Forestry

Timo Savornin has been appointed as Ponsse Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Europe & North America and member of the Ponsse global dealer development team as of 5 August 2024. In his role Timo is responsible for the marketing activities in Europe & North America, managing marketing and customer and dealer communications as well as working for global dealer development.

Timo has 15 years of experience as Area Manager, North America and Sales & Marketing Director for several harvester head manufacturers, most recently at Nisula Forest. He has also worked as harvester and forwarder operator in Finland and France. Timo has a degree in Forestry Engineering and Forest machine operator.

Timo Savornin will be located in Finland, and he will report to Jussi Hentunen, Area VP of Asia and Sales Excellence Team Lead.

To read other Ponsse related posts click here.

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Canfor Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of a lumber manufacturing facility in Union County, Arkansas, from Arkansas Resolute El Dorado Inc.

This strategic move, initially announced on May 1, 2024, aims to enhance Canfor’s regional operations by integrating the newly acquired facility, now renamed the Iron Mountain sawmill, with its existing El Dorado Laminating Plant and nearby Urbana sawmill.

The acquisition is expected to foster operational synergies and provide vertical integration opportunities with Canfor’s two glulam plants. This expansion will also bolster the company’s capacity to serve customers and markets in the US South more effectively.

Lee Goodloe, President of Canfor Southern Pine, emphasized the strategic nature of this acquisition, highlighting its potential to expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities within Arkansas’ high-quality wood basket. Goodloe also expressed enthusiasm for the investment and expansion plans for the mill, which are poised to offer a more comprehensive product range to customers.

In welcoming the new Iron Mountain employees, Goodloe underscored Canfor’s commitment to local engagement and strengthening relationships with the El Dorado community, as well as with Iron Mountain’s partners, suppliers, and customers.

Canfor Corporation

Canfor Corporation, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a global leader in manufacturing high-value, low-carbon forest products. The company’s diverse portfolio includes dimension and specialty lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, wood pellets, and green energy. Canfor operates over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, and Europe, and holds significant stakes in Vida AB and Canfor Pulp Products Inc.

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The Canadian and Ontario governments have announced a joint investment of more than $61 million to significantly expand tree-planting efforts across Ontario’s Crown forestland through 2026.

This initiative, unveiled by Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Ontario’s Associate Minister of Natural Resources, Nolan Quinn, aims to enhance forest ecosystems, address climate change, and promote biodiversity.

The program, which forms part of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees initiative, will see both governments contribute equally to silvicultural activities, including site preparation and tree planting. These efforts will focus on areas with minimal or no tree cover, particularly regions impacted by forest fires. The initiative is expected to result in the planting of approximately 60 million trees, depending on the availability of suitable Crown forestland and the specific projects identified by Ontario’s forest managers.

This tree-planting drive is designed to complement existing reforestation activities following commercial harvesting and is part of a broader approach to nature-based climate solutions. Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon, regulating urban temperatures, reducing wildfire risks, and enhancing public health by creating green spaces. By carefully selecting the right species and planting them in optimal locations, the program aims to create resilient forests that will benefit communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to generate sustainable jobs and support Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy. The collaboration between federal and provincial governments underscores a shared commitment to achieving climate and biodiversity goals, ensuring that the long-term health of Canada’s forests is maintained.

Since 2021, the Government of Canada has engaged with various organizations to plant trees over a ten-year period, with the goal of planting two billion trees. This partnership with Ontario marks a significant step in fulfilling that commitment, with further agreements being finalized with other provinces and territories to expand tree-planting efforts nationwide​.

Quick facts

• Since 2021, the Government of Canada has been engaging directly with individual organizations across the country to plant trees over 10 years to help meet the Government of Canada’s commitment to planting two billion trees. Working closely with territories and provinces on shared planting plans is vital to support local communities and enable further tree planting as they manage 90 percent of Canada’s forested land. With this agreement, Canada and Ontario are leveraging their shared commitment to delivering social and environmental benefits for communities through tree planting.
• Work is well underway on finalizing additional agreements with provinces and territories to plant more trees across Canada.
• The 2 Billion Trees program collaborates with partners to understand their plans for preparing sites, how they are selecting species and how they plan to monitor after planting. Partners report every year, and the program conducts site visits and will be using remote sensing to monitor the progress and the health of the trees. By ensuring the initial job is done well, nature can then thrive, maintaining the long-term health of forested sites.

Image: Parliamentary Secretary Marc G. Serré announces a joint investment of more than $61 million to launch a new tree-planting program for Crown-owned forest lands in Ontario / Natural Resources Canada

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After a major fire damaged several pieces of equipment at Evergreen Forest in New Meadows, ID, USNR is building new machines to get the mill running at full capacity again.

The initiative will take place over the course of several phases, some of which have already been completed. Evergreen has already received new edger scanning and optimization systems and a pony carriage with controls.

Later this year, they’ll receive a new headrig carriage. They’re also slated to receive a new trimmer with MillExpert optimization and Bioluma 4900LV scanners.

Along with the new equipment, USNR is committed to helping Evergreen Forest bounce back with additional upgrades, training, and 24/7 support to tackle any issues that may arise.

USNR is proud to work with Evergreen on this undertaking to get production running even better than before.

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In the May Business Cycle Barometer of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, the business outlook for the sawmill industry and sales price expectations are in steep decline, and the order backlog compared to normal is well below zero, writes Tino Aalto, CEO of the Finnish Sawmill Industries Federation.

Companies in the sawmill industry have invested exceptionally much in their operations in recent years. Global demand for wood products will increase in the long term. The investments will enable sawmills to be technically competitive as the situation in export markets improves.

Unfortunately, the sawmill industry is currently going through exceptionally difficult times. According to many public estimates, this year will be bad and dark clouds are rapidly gathering on the horizon of next year’s export markets.

At the beginning of the year, it looked as if the market situation would improve and interest rate cuts would be made rapidly. It turned out differently.
In addition, the functioning of the market is challenged by many uncertainties, such as the prolonged crisis in the Red Sea, which disrupts logistics flows.

The Natural Resources Institute Finland also recently drew attention to the difficult situation. According to the report, the demand outlook for 2024 is subdued in the sawmill industry. The recovery in construction in both Europe and the United States is expected to begin only with a delay after the central banks’ key interest rate cuts.

In the May Business Cycle Barometer of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, the business outlook for the sawmill industry and sales price expectations are in steep decline, and the order backlog compared to normal is well below zero.

The production volume of sawn timber has been falling despite dozens of investments. In 2021, the sawn timber production volume was 11.9 million cubic metres, in 2022 11.2 million cubic metres and in 2023 10.4 million cubic metres.

Between January and April, the production volume has already decreased by seven per cent compared to the previous year.

At the same time as production volumes have fallen, the prices of raw materials, i.e. logs, and end products have taken on a life of their own. The price of logs has risen significantly more than the price of the end product, i.e. sawn timber, even though the use of logs has fallen by more than four million cubic metres since the record year 2021.

The index comparison of log and sawn timber prices, where 2010 is expressed by 100, shows that the index number for pine logs is 152 and for pine sawn timber the index number is 108. For spruce, the corresponding figures are 156 for logs and 123 for sawn timber.

The ratio between log and sawn timber prices has grown higher than in more than 15 years. In other words, from the point of view of the competitiveness of enterprises in the sawmill industry, the situation is extremely difficult.

The rise in the price of logs is due to something other than the market situation in the sawmill industry.

The chemical forest industry has a great need for wood.

The most significant change in the timber market in recent years has been the collapse in the amount of imported wood following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As recently as 2021, nearly 10 million cubic metres of wood were imported from Russia, mainly birch fibre and wood chips for the pulp industry.

The wood market has also been disrupted by the faster-than-expected phasing-out of peat and the resulting increased demand for wood in energy use. Significant amounts of logs are also directed to the pulp boiler instead of being processed into wood products with a long cycle time.

From the perspective of the future of the timber market, one interesting issue to monitor is the timber market study to be launched this year, which will be led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In the study, it is important to review the functionality and competitiveness of the Finnish timber market.

In addition to an independent investigator, it is good that the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority is involved in the work, as it has strong expertise in investigating whether practices in the timber market, for example, are sound from the point of view of competition law.

The sawmill industry uses one-third of the timber but is responsible for two-thirds of the base income. Finnish forestry needs a vibrant sawmill industry to run.

Tino Aalto
CEO
Finnish Sawmill Industries Federation

This article was originally published in Maaseudun Future 17.6.2024

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Jartek, a leading supplier of wood processing technology, will be participating in the Klagenfurt Fair in Austria from August 28 to August 31, 2024 IWF2024 Klagenfurt. Representing Jartek at the event will be our experts Kari Puustinen, Kalle Laurikainen, and Harri Puolanne, who will showcase the company’s latest innovations in Nordic sawmill technology and wood heat treatment.

“The fair provides an excellent opportunity to present our products to an international audience,” says Kari Puustinen. We are thrilled about the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences and to connect with fellow industry professionals.

At Jartek’s booth, visitors can learn about ThermoWood® technology, which enables sustainable and environmentally friendly heat treatment of wood. “This technology enhances the durability, appearance, and lifespan of wood, making it an ideal material for various applications,” explains Harri Puolanne.

“The Klagenfurt Fair is a significant event for us as it offers the chance to meet new customers and strengthen relationships with existing partners,” adds Kalle Laurikainen.

The fair will be held at the Klagenfurt Exhibition Centre and will be open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit us at booth B 02 and explore Jartek’s solutions. We welcome you to engage in discussions with our experts!

JARTEK PRÄSENTIERT AN DER KLAGENFURTER MESSE NORDISCHE SÄGEWERKTECHNOLOGIE UND THERMOWOOD®-INNOVATIONEN

Jartek, ein führender Anbieter von Holzverarbeitungstechnologie, wird vom 28. bis 31. August 2024 an der Internationalen Holzmesse Messe in Österreich (IWF2024 Klagenfurt) teilnehmen. Jartek wird bei der Veranstaltung von unseren Experten Kari Puustinen, Kalle Laurikainen und Harri Puolanne vertreten, die die neuesten Innovationen des Unternehmens in der nordischen Sägewerkstechnologie und Holzwärmebehandlung vorstellen werden.

„Die Messe bietet eine hervorragende Gelegenheit, unsere Produkte einem internationalen Publikum zu präsentieren“, sagt Kari Puustinen. „Wir freuen uns sehr über die Gelegenheit, Wissen und Erfahrungen auszutauschen und mit Branchenkollegen in Kontakt zu treten. “

Am Jartek-Stand können sich Besucher über die ThermoWood®-Technologie informieren, die eine nachhaltige und umweltfreundliche Wärmebehandlung von Holz ermöglicht. „Diese Technologie verbessert die Haltbarkeit, das Aussehen und die Lebensdauer von Holz und macht es zu einem idealen Material für verschiedene Anwendungen“, erklärt Harri Puolanne.

„Die Klagenfurter Messe ist für uns ein bedeutendes Ereignis, da sie die Möglichkeit bietet, neue Kunden kennenzulernen und Beziehungen zu bestehenden Partnern zu stärken“, fügt Kalle Laurikainen hinzu.

Die Messe findet im Messegelände Klagenfurt statt und ist täglich von 9.00 bis 17.00 Uhr geöffnet. Besuchen Sie uns am Stand B 02 und entdecken Sie die Lösungen von Jartek. Wir laden Sie herzlich ein, mit unseren Experten ins Gespräch zu kommen!

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Jartek participates in the IWF 2024 trade show in Atlanta August 6-9, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Representing Jartek at this international event will be industry experts Timo Tetri and Harri Puolanne, who are available at our Booth A10240 to share their expertise and experience with visitors.

Our primary focus at the exhibition will be our advanced thermal treatment plant, based on ThermoWood® technology, designed to enhance wood durability and quality. Join us to discover how Jartek’s leading-edge technology can expand the range of products offered by your company.

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From Europe and the US to South America. Discover our innovative solutions that span from logyard to secondary processing. Contact our team in advance to arrange a comprehensive consultation at a trade fair near you and learn how our cutting-edge technology can provide you the most economical & sustainable wood utilization.

Holzmesse – Klagenfurt (AT), 28-31 August

The International Wood Fair is Austria’s top wood industry trade event.

Visit MiCROTEC at booth C03 for a live demo of the Logeye Stereo, a transverse stereoscopic real-shape scanner for logs, and get details on the Goldeneye Transverse. Meet from our Sales Team for comprehensive consultations on the entire MiCROTEC product portfolio.

Trä & Teknik in Gothenburg  3-6 September

MiCROTEC will take part the Wood Products & Technology trade fair Trä & Teknik in Gothenburg, Sweden! Discover the Finscan 900 and Logeye at our booth, featuring live demos. Experience the future of lumber optimization and log fingerprint technology firsthand!

Drema fair in Poznan

Drema – Poznan (PL), 10-13 September

At the 40th anniversary of the Drema fair in Poznan, Poland we will present our log solutions. Come by in hall 6 booth 27 to learn more about the Logeye, our multi-sensor real shape and quality scanner for logs and experience a live demo of the revolutionary transverse stereoscopic real-shape scanner for logs, Logeye Stereo.

Lignum Latin America – Curitiba (BR), 17-19 September

Lignum Latin America is the Brazilian event for solid wood where we will be in present together with our partners. Come visit us at booth G1 to learn more about our strength grading solution and meet our team.

Portland Expo – Portland (USA), 25-27 September

MiCROTEC will be exhibiting at the Timber Processing & Energy Expo in Portland, Oregon. Visit us at Booth 409 for live demonstrations of the Logeye Stereo stereoscopic log scanner and the quality control tool QC Assist. Experience a simulation of the CT Log, a unique log scanner that provides complete reconstruction of internal features and grading using CT technology, and learn more about MiCROTEC’s scanning solutions from the experts on the MiCROTEC team.

To read previous Microtec posts click here.

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#GLAD2024, The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has revealed more plans for Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) on 18 July.

A multidimensional campaign has been running since the turn of the year, with LEEA members, manufacturers, and suppliers leading those sharing material that promotes safe and high quality load lifting across the world. Social media posts, videos, articles, and in-person activity are bound together by the hashtag, #GLAD2024. However, it all builds to a crescendo and will once again come together on a single day.

Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, said: “This year’s GLAD will be successful in part because of what’s been happening already. Social media is awash with #GLAD2024 content; we’re smarter and more savvy now than when we launched the concept in 2020. Our industry’s social media teams are surely among the best there are. We have meaningful words, great stories, and sensational images.

“It is a campaign where people are being innovative, and it feels more like a show-and-tell this year rather than just a tell. The poster campaign that LEEA has put out is an example of that, looking at where we’ve come from and wondering where we’ll go next. We will continually launch content in the run-up to encourage people to create their own material — and I’m thrilled at the number of companies who tell me what they’re planning.

“That said,” he continued, “The epicentre is very much 18 July and we’re saving some new material from LEEA for the day itself. Last year, industry will remember that we hosted an in-person event in the Palace of Westminster. This year, we are going heavy on social media content. We will be sharing incredible video content, which really showcases how fascinating and diverse we are.”

Lifting power

Among on-the-day highlights are a new LEEA film and an unaired conversation with Moloney. Other features will include a series of short video interviews with a representative of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific activity; a champion of women in construction, and ambassador for apprenticeships, cranes, skills, and training; a celebrated health and safety professional; and a Tier 1 construction contractor.

Moloney said: “Those of us who work in the industry know how broad we are in terms of footprint, but others maybe don’t understand how technical we are. Irrespective of what you do in the sector, you’re only doing it because somebody somewhere innovated and took us where we didn’t think we could go. So, we’re going to introduce some of the people who are working right now on innovation and development.”

Everything builds on established #GLAD2024 foundations of high quality products, inspection, and training; and a legacy of LEEA’s organisational vision to eliminate accidents, injuries, and fatalities, placing further emphasis on skills and employment, which had emerged as front-running themes when the fifth GLAD drive was launched.

“Quality products, inspection, and training could easily be the LEEA strapline,” said Moloney. “GLAD is about awareness of the industry, but LEEA maintains its messages. Our determination for a safe industry depends on quality and prestige. The way we do safety means it’s not about hampering or getting in the way. We enable. I think of the idea that cars only go faster because of the improvement in brakes and safety measures. Airbags don’t stop cars from going faster. By improving safety, we create the environment for higher, further, more complex.

“Trust me, when you see our video content on 18 July, there will be no doubt how professional, how expert, and how exciting our industry is. The push never stops. We are all in this together. You don’t have to engage a filmmaker to participate. Using the hashtag matters. Reposting and sharing matters. This is a chance for us as an industry to unite and show our strength. It doesn’t mean we will ever stop competing with each other, but on 18 July we can unite and rise.”

• Anyone interested in celebrating the lifting industry can pledge their support by completing a short form on the dedicated GLAD website.

To read previous #GLAD2024 related posts click here.

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The 20th FinnMETKO exhibition will be held in Jämsä on 29–31 August 2024. You are welcome to visit our stand 862 and see our new forestry solutions and services, as well as our new product range. We will also arrange several logging demos every day.

We will demonstrate new features to support forest machine operators’ daily work and to assist forestry entrepreneurs to follow up on the fleet’s profitability and productivity.

We are also presenting a fossil-free material concept load space. Ponsse is the first forest machine manufacturer in the world to show a part of forest machine made of SSAB fossil-free steel.

Come and have a cup of coffee with us!

We invite media representatives for a cup of coffee with us on Wednesday 28 August from 2 pm. Come and hear more about Ponsse’s new solutions and talk to our managers and specialists.

The 20th FinnMETKO exhibition will be held in Jämsä on 29–31 August 2024. Finland’s largest and most important professional and sales exhibition area in the heavy-duty machine industry will cover more than 200 hectares, both indoors and outdoors. The exhibition will be open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Ponsse’s managers and specialists will be there on every exhibition day.

We warmly welcome you to enjoy the laid-back logging site atmosphere! Follow us on social media. We will send you more information in August. 

Corinne Rönnholm

Ponsse Plc, Global Marketing Manager (Interim), +358 40 845 8418, corinne.ronnholm@ponsse.com

Further information: www.finnmetko.fi and www.ponsse.com  

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The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has moved products, inspection, and training to the front of its Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) campaign.

As #GLAD2024 approaches on Thursday 18 July, LEEA is sharpening its focus on the importance of surrounding these three cornerstones of lifting with high quality.

GLAD is an established event where its members, manufacturers, and suppliers lead those sharing material that promotes safe and high quality load lifting across the world. Social media posts, videos, articles, and in-person activity are bound together by the hashtag, #GLAD2024.

Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, said: “It’s about the ongoing battle between cost and quality. We all know that buying decisions are made for a multitude of reasons, but we want people to make sure those choices are always based on quality. It is perhaps easy for some not to think there’s any difference in quality and that all equipment and services are the same; we’re saying this isn’t the case. It’s why we constantly refer to skills, standards, and high levels of competency. This is a specialist industry, where high quality is a minimum requirement.”

LEEA has already circulated three graphics based on high quality products, inspection, and training, all of which attach the trifecta to existing #GLAD2024 publicity. The message chimes with LEEA’s organisational vision to eliminate accidents, injuries, and fatalities, placing further emphasis on skills and employment, which had emerged as front-running themes when the fifth GLAD drive was launched.

Moloney added: “We are in a risky industry, and these are three key ways by which we can eliminate risk; accidents occur when these three things fail. Product matters, but because it was once compliant doesn’t mean it always will be, hence the need for ongoing inspection, and this must be conducted by a high quality individual, who has been trained to the highest standards.

“This is where the LEEA logo fits,” Moloney continued. “Joining our association means you become associated with high quality providers. Our members go through an audit where we help them to check and improve their processes and practices. And on an ongoing basis our members access training developed and devised by 1,000 members worldwide. We’re not making this content up ourselves — it’s written by the industry, for the industry. Above and beyond GLAD, it’s a clear market signal to end users: if you are involved in lifting, look for the LEEA logo.”

Moloney delivered a well-received presentation, centred on GLAD, to the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) Spring General Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee last month (April). It was a delegation united in understanding that there is no low-risk job in the lifting industry, and the entire global community must be trained and competent. Further, it is a sector that is offering work opportunities, especially to younger people looking to become trained and qualified.

“Skills in our industry pays the bills,” roared Moloney. “You get trained and qualified, and there are work opportunities in our high tech, high quality industry. A perception endures that lifting is all about heft and physicality, but our people fight gravity and do dangerous things. They all need to be trained and competent, so there are no unskilled occupations. We provide training and we strongly encourage end users to make sure that anyone they work with is trained and work ready. Look at our TEAM card initiative for evidence.”

• Anyone interested in celebrating the lifting industry on 18 July can pledge their support by completing a short form on the dedicated GLAD website https://globalliftingawarenessday.com/partner-form

Caption: Global Lifting Awareness Day 2024 — #GLAD2024 — will uphold high quality products, inspection, and training on 18 July.

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REPOST

I explored some ideas in Editors Comment about how to save the rainforest in the June July 2023 issue – (How much money is needed to save the rainforest? ) and Oct Nov 2023 – (The rich can go a long way to saving the planet).

Researching for this article I came across the relatively new ‘The Earth Fund’ which was created by a commitment of $10 billion from Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon. After what appears to be relatively quiet start they have recently bounced into action timed to coincide with COP 28 in Dubai.

They announced – WASHINGTON, Dec. 7,2023 /PRNewswire/ – A new data dashboard launched today tracks the collective progress countries have made toward their commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation this decade. The new platform – the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration Dashboard – was developed by the Bezos Earth Fund, Systems Change Lab, and the Forest Declaration Assessment Partners, and finds countries are falling woefully short of their commitments to end deforestation by 2030.

Recently published reports, including the Forest Declaration Assessment and the State of Climate Action 2023, find that deforestation increased by 4-7% between 2021 and 2022. The permanent loss of 5.8- 6.6 million hectares (Mha) of forest means that the world is far off course from halting deforestation by 2030. Global efforts to protect other ecosystems aren’t faring much better, with peatland degradation occurring across an area roughly the size of Kenya (57 Mha) and mangrove losses once again ticking upward.

The Earth Fund led by Bezos could be a starting point for serious collection of funds from rich individuals and Governments alike to go towards saving the Amazon and Congo Rainforest.

Referring to Fobes rich list: The United States still boasts the most billionaires, with 735 list members worth a collective $4.5 trillion. China (including Hong Kong and Macau) remains second, with 562 billionaires worth $2 trillion, followed by India, with 169 billionaires worth $675 billion. The amount of money in private hands is staggering. Just as the earth is staggering to a doomsday scenario.

If forest fires continue unabated in 2024 reforestation will never catch up. The earth as we know it could fail by as early as 2030.

Editor
Robin Peach

P.S.
Lula’s bid to style himself climate leader at Cop28 undermined by Opec move

Brazilian president’s plans to approve new fossil fuel projects sit awkwardly with pledge to meet 1.5C target.

Read this excellent article which in part relates to the Amazon by Jonathan Watts in the Guardian. (We will run in full in our Digital magazine Dec JANUARY 2024)

Next year we plan to attend the following shows:

Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TP&EE)
September 25-27, 2024, Portland, Oregon

Demo International 2024
September 19-21 Ottawa

FinnMETKO, Jamsa 29th – 31 August

KWF Tagung Schwarzenborn
19th – 22nd June

See you there!

To read more posts on the Amazon click here.

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Combilift, a global leader in material handling solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new National Forklift Safety campaign, “Lift Your Standards by Lowering Your Load.” This initiative aims to enhance awareness and promote best practices in forklift safety across industries.

https://youtube.com/shorts/G_RtL3hcO84?si=qTqxFXisu1cjZHv0

Forklift safety is of paramount importance to Combilift, and every year, we are committed to using National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD) as a reminder of how forklift operations can and should be safer than ever.

This year, the NFSD falls on the 11th of June and in line with this, our key messaging for the month of June will be focused on safe forklift operating practices.

Key Points of the Campaign:

• Safety First: Emphasising the importance of maintaining a lower load height while traveling to improve visibility, stability and reduce accidents.
• Training and Education: Offering comprehensive training programs to ensure that forklift operators are well-equipped with the knowledge to perform their duties safely.
• Industry Standards: Advocating for adherence to national and international safety standards in material handling operations.

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Following the launch of five new models in its 25th anniversary year in 2023, Irish Materials Handling Specialist Combilift has already announced the premiere of yet another innovation. The Combi-CLL (Container Log-Loader) was recently exhibited at EXPO Richmond 2024, one of America’s leading trade shows for the forest products industry.

The concept and operation of the Combi-CLL is based on that of the Combi-CSS (Container Slip Sheet), which has been successfully deployed across numerous industries for the mechanised loading of long products such as packs of timber or steel into containers. This not only reduces the risk of accidents to the workforce and product damage but is incredibly fast compared to other methods – a 40’ container can be fully loaded by one operator in under 6 minutes.

The 30t capacity electro-hydraulically powered Combi-CLL offers the same benefits when it comes to speed, safety and product integrity. It was designed to address the requirements of exporters of softwood and hardwood logs, the nature and shape of which make them much trickier to handle than palletised or packed products. Logs can be individually lifted and pre-loaded into a robust, high-sided metal “tub” before the patented push-pull mechanism powers the tub into the container. Once inside, the hydraulic dropdown hatch is closed and locked into position to hold the logs securely in place, and the tub is retracted to allow the logs to settle within the container.

Once again, Combilift has come up with a customer-led solution that also has potential for applications beyond the forestry industry.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/1H_78Oqtlvs?si=26BQh095DnNQTHz_

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From Log to Lumber with One Operator

The lumber industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and SAWBOX is leading the way with its groundbreaking ability to turn logs into lumber with just one operator.

This innovative sawmill solution is designed to meet the needs of modern wood processing operations, providing a compact, automated system that ensures efficient, high quality lumber production. Most importantly, the SAWBOX allows you to process diameters up to 42 inches that you would not be able to handle in your normal production operations. For businesses in North America the SAWBOX promises to be a game changer, delivering benefits that are too significant to ignore.

Key Benefits of SAWBOX

• Self-Sufficiency

One of the outstanding features of SAWBOX is its ability to make companies self-sufficient. By allowing companies to cut their own logs, SAWBOX helps optimize production costs and ensures a steady supply of raw materials. This level of control over the production process can significantly improve a company’s profitability and operational efficiency.

• Cost-Effective Investment

Setting up a SAWBOX is much more affordable than traditional sawing technology. The reduced investment costs make it possible for smaller companies to own and operate their own sawmills, paving the way for greater autonomy and financial stability.

• Increased vs Enhanced Yield and Efficiency

SAWBOX is designed to maximize the use of each log, achieving yields of up to 75%. This high level of efficiency not only reduces waste, but also increases the overall production, making the most of the available resources.

• Sustainability and Regional Added Value

SAWBOX supports the use of local wood and the recycling of all wood waste, promoting sustainability and boosting the local economies. By sourcing wood locally and minimizing waste, companies can reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to sustainable forestry practices.

• Predictable Pricing

With SAWBOX, companies can enjoy long-term stable product prices by controlling their own production processes. This predictability is crucial for maintaining competitive pricing and ensuring customer satisfaction in a fluctuating market.

• Impressive Cutting Capacity

The SAWBOX can process up to 8.5 million board feet of lumber in a two-shift operation. It accommodates logs from 10 to 42 inches in diameter and from 10 to 16 feet 2 inches (on request 20 feet) in length, with options for longer lengths available upon request. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of lumber dimensions.

Embrace the Future with SAWBOX

For North American wood processing companies, the benefits of adopting SAWBOX are clear. Whether you are a sawmill or a reman facility, integrating SAWBOX into your production line can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Discover how SAWBOX can transform your business, making it more competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing market. By investing in SAWBOX, you will not only improve your manufacturing capabilities, but also contribute to a more sustainable and economically vibrant community.

Explore the possibilities of SAWBOX and take the first step towards a more efficient and sustainable future for your wood processing business.

About SPRINGER

The family-owned company, located in Austria (Europe), USA and Canada, plans, develops, and produces machines and state of the art solutions for the wood processing industry. All processes, such as transporting, sorting, grading of wood, and automation, are implemented at the highest technological level. Special attention is placed on sustainability. The climate-neutral company employs more than 500 people worldwide and is managed by the third generation of the Springer family, Timo Springer and Gero Springer.

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The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has moved products, inspection, and training to the front of its Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) campaign.

As #GLAD2024 approaches on Thursday 18 July, LEEA is sharpening its focus on the importance of surrounding these three cornerstones of lifting with high quality.

GLAD is an established event where its members, manufacturers, and suppliers lead those sharing material that promotes safe and high quality load lifting across the world. Social media posts, videos, articles, and in-person activity are bound together by the hashtag, #GLAD2024.

Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, said: “It’s about the ongoing battle between cost and quality. We all know that buying decisions are made for a multitude of reasons, but we want people to make sure those choices are always based on quality. It is perhaps easy for some not to think there’s any difference in quality and that all equipment and services are the same; we’re saying this isn’t the case. It’s why we constantly refer to skills, standards, and high levels of competency. This is a specialist industry, where high quality is a minimum requirement.”

LEEA has already circulated three graphics based on high quality products, inspection, and training, all of which attach the trifecta to existing #GLAD2024 publicity. The message chimes with LEEA’s organisational vision to eliminate accidents, injuries, and fatalities, placing further emphasis on skills and employment, which had emerged as front-running themes when the fifth GLAD drive was launched.

Moloney added: “We are in a risky industry, and these are three key ways by which we can eliminate risk; accidents occur when these three things fail. Product matters, but because it was once compliant doesn’t mean it always will be, hence the need for ongoing inspection, and this must be conducted by a high quality individual, who has been trained to the highest standards.

“This is where the LEEA logo fits,” Moloney continued. “Joining our association means you become associated with high quality providers. Our members go through an audit where we help them to check and improve their processes and practices. And on an ongoing basis our members access training developed and devised by 1,000 members worldwide. We’re not making this content up ourselves — it’s written by the industry, for the industry. Above and beyond GLAD, it’s a clear market signal to end users: if you are involved in lifting, look for the LEEA logo.”

Moloney delivered a well-received presentation, centred on GLAD, to the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) Spring General Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee last month (April). It was a delegation united in understanding that there is no low-risk job in the lifting industry, and the entire global community must be trained and competent. Further, it is a sector that is offering work opportunities, especially to younger people looking to become trained and qualified.

“Skills in our industry pays the bills,” roared Moloney. “You get trained and qualified, and there are work opportunities in our high tech, high quality industry. A perception endures that lifting is all about heft and physicality, but our people fight gravity and do dangerous things. They all need to be trained and competent, so there are no unskilled occupations. We provide training and we strongly encourage end users to make sure that anyone they work with is trained and work ready. Look at our TEAM card initiative for evidence.”

• Anyone interested in celebrating the lifting industry on 18 July can pledge their support by completing a short form on the dedicated GLAD website https://globalliftingawarenessday.com/partner-form

Caption: Global Lifting Awareness Day 2024 — #GLAD2024 — will uphold high quality products, inspection, and training on 18 July.

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OTTAWA/GATINEAU – The anticipation is palpable as DEMO International, the premier forestry equipment exhibition, gears up to make its mark in the picturesque capital region of Ottawa/Gatineau from September 17-21, 2024. Organized by the Canadian Woodlands Forum, DEMO International is the quintessential event for forestry professionals, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in action amidst the stunning woodland backdrop.

As part of the festivities, the DEMO International Pre-conference will kick off at the Delta Ottawa City Centre on September 17-18, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into key industry topics. From presentations on research, automation, and digitalization to discussions on logging and trucking, biodiversity, and sustainability practices, the pre-conference promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. Additionally, insights into international forestry outlooks from Sweden and Finland will provide valuable perspectives on global forestry trends and best practices.

Mark your calendars as registration for both the pre-conference and the main DEMO International event opens in June, offering attendees the chance to immerse themselves in a week-long celebration of forestry excellence.

DEMO International is renowned for its dynamic demonstrations of cutting-edge forestry equipment, providing attendees with a firsthand glimpse into the future of the industry. From state-of-the-art machinery to groundbreaking technologies, exhibitors will bring their products to life, demonstrating their capabilities live in the woods.

As the flagship event of the Canadian Woodlands Forum, DEMO International is a testament to the organization’s commitment to advancing forestry practices and fostering innovation within the industry. Hosted by SBC Cedar, a prominent player in the forestry sector, this year’s DEMO International promises to be an unforgettable affair.

Beyond the exhilarating demonstrations, attendees including high school students with the outreach program can look forward to networking opportunities, educational sessions, career information and insights from industry experts.

Moreover, by visiting Canada’s capital region this Fall, attendees can explore its rich cultural offerings, iconic landmarks, and picturesque surroundings, making DEMO International an enriching experience both personally and professionally.

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To expand its range of wireless and radio remote controls, crane and hoist control specialist CP Automation has agreed a new partnership with Tele Radio in the UK and Ireland. After two years of conversation and negotiation, the two companies are now officially partners. Following the new agreement, CP Automation will now supply the Swedish original equipment manufacturer’s extensive range of radio controls, which can support various crane and lifting applications.

Following the new agreement, CP Automation will now supply the Swedish original equipment manufacturer’s extensive range of radio controls together with existing product ranges, which can support various crane and lifting applications. Tele Radio’s range offers reliable and flexible products customizable to all kinds of specific crane, lifting and hoisting needs. When installed, the Tele Radio remote controls can improve safety in industrial applications by enhancing operator control from a safe distance.

“This new agreement is the result of months of collaboration, negotiation, trust, and respect between ourselves and Tele Radio,”explained Andy Swann, global business manager for cranes & power transmission at CP Automation. “Like us, Tele Radio is a growing business of experienced engineers and specialists that put their customers first and pride themselves in the dependable products and support that they offer.

“Tele Radio was very open with us and, by its admission, cranes are not an industry that the company solely specialises in, so it was actively looking for a partner,” added Swann. “We’re a natural fit and, together, we can now provide greater technical support, back-up, and product choice for Tele Radio’s product customers, which CP Automation will manage using its market and product expertise.”

“Power and motion control is key to any material handling system or application — especially those involving overhead cranes and hoists,” added John Mitchell, global sales and marketing director at CP Automation. “As well as cranes, we’ll be introducing Tele Radio’s controls to our elevator customers and those working in our other core industrial markets, so that they can also benefit from the improved control these products provide.”

“Having had the opportunity to meet the team at CP Automation and to get to know them over the past two years, I know the word partnership means more to us than just a contract,” added John Suero, managing director at Tele Radio United Kingdom & Ireland. “It means that we are fully committed to each other’s success.”

To find out more about radio controls for overhead cranes or other industrial applications visit their website tele-radio.com

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Södra has decided to invest in a battery-electric long-haul truck in its daily logistics chain for transporting woodchips. Using self-produced, fossil-free electricity to charge the woodchip truck, the environmental footprint from these transport operations will be dramatically reduced. The electric woodchip truck is supplied by Scania and represents a milestone in Södra’s long-term goal of transitioning to fossil-free transportation.

Today, road transport plays a key role in the Swedish forest industry, and as one of the largest buyers of transport services, Södra has long strived to make its logistics more efficient and environmentally friendly. Truck transport accounts for about 5 percent of Södra’s fossil CO₂ emissions when indirect emissions are also included. By introducing this long-haul truck to transport woodchips in Blekinge and eastern Småland, Södra is taking an important step towards a fossil-free future.

Delivery of the battery-electric woodchip truck is expected towards the end of 2024 and the truck will be tested in real-life conditions during the 2025–2027 period. The aim is that the truck will travel about 100,000 kilometres per year, corresponding to 400 kilometres every day. Meanwhile, to facilitate charging during normal operations, the plan is to extensively expand the charging infrastructure at the mills in Mörrum, Mönsterås, Orrefors and Långasjö over the coming year. On completion of the test program, the pilot project will be evaluated to formulate a clear plan for the large-scale electrification of Södra’s entire vehicle fleet.

“This battery-electric woodchip truck is an exciting milestone in our efforts to electrify the truck fleet, not least because it is being deployed directly in our operations as part of our day-to-day transport operations. The project will teach us a great deal while contributing to Södra’s overall goal of net zero emissions by 2040. I am convinced that the test will also generate valuable insights that the entire industry can benefit from in the future,” said Henrik Brodin, Project Manager for A Fossil-Free Södra.

Part of the TREE project
The pilot project is part of the TREE project, an initiative coordinated by the Forestry Research Institute of Sweden (Skogforsk). The overarching objective of the project is to contribute to ensuring that battery-electric vehicles accounts for 50 percent of new truck sales in the forestry industry by 2030. In addition to Södra, a further 20 partners are participating in this ambitious initiative, including other forest companies, logistics companies, haulage companies, charging infrastructure companies, technology companies and universities.

The project will answer important questions regarding route optimisation and charging infrastructure, knowledge that can help Södra and its contract hauliers to reduce their costs and environmental footprint across the value chain.

Scania supplier of electric woodchip truck
The electric woodchip truck is a Scania 45R with a load capacity of up to 64 tonnes. With an estimated range of 250 to 300 kilometres when deployed in Södra’s operations, it is ideal for regional transport operations in eastern Småland. The truck has three integrated electric motors providing a continuous power output level equivalent to 610 hp and comes equipped with 624 kWh of batteries installed. The truck has a charging capability of 375 kW, which means that charging time is minimised and is usually around one hour under normal operations. The electric woodchip truck will be introduced into regular route planning and will operate just like the rest of Södra’s truck fleet.

“It’s clear that a major shift to fossil-free electrified road transport is under way. It will be interesting to see how the electric woodchip truck performs once it is integrated into Södra’s daily production operations,” said Patrik Svanberg at Scania Sverige AB.

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Granted since 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most significant and prestigious design awards in the world. The globally recognised iF DESIGN AWARD is considered a symbol of outstanding design. The award winners will be celebrated at the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT 2024 event at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin in Germany on Monday 29 April 2024.

The jury paid particular attention to the functionality and usability of the PONSSE Opti 5G information system. The user interface makes the forest machine operator’s work easier and produces other harvesting information, including operator working hours, production, machine operation and fuel consumption.

“The Opti 5G system is designed to be easy to use to reduce the cognitive load of the forest machine operator and improve productivity. The user interface was completely rethought in our project to meet the users’ needs in the forest industry of today and the future. Design based on a user study and the large-scale testing of results are key factors behind the development of Opti 5G,” says Juha Inberg, Chief Technology and R&D Officer at Ponsse.

“During the project, we addressed the needs of forest machine operators, machine owners, maintenance services and sawmills,” says UX Manager Panu Johansson.

“This award is for everyone who has participated in the software development of the 5G system.  Software development is almost always the result of the efforts of a large group of people. Software is at the core of modern forest machines to facilitate the use of the machine and make their operation more efficient. The user experience also plays an important role in improving efficiency, coping and comfort. Development at Ponsse focuses on understanding user needs,” says Inberg.

A total of 10,800 products and projects from 72 different countries were sent to the 2024 competition for evaluation. This year’s iF jury consisted of 132 high-profile design specialists from 23 countries.

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