Due to climate change, the Belgian forests are under pressure and their health is becoming a major concern. For the moment, the forest parcels contain mostly a unique wood species presenting high density suitable for structural applications. However, it has been proven that the presence of a multitude of wood species, including fast growing species with lower density will strengthen forests health and ensure their sustainable exploitation. In this context, the wood industry is searching a way to add value to such low density wood, that is most often not exploited. One possible approach is to densify the wood using thermo-hygro-mechanical processes.

Speaker : Marie-Stéphane COLLA