Germany

catshort5, next time you post (and you could even edit this one), change the title of your thread to one that asks the question you want answered. Your title for this post just says "Germany", and many folks may pass it by who have flown on SAS or Lufthansa.

But if you changed it to something like "Need info about SAS or Lufthansa seats" you would probably get more responses.

If you want to change this one, just click the Edit button at the bottom (right next to Delete and right above "Bookmark this Thread." Then change the title to one you want, and then click the "Update Topic" in the blue box at the bottom. Very easy!

I was on the Lufthansa A380 LAX to Munich back in December - was able to upgrade to biz class from PE for a reasonable amount [did not bid - they offered the upgrade in the app] - I believe it's an older seat - very little room for your feet when flat. The good thing about that plane is that virtually the entire upper deck is biz/first, so you may have a better chance of upgrading.

I was in Premium Economy coming back on the A380 and actually preferred it to biz. I was on the side in the last row of PE - while it may look like it's too close to the restrooms, you're actually well insulated from them, and there's a large empty space behind the seats, so it feels like you're in your own semi-private section. Service was fine in both cases, and the Star Alliance lounge in LAX was a nice way to start the trip.

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From SFO at least, SAS is usually much cheaper in business. I haven’t found anything about Lufthansa’s seats or service that justifies a premium over SAS - except, of course, that you might be able to get a direct flight to MUC on LH.

Strengthening Product Integrity and Sustainability in Rattan Webbing Export

In today’s fiercely competitive global market, rattan webbing products must be strengthened and their sustainability credentials enhanced if expansion is to be achieved. A comprehensive approach has been adopted in which product quality is reinforced, while sustainable sourcing and production practices are elevated so that international buyers may be more strongly persuaded of reliability and ecological responsibility. High-performance rattan strips were shown to deliver superior tensile strength — for example, natural rattan bast strips achieved the highest ultimate tensile strength in a recent study.
MDPI
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Accordingly, export-oriented producers must monitor material selection, moisture content control, weaving uniformity and finishing processes so that product integrity is consistently assured. Meanwhile, sustainability is no longer an optional add-on but rather a strategic differentiator. It has been demonstrated that sustainable governance of rattan harvesting, including community-based institutions and clear property-rights frameworks, supports both resource conservation and livelihood resilience.
IPB Journal
Moreover, the notion of circular economy is relevant: waste from rattan splitting can be converted into new value-added sheets or by-products, thereby reducing disposal costs, minimising environmental burden and opening new product lines.
pubs2.ascee.org
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To maximise market reach, these twin pillars of product strength and sustainability must be communicated strongly in international promotion. Certifications, traceability of raw material, documented mechanical tests and clear sustainability statements will build trust. In effect, the entire value chain must be aligned: from sustainably-managed forest harvest, through quality-controlled processing, to webbing presented with consistent dimensional stability, weaving integrity and finishing durability. Buyers will increasingly prefer suppliers who can demonstrate both durability and ecological credentials. In short, product reinforcement without sustainable supply-chain backing will limit market access, while sustainability without product reliability will limit repeat business. By synchronising both, rattan-webbing exporters can gain differentiated positioning, satisfy discerning buyers and thereby expand into new export markets.

"Gum Damar: In Search of the 'Resin of Life' in Sumatra's Forests"

Walking through a bustling Sumatran market, your senses come alive with the aroma of exotic spices and the vibrant colors of tropical produce. Amid this sensory feast, it's easy to overlook the humble lumps of pale resin tucked away in a vendor's stall. Yet these unassuming crystals of gum damar hold stories that connect ancient traditions with modern life, remote Indonesian villages with global markets, and human ingenuity with environmental conservation.

I followed this resin trail to a village where the forest feels like a living being. Here I met Pak Surya, whose family has been harvesting gum damar for three generations. Watching him climb a 30-meter damar tree with nothing but a woven rope and decades of experience was like witnessing a dance between human and nature. "We make small cuts in the bark," he explained, "just enough to collect the resin without harming the tree." This sustainable harvesting method represents a wisdom we desperately need in today's world - how to benefit from nature while preserving it.

The magic of gum damar reveals itself in its incredible versatility. This same resin collected by Pak Surya's hands might eventually protect a masterpiece in a European museum, become part of varnish that preserves fine furniture, or provide the base for natural incense. For centuries, artists have valued damar for its clarity and protective qualities, while modern industries use it in everything from food processing to pharmaceuticals.

But the most remarkable story isn't just about what gum damar makes - it's about what it saves. In an era of widespread deforestation, these resin-producing trees have become guardians of the rainforest. Because living damar trees provide continuous income through sustainable harvesting, local communities have powerful economic reasons to protect rather than clear their forests. This creates a beautiful cycle: the forest provides for the people, and the people, in turn, protect the forest.

As I held a piece of resin that still carried the earthy scent of the Sumatran jungle, I realized that true travel treasures aren't always grand monuments or famous landmarks. Sometimes, they're the simple substances that connect us to different ways of living and remind us that the most sustainable solutions often come from working with nature rather than against it. Gum damar represents hope - for preserving forests, maintaining traditions, and finding balance in our relationship with the natural world.

How to Ensure a Steady Supply of High-Quality Kapok Fiber for Export
Getting a consistent supply of Kapok Fiber can be challenging. The trees only produce once or twice a year, and many farmers are shifting to faster-growing crops. However, if you’re an exporter, maintaining a steady flow of high-quality fiber is essential to meet buyer demand.
The good news? There are practical and proven strategies to secure your Kapok Fiber supply chain for the long term.

1. Partner Directly with Kapok Farmers (H2)
   One of the most effective long-term solutions is to build direct partnerships with Kapok farmers.
   Instead of relying on unpredictable middlemen, create a transparent collaboration model where you guarantee to purchase their harvest at a fair, pre-agreed price.
   This “off-taker” system benefits both sides:
   • Farmers gain financial security and predictable income.
   • Exporters receive a consistent, traceable, and high-quality supply.
   To strengthen relationships, you can also support farmers with microloans, fertilizer assistance, or training programs. This approach builds trust, loyalty, and a long-term partnership that ensures sustainable growth for both parties.

2. Start Replanting and Regeneration Programs (H2)
   Although Kapok trees can live for decades, many plantations today are aging and less productive.
   To maintain long-term supply, invest in replanting programs using high-yield Kapok seedlings.
   Collaborate with local agricultural offices or environmental NGOs to distribute free or subsidized seedlings to farmers.
   This not only boosts production but also supports environmental sustainability — a key selling point for today’s eco-conscious buyers.
   In the long run, replanting ensures a steady fiber yield, better tree health, and a stronger ecosystem.

3. Support Sustainable and Efficient Farming Practices (H2)
   Many smallholder farmers lack access to proper training on how to achieve the best Kapok fiber quality.
   You can make a huge difference by providing simple and practical training sessions focused on:
   • Proper tree pruning and planting distance
   • Ideal harvest timing for maximum fiber yield
   • Correct post-harvest drying and storage techniques
   When farmers adopt sustainable and efficient farming methods, both yield and fiber quality improve naturally.
   This results in fewer product rejects, better pricing, and a more consistent supply for your export operations.

4. Establish a Local Kapok Collection and Processing Center (H2)
   Building a local collection center near Kapok-producing areas offers multiple benefits.
   It makes it easier for farmers to deliver their harvests, while you can ensure that fibers are cleaned, sorted, and dried properly before shipment.
   A collection hub also allows early quality control, reducing losses and maintaining fiber consistency.
   Plus, it strengthens your company’s presence in local communities and builds a more efficient supply chain.

5. Use Data and Forecasting Tools for Better Planning (H2)
   Reliable data is the foundation of a stable supply chain.
   By tracking harvest data from each region or farmer group, you can forecast when and where Kapok Fiber will be ready.
   Digital tools — even simple spreadsheets or mobile apps — can help you monitor:
   • Harvest cycles
   • Yield trends
   • Farmer performance

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