'Green' market there for taking: Trade NZ

Kiwi exporters should target the increasing demand for "green" building products and practices, says Trade New Zealand.

Environmentally friendly products and practices are moving from niche markets to the mainstream, Trade NZ's building products account manager, Warwick Downing, says in the Building Research Association's publication, Build.

Exporters could target these markets and look to see whether traditional building products or ways of treating them are becoming outdated.

In countries such as Japan, the demand for "green" materials is driven by increased concern about the environment and health of those who work and live in it.

"This is partly due to the focus on what is termed the 'sick house' syndrome [allergic reactions experienced by some people to chemicals in building materials]," says Mr Downing.

Copper-chrome-arsenate timber treatment is becoming less acceptable and many kitset exporters to Japan are using other timber treatments.

Japan already has a niche market for natural building products and materials suitable for eco-housing, he says.

New Zealand products exported to Japan include natural fibre insulation such as wool and hemp, plant oil-based paints and natural wallpaper products.

Environmental awareness is also high in Europe, with Germany leading the way, Mr Downing says.

German firms have responded to a growing domestic demand, and are finding good export opportunities for their environmentally friendly products.

"As a result, we are starting to see German products such as water-based paints, appearing in markets such as Japan, Australia and even New Zealand."

Trade NZ staff in Sydney also report a growing interest in Australia in eco-products and practices.

- NZPA