Evaluation on Conversion from Sunlight to Woods in terms of Polymeric Materials and Energy

Abstract

The present status of the forests in Aichi and Gifu Prefectures and of Toyone in Aichi was surveyed and the theoretical amount of cellulose production was calculated. The population, GDP, consumption of polymeric materials and energy consumption were compared with the above data. 40-80% of the region is forest area; artificial forests and natural forests are separately managed. The timber produced from the area is not actively utilized because the prices are much higher than the prices for the timber that is imported. The ratio of the cellulose amount actually obtained from the forest in Aichi to the consumption of the polymeric materials from petroleum is 1/111, which is 1/28 of the maximum amount that could be obtained from the forest. The cellulose amount obtainable from the forest at Toyone, where industry does not develop, is larger than the current consumption of polymeric materials. The separation is caused by the conversion efficiency from sunlight to cellulose production in wood.