A survey of primary and secondary manufacturers of eastern white pine (EWP) was executed within three regions of the Eastern US: New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Lake States. Two hundred ninety-six usable questionnaires were returned in total, with 185 coming from primary manufacturers and 111 from secondary manufacturers of EWP. The data from these surveys was used to identify differences in market characteristics between the three regions producing EWP, and also between primary and secondary industries. It was found that markets for EWP were growing in all three regions. Overall growth among primary manufacturers was estimated at 6.9% during the next 5 years, with 18.9% expected from the secondary industry. Industry members in all three regions reported that they would be able to sell more EWP products if they could get more logs. This theme of log shortage and availability was present in all three regions, and likely has to do with the loggers in those regions and how much importance they place on harvesting EWP. Results indicated that primary manufacturers overestimated how highly secondary manufacturers valued machinability, product range, and the rustic look of EWP, as significant differences were found in all of those categories. This implies that sawmills need not emphasize these aspects as much as they have been, as they are less important to customers than sawmills may have believed. Conversely, primary manufacturers underestimated how highly secondary manufacturers valued on-time delivery, consistent price, JIT delivery, and flexible payment options. These results suggest that EWP sawmills would be able to gain an advantage by putting more effort into providing these services. The effect of imported species appeared to be less than anticipated, with more than one-half of both primary and secondary respondents reporting that imports had had no impact on their operation. However, primary manufacturers were more likely to report a negative effect than their secondary counterparts, with negative response rates at 41% and 20%, respectively. / Master of Science

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A new peat replacement product is being manufactured in South Africa. This product which is marketed under the brand name Fibregro is made from spent wattle bark originating from the tanning extract manufacturing process. Fibregro is currently being used in South Africa to dilute and in some instances replace local peat in mushroom and horticultural applications. In addition to its role as a peat replacement, Fibregro is in a position where it could also qualify to cany a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label. Once in full production it is estimated that the company will be able to produce more products than can be sold locally. As a result export opportunities need to be pursued. The United Kingdom (UK) was identified as a potential export destination on account of developments in this country in respect of the certification of forest products (especially FSC certification) and moves to reduce peat mining. A mail survey was undertaken amongst growing media producers in the UK to address two key issues relating to Fibregro, namely: • Whether Fibregro's peat free status could be exploited in the UK growing media and mushroom casing markets. • Whether enough advantages existed in the UK market to justify the extra effort and cost associated with qualifying Fibrego to carry an FSC label. Key findings arising from this survey indicate that a niche is developing in the UK growing media market for a good peat substitute. The addition of an FSC label will render the product unique in the growing media market in this country. A number of recommendations arise from this work. These are: • In order to penetrate the UK growing media market Fibrgro must be positioned as an effective peat reducing agent which is capable of extending the peat reduction levels beyond that of composts. • Fibregro distributors should be identified from amongst the larger growing media producers in the UK. • Potential use of Fibregro as a mushroom casing in the UK appears to be limited. • A combination of peat free and FSC labelling while capable of rendering Fibregro unique in the UK growing media market needs to be carefully considered on account of chain-of-custody requirements along the supply chain. / Thesis (M.B.A.) University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2004.

The wood products industry faces increased pressure to attract and maintain the interest of young audiences, such as the millennial generation. This study was created in attempt to bridge the perceived communication gap between the industry and millennial generation, or “millennials.” Millennials are defined in this study as individuals born from 1980 to 2000. An online survey was created and distributed to over 1500 millennials in February 2018 and received 1,479 usable surveys. Analysis performed on the resultant data included descriptive statistics and chi-square calculations. The study results indicate millennials have a positive view of wood products and hold uncertain or neutral perceptions towards the entire industry. Millennials perceive wood products as stylish, durable, and environmentally friendly. Millennials have neutral perceptions of the industry with stronger attitudes towards the industry’s relationship with the environment. Millennial responses also indicate weak general knowledge regarding the wood products industry and wood product properties.