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Another announcement by New Zealand Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay at the Fieldays Forestry Hub, was about inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India that had occurred in 2025. These were aimed at strengthening New Zealand trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors. Source: Timberbiz “India is one of the fastest-growing markets for our forestry exports and we’re focused on turning that growth into long-term opportunity for New Zealand exporters,” Mr McClay said. New Zealand’s wood exports to India have surged from NZ$9.5 million in 2023 to an estimated NZ$76.5 million this year. Pulp exports have more than doubled, from NZ$20 million to NZ$45.6 million. “Increased engagement with India is already delivering results. We’re now building on that momentum with a targeted sector focus, including hosting an Indian delegation in New Zealand and planning a Minister-led mission to India later this year.” The inbound visit, supported by industry partners, will showcase New Zealand’s world-class forestry systems and sustainable management practices. While the outbound mission will continue to open doors for deeper commercial and government partnerships. “Our relationship with India is a priority, and forestry is a key part of that. The goal is clear: to grow the market, remove barriers, and drive better returns back to New Zealand’s foresters and processors.”

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At a time when European policymakers are accelerating their focus on industrial competitiveness and preparing the post-2030 climate and circular economy agenda, CEI-Bois reaffirmed its role as a voice of the European woodworking industries during its General Assembly held on 11 June in Helsinki. Source: Timberbiz From the revision of the Bioeconomy Strategy to the upcoming Affordable Housing Plan, the sector is at the heart of crucial legislative processes. CEI-Bois continues to provide evidence-based input and constructive proposals, supporting the recognition of wood as a strategic material for the green transition. Over the past months, the Confederation has intensified its engagement with EU institutions, industry alliances, and Member States, advocating for coherent frameworks. In this context, governance and continuity remain key. The Chair, Mr Sampsa Auvinen, underlined this commitment by reporting to the General Assembly that the Board had formally endorsed the appointment of the Working Group Chairs for the 2025–2028 mandate. This structured and forward-looking decision ensures that each thematic area will benefit from experienced leadership and strategic direction over the next three years: Sustainability Working Group – Mr Richards (Director, Policy and Regulations – Stora Enso, Wood Products Division) Construction Working Group – Mr Lechner (Deputy Managing Director and Head of the Construction Department – Association of the Austrian Wood Industries) R&D Working Group – Mr Elvnert (Secretary General – Forest-based Sector Technology Platform) Social Affairs Working Group – Ms Steinwall (Responsible for international employer affairs and negotiator – Swedish Association of Industrial Employers) Trade Working Group – Mr King (Strategic Advisor – SCA Products, UK) These appointments reflect CEI-Bois’ determination to reinforce continuity, empower sectoral expertise, and strengthen its collective voice in shaping the future of the European woodworking and timber industries. The General Assembly also elected Mr Henrik Söderström, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Metsä Wood, as a new Board Member. His deep knowledge of the sector and strong market orientation will contribute to the strategic guidance of CEI-Bois in the years to come. The General Assembly provided a unique opportunity for participants to experience first-hand the strength, innovation, and sustainability of Finnish forestry and the wood-based sector. It showcased how the industry is actively contributing to the EU’s climate objectives and putting into practice the core principles of the New European Bauhaus: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. From sustainable forest management to cutting-edge wood construction, field visits illustrated the essential role of well-managed forests in supporting carbon and water cycles, preserving biodiversity, and fostering the wellbeing of local communities. Participants also had the chance to witness pioneering examples of timber architecture, including multi-storey wooden residential buildings developed as affordable and inclusive housing solutions. This year’s event was enriched by a keynote address from Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki. His remarks highlighted the critical role of innovation, policy alignment, and strong public-private partnerships in advancing the contribution of wood to Europe’s sustainable and climate-resilient future.

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Forest Tracks: Country-Level Market Insights 2024/2025 provides a comprehensive overview of forest and forest product-related policies and market trends in Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Source: Timberbiz The various chapters and data in this compilation are based on official national submissions to the 82nd session of the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry. Each chapter offers an in-depth analysis of recent trends and an outlook for 2025, with a focus on wood and wood product markets. Each chapter includes information on general economic trends affecting the forest and forest industry sectors, policy measures taken in each country, key market drivers and their effects, recent developments, and a near-term outlook for forest and forest product markets. The sectors analysed include wood raw materials, wood energy, certified forest products, sawn softwood and hardwood (both temperate and tropical), structural and non-structural wood-based panels, pulp, paper and paperboard, as well as housing and construction, with a focus on wood construction. https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/forest-tracks-2024-2025-for%20web.pdf  

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Komatsu has released the new TimberPro TN785D swing machine. This durable, powerful and productive machine is designed to move mass quantities of large timber in log loader and mill yard environments. Source: Timberbiz It is TimberPro’s largest, most powerful and highest capacity machine to date, and was built with proven components and new features to meet the demand of high productivity swing applications. The TN785D features a newly redesigned 12-roller track frame to provide a long stable platform for even weight distribution with high mobility and extended machine durability. Additionally, the operator cab has been raised 51 inches and includes a rear facing door for easy entry, an overhead skylight for full visibility, and power tilt for efficient transport and access. Other features include: More than 44 feet of reach for a wide working area combined with excellent stability and lift capacity High performance hydraulics that offer consistent speed with simultaneous circuit commands Closed-loop hydrostatic swing for responsive and precise movements A high output engine that provides more power and productivity. “TimberPro has designed this machine to excel in high demand mill yard applications where lift capacity, reach combined with stability and hydraulic response are key to maximizing productivity,” said Nathan Repp, Product Manager for Forest Products at Komatsu. “We understand the real-world demands our customers face in these environments, and the TN785D was designed to meet those needs – delivering the performance, durability and efficiency they rely on to keep operations running smoothly.” TimberPro is a forestry equipment company that was acquired by Komatsu in 2019. Last year it completed a US$8 million expansion project that added nearly 49,000 square feet to its facility in Shawano, Wisconsin, in the US.

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While fire is an obvious hazard in wood processing plants, a less obvious hazard is a dust explosion. Sawdust created throughout the milling process, is not explosive on its own, but under the right conditions wood dust can cause flash fires that, if contained within a full or partial enclosure, can produce an explosion due to the pressure build up. Source: Timberbiz Fire and explosion can result in catastrophic consequences, causing significant injury or death to workers and others, as well as considerable damage to property and loss of ability to operate. The Dust Fire and Explosion Guidance Document has been produced by the Workplace Health and Safety Subcommittee (WHSS) – a subcommittee of the Softwood Manufacturing Chamber of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). The Guide, together with the companion risk assessment tool is designed to assist anyone in the timber industry operating a manufacturing site to readily identify and manage wood dust fire and explosion risk. Read the document here – Managing Dust And Fire Explosion risk https://ausfpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Managing-Dust-Fire-Explosion-Risk.pdf Download the risk assessment here –  Sample Combustible Dust Risk Assessment https://ausfpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Sample-Combustible-Dust-Risk-Assessment.docx

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A debut look inside the newly completed Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) terminal reveals a design that redefines airport architecture in Australia grounded in place, shaped by light and wooden features.  Source: Timberbiz, photography by Trevor Mein As the first major airport built in Australia in more than 50 years, WSI signals a generational shift that will transform Western Sydney. Located in Badgerys Creek, the terminal is a catalyst for long-term economic, social and cultural opportunity. From initial design concepts by COX Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects to the design and construction by Multiplex and Woods Bagot, the terminal blends innovation with functionality. It reflects the identity of its setting while offering an intuitive and future-ready passenger experience. “We are on the precipice of launching a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia,” said Simon Hickey, CEO, Western Sydney International Airport. “WSI will give our global city a 24-hour international gateway that will continue to create significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney.” “This is a rare opportunity to define the next generation of airport design on a global stage,” said Cristiano Ceccato, Director and Design Lead, Zaha Hadid Architects. “Together with COX, we created a design that meets the highest standards of architectural innovation, passenger experience and operational efficiency. What makes this terminal extraordinary is its blend of human-scaled design and international ambition. It is grounded in its setting – and yet globally competitive.” Inspired by the vast horizons of the Cumberland Plain, the terminal’s architecture reflects the natural beauty of the region. Its horizontal form and soft edges mirror the surrounding landscape, while its sculptural ceiling, one of the building’s defining features, filters light to echo the way sunlight moves through eucalyptus bark. “From the outset, our vision was to create an airport that belongs to this place; not just physically, but in spirit and identity,” said David Holm, Principal and Design Lead, COX. “The ‘Great Australian Light’ is one of the defining qualities of the Australian experience, and it has been central to our design thinking. The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient and feel creating a sense of calm, clarity and connection. For many, this space marks their very first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place.” Western Sydney’s identity is reflected throughout the terminal’s public spaces. The design was shaped through consultation with Dharug Custodians, in collaboration with First Nations consultant Murrawin, embedding local narratives into the architecture. Open sightlines, warm materiality and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces result in a terminal that is egalitarian in spirit and expressive of local values. “We have created a place that celebrates the cultural richness of Dharug Country,” said David Holm. “The ambition was to create an airport that is not just a transit space but a destination in itself,” said Neil Hill, Principal, Design and Delivery Lead, Woods Bagot. “The Terminal and Landside Forecourt establish a uniquely Western Sydney character – one that welcomes visitors while resonating with the many identities and cultures that define this region.” With a 5 Star Green Star Rating for its design, the WSI terminal integrates regenerative design principles, utilising natural ventilation, energy efficiency and water recycling. The terminal’s modular design allows for phased expansion, ensuring flexibility to accommodate future technology and passenger needs without compromising operational efficiency. “The terminal offers a constantly evolving visual experience and sense of joy as passengers move through the space,” said Neil Hill. “Respecting the initial concept, we configured the landside, terminal and airside design to balance and optimise the commercial and operational functional requirements. With the Multiplex team, and working closely with WSI, we introduced innovative design solutions to elevate the customer experience, deliver sustainable outcomes and applied industry-leading technical acumen.” With construction complete, this first look offers insight into the design and innovation shaping one of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects.

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