Success stories

A leading furniture manufacturer in Vietnam joined the Canadian Wood Trial Program to explore new wood species. Previously reliant on hardwoods like oak, walnut, or birch, they discovered sustainable softwoods through the program, leading to a breakthrough.

They tested both Western Hemlock and Douglas-fir and ultimately chose Douglas-fir for their new collections, achieving great success with large-scale orders. Douglas-fir became a key material in their designs, and they now incorporate it to further expand their use of B.C. softwoods.

Since integrating Canadian species, their collections have set new industry trends, positioning them as pioneers in adopting innovative materials. Their forward-thinking approach has not only enhanced their product offerings but also inspired other manufacturers to explore sustainable alternatives.

A mid-sized Vietnamese ODM, specializing in original designs for U.S. exports, had long relied on oak but successfully transitioned to Douglas-fir. In the post-pandemic period, they faced significant challenges, as declining demand and rising price pressures made it increasingly difficult to manage costs with traditional materials.

Having previously tested Douglas-fir through the Canadian Wood Trial Program, they discovered it to be a cost-effective alternative to walnut and confidently recommended it to their clients. The switch not only reduced costs but also maintained quality, earning positive feedback.

Building on this success and with support from Canadian Wood Vietnam’s experts, they expanded their use of B.C. wood species, testing Hemlock, Douglas-fir, and SPF for future collections. This strategic shift strengthened their competitive edge and resulted in concrete orders from U.S. buyers, highlighting the value of Canadian softwood in their production.

A reputable Vietnamese manufacturer joined the Canadian Wood Trial Program to explore Western Red Cedar as an alternative to teak in response to client requests. Although highly sought after, Western Red Cedar is relatively rare, making this program a significant opportunity to experience its unique properties for furniture production and unlock new possibilities.

With expert guidance from Canadian Wood Vietnam, the manufacturer successfully incorporated Western Red Cedar into their outdoor furniture collection, which was later exported to Europe. The material was also used for their client’s studio, where it exceeded expectations in both aesthetics and performance.

This initiative not only provided stable access to a valuable material but also created new business opportunities, enabling the manufacturer to meet client demands with confidence and strengthen their market position.