Forest Products Industry

For centuries, the soulful rhythms of the taiko drum have carried the ancestral spirit of Japanese culture. Played at traditional ceremonies and rituals, the drums’ majestic tones invoke blessings for bountiful harvests and pay homage to the natural gifts of the land. Source: Timberbiz Yoshihiko Miyamoto’s family has been crafting taiko drums and other Japanese festival equipment since 1861. From the very beginning, the company has been guided by the same philosophy: ‘Value skill and honour tradition (宮本重義作)’, a concept that Mr Miyamoto was determined to uphold when he inherited the company in around 2010. Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten produces about 30 types of drums, that could be expanded to more than a hundred if the different sizes are considered. The drums are crafted using a variety of materials, each chosen with precision to suit the specific drum type. The primary ones are zelkova wood (keyaki – ケヤキ), cedar (sugi – 杉), and bamboo. The company employs two distinct manufacturing methods: one involves hollowing out a single piece of wood, while the other laminates wood into a board shape and joins it together. Mr Miyamoto prefers to create items that aren’t consumed quickly. Instead, the focus is on making good quality products that can be used for a long time, repaired, and then used for even longer. As he contemplated the drums’ sacred role in Japanese culture and their inextricable bond with nature, he felt a growing responsibility to nurture the very forests that in turn, nurtured his family’s craft. Traditionally, taikos were made primarily from dense-grain premium woods such as zelkova and cedar, chosen for their aesthetic value and durability. But over-reliance on a few tree species risked upsetting the delicate forest balance. “In seeking high-quality materials, the drum-making industry hasn’t always considered the long-term environmental impact,” he said. “But the very spirit of the taiko symbolizes the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.” Determined to restore this intrinsic balance, he began exploring possibilities to utilize more sustainable wood sources that would allow both the heritage and natural environments to thrive. When he met Ryosuke Aoki of Tokyo Chainsaws through a mutual friend, it was as if Mother Nature herself had responded to his call. Tokyo Chainsaws is a Forest Stewardship Council certified forestry company based in Hinohara village, west of Tokyo. Discovering a mutual reverence for nature and cultural preservation, the two agreed to a collaboration: the ‘Echo-logical Taiko Project’. With this, Mr Miyamoto would use readily available, FSC-certified stock such as snow wood from Hinohara Tokyo Citizens’ Forest for certain types of drums. The project led to the release of a new line of sustainable taiko drums, making Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten the first company in the world to obtain FSC certification for taiko products. “It’s a revolutionary approach considering the cultural significance of the instrument and the usual preference for straight-grained wood,” said Mr Aoki. “People are often surprised to learn that 70% of Japan is covered in forests.” “Here in Hinohara village, you can see many cedar and cypress trees that were planted post-World War II. They have matured and are ready for use.” Currently, much of Japan’s timber resources remain underutilized, partly due to a lack of awareness among the public. Mr Aoki believes that more can still be done to showcase the bounty of Japan’s forests and boost utilization, beginning with community engagement.

Nokian Tyres has signed a development agreement with a Swedish biomaterial science company Reselo AB to develop their renewable material Reselo Rubber as a potential new raw material in tyres. Source: Timberbiz Reselo Rubber is a completely renewable material made from birch bark sourced from the residue of the global pulp, paper and plywood industry. The aim of the cooperation agreement now signed is to develop the material further to adapt it for commercial tyre production. “According to the initial laboratory tests we have conducted on Reselo Rubber, it has great potential to replace traditional fossil-based materials in tyres. Furthermore, the material is not only renewable, but we believe it may also be used to improve the tyre’s performance features. We are excited to develop it further in cooperation with Reselo and hope to have Reselo Rubber in Nokian Tyres tires in the future,” Heini Siekkinen, Senior Manager, Research & Sustainability from Nokian Tyres said. Reselo was the winner of Nokian Tyres’ FAST RACE, BIG CHANGE sustainable tyre innovation challenge that aimed to find new solutions for more sustainable tyres. After the preliminary testing, the potential of Reselo Rubber as a possible tyre material was established, and now the co-operation continues in close collaboration to further develop the material to match demanding tire properties in an industrial scale. “We are proud and excited to join forces with Nokian Tyres to improve the sustainability of the largest rubber industry segment even further. The partnership with Nokian Tyres marks an important milestone in our ambition to revolutionize the rubber industry with a high performing bio-based rubber,” Henrik Otendal, CEO and one of the founders of Reselo said. One of Nokian Tyres’ most important sustainability goals is to have 50% of the raw materials in its tyres renewable or recycled by 2030, and the company has reached several milestones recently. In June 2024, the company demonstrated the usability of of UPM BioMotion, a groundbreaking new renewable material in tires by presenting the concept tyre Nokian Tyres Green Step Ligna. In August 2024, Nokian Tyres announced that their factory in Nokia, Finland has obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS. With the certification, Nokian Tyres is able to introduce new sustainable, ISCC PLUS certified raw materials in its tyres.  

Tigercat has released a smaller class mulching head suited to niche applications like fire mitigation and remediation. Source: Timberbiz Designed for the Tigercat 470 mulcher, the 4054-20 provides a complete end-to-end Tigercat mulching solution for narrow swath applications and lower horsepower carriers. The 4054-20 head has a smaller diameter drum, a two metre (79 in) mulching swath and a lighter weight, more compact design. Key applications include fire mitigation and remediation, as well as right-of-way and site preparation projects requiring a smaller, more agile machine. The smaller size and lighter weight of the 4054-20 means it can work on carriers with less attachment power, while retaining similar recovery performance to larger heads equipped on larger carriers. Various carbide tools and hardened steel knife tools are available to suit a range of applications. The Tigercat designed bolt-on tool system is available for both the open face rotor and the feed control rotor. Manufactured for robustness, the 4054-20 mulching head offers durability and reliability. Carbide welding on the skis provides extra protection from wear. The robust housing with reinforced side covers adds to the heavy duty build quality and structural integrity. The drive system efficiently transfers power with no belt slip and reduced belt tension maintenance. Large, heavy duty bearings and shafts ensure long life and high uptime. Numerous removable access covers allow easy maintenance of wear items and service points. The wear liner can be serviced in the field and does not require welding or rotor removal.

The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) has welcomed the announcement of the first round of commitments from the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), which will see 13,700 social and affordable homes built, housing more than 25,000 Australians in need. Source: Timberbiz Funded projects will include 4,220 social and 9,522 affordable homes, including 1,267 homes for women and children escaping domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness. “This announcement demonstrates that the reforms we’ve long advocated are beginning to deliver,” CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said. “It’s heartening to see the Commonwealth taking decisive action to address Australia’s housing crisis and not a moment too soon. And, with the funding tap at last beginning to flow, it’s also re-assuring that the government plans a second round of allocations to take place early in the New Year. “CHIA strongly believes that the HAFF program must be viewed as part of the broader, coordinated and sustained effort required if Australian governments are to make any appreciable impact on the huge backlog of need. “This announcement represents solid progress we wholeheartedly commend. Of course, it doesn’t fix the problem overnight, and no one would suggest it does. When you’re tackling a housing crisis that has been decades in the making, the key is to show long-term commitment and to steadily make inroads. “The enduring significance of today’s program launch will depend on whether it marks the re-start of a national investment push maintained and expanded in future years. Only then will we start to see a measurable reduction in unmet housing need and a meaningful contribution to moderating rents at the lower end of the private market. “Thankfully, with the HAFF beginning to bear fruit, and with both Housing Australia and the Housing Supply Council now firing on all cylinders, we now have the necessary mechanisms and institutions to properly begin the mammoth task of turning our housing system around.” CHIA looks forward to continuing its work with all levels of government, industry and unions to address Australia’s housing challenges and create more opportunities for those in need of stable, affordable housing.  

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi slammed the New Zealand Government for failing to bring a plan to the table to save around 300 jobs in the Ruapehu district, following the decision of Winstone Pulp International to close the Karioi pulp mill and the Tangiwai sawmill. Source: Timberbiz “Our hearts go out to all the workers who have lost their jobs, and we stand in solidarity with them at this terribly difficult time,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff. “The Government had the power to keep the mill alive by creating a plan for power price stability, but they failed to deliver. “This decision will be devastating for the Ruapehu district who were already dealing with high unemployment and a lack of opportunities. This is the last thing they need. “Government has a responsibility to keep rural communities alive by supporting regional economic development and stepping in to show leadership when critical industries are struggling. Writing off whole communities is simply unacceptable. “Local manufacturing plays an important role in our regional economies and that needs to be protected into the future. It is the role of Government to guarantee this by implementing employment, regional development and Just Transition strategies that prioritise job creation and protection in rural communities. “Everyone deserves good work that is secure and pays well, regardless of where they live. This decision shows we have a long way to go to make that a reality.”  

New Zealand forest owners say the just announced reform of resource management instruments will deliver clearer, more consistent environmental standards for production forests nationwide. Source: Timberbiz Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay announced his plan to revise settings within the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) at the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) conference. The reform will look to change the clause giving effect to regional freshwater management rules and remove the afforestation clause which allows councils to impose different planting rules on production forests from those stated in the NES-CF. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the reform will reduce the regulatory complexities faced by growers and streamline forestry’s environmental controls. “The departure from the National Standard and introduction of various councils’ environmental rules has created conflicting standards and confusion among growers as to which takes precedence,” Dr Heeg said. “These rule variations have placed significant pressures on growers, many of whom have had to apply for resource consents for new planting in low or no-risk areas, without any demonstrable need for these new rules. “Today’s announcement is a promising step towards addressing the issue and creating more consistent and outcome-based environmental regulations for forestry across the regions.” The NES-CF provides a nationally consistent set of legal obligations that aim to maintain or improve environmental outcomes related to commercial forestry activities. Not only will growers have greater certainty that the environmental rules set out under the NES-CF are appropriate for use across the country, but the reform will also address the issue of rules being introduced without justifiable evidence that more stringency is needed. “In the instance of Canterbury’s Plan Change 7 (PC7), there was a lack of evidence to justify the introduction of a more stringent local sediment discharge rule in place of what was already set out by the NES-CF,” Dr Heeg said. “The reform will ensure forest owners are operating to the same environmental rules across New Zealand irrespective of which jurisdiction they fall under. “Councils will be bound to deal with stringency through the NES-CF first and foremost.” While these changes will go some way to restoring the sector’s confidence in the regulatory framework, Elizabeth says ensuring policy remains evidence-based will be critical when it comes to implementing risk management tools. “Forest owners take their duty to be responsible landowners very seriously and go to great lengths to ensure good environmental outcomes for all concerned,” Dr Heeg said. “The sector is supportive of improvement to risk management tools, particularly where there is a need, however, it is important that these tools are supported by science. “Forest owners want to see the foundations of the NES-CF remain evidence-based. Any proposed amendments, such as McClay’s intention to improve slash management standards, must have strong scientific grounds to justify change. “Forest owners look forward to working closely with the Minister, councils and the community to ensure the new NES-CF settings are fit for purpose.” Reform of forestry’s resource management system will undergo consultation before any formal changes are made.

The South Australian Forest Products Association has launched “This is Wood Work” a powerful campaign shining a spotlight on career pathways in South Australia’s forest and timber industries – the ultimate renewable. Source: Timberbiz This industry-driven campaign, led by SAFPA, is supported by the South Australian Government’s Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Masterplan, and is about planning for the future and attracting talent to the industry and the regions. Wood Work is an online tool showcasing the broad diversity of career pathways and job options within the forest and timber industries, ranging from forest management, to harvest and haulage, saw and wood production through to corporate services. Forest industries are building our nation and with growing investment in new processing facilities, it’s an industry that requires skilled, technologically-savvy and environmentally-driven professionals, and the Wood Work campaign will showcase how to find a career with a diversity of pathways while contributing to a greener, cleaner future by producing the ultimate renewable product – timber. South Australia’s Limestone Coast is fast becoming the nation’s hub of forestry innovation with the Wood Work campaign designed to inform and attract job seekers about the multitude of forest industries jobs and careers. The City of Mount Gambier will be decorated in ‘This is Wood Work’ branding, from billboards on the main street, to the back of buses, adverts in the newspaper, on radio and on social media, reaching the core demographic of school leavers and young people looking for meaningful, stable career options. People are the future of the forest industries, and Wood Work is SAFPA’s commitment to future proofing South Australia’s forest and timber sector. To learn more about the campaign, please visit: www.thisiswoodwork.com.au

Saturday, 21 September, marks the start of FSC Forest Week 2024, a global initiative aimed at raising consumer awareness about the critical role of sustainable forestry. Source: Timberbiz Running from 21-27 September, this campaign, led by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), shines a light on the vital role of sustainable forestry in safeguarding the health of our planet. It highlights the incredible work of FSC forest stewards, who are on the front lines of combating climate change and addressing the biodiversity crisis. Over the years, FSC Forest Week has gained significant momentum, inspiring individuals, businesses, and organisations worldwide to take action. This year’s theme, “Small steps together create big change for all”, encourages participants to reflect on how simple daily actions, like making responsible purchasing decisions, can collectively drive significant positive impacts for our planet and its forests. In Australia and New Zealand, forestry organisations, retail giants, fashion brands, packaging leaders, environmental NGOs, and more will be celebrating in an array of ways. From social media participation to magazine features, catalogue highlights, internal awareness events, competitions, and other innovative approaches, FSC certificate holders, members, and promotional licence holders are demonstrating their commitment to sustainable forestry in dynamic and impactful ways. The campaign’s call to action is clear: taking steps, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable future. FSC Forest Week offers a unique opportunity for consumers, business leaders, and social and environmental organisations alike to engage in the conversation and help spread awareness about the importance of managing forests sustainably for future generations. But the work doesn’t stop at the end of the week, FSC encourages everyone to continue making conscious, forest-friendly choices in their daily lives, making this celebration the start of ongoing, positive change. Whether you’re an FSC certificate holder, member, or promotional licence holder, you can join the movement by registering for the campaign. If you’re outside the FSC system, you can still show your support by liking and sharing FSC ANZ’s content on social media. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our forests and the planet’s future. FSC certificate holders, members and promotional licence holders register here. Find out more here: https://fsc.org/en/forestweek FSC Forest Week 2023 recap video: https://youtu.be/TfnjdpRy6ns

New Commonwealth laws provide protections for independent contractors working in the road transport industry and gig workers, from 26 August 2024. These laws operate alongside Victoria’s Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005. Source: Timberbiz There are laws hirers and freight brokers must follow when engaging owner drivers or forestry contractors. Failing to comply with some of these laws is a crime. If you are an owner driver or forestry contractor, the hirer or freight broker who engages you must adhere to the laws set out below. You can report a business you think is breaking these laws through an online form. The Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 and Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Regulations 2017 outline the requirements you must follow when engaging an owner driver or forestry contractor. A forestry contractor is someone that runs a business to: harvest forest products using motorised equipment that they supply transport forest products. The contractor supplies the vehicles and operates at least one of them. A hirer is someone that engages an owner driver or forestry contractor. A freight broker is a broker or agent that procures or arranges the engagement of an owner driver or forestry contractor by a hirer. This includes online platforms that facilitate the engagement of owner drivers or forestry contractors by hirers. If you are engaging an owner driver or forestry contractor for a total of 30 days or more in any 3-month period, you must ensure they receive the relevant extensive information. This information must be provided before they start work. Where the engagement was initially for fewer than 30 days within a 3-month period but is extended, this information must be provided on the 30th day of the engagement. You must use written contracts if the engagement is for 30 days or more or has no fixed end-date. The contract must include the: guaranteed minimum hours of work or income level rates to be paid minimum notice to end the contract or payment to be made instead of notice. Hirers, owner drivers and forestry contractors must not engage in ‘unconscionable conduct’ with respect to each other, including during negotiations. Generally speaking, unconscionable conduct occurs where a stronger party to a transaction exploits a weaker party in a way that is unreasonable or unfair. However, what may amount to unconscionable conduct, or an unjust term will depend on all of the parties’ circumstances. It is important to seek legal advice. Owner drivers, forestry contractors and hirers can refer allegations of unconscionable conduct or unjust contract terms to the VSBC for alternative dispute resolution. If not resolved, they can then be referred to VCAT. You must not subject or threaten an owner driver or forestry contractor to any detriment for: raising health and safety issues claiming their rights under the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 or the Code of Practice seeking to negotiate a proposed engagement or contract seeking to renegotiate an existing engagement or contract. More information is available at: https://www.vic.gov.au/transport-and-forestry-business-support

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia’s new mezzanine office and boardroom was formally opened by EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley last week enthusiastically attended by industry and supply chain representatives. Source: Timberbiz The new office is open and welcoming, showcasing the flexible use of a range of EWPAA member companies’ renewable engineered wood products (EWPs), and offers staff a creative new space to work in and interact with industry. It demonstrates that a bland industrial unit can be made into a vibrant workplace. This previously mezzanine roof storage space was transformed by well-known industry stalwart and retired EWPAA employee, Andy McNaught. Though he may be retired, he’s still very much committed to the industry and promoting EWP use. From start to finish, Mr McNaught skilfully designed, managed trades, and built the new workspace. The EWPAA team is deeply grateful for his immense knowledge, his years of service, and the impressive quality and functionality of the new build. As you enter EWPAA’s front door, you’re greeted by a commanding laminated hardwood tabletop, skilfully manufactured by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), followed by more ASH laminated stair treads, leading to the new mezzanine office landing. Here you see an aesthetically immaculate feature of Austral Plywood vertical strips, accentuated by a backing charcoal painted wall. The Australian Panels’ particleboard STRUCTAflor may be easy to miss, as it’s not been used as a flooring product, but makes up the external cladding of the panelised framing sections. The unsung and unsighted heroes but are just as important are the now-clad products, AKD timber framing from the Caboolture sawmill, and Wesbeam e-joist. Two EWPs that do the job well and are a sensible and renewable choice for renovations and lightweight timber framing builds. Where the new office space really comes together is the exquisite interior. Australian Panels Easycraft Easy VJ100 is a simple product, that truly adds extensive value to the room. The softened texture from the floor-to-ceiling profile leads perfectly into the charcoal feature wall. Austral Plywood ceilings, doors, and trimmings are ever present, as they both pop with a flash of colour and grain texture yet are subtle and warming. “The new build reflects our commitment to innovative use of EWPs, our members, their products, and our renewable timber industry. The new workspace, created masterfully by Andy McNaught, is a welcoming environment which we’re proud of, and will show off every chance we get,” EWPAA CEO Gavin Matthew said. EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley declared the new office was the ‘cherry on top of the cake’ of recent investments made by EWPAA and reflected the association’s leading role in providing timber technical expertise, product certification and testing throughout Australasia.