Total softwood consumption by the 27 sawmills covered by the detailed sawmill survey in 2017 was 5.8 million green tonnes (Table 2.15). Sawn softwood production by these mills was 3.2 million m3 and other softwood products (chips, bark, sawdust, etc) amounted to 3.0 million tonnes.
Sawmills in Scotland accounted for over one half (52%) of all softwood consumption by larger mills. A further 30% was consumed by mills in England, 10% in Wales and the remaining 9% in Northern Ireland.
Table 2.15 Larger mills1, 2017: softwood consumption and production
England | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | UK | |
Number of mills | 10 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 27 |
Consumption (thousand green tonnes) |
1723 | 554 | 2995 | 541 | 5813 |
Sawnwood production (thousand m3) |
950 | 245 | 1655 | 304 | 3154 |
Other products (thousand tonnes) |
670 | 288 | 1710 | 306 | 2973 |
Source: Sawmill Survey (detailed)
Notes:
1. Sawmills producing at least 25 thousand m3 sawnwood (softwood and hardwood).
Sources chapter: Sawmill Survey