Forestry Aspects of MDF

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The primary constituant of the MDF made in Australia in Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata d.Don). Though up to 12% may be Eucalyptus (predominantly E.delegantensis) may be used, particularly in the higher density boards. Information on four MDF plants in Australia:

• In 1993 the Laminex plant at Wagga Wagga took in chips from small scale mills, other laminaex operations, or compeditors such as Boral or CSR. This was due to the availability of chips and the then scarcity of roundwood, though the plant was capable of producing its own chips. They were also taking some Callitris chips but this is winding up
• The CSR plant at Oberon uses exclusively Radiata Pine, as it is widely available and first thinnings are often used, chipped on site
• The Gympie plant uses pinus Elliotti and Pinus Caribaea
• A new MDF is being opened up near Launceston, Tasmania.

In NSW there is over 250,000 ha of Pine plantation, mostly in state forests. The largest areas are around Bathurst/Oberon, servicing the CSR mill at Oberon, and the Tumut/Batlow area servicing the Laminex operations.

The Australian wood and paper industry is an important contributer to the Australian economy. With a turnover of about $10 billion, bringing in about $3 billion to the Australian economy and directly employing over 80,000 people, forestry is one of our major natural resources. Value added products such as MDF hold an import place in the sustainment of a viable foresty industry for several reasons:

• It is an across the board problem of the Australian economy that there is not enough value adding. The rape and pillage of our natural resources, the `riding on the sheeps back' mentality must be replaced with a serious commitment to manufactureing. In forestry terms this means performing more tretment and finishing on our timber products, increased proccessing of woodchips and the production of board type products such as MDF.
• The prediction is that demand for wood will soon outstip supply. A product such as MDF, which can be made from recycled wood products, and is best made from plantation grown pine, will have an expanding market into areas previously dominated by other wood products
• The use of recycled materials and plantation timber in its manufacture, will help take pressure off Australias remaining forests.
• For more information try the Wood and Paper Industry Strategy

The most fantastic description of Radiata Pine is at Woods of the World.