• Ernest Hsu, W.
  Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Portland, Oregon
  

Due to the decline in available forest resources, the wood-based composite panels industry has experienced rapid growth in the past and will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. The wood quality required for wood-based panels is different from that required for lumber and pulp. Good wood characteristics for making composite panels are low in denstiy, moisture content, and extractives content, gradual transition of growth rings, and straight trunk with small tapering. The shortage of premium logs is forcing the scale down and shutdown and sawmills, resulting in a decline of mill residues. Therefore, the composite panels industry should consider planting the right species with proper quality.