The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, successfully hosted a unique educational seminar and live demonstration in Pune today. The event, titled ‘Canadian Wood – The Sustainable Solution and A Live Demo by Expert Carpenter’, marked the brand’s 10th seminar in Pune, but with a unique format focussing on practical application and skill development. In a departure from events conducted in the past, the 10th seminar in Pune was a collaborative effort by Canadian Wood, Creaticity, and Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC).
The educational seminar also brought together architects, designers, and woodworking enthusiasts to explore the benefits of Canadian Wood and its role in sustainable wood designing. Highly interactive, the event was divided into two parts – a knowledge-sharing segment and an engaging live demonstration.
The first half of the seminar featured presentations by experts from Canadian Wood, including Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood; Dr. Jimmy Thomas, Assistant Director – Technical Services of Canadian Wood; and Mr. Gajanan Patankar, Assistant Director – Business Development of Canadian Wood. They highlighted the history behind the sustainable wood sourcing, its versatility, and the advantages of using Canadian Wood species in various projects.
The keynote addresses from Dr. Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity, and Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO of FFSC were also among the highlights of the educational seminar. While Dr. Mahesh emphasized the role of such collaborations in promoting knowledge and practical skills in the design sector, Mr. Mehta focused on the importance of sustainability and craftsmanship in the future of furniture-making and design; this in turn put the spotlight on the skill development focus of FFSC. The Q&A-session that followed, allowed attendees to engage directly with the speakers and address specific queries.
The second part of the event provided a hands-on learning experience with an engaging live demonstration by an expert carpenter from FFSC. Utilizing all five of Canadian Wood species and machining tools, the carpenter showcased fundamental joinery techniques and furniture-making basics. This interactive session highlighted the practicality and workability of Canadian Wood, inspiring attendees to envision new design possibilities.
Commenting on the unique educational seminar, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “The rising interest in solid wood extends beyond aesthetics—it is increasingly valued as a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. As the world moves towards certified wood, Canadian Wood advocates responsible consumption by ensuring that we replenish more than we take. Pune, with its strong community of architects and manufacturers, is at the forefront of advanced solid wood processing. We are committed to sharing expertise, enhancing skills, and fostering greater awareness of sustainable practices. The enthusiastic industry response reaffirms this shift towards sustainability and innovation in wood craftsmanship”
Seconding Mr. Chibber, Dr. Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity, added, “This association is the coming together of like-minded organisations to showcase the limitless possibilities of solid wood. With 18 years of experience in Pune, working closely with retailers, manufacturers, and designers, we believed this to be an opportunity to showcase Canadian Wood not just as a brand, but as a movement for promoting solid wood as a meaningful material. We are sure that the true potential of wood will eventually increase and we consider it to be a first step in creating a meaningful impact. Through this platform at Creaticity, we hope to have shown the spotlight on the superior quality, versatility, and creative potential of Canadian wood“
Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO of FFSC, also said, “Our longstanding partnership with Canadian Wood has evolved beyond manufacturing to encompass skill development, driven by a shared mission to bridge the knowledge gap in India regarding wood usage and its vast potential. Through the Furniture Fitting Council, we support various initiatives—from ensuring raw material availability for projects to conducting specialized training programs that equip professionals with practical skills in design, production, and business development. Our seminars play a crucial role in dispelling myths about wood, highlighting its sustainability and versatility. By fostering awareness of the immense opportunities within the furniture industry, we aim to showcase how hands-on, machine-assisted craftsmanship is not only transforming careers but also addressing unemployment“
The event, which witnessed full industry participation from around the country, was well-received by those who appreciated the blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The educational seminar effectively stressed on the importance of sustainable practices in design and encouraged the use of Canadian Wood as a viable and environmentally-responsible solution.
FII promotes five major wood species in India, all sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These species—Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)—are recommended for a range of applications and are available in 17 cities across India through a robust network of over 30 stockists.
