Tree Engineering at Aracruz Cellulose - Present Perspectives, 2000 Pulping / Process & Product Quality Conference Proceedings

F. Bertolucci, G. D. Rezende, G. M. Andrade, E. Claudio-da-Silva, Jr., R. M. Penchel, B. J. Demuner, C. A. Santos--Aracruz Celulose has been developing an intensive research program on Eucalyptus tree improvement since 1973, going through the introduction, evaluation, selection and recombination of superior trees. Significant increase on productivity and wood quality have been achieved since then. Furthermore, the more recently enhanced competitiveness in the pulp and paper industry has demanded increased integration among tree improvement, forest management and product development programs, which, in turn, has pushed the concept of "engineered forests" for different products and market segments much closer to reality.

In our company this discussion has been part of the most important strategic decisions. This paper intends to illustrate how the integration of results , achieved via different technological processes, promotes the generation of more "engineered forests", in terms of productivity and desirable wood properties. There are still many challenges ahead, but recent results indicate that previous objectives are being actually achieved.