Better Globe trees that are planted are a mix of acacia senegal (gum arabic) and mukau (tropical hardwood).
Gum Arabic Gum arabic is used as an ingredient in Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, chewing gum, different kinds of candies, medicines, cosmetics and many other kinds of food. You can hardly find any household without this product in one way or the other. In 2014 the price of grade 1 gum arabic was between US$ 1.50 – 3.00.
Mukau The mukau tree gives us high quality timber. The tree is medium sized, up to 20 meters tall, with a straight trunk. Mukau is a tree in the mahogany family that can be used outdoor and is usable in furniture, parquet, doors, window frames etc. Compared to African and American mahogany and teak trees, mukau is the only species growing in really semi-arid areas, so it does not compete with food crops. Mukau is heavier and harder than all African mahogany and most American mahogany, but not as heavy as teak.
Sustainably grown tropical hardwoods have excellent market prospects as timber supply from rainforests will decrease due to overexploitation, political pressure (global warming) and increasing remoteness.
Price (kiln dried timber) in 2014 was FOB 660 Euros/m3 (FOB - Free On Board)
|