PROCESSING
Processing at NB is all about getting the maximum utilisation out of every tree.
From the prime quality log to the leaves that produce green manure to the roots that are used in decorative craft work and the branches that can go for firewood all the tree can have a purpose and a value.
Maintaining as much of that value as possible in the communities is a major goal for Nb. Promoting simple value adding processes in each community, improving the way they cut the logs, drying the timber in the community and producing simple components all increase the returns getting to the community.
Milling
There is more than one way to cut a log:
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Plain Sawn
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Quarter Sawn
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Rift Sawn
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Through & Through
Depending on end use and qualities of the individual log can mean very different results. There is more waste with some techniques, but some markets pay more for wood that shows the grain.
Isolated communities often mimic their forefathers before them : with some training and minor changes in the way they work it is possible to add value without disrupting the whole process.
A single bandsaw can process 5 m3 logs per day, group 3 saws together and they can produce 20 m3 per day, a 25% increase in production with no major disruption.
Primary Processing
Green timber (the logs that are freshly cut and still wet) are usually sent away from the villages to be dried and processed.
While it is possible to invest millions on state of the art technology that will dry timber, it is also possible to construct something very low tech that is fit for purpose.
Once there is dry timber in the community it is possible to add value and make simple components even if there are not the skills to make high end finished products.
Opening up employment opportunities in the rural areas is really important to slow urban migration. Creating skills and opportunities for women in the timber sector is critical for improving household income.
The range of jobs in primary processing is extensive from carpentry and joinery to Quality Assurance and grading
Value adding
Constructing a simple low tech kiln in a village can add value, create employment and increase the value of the timber by 30%. Also transporting semi-finished products means there is not the transfer of lots of material that will end up as waste.
A cubic metre of wood might be US$ 70.00 for the smallholder and that same wood might end up making a piece of furniture valued at 100 or even 200 times that. It is not realistic to think the village will sell wardrobes for US$ 14,000 but if it is possible to keep $140.00 in the community that is a huge benefit.
Specialist timbers such as rosewood can be sold into niche markets. Nb has links with musical instrument manufacturers making guitars and ukuleles in West Java.