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The Finnish forest products sector plays a crucial role in the global pulp, paper, and forest products market. Its unique landscape is shaped by sustainability objectives, evolving market dynamics, and international regulations. Source: ResourceWise Understanding and staying up to date on what’s going on in various regions is crucial to staying competitive. Below is a high-level overview of different elements shaping the Finnish market. The Finnish forest industry is experiencing mixed economic conditions. The sector has seen an increase in sawn softwood production, with a 4% year-on-year growth in 2024. Metsä’s Kemi pulp mill has been ramping up, keeping the wood markets busy. Exports have also strengthened, and roundwood purchasing volumes have risen by 17%. However, the market remains volatile. Despite increased production, profitability is still fragile due to higher costs and price pressures. Stora Enso’s packaging board investments are ongoing in Oulu, putting more pressure on the roundwood market in the long term. At the same time, Finland’s economy is expected to recover slowly, with GDP growth projected at only 0.8% in 2025 after contracting in 2024. But the broader economic uncertainty in the Eurozone and the US trade policies may continue impacting Finnish forest product exports. Finland’s ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 faces increasing challenges. According to recent reports, Finnish forests, which traditionally served as carbon sinks, have turned into carbon sources since 2021. Factors such as rising logging rates, emissions from drained peatland forests, and reduced soil carbon sequestration have contributed to this shift. Additionally, about 90% of Finland’s tree growth is now consumed by logging and natural mortality, a significant increase from earlier decades. This reality raises concerns about the feasibility of offsetting other sector emissions through forest carbon sinks alone. The European Union’s Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) regulations pose further pressure on Finland. If the country fails to meet carbon sequestration targets, it may have to purchase emission allowances, adding financial strain. Many EU nations also struggle with these targets, so the regulatory landscape remains uncertain. Several major companies in the Finnish forest industry are undergoing organizational changes. Stora Enso has reported EUR 724 million in non-cash impairments due to reduced long-term cash flow projections. Metsä Board is shutting down the Tako Board Mill in Tampere, impacting 215 jobs while expanding capacity at its Husum mill in Sweden. On a brighter note, investments in sustainability-focused financing are ongoing. Metsäliitto Cooperative has recently obtained a EUR 200 million revolving credit facility linked to sustainability goals. This credit underscores the organization’s dedication to environmentally friendly operations. Bioenergy continues to be a critical component of Finland’s renewable energy strategy. The share of wood dry matter used for energy has steadily increased, reaching 61% in 2023. Most of this comes from forest industry by-products such as bark, black liquor, and recycled wood. However, the market for energy wood is showing signs of cooling. Milder winter temperatures have led to lower consumption at heating plants, increasing stockpiles. Additionally, energy companies’ investments in electric boilers and heat pumps may reduce the future demand for wood-based energy sources. Despite these challenges, Finland remains a major bioenergy consumer, with bioenergy accounting for 38% of its total energy consumption and 74% of its renewable energy use. Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities The Finnish forest industry faces a complex landscape of regulatory pressures, shifting energy demands, and economic headwinds. While increased bioenergy adoption and wood product exports offer opportunities, concerns over carbon neutrality, rising costs, and market volatility remain significant hurdles.

CBI has launched its ChipMax 364T Whole Tree Chipper, an industrial woodchipper built from the ground up with input from forestry and wood waste professionals. Source: Timberbiz Designed to excel in real-world applications, including land clearing, biomass production, pulp and paper, forestry and wood processing, mulch production, and landscaping, the ChipMax 364T is a solution for operators seeking high-performance chipping with low maintenance costs. Powered by either a 755hp or 550hp engine, the ChipMax 364T Whole Tree Chipper features an improved chute geometry, enhancing chip throw for more efficient trailer packing. A standard chip accelerator optimizes performance by providing consistent output across varying chip sizes. Additionally, the service platform next to the engine provides a convenient space for routine maintenance, simplifying oil checks and upkeep for operators. The ChipMax 364T also offers flexibility with two rotor options alongside the innovative CBI rotor design, which allows for quick and easy rotor swaps. This makes it simple to adjust chip sizes for operators to produce a range of materials as needed, from consistent micro-chips to larger 30mm chips, catering to diverse market demands. “From design to execution, the ChipMax 364T Whole Tree Chipper embodies simplicity and reliability,” said George Wilcox, Sales and Marketing Director at CBI. “We’ve listened to the needs of our customers and created a machine that maximizes efficiency while keeping operations straightforward and cost-effective.”

Lodgepole pine – a wilding conifer considered one of New Zealand’s worst weeds has evolved to grow and spread faster there than it does in its native North America. Source: Timberbiz A Scion study, the focus of a New Zealand Journal of Ecology article seeks to understand why, to help inform strategies for addressing the problem. This study is part of Scion’s Vive la résistance program, which started in 2021 and has NZ$12.85 million in funding through the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour fund. The study investigated cone and seed traits of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) from several major invasion sites across NZ compared with its native range. The comparison across six sites showed the average number of filled seeds per cone was 74 – at least three times higher than that recorded in its native range and about 50% higher than previous NZ estimates. Scion’s researchers predict this increase in the number of seeds has likely enhanced the invasion success of lodgepole pine by allowing it to spread quickly and overwhelm ecosystems. “The average number of seed scales per cone is similar between NZ and the native range,” Scion invasion ecologist and article lead author Tom Carlin says. “Therefore, we suggest this trait shift towards a greater seed holding capacity may be due to an increase in the proportion of fertile scales. “This demonstrated trait shift is unsurprising given lodgepole pine has fewer natural enemies in New Zealand, thrives in our growing conditions and has potentially produced more invasive hybrids since its introduction.” Some sites were found to have produced fewer seeds, such as Craigieburn near Christchurch, where the national wilding conifer control program has had some success in removing pollen-producing individuals. “Keeping the number of pollen-producing adults low slows population spread as seeds don’t get fertilised,” Mr Carlin says. In North America, lodgepole pine has specialist seed predators such as squirrels and crossbills which put pressure on cone defences. Those predators are not present in NZ, which could have allowed the trees to dedicate more resources to producing seeds rather than investing in cone defences. Lodgepole pine is not a forestry species in NZ and is not actively planted. Wilding conifers (non-natives) are estimated to affect over 1.7 million ha of productive and conservation lands in NZ (Ministry for Primary Industries, 2015, p.9). Their rapid growth and spread poses a significant threat to ecosystems worldwide by outcompeting native species, increasing fire risk, supporting invasive mammal populations, reducing water yields and limiting future economic land uses. Scion’s VLR program works alongside New Zealand’s National Wilding Conifer Control Program (NWCCP), which aims to contain and eradicate wilding conifers and prevent their future spread. Existing populations of wildings are being treated but cleared land is being re-invaded. For the NWCCP to be successful it is critical to develop effective strategies to create long-term resistance to re-invasion on treated land. Scion scientists Matthew Scott and Thomas Paul co-authored the journal article.

Temporary housing for people displaced by natural disasters could become cheaper, lighter and more sustainable with innovative new timber-cardboard construction panels developed by University of Queensland researchers. Source: Timberbiz The panels are 50% lighter than a previous design but retain the same strength, according to a new paper by structural engineering PhD candidate Mahmoud Abu-Saleem and Associate Professor Joe Gattas, both from UQ’s School of Civil Engineering. Dr Gattas said extensive use of cardboard reduces the cost and environmental impact of the panels, meaning builders of temporary housing are less exposed to the shortages and soaring costs of traditional construction materials. “Cardboard is one of the most highly recycled materials for packaging in Australia,” he said. “There’s no impact on waste generated and no increase in resource consumption. You’re essentially extending the service life of that material before it gets recycled again.” The timber-cardboard web-core sandwich (TCWS) panels consist of thin timber facings separated by cardboard studs and air pockets. They were introduced in the research paper as a development of timber-cardboard sandwich (TCS) panels, which featured a solid monolithic cardboard core. Lab testing found the TCWS panels were 50% lighter than the TCS panels and just as strong, or stronger, for their weight. The TCWS panels were also 33% stronger than similar foam or bio-based panels. Dr Gattas said introducing the air gap helped reduce the weight, so two people can comfortably handle the panels. “The panels are intended for short-term use, possibly for temporary housing or granny flats for people displaced by natural disasters,” he said. “The fact they are lighter means they will be easier to lift and fit together quickly in a post-disaster scenario, where temporary structures are in high demand. “We need systems that suit short-term use cases as there’s a lot of need for this class of accommodation in Australia, and internationally.” The panels have been used in a prototype ‘cardboard house’ constructed at UQ’s Pinjarra Hills Research Facility and have held up well to the wet Queensland summer. The researchers have kept the elements at bay by incorporating the same principles used for timber-clad homes – including substantial eaves, often seen on iconic Queenslander-style homes. Mr Abu-Saleem said while replacing some of the monolithic cardboard in the TCS with the air gaps reduced the weight, this could also reduce the insulation effectiveness of the panels. “This could be addressed in future by adding another waste material like paper into the air gaps to improve their insulation properties,” he said. The research paper is published in Structures.

The bushfire came within 30m of this Huon pine (centre), which is estimated to be around 3,000 years old. Source: Timberbiz, photo Micah Visoiu A 3000-year-old Huon pine and several high-conservation stands of ancient trees have been confirmed to be intact and undamaged by the bushfires impacting Tasmania’s rugged West Coast. Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said these bushfires have been devastating for the West Coast, but this news will provide some relief. “A team of natural values specialists from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania conducted an aerial assessment of impacts of the Yellowband Creek bushfire, and were relieved to see the trees intact,” Mr Duigan said. The assessment consisted of a low-level helicopter flight of the length of the Harman and Wilson Rivers to observe impacted vegetation. NRE Tas Senior Ecologist Steve Leonard said the inspection confirmed the main Huon pines along both rivers remained intact. “The only impacts on Huon pine observed were a handful of scorched trees on the lower Harman River, which are outside of the main Huon pine stand. There is also a reasonable chance that these trees will survive,” Dr Leonard said. Across the Yellowband Plain fireground, rainforest boundaries have held, meaning impact to the rainforest is minimal. “We were pretty excited after flying through the landscape to come to this island of intact forest and see these magnificent old trees,” Dr Leonard said. “These Huon pine forests have immense conservation significance, so their survival through this bushfire is a great outcome.” Dr Leonard said the forests had managed to hold on in the landscape until now because they occur in areas of natural fire refuge. “However, we can’t just rely on natural fire protection, and we’ve seen as part of the current response is that actions like water bombing, retardant drops and sprinkler lines can be very effective in bolstering natural refuges and preventing fire impacts to these significant natural values.” One tree in the Harman River stand is about 3000 years old, and it is likely a number of other trees in the stand are a similar age. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said water bombing had been used to bolster the natural fire protection of the stand. “PWS fire crews have used the latest technology available to tackle the current bushfires. Our strategy remains focused on early detection and rapid response,” Ms Edwards said. “We use state-of-the art remote cameras units coupled with satellite technology to detect dry lightning strikes and monitor for hotspots. We also conduct planned burns to reduce the risk of bushfires and help preserve ecosystems across our reserve estate. “Planned burns in the West Coast area over recent years have proven effective at containing the edges and slowing the spread of a number of the current fires. Our winch crews have also been invaluable in getting into more remote fires quickly to contain their spread.” Mr Duigan commended Parks teams on their efforts to preserve these areas of high conservation value. “I’d like to thank the fire crews incident management teams and all of our support staff right across all three agencies – Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania Fire Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania. Our thoughts remain with everyone involved, we appreciate your dedication and commitment to the ongoing response,” Mr Duigan said.

University of Queensland studies have used a natural tree sap gum and light to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables to combat food waste. Source: Timberbiz The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) research used edible coatings made from gum Arabic or acacia gum enriched with extracts from native Australian plants to stop the growth of spoilage causing microorganisms. The research team also used light and curcumin, a compound extracted from turmeric, to deactivate fungal spores on food. QAAFI’s Dr Maral Seididamyeh said both methods were effective in keeping food fresh for longer. “Using our edible coating, we were able to prevent the growth of spoilage microorganisms in freshly cut capsicum for around 10 days in the fridge,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “This was mostly due to the organic acids and phenolic compounds found in the aqueous extracts of plants like Cape York lilly pilly, boonjee tamarind, and Tasmanian pepper leaves. “These extracts showed promising antimicrobial properties, and the sensory analysis also revealed the fruit looked and smelt better. “The curcumin-based photosensitisation technique completely deactivated the fungal spores responsible for grey mould in fresh produce. “When applied to strawberries, it reduced decay incidence and severity by 20% without compromising the fruit’s colour or firmness.” Dr Seididamyeh said chemical-free methods for preventing food spoilage were in demand. “Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are becoming resistant to synthetic chemicals used to preserve food,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “Consumers are increasingly favouring products made with natural preservatives over synthetic additives.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ data showed 17% of food was lost to spoilage and other issues at retail outlets and in homes. “The research results are promising but more work is needed especially since photosensitisation is a relatively new concept in the food industry,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “Photosensitisation is already used in medicine through photodynamic therapy to destroy abnormal cells in treatment for cancer and precancerous conditions. “The edible gum coating, embedded with extracts from native Australian foods and leaves, and curcumin are currently quite expensive. “To help make this a mainstream solution further funding will be needed to refine the technology for its integration into commercial packing and processing lines.” The research was funded by Hort Innovation, the Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Research Council. The research was published in the Journal of Food Science, Food Control and Foods, and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

The Tasmanian Timber Webinar Series is a must-attend for professionals in architecture, construction, design, and manufacturing, offering expert insights into Tasmania’s sustainable timber industry.  There are three in the series starting on 5 March. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by Mick Lee, a leader in the timber industry with more than 30 years of experience, the series explores key aspects of Tasmanian timber resources, sustainability, certification, and product applications. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about Tasmania’s responsibly managed forests, the role of plantation timber in construction, and advancements in engineered wood products. The series will also delve into environmental management, certification processes, and the sustainable harvesting of native and plantation timbers. Additionally, participants will receive comprehensive information on Tasmanian timber species, their unique properties, and the technical resources available to support their use in various applications. This series is essential for those seeking to make informed decisions about sustainable, local timber in their projects. Tasmanian Timber: Products, Availability, Technical Information, and Our Resources – 5 March. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of Tasmanian timber products, their availability, and essential technical information. Attendees will gain insights into various species, exploring their unique properties and the vast selection of applications. The webinar will also highlight valuable resources such as brochures, factsheets, flooring guides, and installer support, all available on the Tasmanian Timber website. This session is vital for industry professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of Tasmanian timber products and resources, enabling them to make informed decisions in their projects. Register here. Sustainability and Certification: Environmental management, native forests and old growth forests – 2 April. This session will aim to deepen specifiers understanding of sustainable forest management practices in Tasmania. The webinar will delve into the Tasmanian Forest Practices System, which governs all forestry operations on both public and private lands, ensuring sustainable management across the state’s forest estate. Participants will gain insights into the certification processes that align with internationally recognised standards, ensuring that species sourced and processed in Tasmania from certified native forests and plantations are sustainably managed. This session is essential for industry professionals committed to sustainable building practices, offering valuable knowledge on environmental management and the certification processes that uphold the integrity of Tasmania’s native and old growth forests. Register here. The future of the Plantation timber resource – 7 May Attendees will learn about the availability of plantation timber products, both current and upcoming, that are shaping the future of construction. The webinar will feature expert speaker Michael Lee, who brings more than 30 years of industry experience, with a deep understanding of quality control, technical production, and sustainable innovation. Michael’s expertise has driven groundbreaking advancements in the use of plantation eucalypts for cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT). This session is a must-attend for builders, designers, and architects passionate about sustainable building practices that benefit both the environment and the community. Participants will gain valuable insights into sustainable building practices and the future of plantation timber in construction. Register here.

UPM Timber has launched a carbon storage calculator on its website. With the carbon storage calculator, wood industry professionals, UPM Timber’s customers and consumers can easily calculate the amount of carbon sequestered in wood raw material and examine its climate impacts. Source: Timberbiz “The carbon storage calculator provides the user with a clear measure of the emissions that have been generated by the production and transportation of the wood raw material needed for a specific project. “It also provides a clear measure of the carbon that has been stored when the project is completed. The tool brings the climate impact of our raw material choices closer to everyday life, helping us all make more sustainable decisions,” said Antti Koulumies, Vice President, UPM Timber. Wood is an excellent building material due to its renewability, durability, and carbon sequestration capacity. Using wood as a building material significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to materials that require more fossil fuels in their production. In Finland, the new building law, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025, aims to promote emission reduction and the circular economy. From 2026 onwards, the initiator of a construction project must demonstrate the origin of the building materials, the amount of energy used in their production and transportation, and the emissions they cause. UPM Timber’s carbon storage calculator helps the user to better understand the role of sawn timber as a long-term carbon storage. “The foundation of UPM’s strategy is to create value for society – both as a responsible company and through renewable and sustainable solutions. UPM Timber’s carbon storage calculator defines one approach of value creation, the carbon dioxide stored in wood products,” said Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility at UPM. UPM Timber aims to be a frontrunner in environmental responsibility in its industry, and thanks to fossil-free production, UPM Timber’s emissions are already quite low. The new carbon storage calculator is part of UPM Timber’s continuous effort to increase transparency in the value chain and provide its customers with tools to promote sustainability.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Source: Timberbiz On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. In 2025, forests and foods is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon. FAO is also proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025 and FAO International Day of Forests events will mark this occasion by showcasing actions and best practices that promote a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food.