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Industrial
products
Wood contains natural compounds that can
be extracted or converted into high value products for use in
the manufacture of adhesives, tannins, oils and even explosives.
Sometimes wood is an alternative source of commonly used compounds
otherwise obtained from oil or produced in non-environmentally
friendly ways. In most cases the processing plants for these
products are likely to be located near sawmills or other sites
where wood waste is cheap and available. Although farmers may
not grow trees specifically for these markets, new industries
may have a role in underpinning the profitability of sawmills.
Growing wattles for tannin is an example of a dedicated plantation
established for industrial products. Even though tannin is highly
concentrated in the bark of species like Black Wattle (Acacia
mearnsii), Australia currently imports wattle tannins from Africa.
However, current research is evaluating the potential for revitalising
the industry in Australia by using genetically improved stock
and mechanical harvesting.
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