|
|
|
|
 REGULATORY NEWS
|
|
Changing Federal Regulations
HPVA® recently filed comments opposing the CPSC's requirement to add slip resistance labeling to engineered wood flooring. HPVA® also joined 15 wood associations to provide input on the proposed EPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations, focusing on how the treatment of biomass energy sources would adversely impact forest owners. "Overall, most of our concerns were addressed,” stated the American Forest & Paper Association, as 3 wood-based materials were added as non-waste materials under the Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials rule.
Source: HPVA®; EPA, January 21, 2016.
|
|
|
INDUSTRY INNOVATION
|
|
|
Now: The 4th Industrial Revolution
Are you ready for the 4th Industrial Revolution? Nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, machine learning, biotechnology, robotics and genetic editing are just a few of the components of this revolution that will dramatically change the world’s economy. Read more to learn about the expected impact on business and government.
Source: World Economic Forum, January 14, 2016.
|
|
ECONOMIC TRENDS
|
|
2016 Housing Market Outlook: Will The Economy Cooperate?
2 large homebuilders, PulteGroup and Meritage Homes, saw impressive, double-digit growth in 2015. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, expects to see more of the same: “With homebuilding still grossly inadequate, steady price appreciation and tight supply conditions aren’t going away any time soon.”
Source: Builder; Builder; Construction Dive, January 28, 2016.
|
|
|
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
|
|
|
Northeastern Forests Challenged
Northeastern forests are under attack from invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, and species like maple are struggling to regenerate as a result of increased browsing by the growing deer population. In addition to these issues, much of the forest is privately owned, and subdividing properties and aging owners add up to an uncertain future for northeastern hardwoods.
Source: Auburn Citizen, January 21, 2016.
|
|
|
HPVA® MEMBER NEWS
|
|
|
Danzer Plans For The Future
Hardwood specialist, Danzer, will invest €15 million in processing technologies for hardwoods, increasing production of desk layers for the engineered flooring industry, and further optimizing veneer and lumber production.
Source: WBPI, January 19, 2016. Photo © Danzer.
Columbia Announces Promotions
Congratulations to Gary Gillespie, Greg Pray and Dave Abts!
Source: Columbia Forest Products, February 4, 2016.
HPVA® Prepares For Annual Meeting
Join industry leaders as we network and exchange insights May 15-17 in New Orleans.
Source: HPVA®.
|
|
|
NEWS BRIEFS
|
|
|
Lumber Liquidators Sentenced
Lumber Liquidators will pay $13.2 million for importing illegal wood and submitting false declarations under the Lacey Act.
Source: HPVA®, February 2, 2016.
Top Kitchen Design Trends For 2016
Customers seek streamlined, functional kitchens with innovative built-ins and pet stations.
Source: Building Design + Construction, February 1, 2016.
|
|
New American Hardwood Website
AHEC launches website to demonstrate the sustainability of American hardwoods.
Source: Confederation Of Timber Industries, January 25, 2016.
Stark Prediction For 2016 Market
Rising house prices have pushed homeownership out of reach for 33% of U.S. wage earners.
Source: Construction Dive, December 1, 2015.
No More Smart Homes?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act could stop communication between smart home devices.
Source: Builder, January 15, 2016.
Family Forests To Change Hands
Many U.S. forests are owned by senior citizens and may soon be for sale.
Source: Marketplace, January 11, 2016.
|
|
|
Ash Borer Infestation Intensifies
"The emerald ash borer invasion is expected to ... completely [saturate] forests by about 2050."
Source: RFF, January 28, 2015.
Senator Champions Wildfire Funding
Senator Lisa Murkowski demands real solutions to wildfire budgeting as the fire crisis worsens.
Source: HPVA®; Senate Committee, January 27, 2016.
Free Guides To Wood Construction
Download the AWC's Guides to Wood Construction in High Wind Areas.
Source: AWC, January 26, 2016.
Reduced Chinese Demand For Wood
A decrease in construction and consumer spending has slowed imports of wood products.
Source: Timberbiz, January 28, 2016.
Saving Chinese Forests
A WWF coalition will push Chinese companies to promote sustainably-produced timber products.
Source: WWF, December 4, 2015.
|
|
|
Send Us Your Company News, Ideas For Articles, And More
We are always looking for great stories, news about your company, and interesting multimedia. We also welcome feedback on this week's content and suggestions for topics you would like to see in upcoming HPVA® eNews. Email us at innovate@hpva.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
