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On Wednesday, 28 May, a ceremony was held in Mönsterås, Sweden to mark the start of construction of Södra’s new kraft lignin plant. The facility is an important step in Södra’s strategy to make more from every tree and develop its business by adding new bio-based products. Source: Timberbiz Lignin is a natural substance found in trees and acts as a binding agent between the fibres. Lignin is released during pulp production and is currently used mainly for energy generation. With this new plant, Södra will be able to separate and dry kraft lignin, making it possible to replace fossil materials in, for example, adhesives, batteries, rubber and composites. The kraft lignin can also be used as the building block for new biofuels and biostimulants. The new plant will cover an area of 1,400 m² and be built on a prepared site at Södra’s existing combined facility in Mönsterås. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will then be the first commercial plant of its kind in Sweden and the world’s largest producer of kraft lignin. Magnus Hall, Chair of Södra, Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra, Allan Widman, County Governor in Kalmar Municipality, Clara Helstad from the Swedish Energy Agency, Karin Dernegård, Mill Manager of Södra Cell Mönsterås and Johannes Bogren, Business Area President of Södra Bioproducts took part in the ceremony to mark the start of construction. “The construction start symbolises a huge step forward, driven by innovation and long-term investments. With this new plant, we are creating a completely new business operation at Södra that will support the green transition, increase profitability and strengthen the value of forest estates,” said Johannes Bogren, Business Area President of Södra Bioproducts. Investment in both the environment and the local community For Mönsterås, the establishment will not only add new jobs but also greater industrial expertise, as well as enhancing its attractiveness as a sustainable industrial site. “We estimate that the new plant could create 25 new jobs. Being home to a world-leading kraft lignin plant puts Mönsterås on the map both nationally and internationally,” said Karin Dernegård, Mill Manager for Södra Cell Mönsterås. The plant is being constructed with support from the Swedish Energy Agency’s Industrial Leap (Sw. Industriklivet), a government programme that supports technology investments aimed at reducing the climate impact of industry. The Industrial Leap is part of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which is the centrepiece of the NextGenerationEU package.  

The new Komatsu 895.3 comes fitted with the new powerful 205F crane, new large G88H grapple and rotator with a redesigned frame, upgraded load space and bunks with optional telescopic functions. Source: Timberbiz The 205F is a new Komatsu crane with 205KNm lifting torque and 51.9kNm slewing torque. It has been developed with a focus on increased productivity in final felling especially in forest plantations. The crane has a robust welded crane pillar together with the inner and outer booms provide good lift capacity and lifting geometry. It has optional reach of 7.5m/8.5m with single telescopic or 10m with double telescopic booms. The machine’s reinforced frame system, including articulating frame and bearings have been designed to handle the increased crane capacity and new load space. The more robust frame provides improved durability in tough environments. An updated hydraulic system is equipped with a new larger hydraulic pump adapted for the new crane. It is electrically controlled for improved response and control resulting in smoother pressure levels and improved efficiency. A larger hydraulic tank developed for a single filter instead of double filter, simplifies maintenance. The new Komatsu 895.3 with HD Transmission, redesigned frame, large load capacity, new 205F crane and G88H rotator take the machine to another production level.

Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Source: Timberbiz The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region’s collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change. “Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,” said Dr Halavatau. “Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.” FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO’s support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production. “Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,” said Qu. “By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.” SPC’s Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific. “Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,” he said. “Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities.” The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region. Hosted by the Government of Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific. The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories. FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.