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Tigercat has expanded its dealership network in the Southern Cone of South America, with the addition of Grupo Timbo in Paraguay. Source: Timberbiz Frans Misdorp, Tigercat South American District Manager, began traveling to Paraguay in early 2024 to determine the potential opportunity, focusing on some of the plantation projects being developed east of the Rio Paraguay from Asunción northward towards Concepción. Mr Misdorp was introduced to the company Grupo Timbo. After meeting both the chairman, Rolando, and his son, director Renato Zuccolillo, and Frans extended an invitation to visit Tigercat in Canada. Rolando and Renato made the journey to Canada last June. The connection between the Tigercat team and the Grupo Timbo team was seamless, as both companies stem from similar family-run backgrounds. After a two-day visit, the parties reached consensus on how to move forward together. Grupo Timbo officially became Tigercat’s exclusive dealer during a January 2025 dealer agreement signing ceremony in Asunción. Grupo Timbo originated in Paraguay’s transport industry, specializing in bus and road freight, and later expanding into the construction sector. Rolando gained insight into the forest industry from his father, who shared interesting stories from his early days procuring round logs to feed his sawmill on the outskirts of Asunción. As a result, Rolando has developed a deep understanding of the forest harvesting process and is well aware of the future equipment needs in Paraguay. Today, Grupo Timbo is 36 years old, with eight sales and service outlets and a ninth location currently under construction in Concepción. The Concepción branch location is strategically positioned close to a new pulp mill being constructed by the forestry company Paracel. Initial plantation efforts primarily involved private growers cultivating Eucalyptus camaldulensis. However, with improved silvicultural practices and site preparation, Eucalyptus urophylla clones have been introduced, leading to better growth yields per hectare. Although the region receives adequate rainfall, Paracel has implemented a state-of-the-art early fire detection system that utilizes infrared camera technology to protect its forest assets during dry periods. The mill will begin operating in the first quarter of 2027, and at full capacity, it plans to intake 6,3 million tonnes per annum.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is committed to maintaining the highest standard of responsible forest management, ensuring that all timber entering FSC-certified supply chains complies with legal and ethical requirements. Source: Timberbiz FSC recognises the ongoing concerns surrounding illegal timber trade, particularly from sanctioned countries such as Russia, and the need for transparency in global supply chains. All certification systems carry inherent risks of misuse and illegal trade. The complexity of global supply chains – whether in timber, agriculture, or textiles can expose them to risks such as false claims or illegal trade. Unfortunately, misconceptions regarding FSC certification and its processes continue to appear in some reports and public discussions, leading to misinterpretations of the system’s integrity. As such, it is important to take this opportunity to address these issues and provide a clearer understanding of the robust measures FSC has implemented to prevent illegal timber from entering certified supply chains. Clarifying key misconceptions It is important to differentiate between two distinct issues: false claims about certified products and the trade of illegal timber outside the scope of FSC certification. False claims occur when a certificate holder unintentionally or deliberately represents a product as FSC-certified when it is not. False claims can taint entire supply chains and result in the immediate suspension or termination of a certificate; a decision made solely by the certification body. Additionally, FSC may block companies by revoking their trademark licenses and preventing re-certification until corrective measures are completed. However, the sale of illegal timber outside the scope of FSC certification is beyond the authority of certification bodies, as they do not have the mandate to address transactions that fall outside the certified scope. If there is evidence that a company may be violating the FSC Policy for Association – such as sourcing wood from Russia outside the scope of certification – FSC may initiate a Policy for Association investigation. Addressing risks in Eurasian timber supply chains FSC is aware of specific risks regarding the potential illegal entry of Russian birch into certified supply chains through countries in the Eurasian region such as China, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. In response to this, FSC launched the Eurasia integrity workplan to address this risk through multiple avenues: Transaction verification (TV) loops: FSC and Assurance Services International (ASI) launched TV loops focusing on birch wood products, including both wood panels and plywood. Over 800 certificate holders are participating in these investigations across 30 countries, with a targeted focus on Eurasian nations. The Eurasia birch wood panel TV loop (launched in 2024) and the birch plywood TV loop (launched by ASI in 2023), complement each other. Preliminary results from the birch plywood TV loop were published last year, while those from the birch wood panel TV loop will be shared soon. Wood sample testing: To complement the TV loop, Wood samples are being collected from certain certificate holders for testing to verify timber origin from the claimed sources. High-risk cluster investigations: After analyzing trading patterns within FSC-certified birch supply chains, ASI identifies high-risk clusters and conducts deeper investigations. If any certificate holder is found to falsely and deliberately making FSC claims on non-certified wood, FSC takes immediate action by blocking the certificate holders from the FSC system and addressing any gaps identified in its normative framework. In Kazakhstan, ASI’s investigations into the illegal sale of Russian wood using false FSC claims have led to significant outcomes. These included on-site assessments, and transaction verifications, following which two certificate holders voluntarily terminated their FSC certification. Additionally, another company had its certification revoked due to non-cooperation. Calibration workshops for certification bodies are also being organized by FSC to make sure there is a common level of understanding of the integrity challenges and to improve the quality of audits. Rigorous integrity measures to mitigate such risks FSC has robust, built-in mechanisms to proactively identify and prevent risks related to illegal timber trade. Accredited certification bodies play a crucial role in managing the certification process and are responsible for conducting thorough annual audits of certificate holders to ensure conformity with FSC standards. In addition to FSC standards, we have developed a range of mechanisms designed to prevent illegally harvested timber from entering certified supply chains. These include: Technology-based tools: FSC is adopting advanced digital record-keeping and traceability systems to enhance transparency within certified supply chains. These tools ensure greater accountability and help verify the origin of timber. Supply chain monitoring and investigation: FSC works with ASI to conduct rigorous assessments and investigations to detect discrepancies in the volumes of certified traded through supply chains. ASI, along with the certification bodies, also carries out various types of investigations and assessments, including unannounced visits to certificate holders, to address allegations of wrongdoing. Measures for high-risk species: Based on ASI’s findings from various TV loops and investigations, FSC has introduced special evaluation requirements for auditing supply chains of high-risk species such as mango, Dalbergia, and Paulownia. These additional measures ensure more stringent checks on species vulnerable to illegal trade and misuse of certification. FSC’s Policy for Association: The Policy for Association allows FSC to sever ties with certified companies involved in unacceptable activities such as deforestation, illegal logging, or human rights violations. For example, in the case of WOB Timber, FSC launched a case based on a German court ruling against WOB Timber for illegally trading teak from Myanmar. FSC’s board of directors decided to set conditions for maintaining association with WOB Timber– including a compliance audit – that need to be fulfilled, otherwise a disassociation would be the consequence. Moving forward FSC remains committed to upholding the highest levels of integrity of forest certification. Several key actions are in progress in relation to these efforts. The implementation of the Eurasia integrity workplan is ongoing, with further updates expected on its various components, including transaction verification (TV) loops and calibration workshops. Additionally, proposed revisions to FSC’s main certification body standard (FSC-STD-20-001) include normative changes aimed at enhancing oversight of certificate holders—particularly within high-risk supply chains. Following a consultation process, […]

As 2025 begins to take shape, the architectural community is eagerly anticipating the debut of several innovative mass timber buildings. Source: Timberbiz Here is a selection of 10 from over 2,000 new projects supplied by Stora Enso set to launch this year. Each building exemplifies the versatility and cutting-edge advancements in construction that significantly reduce emissions using climate-conscious materials and biophilic design. The World Expo 2025, Osaka, Japan The 2025 World Expo in Osaka promises to be a showcase of global innovation, and  the Czech pavilion made from a prefabricated mass timber kit of parts (Sylva by Stora Enso delivered by A2 Timber) is a standout example. The breathtaking geometric design concept, rooted in the principle of raw material efficiency, ensured rapid on-site assembly. Expect to see a 260-meter-(853 ft) long educational trail, with views of Osaka Bay, and a multifunctional auditorium that will offer a rich program throughout the entire exhibition. Timber Square, Bankside, UK In the heart of London, Timber Square, designed by Bennett’s Associates is poised to become a landmark of sustainable urban development. Landsec’s mammoth 370,000 square feet scheme reconstructs a former printworks into two office-led timber buildings (15 floors and 10 floors high) combining retail units and leafy, public space. It is set to be the largest commercial development in the UK to utilize cross-laminated timber, delivered by Hybrid Structures and will be one of the most vibrant new hubs for work and leisure. Walworth Town Hall, Southwark, UK This Victorian heritage building was badly damaged by a fire in 2013 and has since undergone extensive restoration with mass timber delivered by B&K Structures, playing a central role in its renovation. This historic building has been revitalised to serve as a community hub, featuring flexible spaces for events, exhibitions, and local businesses. The use of timber not only respects the building’s heritage as a beloved landmark but is also at the forefront of decarbonising the built environment in keeping with London’s low emission ambitions. Paradise, Lambeth, UK Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio’s 5,876 m³ (63,250 sq ft) six-storey mass timber office building on Old Paradise Street was strategically designed with a hybrid solid timber low-carbon approach by B&K Structures. The project is praised for transforming a disused site into a dynamic workspace, with many highlighting its low-carbon construction and operational benefits which are expected to achieve BREEAM Excellent | WELL Gold rating | RIBA’s 2030 | Climate Challenge | LETI’s 2030 target. Hosta, Paris, France Hardel Le Bihan’s design of Hosta stands out as one of France’s most exciting mass timber buildings to open this year, thanks to its leveraging of engineered wood’s lightweight properties to bridge six lanes of traffic. This technical tour de force significantly contributes to the transformation of a busy urban crossroads, accommodating seven-storey halls of residence for young workers, a feat that would have been impossible at such height with concrete. Albizzia, Lyon, France This timber frame city block in Lyon, also by Hardel Le Bihan, in association with Insolites Architecture, is a mixed-use, flexible, adaptable design that showcases the versatility of mass timber delivered by our partner Woodeum and Lyon-based developer, UTEI. The scheme incorporates four separate and distinct buildings, including housing, social accommodations, offices, commercial spaces, and a 53-metre tall (16-floor) tower for mixed uses. First Building, Bradfield City Centre, Sydney Australia First Building designed by Hassel Studios, and timber delivered by Savcon – houses Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). It is the First Building in Bradfield City Centre Australia’s newest city in over a century on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI). Mälarterrassen, Stockholm, Sweden Mälarterrassen in Stockholm’s Slussen district is set to be one of the most exciting projects of 2025. This ambitious development, designed by White Arkitekter and Foster+Partners, transforms the area into a lively, human-centred space with six restaurants, terraced buildings, and an open staircase connecting key points. New Offices of Graf Holztechnik, Horn, Austria Graf Holztechnik’s 19-million-euro expansion of its premises marks another milestone in sustainable architecture. The building’s design by the leading Austrian architect, sps÷architekten, prioritises energy efficiency and employee wellbeing, featuring extensive use of natural materials and daylight. The open-plan layout fosters collaboration, while the precoated hydrophobic timber structure provides a long-lasting, warm and inviting atmosphere. It exemplifies how modern offices can be both functional and beautiful. UPNA Health Sciences Building, Pamplona, Spain Last but by no means least, the new Faculty of Health Sciences at the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) is set to be the largest mass timber building in the region, featuring nearly 10,000 m² of solid wood. Designed by VArquitectos and Bryaxis Arquitectos, and delivered by Iberian mass timber specialist Madergia, this positive energy building uses 2,287m³ of prefabricated Sylva™ CLT elements. Located near two major hospitals, UPNA will provide students with state-of-the-art, healthy laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a central atrium to foster social connection.

A Green Triangle forestry organisation has received a significant cash injection from the South Australian State Government to ensure their success now and into the future. Source: The SE Voice The State Government has announced a $300,000 funding contribution towards the implementation of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub’s (GTIFH) new Workforce Development Program. The funding enables the GTIFH to increase its impact and effectiveness in its workforce development within the timber industry and recruit a workforce development officer, whose role will be to increase recruitment in the forest industry. The implementation of the GTFIH Workforce Development Program expands on its initial program that commenced in 2023. Minister for Forest Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven said there have already been some positive outcomes from the existing program. “This funding will enable an extra two years of this program and that’s really important for the future of the forest industry,” she said. “We know the forest industry and the forest products industry are going to need far more staff going into the future from all sorts of roles from working in the mills, from being in the forest themselves to transport haulage to computer engineering and the list goes on. “It is really important that we do have the skills available and also that we do make sure we have the connections with employers. “The work of the Work Force Development Program through the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub is going to be really crucial in that. “I think initiatives like this in addition to the ‘This is Wood Work’ campaign has resulted in a lot more awareness of the opportunities.” GTIFH will be working in tandem with partners across the region including the Forestry Centre of Excellence, ForestWorks and the South Australian Forest Productions Association. The program will also capitalise on the development of the education training and research precinct in Mount Gambier featuring the Forestry Centre of Excellence, the UniSA Mount Gambier campus, the new Mount Gambier Technical College and the Mount Gambier TAFE. Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub general manager Tony Wright said the hub was “very grateful” for the funding and the investment in the forest industry from the State Government. “For us, it means we can continue the two-year program we have been running which has already produced really significant results in the region,” he said. “I think there is about 32,000 people of employment age in the Limestone Coast and about 7500 of them are either directly or indirectly employed (in the forest industry) so that is about one in five. “It is a significant employer in the region so this program will help us continue to get the message out to the community and the schools about the opportunities in forestry. “We are seeing some really strong interest and a part of that is through the work we are doing with schools as well where we are showing teachers and career educators and students the broad breadth of opportunities that can exist in the forest industry.” Independent Learning Centre students Declan Malinowski and Josh Potter are two of five new school-based trainees who have been working in the forest industry for around three weeks. The pair said they enjoy the variety of opportunities the forestry industry has to offer. “I had some sort of understanding, but I did not realise how much variety and opportunity there actually was once you got into it,” Mr Potter said. “I saw an application for a traineeship that was happening, and I was interested in the forestry side of things, and I decided that it would be a good opportunity to try and get into (the forestry industry). “I have had multiple family members and friends who have worked in the industry and have said it is a pretty good industry with lots of opportunities. “When you do an apprenticeship in most mills, they usually put you in one area of the mill … but because of the traineeship we have been offered and gotten, we have worked in probably about five/six different parts of the mill so far and it has only been our first three weeks into it.” “Because of how much we have been able to try out, we have been sort of able to figure out what part of the industry we like the most,” Mr Malinowski added. “We have been spending time with all of the departments at OneFortyOne at their site and getting trained up and ready to go on for the rest of the term.”

The Federal Government has announced $10.4 million in funding for 14 new plantation projects through Round 3 of the Support Plantation Establishment program. Source: Timberbiz The 14 projects will establish hardwood and softwood plantations ranging in size from 21 to 1928 hectares to a total of approximately 5500 hectares, in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The projects will bolster Australia’s future timber supply while contributing to meeting Australia’s carbon emission targets. “Australia doesn’t have enough domestically grown timber,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said. “That’s why this program has enabled new softwood and hardwood plantations across Australia. “It’s part of a wider program of support for our forestry industry worth $300 million, which also includes the establishment of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations and funding to combat illegally logged timber products from entering Australia,” she said. “The Albanese Labor Government is dedicated to supporting jobs and industries in regional Australia, and this is another demonstration of our commitment.” The new projects are in addition to 27 existing plantation projects, with the program now providing $26.2 million in grant funding to support the establishment of over 13,750 hectares of new hardwood and softwood plantations across Australia. This is the first batch of funding through Round 3, with further funding is still open for applications until 5 November 2025 for private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters and state and territory government forestry bodies to establish new plantations. New projects must be delivered by June 2027. “While we have a surplus of building construction timber right now, we are actually forecasting shortages in the plantation timber that we’ll need in decades to come to build new homes and manufacture a range of essential everyday products,” Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam said. “That’s why it’s important we get more timber production trees in the ground right now, to fend off those future shortages. “This announcement is the latest in a reform program agenda carried out by the Federal Government over the past three years to help Australia’s forestry sector and the supply chain. “In addition to funding for plantation expansion, further funding has been delivered during this term of government to enhance timber and wood-fibre manufacturing as well as establish the new Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) – all of which was advocated for by AFPA ahead of the 2022 Federal Election,” Ms Hallam said. “Getting more timber production trees in the ground is critical, which is why ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, AFPA is calling for a $200 million extension to the SPEP as part of our broader Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Platform to help our sector realise its potential. “AFPA again thanks the Albanese Government for today’s announcement and will continue to work with the Government and Opposition ahead of the Federal Election to secure the best national outcomes for Australia’s forestry and timber sector – that is important for local employment, products, forest management and fighting climate change,” she said. For more information, including a list of the successful projects and case studies on existing grantees, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/support-plantation-establishment-program