Pulpwood is the raw material for newsprint and kraft paper production.

A number of gum (eucalyptus) species are grown and the choice of species is determined by site and climatic conditions and market requirements.

Eucalyptus is a versatile, short fibre hardwood that is successfully processed in South Africa and in several countries overseas for kraft and other types of pulp. It is used extensively in the mining and particleboard industries. Certain species are suitable for pole and saw timber production. With the depletion of tropical rainforests, there is an increasing demand for plantation-grown hardwoods.

Eucalyptus timber is exported in wood chip form through BayFibre (formerly CTC), ShinCel and NCT Durban Wood Chips. NCT is also in the process of carrying out a feasibility study for a new pulp mill in KwaZulu-Natal.

Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) falls within the hardwood definition and is grown for both its bark and timber.

Wattle timber is used for the manufacture of pulp. Other important outlets are the production of charcoal and firewood. Wattle is exported in wood chip form by BayFibre (formerly CTC), ShinCel and NCT Durban Wood Chips.

Wattle bark is used to derive extracts used in the leather tanning and adhesive industries. An independent regulatory body, to ensure the sustainability of the bark industry, controls the sale of Wattle bark. Wattle, originally grown essentially for its bark extracts, is now rapidly becoming internationally recognised for its excellent pulping characteristics.

The two most commonly grown Pine species are Pinus patula and P. elliotti. Pine covers much of the afforested areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and southern Cape. Better quality Pine is sold as saw logs for building and industrial purposes. Chipped Pine sawmill waste is sold to pulp producers. Particleboard manufacturers also use pine.