Energy, chemicals and carbon: future options for the Eucalyptus value chain

Abstract

This paper examines the current Eucalyptus value chain and the possible drivers that may impact upon it. The potential consequences of climate change on the growth and yield of Eucalyptus are discussed and the impact of the security of oil reserves and increased costs of fossil-fuel-derived energy and raw materials upon the processing of roundwood are also considered. An appraisal is made of the impact of potentially disruptive technologies that could threaten the demand for paper as a communication, packaging and storage medium. Possible future opportunities that the industry may realise in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change, rising energy costs and disruptive technologies are discussed.

Keywords: carbon; chemicals; climate; energy; Eucalyptus

Southern Forests 2008, 70(2): 175–182