Sourcing of coniferous pulpwood in comparison of selected countries
Rinas, Inna (2010)
Rinas, Inna
Saimaan ammattikorkeakoulu
2010
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010120717388
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010120717388
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis is to analyse factors affecting wood supply from the selected countries – Sweden, Russia and Latvia. The factors have been identified during an internship at a wood sourcing company in Germany. The analysis is based on publications of international and national forestry organisations and forestry statistics, as well as experiences of the training company in this field. Therefore a descriptive approach is used.
The analysis encompasses a theory study and an empirical study. The theory analysis provides the reader with information on country specific forest resources, domestic industry, market conditions, logistics and infrastructure, as well as forest certification. Subsequent to the theory study, an interview is used as a qualitative research method in order to examine in what way the mentioned factors affect wood sourcing based on company’s experience in wood sourcing from selected countries. The outcomes of the interview are applied to the theory analysis.
The results of the analysis are carried out in recommendations based on the author’s given level of market knowledge. The analysis indentifies Russia not being profitable for wood sourcing from the point of view of a German company. Additional problems are identified to be insufficient certification, lack of infrastructure and logistics facilities, as well as high level of corruption and flawed documentation. Sweden proves to provide a flexible sourcing environment in respect to certification, logistics and infrastructure, and to be profitable in regard to purchasing costs based on statistical data. However, based on its strong forest industries Swedish wood supply to foreign markets is concluded to be limited in the future. Latvia proves to provide the optimal sourcing environment as can be concluded based on this analysis. The country’s rather weak forest industries allow sourcing of coniferous pulpwood. Additionally, the analysis shows Latvia fulfilling requirements regarding forest certification, logistical facilities and infrastructure, and the cost aspect being acceptable.
The analysis encompasses a theory study and an empirical study. The theory analysis provides the reader with information on country specific forest resources, domestic industry, market conditions, logistics and infrastructure, as well as forest certification. Subsequent to the theory study, an interview is used as a qualitative research method in order to examine in what way the mentioned factors affect wood sourcing based on company’s experience in wood sourcing from selected countries. The outcomes of the interview are applied to the theory analysis.
The results of the analysis are carried out in recommendations based on the author’s given level of market knowledge. The analysis indentifies Russia not being profitable for wood sourcing from the point of view of a German company. Additional problems are identified to be insufficient certification, lack of infrastructure and logistics facilities, as well as high level of corruption and flawed documentation. Sweden proves to provide a flexible sourcing environment in respect to certification, logistics and infrastructure, and to be profitable in regard to purchasing costs based on statistical data. However, based on its strong forest industries Swedish wood supply to foreign markets is concluded to be limited in the future. Latvia proves to provide the optimal sourcing environment as can be concluded based on this analysis. The country’s rather weak forest industries allow sourcing of coniferous pulpwood. Additionally, the analysis shows Latvia fulfilling requirements regarding forest certification, logistical facilities and infrastructure, and the cost aspect being acceptable.