Global Overview of the CLT Industry; Launching an Annual Survey as a Continuing Learning Tool

The global Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) industry has changed dramatically within the past decade, with expansion outside of its start in Alpine, Europe. The societal focus on more sustainable options within the built environment has led to increased use of mass timber construction and its products including cross-laminated timber. Examining cross-laminated timber through the direct manufacturers gives the ability to gain the most information about the manufacturers, current markets, incentives, opportunities, and risks. With a small, niche industry like cross-laminated timber, it’s important to gain insights from those directly involved in the production. A questionnaire was designed with the goal of developing an annual survey, to be able to compare over multiple years, tracking trends and changes in the overall global industry, entrance and exit of specific companies, as well as down to specific regions and/or countries. Countries were divided into three regions: Europe, North America, and the Pacific. The questionnaire was translated into eight languages and sent to all global cross-laminated timber manufacturers, asking questions about the company, production profiles including technology, market information, company’s opinions on risk, opportunities, threats, and future plans.