Recently, Department of Homeland Security agents searched the offices of Global Plywood & Lumber Inc., a wood importer based in California suspected of importing illegally harvested timber from the Amazon without proper permits. According to a Reuters article, agents are investigating whether the privately held company violated Peruvian and U.S. law, although no charges had been filed as of June …
Marking Lumber – Framing Lumber Prices Continue To Rise In U.S.
A recent article revealed that year-over-year, framing lumber prices have continued to increase. The hike began in 2013 as home construction increased, while the supply of framing lumber was limited as more suppliers were focusing to bring more capacity online. While there was a decline in framing lumber prices in 2015, it is believed the decrease was due to a …
Wood Industry News – Maine Forest Service Awarded $380,000 Grant
Recently in wood industry news, it was announced that the Maine Forest Service was granted $380,000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help in its efforts to establish a Wood Energy Assistance Team that will focus on biomass heating and other efforts following the significant price decline in softwood species and the sharp drop in demand for this type …
Food Labeling – Are Supermarket Prepared Foods Healthy?
Recently, popular dishes sold at many supermarkets were the study of Consumer Reports, who sent secret shoppers on a mission: to find out if those foods touted as “fresh” and “organic” were really as healthy as many consumers believe. What they found was surprising! According to Consumer Reports, the supermarket deli prepared foods section is a $29 billion a year …
Photochromic Ink Technology Invented for Flexible Packaging
Last month, Printpack, a packaging converter for various markets including dairy, cheese, snacks, and beverages based in Atlanta, debuted its new photochromic ink technology at Pack Expo 2015 in Las Vegas. Essentially, the ink is visible only when exposed to sunlight, and “hidden” within standard graphics on flexible film packaging. The technology is a first in the flexible packaging industry, …