Durable Wood Products (DWP) one of the companies showcasing Guyana’s sustainable wood sector won the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) Innova-tive Excellence award at a convention held recently in Florida.

According to a press release, the meeting drew about 300 leaders from 30 countries including the Guyana delegation comprising members of the Forest Products Association (FPA), the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Guyana Timber Products, Guyana Shield Forest Resources Ltd, Ganesh Singh and Brothers Logging /Sawmilling and USAID/Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID/GTIS) project.

Durable Wood Products was recognised for its Turada Wallaba shingles which do not need to be treated with chemicals to make them more resistant to fire, insects and decay like Cedar and other wood shingles. Turada Wallaba shingles are manufactured in Guyana and are a more environmentally friendly product.

In his address, DWP Director Rafeek Khan said the Turada brand has allowed Wallaba shingles to reach every continent with great success. He noted too that the IWPA conference has certainly helped put Guyana on the world stage for wood products and that it should help to attract buyers in the US market. Khan also said Guyana enforces a strict code of practice and currently there are initiatives being set towards a legal assurance system for the country’s forest products.

USAID/GTIS said this is the fourth year that Guyana has participated in the IWPA conference since FPA became a member in 2006. Participation has led to “important industry connections” including orders from international companies such as McCorry, Robinson Lumber and Aljoma Lumber, among others.

The release said while in Florida the delegation also visited two US lumber mills and factories to learn more about their value-added wood products. Hollywood Woodwork specialises in custom woodwork for use in premier hotels and spas, among other places, and Federal Millwork which has a product line that includes in-stock architectural millwork and custom wood products ranging from doors and mouldings to cabinetry and high-end furniture.