12 Low density challenges in the woodchips of E. smithii and Acacia mearnsii Noxolo Ndlovu Forestry Research Scientist During the past year, NCT’s main wood chip customers in Asia have expressed concern about a decline in wood chip quality, particularly in wood density. This is a serious issue because it affects: the financial outcomes for our customers; trust and confidence in NCT as a supplier of high-quality wood chips; and potential implications for the end-product, especially if species other than Acacia mearnsii or Eucalyptus smithii are inadvertently included in pure loads. E. smithii and Acacia mearnsii are premium species for NCT because of their favorable wood properties for pulping and their high wood density. High-density loads optimise transport and logistics' costs, making operations more profitable for customers. NCT’s long-standing reputation as a trusted supplier is built on consistent quality; maintaining this trust is crucial for the integrity, stability, and sustainability of NCT and its members. Differences in wood density of various Eucalyptus and Acacia species. While the cause of reduced wood density is still under investigation, foresters and plantation managers must exercise due diligence to ensure compartments remain pure and that loads are not mixed. Different species exhibit distinct wood properties (including but not limited to chemical composition, fibre strength and lengths, wood density), which influence not only transport efficiency but also downstream processing operations (such as cooking times and chemical use during cooking and bleaching stages). Table 1 summarizes the different wood densities reported in literature and in internal research trials for common Eucalyptus and Acacia species. It is acknowledged that wood density does vary across sites and with age.
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