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Woodsafe Research & Development (WRD) has installed Sweden’s most advanced testing equipment to verify the long-term performance of fire-protected wood products.  Source: Timberbiz With the capability to conduct both durability testing according to EN 16755 Method B and fire classification via SBI (Single Burning Item), WRD is setting an entirely new standard for what a fire lab for fire-treated wood can deliver in Sweden. Woodsafe R&D is currently the only company in Sweden capable of performing large-scale aging processes on panels up to six meters in length. The new testing facility developed specifically for WRD’s needs under the technical leadership of Dr Lazaros Tsantaridis enables full-scale testing of both durability and fire classification in one single controlled environment. “This is a huge leap forward for the entire industry. We can now simulate several years of weather exposure in just a few weeks and immediately evaluate whether the fire protection still meets requirements such as Euroclass B. No other operator in Sweden and likely not in all of Europe has this combined capability,” said Dr Tsantaridis, Head of Research at Woodsafe R&D. The core of this new initiative is a custom-built test rig for EN 16755 Method B – a European standard for testing the long-term durability of fire protection. Samples of fire-treated wood are subjected to cycles of moisture, heat, UV light, and drying that together simulate several years of outdoor exposure. The fire-retardant properties of the material are then analysed – has the agent leached out, lost effectiveness, or does it still meet high standards? “It’s precisely this ability to combine accelerated aging with direct SBI fire testing that makes our investment unique. It allows us to verify both the durability of the protection and ensure the wood product still achieves the desired fire class,” Dr Tsantaridis said. SBI testing (EN 13823) involves evaluating the fire behaviour of materials in a controlled corner setup. This method forms the basis of the Euroclass system – the fire classification system used throughout Europe. By combining SBI with durability testing under EN 16755, WRD can offer a complete picture of a material’s actual fire protection performance over time. “For architects, builders, and developers, this means no longer having to guess about long-term performance. We can now provide clear answers on whether a fire-protected wood product stands the test of time and back it up with data,” said Thomas Bengtsson, CEO of Woodsafe Timber Protection AB.

In recent years, wildfires ravaging Thailand’s watershed forests have not only devastated natural resources but have also inevitably impacted the economy and public health, causing escalating economic losses year after year. Source: Nation Thailand In response, Thailand has introduced the “Payment for Ecosystem Services” (PES) mechanism as a new tool for sustainable natural resource management. Buntoon Srethasirote, Director of the Good Governance for Social Development and Environment Institute, explained that the current focus on carbon credits often leads society to view forests solely as carbon sinks. In reality, forests are vital sources of food, clean water, and fresh air. Thus, there should be a mechanism that encourages beneficiaries of these ecosystem services to contribute to their conservation. PES is an economic concept where beneficiaries of environmental conservation pay or provide resources to those who maintain ecosystems. This contrasts with the carbon market approach, where polluters pay for their emissions. PES also addresses structural challenges in Thailand, such as limited government resources and bureaucratic hurdles that delay proactive conservation efforts. Local communities play a crucial role as “ecosystem service providers” who deeply understand their land and have lived in harmony with forests for generations. Scientific tools can help resolve longstanding land use conflicts, demonstrating that sustainable human-forest coexistence is achievable. For instance, while annual wildfires plague most of Doi Suthep, the area around Ban Pong Nuea has been fire-free for five years. This success is due to villagers engaging in controlled burns to manage dry leaf litter, organising patrols, installing surveillance cameras, and developing “wet forests” to retain moisture. Although these measures carry costs, they are far more economical than firefighting expenditures, highlighting the need for financial mechanisms to support these local conservation efforts. Under PES, companies emitting carbon could fund reforestation projects, bottled water companies could support farmers to avoid contaminating water sources, and urban areas could finance green restoration projects to mitigate flood risks. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chair of the Targeted Research Program on Reducing Northern Thailand’s Haze Crisis for the National Research Council of Thailand, said that scientifically measurable forest restoration efforts are advancing through the use of remote sensing technology for closer monitoring. This will strengthen private sector and civil society support for conservation. Recently, a research team visited Ban Mae Sa Noi in Pong Yaeng Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, to study a successful community initiative led by Hmong leaders within Doi Suthep–Pui National Park. Collaborating with 13 neighbouring villages, they have restored watershed forests and managed wildfires effectively by planting over 30 native species, boosting biodiversity to nearly 100 species. Using both modern technology and traditional community regulations to prevent fires, the project aims to expand with PES-based support, ensuring that those maintaining ecosystems are fairly compensated for the benefits extended to urban populations across the country.

After years of careful design and preparation, ESA’s Earth Explorer Biomass satellite was launched yesterday aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Source: Timberbiz This groundbreaking mission will offer unprecedented insights into the state and evolution of the world’s forests. By mapping the woody material in Earth’s forests, this revolutionary satellite will play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of how forests influence the global carbon cycle. “This new mission will advance our ability to quantify forest carbon stocks and fluxes, which is key to understanding and assessing the impacts of climate change,” ESA’s Biomass Project Manager, Michael Fehringer, said. Biomass carries the first P-band synthetic aperture radar ever flown in space, a powerful instrument with a 70 cm wavelength capable of penetrating cloud cover and dense forest canopies to provide detailed information on forest biomass, which is essentially the woody material, forest height and structure. Its data will significantly improve our understanding of carbon storage, forest health and how these ecosystems are changing over time. Biomass will also be able to measure paleo aquifers in desert regions to find new water sources in arid regions as well as contribute to observations of ice sheet dynamics, subsurface geology and forest topography. Biomass’ P-band radar will see through the forest canopy to the ground, improving current Digital Elevation Models in densely forested areas and provide a completely new view of the Earth’s surface. In addition to measuring forest biomass, the radar can also be used to map subsurface geology in arid regions, study ice sheet structures, and reveal forest floor topography. The mission exemplifies the essence of an Earth Explorer – research missions developed under ESA’s FutureEO program that pioneer innovative space technologies while tackling fundamental scientific questions to enhance our understanding of Earth’s complex systems.

Gisborne District Council in New Zealand has reached a major milestone with the introduction of new standard forestry consent conditions, developed after more than a year of collaboration and consultation with industry stakeholders. Source: Timberbiz The new conditions, which respond directly to the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use, represent a significant step forward in advancing sustainable land management in the region. Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says the conditions strike a careful balance between enabling the forestry sector and protecting the environment. “These conditions are an important step toward providing certainty to the forestry sector and meeting our environmental obligations. “This marks a key moment in our commitment to a more sustainable future for Tairāwhiti.” The conditions represent council’s interim position and will guide decision making on forestry resource consent applications on a case-to-case basis. They form part of a wider programme of work, with council continuing to develop a more integrated and holistic approach through its forestry plan change. Council will also remain responsive to emerging scientific data and insights, ensuring our approach continues to evolve in line with the latest environmental research and best practice. Ms Thatcher Swann acknowledged the constructive partnership with the forestry sector in shaping the new conditions. “Both Council and the forestry industry have dedicated significant time and effort to develop these new consent conditions,” she said. “This collaboration has resulted in meaningful progress toward finding common ground and setting a clear path forward.” While some differing views remain, Council is confident that these new consent conditions provide a solid foundation for ongoing collaboration. “Our goal is to continue improving and working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for both the environment and the local economy,” Ms Swann said. https://www.gdc.govt.nz/property/resource-consent/forestry-consents

As the national voice for forest services businesses the Australian Forest Contractors Association believes in the right of everyone to go about their work lawfully and return home safely. This includes freedom from threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence in any form. Source: Timberbiz Unfortunately, we are seeing protester disruption of forest worksites and operations is an increasing issue in many areas across the country. This causes incredible stress for business owners and workers, as well as lost time, production and income. Social media means harassment can extend from the forest to the home. In December 2023 a forestry crew arrived at work in southern Tasmania to find a group of activists on the scene including one who was perched on a platform hoisted up a 20m high cable logging machine. Subsequently one of the workers was accused, charged, convicted and sentenced for cutting a rope, a claim which was denied. The conviction and sentence are being appealed in the Supreme Court of Tasmania. The appeal is based on a legal principle that people can take reasonable action in defence of their own and their employer’s real property. Workers have a right to undertake lawful activities. This is an important principle to bring to the fore. But legal processes like this are expensive, with costs expected to run up to $20,000. Senior counsel has been retained for the case and highly respected Tasmanian barrister Chris Gunson SC has been briefed. In support of one of our own AFCA is planning to undertake fundraising at its mid-year dinner on Wednesday 14 May at the Twin Towns Conference and Events Centre, Tweed Heads. Donations of items to include in a silent auction are welcome and appreciated.

AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing, thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry. Source: Timberbiz Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is putting NZ$481,000 into a range of initiatives. It comes after a worker had two fingers amputated in a machine at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023. WorkSafe’s investigation found the machine was unguarded and there was an ineffective system for maintenance. Training and supervision of workers also fell short. WorkSafe has now accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Claymark. An EU is a binding commitment to fund and resource comprehensive health and safety improvements. Claymark’s EU includes: CCTV systems incorporating AI technology to indicate risks to workers’ health and safety in real time. Offering up to 15 trials of the technology to other businesses in the wood manufacturing sector. Microlearning and interactive displays in break rooms to upskill workers on health and safety. Reparation to the victim. “We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” said WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon. “The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.” EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if they are not upheld. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. “Through our enforceable undertaking, we see a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector,” Claymark’s executive director Paul Pedersen said. Mr Pedersen said the company’s key initiatives include: Engaging with local communities and schools in the towns where we operate to promote safe wood manufacturing practices and support safe, informed pathways into the industry. Working alongside the Central North Island Wood Council (CNIWC) and other industry bodies to share our learnings and help build a stronger health and safety culture sector-wide. Investing in our people through modern, online and interactive training modules, with flexible learning tailored to roles and responsibilities. We are also exploring the potential of AI to support smarter, more responsive safety systems and personalised learning experiences. “This is about more than compliance – it’s about creating a workplace where our people feel informed, supported, and safe,” Mr Pedersen said. “Claymark is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration as we work towards a safer, stronger future for our people, our industry, and our communities.”

New Forests’ Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 continues to expand its portfolio in Southeast Asia through investment in Burapha Agro-Forestry. New Forests, announced its Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2) has acquired a majority interest in Burapha Agro-Forestry (Burapha), a timber plantation forestry company in Laos. Source: Timberbiz The investment was led by New Forests, with co-investment from Mirova through its Sustainable Land Use strategy. This marks the third acquisition for New Forests’ TAFF2 strategy. Burapha comprises 6,000 hectares (ha) of planted forest combined with conservation areas, a plywood mill, and a voluntary carbon project focused on plantation afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) issuing carbon credits compliant with Verra standards since 2023. The Burapha acquisition is part of New Forests’ strategy to develop an integrated and scaled investment allocation in Laos which currently includes two companies: Burapha and Mekong Timber Plantations. As a result of the acquisition, TAFF2 now has access to close to 85,000 ha, with approximately 15,000 ha of planted area. New Forests sees significant scope for expansion of Burapha’s plantation forest areas, as well as the ability to build out the voluntary carbon project that has already been developed and implemented. New Forests will work with Burapha to enhance the socio-economic benefits for local communities. “We are delighted to be growing our allocation to Laos through this investment in Burapha Agro-Forestry, which is already highly regarded for its agroforestry and wood processing processes and local community engagement work,” Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director, New Forests Asia said. “Laos’ availability of land, combined with possessing highly conducive biological growth conditions, and being strategically located in near proximity to areas of significant wood deficit, makes it an attractive investment destination.” Przemyslaw Pruszynski, CEO, Burapha Agro-Forestry said that it was an exciting development for Burapha. “New Forests is a leading forestry and natural capital focused investment manager, with in-depth, specialist knowledge of the landscape for forestry in Laos, including forestry management and local community engagement. “We are extremely pleased to be partnering up with New Forests to continue on our mission to create a plantation base large enough for Laos to develop as a leading forest industry nation. Our objective is to support the long-term protection and reforestation and management of our land that can benefit current and future generations.”

Australian Bluegum Plantations has officially opened a dedicated seed orchard at Unima, near Heywood, to secure long-term seed supply and enhance genetic material to grow the next generation of Green Triangle hardwood fibre. Source: Timberbiz The five-hectare orchard will provide long-term access to genetically diverse and locally adapted planting material, capable of dealing with future climatic conditions. It complements ABP’s existing seed orchard assets in Albany, which support its west Australian estate. ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the investment reflected the company’s strategic shift towards full autonomy of seed production, an essential move as demand grows for high quality Eucalyptus Globulus fibre in Asian paper markets and emerging engineered wood products, including glue laminated structural beams. He said the orchard would support up to 10 seasonal employees, in addition to 1.5 permanent roles. “This seed orchard is more than just a seed source – it’s a strategic asset for the entire region, securing the future needs of the hardwood plantation sector,” Mr Hughes said. “By investing in seed production at Unima, we are enhancing the resilience of our plantations, future proofing our operations through an integrated localised management approach.” ABP research and development manager Dr Ben Bradshaw said the site would play an important role in broadening and conserving genetic diversity and provide for future breeding requirements, including the deployment of high-performing seed suited to the Green Triangle environment. “ABP is shifting from being just users of elite genetics to custodians, managing every aspect from orchard to estate to provide long-term control and confidence in the future fibre it produces,” Dr Bradshaw said. “Undertaking breeding, selection, production and deployment in-house provides tighter control over genetic performance, supporting increased productivity and climate resilience of future plantations.” The orchard is designed for Mass Supplementary Pollination (MSP) which is a form of controlled pollination that provides greater flexibility and control over the genetic quality of the seed produced, for current and future environments. Dr Bradshaw said the site had already planted high-value genetic material. He said the team would collaborate with local contractors and apply learnings from its Albany operations to ensure efficient and effective orchard management. Local seedling supplier, Gildera Forestry Services Director Tim Scanlon praised ABP’s investment in the local seed orchard, describing it as a vital step forward in seed security. “This important investment secures a reliable, local source of seed, which is especially important given the potential challenges around quarantine and interstate supply,” Mr Scanlon said. “Having access to locally grown seed not only mitigates risk but also supports the long-term success of ABP’s growing program and the wider industry.”

Timber Queensland, Timber NSW, and the North East NSW Forestry Hub are hosting a premier networking event celebrating the past, present, and future of the forestry and timber sectors in Casino on Thursday, 15 May 2025. Source: Timberbiz Timber Queensland’s CEO Mick Stephens said the networking dinner has been scheduled to coincide with the renowned Primex Expo. “Primex is emerging as one of the largest forestry expos on the east coast and an important opportunity for suppliers, growers and timber producers to network nationally and particularly across Queensland and NSW,” Mick Stephens said. “To that end we are very pleased to be co-hosting a side-event dinner in Casino with Timber NSW to provide additional value and networking for the industry. “The dinner offers an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and discuss the evolving landscape of forestry and timber in Australia. We appreciate the support of AE Gibson and Hurford’s, their sponsorship has ensured the event is affordable for all to attend. “The dinner ticket price also includes a three-day Primex Expo entry where will be a comprehensive array of trade exhibits, industry presentations and working demonstrations,” he said Highlighting the evening will be guest speaker Garan Hale, founder of Designer Woodworks. A master woodworker, Mr Hale is renowned for his craftsmanship in fine furniture, wooden boat restoration, and guitar making. His commitment to sustainability is evident through his efforts in reforesting his Northern NSW property with endemic species, creating a seed bank for future generations. Mr Hale also emphasizes the use of ethically sourced Australian timbers and salvaged logs, which he band mills and solar kiln dries for his bespoke creations. The event will be held on 15 May from 6-9 pm at the Casino RSM Club and will cost $35 per person.

An Australian Forest Products Association analysis of the major parties’ forest industry policy and funding commitments has found the Coalition provides the better future for the sector rather than Labor this federal election, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. Source: Timberbiz Ms Hallam said that following record commitments from Federal Labor and the Coalition in 2022 – the 2025 Federal Election campaign has delivered a more subdued policy and funding suite from the major parties, and we recognise that neither the Coalition, nor Labor, has committed in full to AFPA’s election platform – Australian Timber. Australia’s Future. “However, we do thank all the sides of politics which have offered constructive policies for our sector at this Election. “AFPA has scored the Coalition three and a half stars out of five* because of the leadership it provided on key areas of forest industry policy. “Labor has been awarded two and a half stars out of five*, despite not having released a specific policy for our sector as a whole, with the star score based on other announcements and existing policies,” she said. Under the leadership of Shadow Minister Jonno Duniam and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the Coalition has been vocal about its support for native forestry, stating: “A Dutton Government will not support any further bans on native forestry”, while also committing to establish new Permanent Timber Production Zones to support ongoing access to both native and plantation timber. The Coalition has also committed to delivering a key AFPA policy request – country of origin labelling for timber and wood products. This is a much-needed reform so consumers can clearly understand where the timber they’re buying comes from, whether its Australian or from overseas. Labor has not committed to country of origin labelling to allow people to buy Australian which is disappointing given their strong focus on ‘Buy Australian’ in the recent Budget and during the campaign. A Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program with $40 million in grants for mills to utilise wood from their own region has also been committed by the Coalition along with the removal of public funding from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) – whose business model is to destroy honest businesses through continual disruptive lawfare. Federal Labor has committed $24 million for upgrades at Tasmania’s Boyer Mill, which AFPA welcomes, but stresses that, sector-wide manufacturing facilities are struggling with higher input costs, including energy. Labor has also committed to a new ReMade in Australia brand that will benefit our manufacturing facilities. Ms Hallam acknowledged the Albanese Government and Minister Julie Collins are in the process of continuing to deliver some of Labor’s 2022 Federal Election commitments, including funding for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), development of the National Timber Fibre Strategy, funding through the Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP), skills and training funding and support for Regional Forest Industry Hubs. Federal Labor has also committed to ongoing support for native forestry, stating: “We remain committed to providing a framework that allows a sustainable native forest industry to continue”. AFPA has assessed both major parties as level pegging on housing. Both sides are offering incentives for first home buyers that will boost the market for new housing, including Labor’s 5% first home buyer deposit cap and guaranteeing of loans. The Coalition policy has first home buyers able to deduct home interest repayments from their tax, as well as allowing access to superannuation for a home deposit. Both Parties have large infrastructure investments to facilitate new housing and to boost the workforce. The Coalition has a technical college policy while Labor will provide a significant boost to TAFE. Unfortunately, there are a number of policy and funding requests contained within AFPA’s Election Platform that neither major side of politics has committed to, including, the delivery of a Prefabricated and Innovative Housing Summit, a Wood First Policy, a Timber in the Built Environment ACCU method, an extension to the SPEP, along with funding for a public education campaign, among others. The fact that no national debate on forestry policy between the Minister and Shadow Minister could be organised is also very disappointing. AFPA must also make a special mention of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party that put forward a suite of measures for our sector including, support for country of origin labelling, ongoing support for native forestry and plantation establishment grants, development of a National Fire Response Plan for Australia’s forests, a local wood policy, tax incentives to promote timber and National Electricity Market changes to reduce costs for timber manufacturing businesses. “AFPA will judge the next Federal Government on its delivery of policy and funding for forestry and the forest products supply chain,” Ms Hallam said. “Our sector requires a strong licence to operate and in-principle backing from the government of the day. That applies whether it’s plantation or native forestry, or the manufacture of different types of essential, climate friendly products. “We intend to work closely with all members of the 48th Australian Parliament to ensure government will continue to support one of the nation’s greatest industries.” *To achieve a five-star rating, a full commitment to AFPA’s Election Platform would be required. One star recognises broad and in-principle support for forestry and forest products, while for two stars some policy initiatives to help the sector are necessary. Three stars requires additional policy and funding initiatives while four stars can be achieved through commitment to new, innovative and broad industry focused policy and funding.