NEWS

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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Amidst discussions on forests as climate change solutions, there is still loud opposition to tree cutting. However, recent public opinion polling shows a different side of understanding and beliefs about managed forests, wood products, and climate change. One result that may surprise you: 89% approve of managed forests.

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Forecasters predict that the market for engineered wood will grow to more than $61 billion by the end of the year. This rapid growth is due to engineered wood's advantages over traditional solid wood, which include enhanced strength, stability, and sustainability. Engineered wood is cost‑effective as well as versatile and can be used in construction, furniture, flooring, and packaging.

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The EU's new deforestation law will pose significant challenges to companies exporting forest products to Europe. The essence of the law is that wood and wood products, among others, can't be connected with "forest removal or land change from forests into non-forests." Failure to comply with the new law may result in being banned from exporting to the EU market.

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A new NASEM report backed the 2022 EPA review that found formaldehyde to be a human carcinogen. However, the American Chemistry Council has challenged several aspects of the report, including the validity of the toxicity values in the EPA's 2022 draft assessment, and stated that the report is not in line with international authorities like the World Health Organization and the European Chemicals Agency.

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