design software like NWPCA's PDS system that shows builders and users of pallets that with modest modifications, a softwood pallet can meet similar safe weight limits and expectations of hardwood. Once the switch was made, some of the benefits of softwood pallets became evident. Lighter weight, less mold issues as the wood is dry and with a lighter appearance that shows better on showroom floors. Softwood lumber has one other major advantage over hardwood lumber – there is a lot more of it being produced (see chart of softwood lumber consumption, provided by Russ Taylor Global). Total production has remained flat in recent years at a level of 60 BBF annually – ten times the size of the hardwood industry. We know from extensive studies of our standing forest, that North America is the world's wood basket with abundant supplies of both hardwood and softwood standing timber. e softwood advantage is the abundance of commercial timber supply provided by the years of expanded pine plantations. ese plantations exist for the sole purpose of providing wood fiber. Because of this readily available wood, some hardwood mills, especially those located in the south, have converted their production over to softwood. Due to lower housing and export demand, the softwood lumber industry looks likely to remain flat for 2024. Lumber producers have several challenges in the future that may limit growth affecting availability and pricing for years to come. e future of the lumber industry in general is influenced by various factors, including economic, environmental, technological, and societal changes. While any look at the future is perhaps just at best an educated guess, here are some insights into potential trends and challenges for the pallet industry to follow that will shape the future of the lumber industry for years to come. 1. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: e lumber industry is facing continued pressure to adopt more sustainable and responsible forestry practices. is includes reforestation efforts, reduced deforestation, and certification programs that ensure responsible sourcing of wood. Governments and consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly and ethically sourced lumber products. 2. Technological Advancements: Like the pallet industry, the lumber industry has been adopting technology at a fast pace to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the quality of wood products. Innovations like digital forestry, automated