American Hardwoods featured at Furnica 2012, Pozna
AHEC was the first time exhibitor at the fair FURNICA 2012, held on 27-30 March 2012 in Poznan. The visitors enjoyed a workshop with hardwood lumber grading conducted by a world expert in the field, Bob Sabistinę.
For the first time, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) exhibited at Poland’s major trade show for the Furniture Components Industry, Furnica. AHEC took a small stand at the show to distribute technical publications and meet with the trade. AHEC were successful in meeting with many new trade contacts and fielded numerous enquiries about American hardwood species.
AHEC’s stand featured American hardwood lumber grading demonstrations led by Bob Sabistina. These grading workshops were well received and very much needed. Bob Sabistina also led 2 workshops for the Furniture Manufacturers’ Association in a small conference area to a total of 40 of their members. 
The furniture manufacturing industry continues to specify a great deal of beech and AHEC spoke to many manufacturers who seem to be looking for alternative species. Over various discussions with the trade AHEC noticed the confusion about American tulipwood which is wrongly equated to it to European poplar.
More about American tulipwood
Tulipwood and yellow poplar - two accepted commercial names for the same hardwood species (Liriodendron tulipifera). If you know your trees and their Latin names you will spot straight away that this is not a true poplar (Populous spp.) Yellow poplar is the most widely used name for this hardwood in the USA, even though there are two indigenous poplars; aspen grown in the north and cottonwood found predominantly in the south. Everywhere else it is now more commonly known as "American tulipwood", because as the Latin name suggests it has striking tulip shaped flowers.
How did this name change come about? When the U.S. hardwood industry established the AHEC promotional campaign in Europe back in the late 1980's it was important that tulipwood was not confused with poplar, widely grown and used in Europe. Why? Well, the most compelling reason is that it is a far superior timber to poplar in all aspects: colour, character, machining, finishing and strength. Over the years we have successfully marketed this species as a cost effective "all-rounder" which is why it is now used in significant volumes by joinery and furniture industries all over the world. As it comprises nearly 10% of the standing timber in U.S. hardwood forests, it has good sustainable credentials and long term availability, which in today's environment, is the name of the game!
AHEC will continue to work with the Polish trade and design communities providing guidance where they can. For more information on American hardwood species, grading and sustainable credentials, please contact europe@americanhardwood.org
For further press information contact:
Belinda Cobden-Ramsay
3 St Michael’s Alley
London EC3V 9DS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7626 4111
Email: pr@americanhardwood.org