Evaluation of the chain of production of the wood products sector in the Federal District using substance flow analysis

Abstract

A diagnosis is made of the chain of production of the wood products sector in the Federal District, including the origin of the raw material, existing lines of production, main inputs, final destination of the products, main types of residues, and residue disposal. The Substance Flow Analysis tool was used in the diagnosis, where the substance evaluated was lumber, divided into composition boards and residues (fine and and coarse residues). The primary data were collected in 43 companies located in the Federal District and subsequently processed and analyzed using the Sebrae – DF software “Five Less which are More”. Two distinct lines of production were identified: firstly, the sawmills that supply lumber and carpentry workshops that produce doors and windows for the civil construction industry; and secondly, the cabinetmaking hub being established in the Federal District. Most residues came from the first line of production because of the large volume of sawlogs processed, outmoded machinery used and low levels of skill of the workers. The second line of production had less waste, as a result of the optimization of production through productivity improvements associated with gains in the environmental behavior of the production chain as a whole.