Mixed Tropical Hardwoods (MTH) FAQs

Integrated Paper Services, Inc. (IPS), is an independent testing company.  Since its inception, IPS has performed fiber analysis for many hundreds of clients.  In recent years, the paper industry has been experienced a real globalization of world markets and raw material supplies.  Additionally, there has been increasing emphasis on using recycled fibers in many paper grades.  Many clients use fiber analysis to make sure that the pulp or products that they are buying meets their specifications.  With the inclusion of wood and paper products into the US Lacey Act, along with other global policies, there has been an increased demand for fiber analysis as part of a client’s efforts to exercise “due care.”  IPS’ role is a scientific one:  to identify the fiber species present in a client’s samples.  To better understand the results of fiber analysis, IPS has created the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What is the definition of Mixed Tropical Hardwoods (MTH)?  Mixed Tropical Hardwoods are wood fibers with vessels having anatomical features consistent with numerous tropical species types which appear different from typical temperate species. 
• What is the difference between Fiber Analysis and Fiber Analysis with species percent?  Both methods gives the species found (by common industry name) as well as pulping process.  Fiber Analysis with species percent gives a more detailed count of the species present.
• Can the “Country of Origin” be determined by fiber analysis?  No.  The fiber types can be determined and from there one can derive which geographical areas these species are typically cultivated or appear naturally but more information is usually needed to determine the exact country of origin.
• Can recycled content be determined?  IPS has a method to estimate an “at least” secondary fiber content.  The method is most accurate when the recycled stream is from post-consumer waste but tends to underestimate recycled content on very carefully selected recycled (pre-consumer) streams.
• If a product contains both recycled and virgin material, can it be determined which portion contributed the MTH?  Possibly, but this is very sample specific.  For example, certain samples such as packaging materials or book covers may utilize a recycled core but have virgin face sheets.  These components may be analyzed separately.
• Is fiber analysis the best way to determine if wood was harvested in a legal or sustainable manner?  Fiber analysis plays an integral role when exercising “due care,” however, this information typically needs to be coupled with an audit or certification to make a sound judgment. A fiber analysis can also show a problem exists if the results conflict with what is determined from the audit.
  

If you have questions not addressed in the FAQ, please contact Kathleen Mattingly at kmattingly@ipstesting.com.