%0 Journal Article
%T A Review of the Wood Pellet Value Chain, Modern Value/Supply Chain Management Approaches, and Value/Supply Chain Models
%A Natalie M. Hughes
%A Chander Shahi
%A Reino Pulkki
%J Journal of Renewable Energy
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/654158
%X We reviewed 153 peer-reviewed sources to provide identification of modern supply chain management techniques and exploration of supply chain modeling, to offer decision support to managers. Ultimately, the review is intended to assist member-companies of supply chains, mainly producers, improve their current management approaches, by directing them to studies that may be suitable for direct application to their supply chains and value chains for improved efficiency and profitability. We found that information on supply chain management and modeling techniques in general is available. However, few Canadian-based published studies exist regarding a demand-driven modeling approach to value/supply chain management for wood pellet production. Only three papers were found specifically on wood pellet value chain analysis. We propose that more studies should be carried out on the value chain of wood pellet manufacturing, as well as demand-driven management and modeling approaches with improved demand forecasting methods. 1. Introduction In a time of great uncertainty and drastic change in the global forestry industry, many companies have found it necessary to shift away from manufacturing conventional forest products and refocus their attention on value-added forest products as well as managing waste (wood) more efficiently. Specifically, the creation of renewable fuel sources for the production of energy, such as wood pellets, has become very popular in recent years [1, 2]. Wood pellets have many advantages, including high density and heat value and low moisture content, and are relatively convenient to transport and store [3, 4]. Wood pellets are used for both residential and industrial purposes for the production of heat and/or electricity. There has been an increase in global demand for wood pellets and Canada has responded to this increase by exporting large volumes of wood pellets overseas [5]. A number of wood pellet production plants are emerging globally, thereby creating more competition. Canada is currently among the top producers and exporters of wood pellets [6, 7] but due to this increased competition, Canadian manufacturers must find ways to stay competitive in the global market. One way this competitive edge can be achieved is by optimizing production and logistics within the value chain [8]. This paper provides a review of the literature surrounding wood pellet production, the value chain, supply chain, and wood pellet market analysis. Specifically, the four objectives of this paper are (i) to review wood pellet characteristics and production,
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jre/2014/654158/