Forest Products Industry

Stora Enso has opened its dry forming production unit in Skene, Sweden. The facility is the largest and most advanced of its kind, marking a significant milestone in sustainable packaging technology. Source: Timberbiz The Skene production unit utilizes an innovative dry forming process to produce high-performance formed fibre products, such as cup lids, designed to replace traditional plastics in food and beverage packaging. Unlike conventional wet forming, the dry process reduces water and energy consumption significantly, thus offering an even more sustainable manufacturing method for fibre-based packaging. Additionally, any excess material is recaptured and reused, ensuring a circular process with minimal waste. At the heart of this innovation is the advanced technology developed by PulPac, the leading company in the field. Its dry moulded fibre technology provides efficient production at high speeds, enabling Stora Enso to meet growing market demand for fully renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable fibre-based packaging solutions. The products produced with dry forming technology offer a significantly lower CO2 footprint compared to single-use plastics. The dry forming process offers also flexibility in barrier additives for customized functionality as well as an excellent surface finish with the option to advanced decoration possibilities. “Stora Enso is the first producer to successfully implement this new dry forming technology on a large scale,” said Anna Stenström, Operation Director at the Skene Production Unit. “We are truly excited to pioneer this new approach and to explore all the possibilities it offers to shape the future of sustainable packaging.” Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President of Biomaterials Growth Businesses at Stora Enso, said that the Skene production unit represents another great advancement in biomaterials by Stora Enso. “Dedication of our team and the collaboration with PulPac and other suppliers has enabled us to scale up this innovative technology to meet the continuously growing demand for high-quality and more sustainable products,” he said.

Australia’s investment in agricultural research and development has reached almost $3 billion in 2023-24, the latest ABARES release has shown. Source: Timberbiz This long-term commitment will lead to improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and modernisation. The private sector accounts for the largest growth in investment in the sector, with a nearly 5% annual growth rate from 2005-06. ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said ABARES’s latest data, Agricultural research and development (R&D) investment in Australia – 2023-24 update, found total agricultural R&D funding was increasing steadily, largely from the private sector. “Agricultural R&D investment is what underpins innovation in the sector, and the flow-on benefits for farmers are considerable,” Dr Greenville said. “We know that every $1 invested in agricultural R&D, generates an almost $8 return for farmers over 10 years, which is a great incentive for the private sector to make these important investments.” According to ABARES, total agricultural R&D funding has continued to increase gradually, from $2.91 billion in 2022-23 to $2.98 billion in 2023-24. “Overall, investment in agricultural R&D is increasing steadily, but we’ve seen the private sector just overtake the public sector as the main funder of agricultural R&D investment,” Dr Greenville said. “There is a healthy mix of public and private R&D investment, reflecting a strong and robust innovation system with a good mix of long-term discovery research and practical commercialisation of technology. “Private sector investment has the advantage of focussing on commercialising new technologies, so it has far-reaching benefits for Australian farmers.” Dr Greenville said the strength of Australia’s agricultural R&D system was underpinned by the rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). “The RDCs are a unique investment partnership between industry and government, and their funding has grown steadily over the years as productivity has increased,” Dr Greenville said. “Each RDC delivers tangible, practical improvements for their industries, particularly in terms of productivity and sustainability.” Read the full report here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/productivity/agricultural-research-and-development-investment-in-australia

Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) is a trailblazer in Tasmania’s forestry sector, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible sourcing. During a visit to NSFP’s Mowbray facility in Tasmania, Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, had the opportunity to explore the company’s operations and discuss their approach to sustainable forestry practices with Brett Stevenson, Group Forestry Resource Manager at NSFP. Source: Timberbiz NSP has a heritage spanning 100 years and it is known for producing high-quality hardwood products, all sourced from sustainably harvested regrowth and plantation forests. The company was among the first in the timber industry to embrace sustainable forestry practices, holding PEFC certification for their commitment to environmentally responsible harvesting. “Our focus has always been on sustainability and innovation,” said Mr Stevenson. “We believe in using every part of the tree and finding ways to add value to the timber we harvest. This is at the core of what we do and drives us to continually improve.” NSFP’s products are used across Australia in building, construction, and consumer sectors, known for durability and quality. The company sources all its timber from Responsible Wood-certified forests, which ensures that the timber is sustainably harvested, and the forests are managed in a way that promotes regeneration and biodiversity. “NSFP’s approach to sustainability is truly impressive,” Mr de Jongh said. “They take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from how the timber is harvested to how they utilise by-products like sawdust and off-cuts. It’s a zero-waste philosophy that’s setting new standards in the industry.” One of NSFP’s most innovative initiatives is its pellet processing facility at their dry mill in northern Tasmania. This facility converts waste from the milling process into high-value wood pellets for heating and cooking, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This initiative earned NSFP the EPA Sustainability Award for Tasmania in 2020. “Our wood pellet facility is a testament to our commitment to reducing waste and maximizing the value of our resources,” Mr Stevenson said. “By converting sawdust and off-cuts into pellets, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also providing a valuable product for consumers.” NSFP holds Responsible Wood certification, which assures that their timber products are sourced from sustainably managed forests. This certification is part of their long-standing commitment to responsible forestry practices, ensuring that their operations meet the highest environmental, social, and economic standards. “Having Responsible Wood certification is essential to our business,” Mr Stevenson said. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and giving our customers confidence in the products they’re buying.” The company continuously invests in research and development, finding new ways to enhance the value of their timber products. As an example the TimberBuild brand transforms timber shorts, traditionally a by-product of the milling process into functional and beautiful timber panels. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and add value to our timber,” Mr Stevenson said. “Our TimberBuild panels are a great example of how we turn what would have been waste into a high-quality product. It’s about making the most of our resources and ensuring that nothing goes to waste.” Certification is increasingly important in today’s environmentally conscious marketplace. For NSFP, their Responsible Wood certifications are a key part of their business strategy, ensuring that their products meet the growing demand for sustainable materials. “Certification is critical for us,” Mr Stevenson said. “It gives us credibility in the marketplace and ensures that our customers can trust that the products they’re using are sustainably sourced.” The company also works closely with local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that their forestry operations are not only sustainable but also socially responsible. “Collaboration is key to what we do,” Mr Stevenson said. “We work with a range of stakeholders to ensure that our operations benefit everyone involved, from the local communities to the environment.” For Mr de Jongh, this collaborative approach is a shining example of how the forestry industry can work together to achieve shared sustainability goals. “NSFP’s partnerships with local communities and other stakeholders are a model for how the industry can work together to create positive outcomes for people and the planet.” Responsible Wood plays a crucial role in NSFP’s operations, providing a framework for sustainable forestry practices and ensuring that their products meet the highest environmental standards. “Responsible Wood certification gives us the confidence to say that we’re doing the right thing,” Mr Stevenson said. “It provides a clear set of guidelines that help us manage our forests responsibly and ensure that our products are sustainable.” Mr de Jongh said that Responsible Wood is about more than just certification. “It’s about fostering a culture of sustainability in the forestry industry. Companies like NSFP are leading the way, showing that responsible forestry is not only possible but also profitable.” For businesses looking to follow in NSFP’s footsteps, certification under Responsible Wood or PEFC offers a pathway to demonstrate commitment to sustainability. With consumer demand for certified products on the rise, certification can provide a competitive edge in the marketplace. “If you’re thinking about certification, my advice is to go for it,” Mr Stevenson said. “It’s a rigorous process, but the benefits are worth it. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it also opens up new opportunities for your business.”  

New Zealand’s Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) has delivered the Harm Reduction Action Plan for Manufacturing, the Project Whakahaumaru report, highlighting an estimated NZ$1.23 billion burden on the New Zealand economy each year from work-related injuries in the sector. Source: Timberbiz Manufacturing contributes more than 60% of New Zealand’s exports and employs nearly 230,000 people across 23,000 businesses. However, it is the only major industry sector not to show a decline in the incidence of work-related injuries over the last decade. Project Whakahaumaru (‘to safeguard and protect’) was supported by ACC and brought together 250 representatives from manufacturing and aligned sectors. The report reveals that the costs of annual ACC claims in manufacturing now surpass NZ$165 million per annum, from a base of NZ$91 million in 2015. Each compensation claim today amounts to 25 days off work on average, compared with 20 days off work 10 years ago. The costs of work-related injuries in manufacturing now amount to 19% of ACC’s total weekly compensation costs, compared with 15% in 2015. Increases in soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains from carrying and lifting, are a key reason for the growth in compensation claims. Key subsectors of manufacturing where the cost of harm is high include food, metal, furniture, wood, machinery and equipment, along with labour supply services. Identifying obstacles to reducing harm EMA initiated the project in March 2024 with support from ACC. The report will inform a long-term approach to improving outcomes from workplace harm in the sector. “Manufacturers play a huge role in the New Zealand economy, employing approximately 10% of the national workforce. It’s crucial we balance economic benefits with worker health, safety and wellbeing,” John Fraser-Mackenzie, EMA’s Chief Executive, said. “By safeguarding and protecting workers, we are directly improving business outcomes for the whole country. It’s vital we deliver an action plan that gets this right and delivers practical support to businesses and workers on the factory floor.” Renee Graham, ACC’s Head of Injury Prevention, said that Project Whakahaumaru provides an important foundation for improving health and safety outcomes for the sector. “Manufacturing is behind other sectors such as construction, farming, forestry, retail and logistics which are already taking coordinated action to reduce harm in their sectors. “There’s a real opportunity to improve outcomes for workers and businesses in manufacturing. ACC is committed to working with the industry to help prevent harm and help address the rapidly rising costs.” Wendi Bains, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer at Fletcher Building, is the Chair of the Project Whakahaumaru Steering Group. She said that the manufacturing sector is full of wonderful businesses that are committed to providing a safe workplace for their people. “Despite ongoing efforts, the sector continues to experience a high rate of work-related injuries compared to other industries. The statistics and stories are compelling, we need to do better. “Improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our workers is critical, and it is imperative that we, as business leaders, take decisive action to ensure the survival and prosperity of our industry. Whakahaumaru has given us a solid plan to start to address this, targeting sector specific issues. However, as we all know, execution is key.” Project Whakahaumaru revealed that businesses most vulnerable to high numbers of injury claims are small to medium enterprises (6-99 employees), rather than single operators or large companies. Age groups at both ends of the workforce have higher rates of injuries. Older workers (60+) account for a much higher share of the lifetime costs, while workers under 25 are also at heightened risk. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected, with Māori, other ethnicity and residual category groups showing the highest claims incidence. Pacific peoples experience a noticeably higher rate compared to their European and Asian counterparts. Manufacturing businesses and leaders cite challenges in addressing the high incidence of work-related injuries in the sector. These include complex regulations, ambiguous rules and a lack of clear guidance. Diverse workforces, both generationally and culturally, can hamper communications and understanding, contributing to lower levels of health and safety prioritisation. Workers in the manufacturing sector cite a lack of training and production pressures as impediments to improving safety and wellbeing. In addition, insufficient attention to safety by leaders, as well as reactive measures only taken after incidents occur, were also picked up in discovery by Project Whakahaumaru. The key objective of the action plan is to significantly reduce workplace harm, improve recovery-at-work outcomes and reduce associated costs in the manufacturing sector through evidence-based interventions. These will include advances in technology, workplace design, workforce development, and leadership enhancement. The action plan recommends establishing a sustainable industry-wide leadership model, to ensure continuous improvement and effective implementation of the plan. Project Whakahaumauru is the first phase in the development of a comprehensive plan for manufacturing, commissioned by ACC and WorkSafe. ‘Whakahaumaru’ means to safeguard or protect. It refers to the action of making people or places safe and secure by ensuring the absence of danger or risk of harm. It reminds us to always put action to our words in creating safe workplaces within our industry. The Project Whakahaumaru methodology combined quantitative data analysis, stakeholder consultations, and reviews of best practices from around the world. This included examining ACC and WorkSafe claims data and integrating insights from successful international models. Approximately 250 stakeholders from the manufacturing sector, including leaders and workers, along with health and safety professionals contributed to the discovery process, taking part in focus groups, one-to-one interviews, co-designed workshops and surveys. The Project Whakahaumaru report can be downloaded at: Project Whakahaumaru – A Workplace Harm Reduction Plan. The EMA will host a Webinar on Thursday 21 November, to explore in depth the insights and information gained by Project Whakahaumaru, as well as details of the new Harm Reduction Action Plan for Manufacturing that has emerged from the discovery process.  

Tasmania’s top-quality timber is again being pushed to the fore in public infrastructure and construction with the opening of the new plant at Koppers Wood Products, made possible with funding support from the Tasmanian Government’s On-Island Processing Program. Source: Timberbiz Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said successful value-adding projects such as this were evidence that government and industry working together delivers more wood, more local processing and even greater value for our forest resource. “I congratulate Koppers Wood Products on this outstanding project, which aligns with incentives under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future for on-island processing,” said Mr Abetz. “We remain committed to growing our forest industry to create jobs and economic activity in our regions, and our policy and program initiatives continue to ensure this fantastic material is produced locally and also considered for all major public building projects. “Whether it is the use of wood for industrial purposes like Koppers power poles or for efficient and aesthetically pleasing design and construction uses, we are right behind our forestry and wood processing industry. “This is an industry that supports more than 5,000 households around our state, particularly in regional areas and it brings more than $1.2 billion into our economy each year. “Our policies and programs are ensuring this fantastic material is produced locally and is considered for all major public building and infrastructure projects and it’s why we have added an additional $5 million towards the On-Island Processing Program. “It’s also why we have updated and enhanced the Tasmanian Wood Encouragement Policy to drive the innovative use of wood to achieve maximum value for the state and lock-in a wide range of new opportunities for the use of Tasmanian timber. “Our iconic timbers and timber products are increasingly being showcased in cutting-edge developments like the University of Tasmania Northern Transformation Project and the MyState Bank Arena redevelopment, among many others. “I look forward to seeing more high value innovative products being created and used by architects, builders and developers, spurred on by our On-Island Processing Program and our Tasmanian Wood Encouragement Policy.” The new Tasmanian Wood Encouragement Policy is available at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/forestry

Applications are open for Round 2 of the Victorian Government’s Forestry Transition Fund grants program. Eligible businesses and industry groups in or around the towns and communities directly impacted by the end of native timber harvesting can apply for grants up to $1 million to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Source: Timberbiz Chambers of commerce, peak bodies and business networks, local councils and incorporated not-for-profits that operate as businesses are also eligible to apply for the grants. A $20,000 Transitioning Timber Worker Employment Incentive Payment is also available for each transitioning native timber worker that a project employs. There were 30 applications received for Round 1 of the Transition Fund with more than $2.4 million in funding approved so far for projects, which have led to job creation and business expansion. Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA received a $500,000 Transition Fund – Round 1 grant to expand their operations and directly employ up to 16 local ex-timber workers. Nationwide Trees at Piedmont is using its $775,000 Transition Fund grant to construct a multi-use production and dispatch shed, helping the business to meet growing demand as well as employing an additional 10 employees. Former Parkside Timber Mill worker John Alen, received a $16,240 grant in Round 1, enabling him to purchase tools and a trailer for his new kitchen installation business, Riverview Installations, so he could become self-employed. Applications close on 31 October 2025, for more information visit www.deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182.  

Victoria’s native timber workers will get more money in their pockets following a landmark class ruling by the Australian Taxation Office. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence welcomed the ATO’s decision which sets a national precedent in tax treatment for workers receiving redundancy payments. Source: Timberbiz The ruling means the State Government’s Top-Up Payment provided as part of the Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program can be classed as a genuine redundancy, meaning they now benefit from tax-free and concessional rates. “We advocated for this decision, making sure our native timber workers can access the full amount of the Government’s Top-Up Payments and get the financial support they need,” Ms Spence said. “We continue to support native timber workers throughout the forestry transition and help communities plan for the future.” The Government’s Top-Up Payments have helped 187 workers following the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria. The ruling also extends tax-free and concessional treatment to casual, piece rate, and seasonal employees who have received Government redundancy payments. This ensures that all years of service in the native timber industry contribute to an employee’s genuine redundancy payment – recognising the unique employment types in the forestry industry. The ruling is available on the Australian Tax Office website and provides further details as to how tax will be applied to other Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program payments including Relocation Reimbursement Payments and Hardship Payments. Employees can take the ruling to their accountant where it can be applied for the current or previous financial years. More than 1,400 workers and family members registered for the Worker Support Program which has provided over 3,192 training and education activities approved for workers and family members. The Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program offer support to eligible native timber employees, supply chain employees, and their families as they navigate the end of native timber harvesting in state forests. For more information visit, www.vic.gov.au/forestry or call ForestWorks on 1800 177 001.  

New Zealand’s Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) on behalf of the industry has made an online submission that the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) supports. This is a copy of the submission. In 2013, forestry’s safety performance was so bad that we were killing people at a rate of one per month for that entire year. A decade later, forestry’s safety performance has improved dramatically, with reductions in both fatalities and serious harm. Without a doubt, the industry still has significant room to improve. But it has learnt a lot over the last 10 years – a period that spans the implementation of the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act and the influential 2014 Independent Forestry Review. In light of Workplace Health and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden’s decision to reform our health and safety law and regulations, FISC intends to share some of forestry’s lessons during the consultation process. We believe it is important that the factors that supported forestry’s improved performance are not lost or weakened as a result of any reforms. Rather, these factors need to be encouraged and supported by any future health and safety regime. Probably the most important lesson we can pass on to the Minister is that health and safety performance is determined by a broad range of factors, not just rules and regulations. Good legislation is an important enabler of performance but it’s people that make the difference. Without a doubt, the safest workplaces in forestry as the ones where workers, forestry contractors and forest owners/managers treat health and safety, not as a compliance activity, but as an enabler of successful work. So, any legislative reforms that focus solely on compliance will be a wasted opportunity. It could even harm health and safety performance if it draws attention and resources away from other important enablers of successful work, such as leadership, engagement, safety innovations and competency. Leadership was certainly an important enabler of forestry’s performance improvement. The 2014 Independent Forestry Review, sparked by the fatality toll in 2013, made a number of recommendations, including the need for a pan-industry leadership body. That body, the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), has a mandate to leading and co-ordinating health and safety initiatives across the industry. FISC includes representatives of businesses, workers and the government. It is funded by industry, with government supporting specific initiatives. This model, which is still evolving, has been very effective in supporting improved health and safety in forestry. Officials involved in the reform process might well consider how this model could have applications for other industries. FISC provides an important mechanism for forestry to collaborate on safety initiatives not just across the industry, but also with the regulator. WorkSafe’s engagement team works with forestry, and other high-risk industries, to come up with solutions to issues of common interest. This engagement supports businesses striving to go beyond minimum levels of compliance set out in the law. I believe it has been an important contributor to forestry’s improved health and safety performance over the last decade, and sincerely hope this industry-regulator engagement is not lost or weakened by the reform process. It is also important that whatever regulatory framework comes out of the reforms empowers industries to come up with their own safety innovations, including engineering advances, improved work practices and industry-specific guidance. In forestry, industry-led innovation in the form of mechanised harvesting was probably the biggest contributor to the improved health and safety performance in the last decade. Harvesting trees with machinery has dramatically reduced fatalities. No forestry worker has died inside the cab of a harvesting machine. Of course, new technology can bring new risks. But FISC has provided a mechanism for the industry to create and share, in a timely manner, best practice guidance and safety alerts to help manage emerging risks. Capability is another foundation of a safe, healthy workplace. It’s a no-brainer that skilled, experienced workers who know how to do their jobs are less likely to harm themselves or others. However, feedback from forestry businesses about industry training is that the current structure is broken. It is not surprising that the centralised model of Te Pukenga is being disestablished. If we want to make a difference in health and safety, then it is essential that we re-build the training structure to grow our people. The final lesson forestry can share with the Minister is that we need a burning platform to bring about positive change. For forestry, 2013 was that burning platform and it led to the recommendations for change in the 2014 Independent Forestry Review. It was a call to action that could not be ignored. The reasons the Minister has given for reviewing the regulatory regime is that the existing law is 10 years old and there is a desire to ‘simplify things’. It’s hard to see how either of those reasons could provide the ‘burning platform’ needed to compel positive change. A more compelling platform for change could be the recent report State of a Thriving Nation, distributed by the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum. It states that our fatality rate is twice that of Australia’s and similar to the UK’s rate from 40 years ago. The reforms could blow on the ember of this statement to ignite a platform for change. In summary, forestry’s experience suggests that while a sound regulatory regime supports good health and safety performance, it is not sufficient on its own. A broader range of factors within the ‘health and safety eco-system’ are also important. Any reforms to the health and safety regime need to support and enable good industry leadership, effective engagement between workers, businesses, Regulator and government, and the development of skills and capability. It’s essential that the reform process doesn’t get so focused on ‘removing road cones’ that it loses sight of the reason why we have health and safety legislation, which is to protect our workers from being harmed doing their jobs. Joe Akari is CEO Safetree/FISC