The Timber Packaging and Pallet Federation (TIMCON) has said businesses in the timber and timber packaging industry must speak with a common voice to tackle the challenges currently facing the sector.
The organisation’s executive addressed members at its general meeting in Derby on March 3rd, which included updates and debate on a number of significant issues, notably the economic downturn and the redraft of the ISPM15 compliance scheme.
John Dye, President of TIMCON, said: “The difficult economic climate has caused huge implications for supply chains throughout the world, and we have seen a dramatic drop in demand for timber packaging and pallets.
“TIMCON is continuing to monitor and advise its members on the situation. We are also working with ConFor and wood for good to lobby politicians in Scotland, England and Wales, specifically to highlight for them the value of timber and timber packaging to Britain, as an employer and generator of income.”
With regard to the proposed extension of ISPM15 to intra-EU movements of timber pallets and packaging to combat the spread of the pinewood nematode, TIMCON informed members that it was continuing to work closely with plant health experts, the Forestry Commission and its European association FEFPEB to influence both the European proposal and the redrafting of the global ISPM15 regulations.
Mr Dye, said: “We will work closely with the Forestry Commission (as we did when the ISPM15 was introduced), so that the timber pallet and packaging industry can continue to supply its essential products to clients. We fully support proposals to protect our forests – without them we would not have an industry – and we want to make sure that whatever is implemented is both practical and enforceable.
“Timber remains the material of choice for pallets and packaging, on sound economic and environmental grounds. Our sector takes over 20% of sawn timber output, so the outcome of this is significant for the entire forest-based industry. TIMCON will keep its members and members of the UK ISPM15 programme fully informed of the developments as soon as they occur.”
Mr Dye concluded: “There are clear challenges forthcoming for the timber industry. TIMCON will continue to a take a lead role in meeting these, and will continue to work closely with its members to ensure their best interests are represented in the months ahead.”
Timcon
Tel: 0116 264 0579
Email: timcon@associationhq.org.uk
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