NEWS

The European Commission is investigating potential illegal imports of Russian birch plywood products into the European Union. There has been a significant increase in imports of Russian birch plywood into Turkey and possibly Kazakhstan, and an increase in exports of birch plywood from both countries to the EU—although neither has been a significant producer of birch plywood in the past. The EU banned Russian wood after Russia invaded Ukraine.

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In August 2026, a new European Commission regulation will reduce the limit for formaldehyde emissions from furniture and wood-based products to 0.062 mg/m3, about 0.07 ppm. The new standards are higher than current U.S. standards for hardwood plywood, set at 0.05 ppm, but lower than those for particleboard and MDF. DHA learned that European regulators will develop guidance to make it easier for U.S.-based manufacturers to comply.

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Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVI, Issue XVI: DHA Highlights Benefits Of Engineered Wood Flooring | Buy America: Engineered Wood Must Be Made In U.S. | Hardwood Federation Promotes Climate Benefits Of Wood | ACC Challenges New Formaldehyde Report

What country has achieved the highest growth in forest area?

Answer:  China

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BBC Science Focus: Top 10: countries with increasing forest areas

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth just unveiled their latest innovation: a new kind of tree. Their cottonwood-poplar hybrid can grow up to eight feet per year. Scientists have produced more than 1,600 varieties of poplar, all fast-growing and disease-resistant, which may become part of the solution for climate change and help in soil and water cleanup.

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