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Eight out of eleven indicators of gender equality in the Swedish forest sector show male dominance. This is shown by the first compilation of the Forest Sector’s gender equality indicators. At the same time, the Forest Sector’s Gender Equality Council has decided on a new multi-million-sek investment for increased gender equality in the forest. Source: Timberbiz The Forest Sector Gender Equality Council, with 35 organizations behind it, was formed in 2022. It is a unique industry initiative and national forum for dialogue and action with the aim of achieving a gender-equal forest sector. As part of this work, the council has for the first time compiled a series of indicators that show what gender equality looks like in areas such as education, individual ownership and working life. The statistics will be followed up once a year and will provide an overall picture of gender equality work in the sector, now and over time. According to the compilation, eight of the 11 indicators show gender inequality. For example, only 3% of machine operators are women, something for which there were no statistics before. The majority of timber buyers are men, and there is also an imbalance in training. Men also own larger areas on average. “Diversity and equality are a matter of competitiveness, and our industry has a job to do here. For example, only three percent of forest machine operators are women in forestry, while the transport sector has around 20%. With joint investments, we can achieve a change that is positive for both people and profitability,” Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra said. At the council meeting, the Gender Equality Council also decided on an extra investment worth one million kronor. Through a new financing model, the Gender Equality Council’s continued work as an umbrella for gender equality work in the sector can be secured. The co-financing strengthens and streamlines the work of developing, coordinating and communicating knowledge about gender equality work. “When so many actors together show will and power, I am convinced that we can also seriously bring about change. It is a matter of justice that everyone, regardless of gender, should have the same opportunities to influence forestry but also to train and work in the forest sector,” said Herman Sundqvist, Director General of the Swedish Forest Agency.  

Sterling Structural, a manufacturer of cost-effective, prefabricated mass timber and hybrid structural systems in North America, announced the availability of a new Mass Timber Mock-up training kit. The kit is designed to help vocational schools, training programs and unions educate and train the construction industry workforce on the emerging use of Mass Timber in a wide range of structures. Source: Timberbiz The kit includes everything needed to construct a mock-up of a small-scale mass timber building. It’s designed to educate and train installers on the fundamentals of mass timber construction. This hands-on learning tool showcases key components of prefabricated CLT and glulam systems, demonstrating best practices for installation, connection detailing, and material handling. “The launch of the training kit is part of our overall commitment to making Mass Timber for the Masses,” said Michaela Harms, Vice President of Mass Timber at Sterling Structural. “Training carpenters and other construction industry professionals on Mass Timber techniques will improve outcomes which will lead to greater adoption, which will benefit everyone.” Built to reflect real-world construction scenarios, the mock-up provides experience that helps installers gain confidence working with mass timber in preparation for the growing demand in sustainable, high-performance building solutions. It includes: CLT Panels – The large majority of mass timber projects include CLT panels, the mock-up features both 3-ply and 5-ply CLT to familiarize teams with different panel weights and handling requirements. Floor & Roof Systems – Users will learn panel-to-panel spline connections that are critical to a building’s lateral strength. The mock-up includes both recessed plywood splines and surface-mounted straps, as both are common in the industry. Lap Joints – A staple in wood construction, lap joints offer visual appeal and maintains necessary fire resistance in higher rated elements such as fire barrier shaft walls. The kit incorporates both horizontal and vertical lap joints to highlight their role in wall assemblies. Irregular Panel Lifting – Real projects rarely involve only standard panels. The mock-up includes a large penetration cutout, introducing best practices for safely lifting and installing irregular CLT elements. Glulam Column Connections – Projects require different connections based on structural loads, fire rating for the super structure, and aesthetics. The kit includes column base connections to include a raised stand-off typical with concrete topping slabs. Glulam Beam Connections – To demonstrate more advanced connection techniques, the kit includes knife plate connections and concealed hangers, both of which require precise installation. Exposed bucket connections are not featured, as they are simpler to install and require less specialized training. “We’re seeing an increase in interest from a range of architects, engineers and designers in using Mass Timber for projects,” said Pat Sowers, Coordinator at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. “Our responsibility to our members is to ensure they are trained in all the latest construction materials and technologies, and Sterling’s training kit will be invaluable in our ability to meet that goal.”

Komatsu will begin a trial introduction of forestry machines manufactured by its wholly owned subsidiary, Komatsu Forest at customer job sites in Japan, starting in May 2025. The trial will assess the effectiveness of the Cut-to-Length (CTL) method in Japanese forestry operations, with the aim of the broader introduction of harvesters and forwarders adapted for CTL, into the Japanese market in the future. Source: Timberbiz Cut-to-Length (CTL) method: A common forestry method in Europe, involving felling standing trees, delimbing, and bucking them into logs of specified lengths in the forest, using two types of machines – a harvester for felling and processing, and a forwarder for transporting the logs. Komatsu is enhancing its forestry machinery business, a circular business that supports forest regeneration. Strengthening this business as the company’s third core pillar, following its construction and mining equipment businesses, Komatsu has expanded globally by promoting mechanization in harvesting, processing, forwarding, and planting operations, as well as the provision of fleet management and timber handling solutions. Japan boasts an expansive forested area, comparable to the Nordic forestry nations, and holds strong potential for timber production. However, excavator-based machines have long been mainstream in Japan, and multi-machine processes have been the norm. Because of the country’s steep terrains, wheeled forestry machines made overseas were traditionally considered unsuitable. Nonetheless, amid labour shortages and a declining forestry workforce, there is growing interest in more mechanized approaches. The CTL method enables the completion of all timber production processes with fewer machines and fewer operators, offering potential improvements in productivity, safety, and cost efficiency, compared to conventional Japanese practices. The trial will involve the Komatsu 931XC harvester (operating weight: 21.9 tons) and the Komatsu 855 forwarder (maximum load capacity: 14 tons). The trial will commence in May 2025 at customer job sites across Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu, and will continue for approximately one year. Some regions will also include comparative studies with traditional methods. In addition, Komatsu plans to evaluate ICT-based forestry solutions by combining machine data such as GPS location, production planning, and results with forest stand distribution information to optimize routing during harvesting and forwarding, aiming to further improve productivity through efficient operation management. The first test, starting in May, will be conducted jointly with Mitsui Bussan Forest on forests owned by Mitsui & Co in Hokkaido.

Changes to New Zealand’s Wildlife Act passed through Parliament and ensure important development projects, such as building new solar and wind farms, continue supporting a growing economy while protecting precious wildlife according to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Source: Timberbiz The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the killing of wildlife unless there was a direct link between killing and protecting wildlife. Incidental harm to wildlife, while not desired, sometimes happens when carrying out a lawful activity, such as consented construction works or forestry operations. “This decision placed multiple projects, which previously received DOC authorisations, in a state of uncertainty,” Mr Potaka said. “Projects include activities for building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy. “Today’s improvements give certainty to authority holders that their projects can continue lawfully, whether it’s for important conservation work like pest control or development and infrastructure projects. “Today’s changes clarify how authorisations can be consistent with protecting wildlife, and that the Director-General of the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai can make authorisations. We are restoring the approach that DOC was taking for authorising activities before the Court’s decision and provide legal clarity. “These changes keep safeguards to protect wildlife. It’s important Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife continues to be protected, and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy. “Under the amended Wildlife Act, authority holders are still expected to avoid and minimise harm to protected species. Examples include relocating animals before doing any construction work – to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species,” Mr Potaka said. “Now the amendments have been enacted, we can turn to accelerating a comprehensive review of the Wildlife Act.”