The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, participated in India Wood 2024, the 13th edition of Asia’s leading international trade fair for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry. The exclusive event, which took place from 22nd-26th February 2024 at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), garnered immense success as it attracted renowned industry experts, architects, and visionaries from all over the world.
Canadian Wood’s stall at the recently concluded fair spanned an impressive 130 sqm and offered a unique and immersive experience for the visitors. The exhibition featured a diverse range of timber applications, displaying the versatility and sustainability of responsibly sourced wood in various settings. It presented a meticulously designed model of a high-end luxury hotel room suite with an outdoor balcony. Architect Gurpreet Singh crafted the layout from Aakar Design Consultants in collaboration with wood manufacturers such as Mas Furniture and Bram Woodcrafting from Mysuru, Josmo Studio from Goa and a few products of FJEG boards were made by Colonial Lumbers from Kannur to demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of their furniture that they achieved with different Canadian Wood species.
The high-end luxury hotel room suite model showcased the seamless integration of the brand’s timber in various applications, including bedroom and living room furniture, doors and doorframes, windows, panelling, timber screens, sliding windows, bar units, and outdoor furniture. Two lumber companies from Canada – Sundher Group and LumberX Resources – were also part of the exhibition, further strengthening the global collaboration and supply for the timber industry in India.
Talking about the experience, Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “At Canadian Wood, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond borders. Anything under the Canadian Wood umbrella is not just legally harvested and certified; it’s a testament to our dedication to environmentally friendly practices, as we source from sustainably managed forests, ensuring a renewable raw material. Our participation in India Wood is not just about showcasing products; it’s a strategic move to connect with our target audience, facilitating a bridge between buyers and sellers. We collaborate with top-line manufacturers in India, educating them on our five unique wood species suitable for various applications. The exclusivity lies in Canada’s possession of four softwood species found nowhere else in the world—Western Hemlock, Douglas-Fir, Yellow Cedar, Spruce-Pine-Fir, and Western Red Cedar. From the naturally resistant outdoor applications of the cedars to the elegant interiors crafted from Western Hemlock and Douglas-Fir, Canadian Wood stands as a global beacon for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
Shabbir and Alifiya Vagh from Mas Furniture said, “We’ve been collaborating with Canadian Wood for many years, dating back to the inception of FII in India. We’ve utilized various formats, including solid wood, laminated wood, edge-glued wood, and finger-jointed wood, across different timber types for exterior applications. Each wood type demonstrates excellent workability, and we’ve gained a deep understanding of its unique attributes for various purposes. In our display at India Wood, the Hemlock stands out for its exceptional staining capabilities and workability. Contrary to common misconceptions about softwoods, we’ve successfully furnished an entire hotel room with it, and we have received a positive reception for the same. Our experience with Canadian Wood has been exceptional, and we are pleased with the results.”
Tony Kordolia from Josmo said, “Our team’s latest masterpiece: a beach-inspired bar cabinet was a great success at India Wood 2024. Crafted with precision using premium Canadian timber, this bar exudes a distinctly beachy feel, capturing the essence of relaxation and style. The impeccable grain design of the Douglas Fir elevates its uniqueness, turning it into a true work of art. Strengthening the structure is our innovative use of cross-lamination, showcasing not only aesthetic brilliance but structural integrity also.”
Bram from Bram Woodcrafting Studio said, “As a woodworker with two decades of craftsmanship, wood is not just my profession but my lifelong passion. Growing up in France, I developed a deep connection with woodworking, and now, teaching this art is my way of giving back. In India, where the vocation of woodworkers is not widely known, we have found immense fulfilment. Wood, to me, is more than a material; it’s a source of endless inspiration and earthy warmth in interior spaces. The response at India Wood has been truly rewarding, especially through collaborations with Mass Furniture and Canadian Wood. Across four collaborations with Canadian Wood, we’ve explored different species, and the Yellow Cedar, for instance, has proven excellent for crafting windows.”
Canadian Wood also participated in the Wood in Architecture and Design Conference (WAD 2024), a parallel event at the five-day trade fair, which also included a discussion on the topic of ‘Harvesting Hope: Pioneering Sustainable Future through Timber Construction’. The discussion also featured Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood as one of the panel speakers. He contributed valuable insights and perspectives, emphasising Canadian Wood’s commitment to sustainable practices in the timber industry.
The brand made a significant impact at the Wood in Architecture and Design Conference (WAD 2024), where crucial aspects of the timber industry were brought to light. The conference delved into the global wood trade, emphasizing that wood is the most traded natural resource, but a staggering 10% to 30% of this trade is illegal. The discussions also highlighted the pivotal role wood can play in helping India achieve its COP26 commitments. The importance of legally harvested and certified wood for a sustainable future was also emphasized. Myth-busting sessions addressed misconceptions surrounding sustainability, revealing the untapped potential within the industry. Despite the substantial annual import of about 7 million cubic meters of wood to India, there remains a large cross-section of individuals unaware of the opportunities in this sector. Notably, the conference shed light on the significant growth in the import of softwood from Canada over the past decade, showcasing the expanding market for Canadian timber. Through platforms like WAD 2024, Canadian Wood aims to raise awareness and reach a broader audience, fostering a greater understanding of the industry’s potential and sustainability practices.
