Asia

The purpose of the European Wood Initiative (EWI) is to strengthen
the position of wood and open new markets in Asia. The EWI interest
group was formed in 2004 and consists of promotion organisations
in Germany (German Timber), Austria (ProHolz), France
(French Timber) and Sweden (Swedish Forest Industries Federation).

China

China is the world's biggest building market. Every year over ten million
new flats are completed. Concrete, masonry, steel and glass are the main building materials; wood is rarely used. EWI wants to change this and is therefore introducing wood trusses and wall systems for apartment buildings. Model designs have been built in the major cities Beijing and Chengdu and an initiative is currently underway to influence building standards. Three standards have already been approved, and two remain. The EWI expects these last standards to be ready during 2007, after which it intends to heavily market the systems.

Hans Dutina is project manager for the European Wood Initiative in China.

Japan

Although Japan permits multi-storey buildings to be built of wood, the
practice is still rather unusual due to rigorous fire and earthquake
requirements. Nevertheless, the Japanese are extremely interested
in the EU's knowledge of building big and tall.

EWI is therefore an active party in the Japan Wood Dialogue between
the EU and Japan. The EU delegation consists of the EWI, the EU
commission's forestry industry division and the European Business
Council in Japan (EBC). Japan's representatives include the Japanese
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and a number of
research institutes. The purpose of the dialogue is for the EU and the
European industry to be more proactive in the development of Japanese
standards and codes.

Jakob Edberg is project manager for the European Wood Initiative in Japan.

EWI represents Europe

The European Wood Initiative is mandated by the European umbrella
organisation CEI-Bois to represent the European sawmill industry in
issues pertaining to norms and standards in Asia.

Sweden is represented in the European
Wood Initiative steering group by:

Jan Söderlind (chairperson) – Swedish Forest Industries Federation
Anders Ek – SCA Timber AB
Örjan Kallin – Martinsons Trä AB

Cooperation partners