Australian timber industry news

Metsä Group’s Wood Supply and Forest Services, Metsä Forest, has won the 2024 Finnish Quality Award granted by the Excellence Finland. The Finnish Quality Award is based on a thorough evaluation of the organisation’s activities following the international EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) model. The prestigious award has been granted since 1991. Source: Timberbiz According to the jury, values are strongly present in the organisation’s daily operations, and change is managed systematically. Metsä Group’s Wood Supply and Forest Services offers its customers a wide range of services, and knowledge-based management makes the supply chain more efficient. Innovation is supported with the aid of developer communities, and operations are guided by a comprehensive set of metrics that support the achievement of strategic targets and cooperation. “The excellent score that Metsä Group’s Wood Supply and Forest Services obtained in the Finnish Quality Award competition reflects a strong commitment to quality development and continuous improvement. The company is a great example of how Finnish competitiveness is being systematically improved in the long term. “The EFQM model is an excellent way to assess your organisation’s performance and strategy implementation. It also challenges organisaxtions to genuinely take action to continuously improve their operations,” said Juha Ylä-Autio, CEO of Excellence Finland. In addition, the Metsä Group Plus forest management model, launched in 2023, came second place in the 2024 Quality Innovation Award competition. Metsä Group Plus is a forest management model that pays increasingly close attention to forest biodiversity and forest nature in the implementation of forest work. In the Metsä Group Plus model, the competition jury high-lighted the real ecological impact and long-term focus on climate sustainability. “We have a great team, and I’m very happy on behalf of our entire organisation for this award and recognition. They show that our determined and persistent development work has paid off. The score we achieved in the Quality Award competition was so high that it would have brought a win in many previous years as well. “Above all, it’s about customer orientation, systematic implementation of strategy, a shared situational picture and the ability to work as a team, as well as smooth cooperation with various stakeholders. We’ll continue to actively develop the opera-tions of the best organisation in our field,” said Juha Jumppanen, Metsä Group’s EVP, Wood Supply and Forest Services. Metsä Group’s Wood Supply and Forest Services was also successful in quality competitions in 2023, when an artificial intelligence application for detecting forest insect damage, implemented with CollectiveCrunch Oy, won both the Finnish and international Quality Innovation Award competitions.

Waratah’s all-new HX line consists of the 624HX and 626HX harvester heads and purpose-built LPX loader-processor head. Source: Timberbiz The 624HX, 626HX and new loader-processor LPX are more durable and higher performing than previous models. Weighing in at 3990 kg (8,796 lb.), the redesigned 624HX harvester head delivers impressive log picking, feeding and handling with unmatched uptime. This efficient 600-Series head provides the durability, reliability and speed loggers need to maximize every minute of work. The new 626HX harvester head redefines Waratah’s legendary Bigwood head with even more performance. Weighing in at 4600 kg (10,141 lb.), this 600-Series has significantly im-proved feeding and delimbing. Its large 950 mm (37.4 in) sawing capacity helps boost productivity day in and day out. In addition, the 624HX and the 626HX boast a slew of beneficial HX-line features. The main frame and tilt frame provide improved durability and are optimized for weight and strength. The heads feature stronger clamping force to provide better log grip at the deck and holding power. With HD-swept profile delimb arms, the 624HX and 626HX feature improved log picking thanks to larger delimb openings. Feeding is improved by new diameter sensor technology, while arm design helps log transport. Larger saw capacities, improved saw control plus larger saw motors contribute more efficiency and power to the cut. A new main control valve provides better flow, cooler operation and higher working pressures. It also allows an improved layout and better feed-motor synchronization. The valve cover is stronger and sleeker with tough hinges and a quick latching system. Features like the new auto-tension top saw, an improved measuring arm design, a hinged and removeable oil tank and feed arm hose bulkheads contribute to accessible and simplified servicing. Easy-access grease points and grease banks enable the greasing of the entire head in less than 15 minutes. Loggers can tailor the heads to their operation with options like higher-torque feed motors, a variety of feed wheels, dual rotate motors, LED and SED colour-marking systems and more. The all-new LPX is a purpose-built loader-processor head that includes many of the new HX line features. With a weight of 4070 kg (8,973 lb.), this durable head is built to work in tight spaces, with balanced grapple and processing capabilities to improve daily productivity. Its wide grapple opening and two delimb/grapple arms provide optimum delimbing, deck pro-cessing and log handling to keep timber moving. The new auto-tension top saw on the LPX has even more capacity, allowing for sawing large-diameter or multiple logs, and greater rotate torque and power improve log placement capability. Additionally, the high, wide saw box improves log picking over the side of a landing. The LPX’s sleek, short-tilt frame tilts for feeding and decking logs on slopes and re-duces swinging for smoother operation in and out of the log deck. It also provides better servicing and valve accessibility than previous LP models. The LPX, 624HX and 626HX heads all utilize the TimberRiteTM H-16 control system for optimum head performance, productivity and measuring accuracy. All Waratah heads come with easily accessible support for dealers and products, and genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty. These heads are available to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America.

The Commonwealth Secretariat launched its Forest Carbon Market toolkit at COP29, providing a roadmap to accessing funding through the voluntary carbon market, while protecting the lives and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and landowners. The Commonwealth is home to 810 million hectares of forests. Source: Timberbiz The toolkit launch was highly anticipated, drawing a large crowd at the event. The growth of forest carbon markets in recent years has been driven by increasing concerns over climate change and the need to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Forest Carbon Market Toolkit states: “Incentives provided through the carbon markets can help tropical forest countries to diversify funding sources and increase investment in the forest sector.” The forest carbon credit market is complex and involves multiple players, such as forest landowners, compliance buyers and voluntary buyers. Speaking at the launch of the toolkit, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “This tool represents a crucial step in harnessing the power of our forests to drive both climate action and sustainable development. It is a roadmap for translating the potential of forest carbon into a tangible reality: one that benefits people, nature, and the global climate alike. “Forests play an unparalleled role in our fight against climate change. They store and sequester vast amounts of carbon, around 2.6 billion tonnes every year: absorbing nearly a third of humanity’s fossil fuel emissions.” The toolkit highlighted the experience of Guyana and Rwanda in accessing the carbon market, providing case studies that other Commonwealth member countries can emulate. Vanessa Benn, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission and Project Coordinator at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC), spoke on behalf of the Guyana Minister of Natural Resources about the country’s experience in protecting forests. The IIC, under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat, manages the Iwokrama Forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. Benn said: “I am particularly appreciative of the efforts of the Commonwealth to launch the Forest Carbon Toolkit today. Guyana is the second-most forested country in the world. We maintain sustainable forestry practices and we are continually developing means by which our country can be developed. “By using the Forest Carbon Toolkit, our country can enhance our efforts as we progress along the path of voluntary carbon markets to mitigate against the powerful impacts of climate change.” From 2009 to 2016, Guyana received US$227 million from the Government of Norway in a non-market phase that enabled them to develop the capabilities to participate fully in the market. As a result, Guyana generated 37.5 million carbon credits from 2016 to 2020 and will be generating 7.5 million credits every year till 2030. You can download the toolkit here.

The Victoria Forest Products Association is calling on the Victorian Parliament to establish a State Government policy on Greening Construction with Sustainable Wood Products. Source: Timberbiz In France, all new public buildings must be constructed with at least 50% of wood or other natural materials. This includes all buildings constructed for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With timber-based design options currently representing less than 2% of mid to high-rise building construction projects in Australia, the VFPA says there is substantial opportunity to reduce embodied emissions through increased use of timber products in large scale buildings, and housing. The VFPA says requiring new building projects to give preference to domestically produced sustainable timber products – a ‘wood first’ policy for housing in Victoria – could include preferencing structural engineered wood products (such as GLT) in multi-story construction, alongside other timber products – including in social housing. The parliament should also consider introducing embodied carbon reduction requirements for government buildings and projects. To do this, government needs to endorse an agreed state framework to measure, verify and compare embodied carbon emissions in new building pro-jects, and major refurbishments. The VFPA says this will be essential to allow building owners and investors to set robust and measurable targets for reducing embodied emissions in buildings.  

The formal signing of the ACCTS by New Zealand, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Iceland was welcomed by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. Source: Timberbiz “The ACCTS is significant as it is the first trade agreement of its kind dedicated to trade and climate issues hence demonstrating a fresh approach to global trade negotiations,” said WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross. “The agreement eliminates tariffs on 316 environmental goods, including 34 wood products such as sawn timber, pulp, and panels for construction.” New Zealand exports over NZ$2.4 billion of wood products worldwide and has a leading story to tell around our sustainable and renewable forests fitting strongly with the core goals of ACCTS. “By capturing atmospheric carbon, wood has an important role to play within the global carbon cycle and our fight against climate change,” said Mr Ross. Particularly important is the fact that this agreement opens new opportunities for New Zealand wood product exporters. Being designed as an open plurilateral agreement means that other core trading partners will be encouraged to join ACCTS over time thus growing our export markets for environmental and sustainable goods. The ACCTS was conceived out of the idea that the policy levers needed to drive the transition to low-emissions, climate-resilient and sustainable economies must and can include trade policy, rules and architecture. It is a ground-breaking trade agreement bringing together the interrelated elements of climate change, sustainability and trade. It will include ambitious and environmentally credible lists on environmental goods and services, removing tariffs on over 300 environmental goods and including more than 100 environmental and environmentally related services, facilitating market access and providing greater certainty for suppliers on a non-discriminatory basis. At the same time, the ACCTS supports Parties’ shared commitments to uphold the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and goals of the Paris Agreement, to achieve net zero emissions and promote sustainable development. The ACCTS includes innovative principles-based guidelines for voluntary eco-labelling programmes to better support consumers to choose products based on their environmental credentials, promote trade in sustainable products and avoid the inadvertent creation of barriers to trade. New Zealand, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Iceland may well have started something that not only could lead to a larger trade and climate agreement but also provides a lesson in decisiveness that all countries should take to heart. More detail on ACCTS can be found at https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-concluded-but-not-in-force/agreement-on-climate-change-trade-and-sustainability-accts?m=367484#search:QUNDVFM=

With Chris Lafferty retiring from his role as Head of Research and Development with Forest & Wood Products Australia in June 2025, the organisation is advertising for a Head of Research, Development and Extension. Source: Timberbiz This senior position, reporting directly to the CEO, will be responsible for providing strategic oversight and program management for the research and development program stream with a focus on wood products. The successful candidate will be responsible for: End to end program management involving determining high value research projects required by members, developing project scopes, contracting, tracking and managing research outcomes and applying risk and governance controls. Working closely with the marketing team to provide content and insights that will activate and drive member engagement. Liaise with stakeholders across industry, network and present outcomes to promote the program and key projects. Act as part of the senior leadership team to provide strategic and people leadership to FWPA. This also includes collaborating with and supporting other program streams. FWPA is looking for someone with experience within the forest products industry in program management and/or research and development. Tertiary qualifications in a related technical field such as research and development or similar are beneficial plus at least 10 years of relevant work experience. The job requires strong program management, critical thinking and report writing capabilities, strong communication and relationship building capabilities. The goal is to facilitate a significant overlap period between Dr Lafferty and his successor, providing ample opportunity for comprehensive onboarding, introductions to key relationships, and proactive knowledge sharing to ensure a seamless transition for the broader team. Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be sent to renee@thepeopleparadox.com

The Greens party has made it clear that the cost of their support for Federal Labor’s legislative agenda will be bans on native forestry, according to Tasmania’s Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz. Source: Timberbiz Mr Abetz said there were no limits to the Greens’ radical quest to end Tasmania’s world-class and sustainable native forestry industry. “This is a bad sign for (Opposition Leader) Dean Winter as he attempts to keep the radical left of his own party in check,” Mr Abetz said. “A Labor-Green minority government, whether in Tasmania or in Canberra, would mean a restart of the forestry wars and an open attack on the thousands of Tasmanians that rely on our sustainable forestry sector for their livelihoods. “The last Labor-Green ‘forest peace deal’ betrayed Tasmanian timber communities and gutted two out of three jobs from the sector. “In contrast, our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future backs in sustainable forestry, keeping our economy strong and creating the jobs Tasmanians need to ensure that Tasmania remains the best state to live, work and raise a family,” he said. “The Greens have made clear the price of their support for a Labor minority government. “How long can Dean Winter hold out against these radical demands and Labor’s left-faction controlled party machine?” Mr Abetz said that like death and taxes, one of the certainties of life is Labor’s equivocation on native forestry and the many jobs it supports. He said workers needed to look any further than Western Australia and Victoria where State Labor Governments ended sustainable native forestry to appease their Left flanks or even Tasmania where the Labor-Green ‘forest peace deal’ gutted the industry, taking two out of every three jobs. Most recently, NSW Labor, supported by the Federal Labor Government, has proposed to “reward” states for essentially locking-up public native forests. “This latest betrayal of timber communities by Labor is as predictable as it is tragic,” said Mr Abetz. “Labor, in its insatiable thirst for inner-city Green votes, is once again putting workers last, seemingly unwilling to recognise that productive forest estates, including Tasmania’s, provide the opportunity to sequester carbon in long-lived timber products and provide society with low emission construction materials. “In contrast, our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future backs in sustainable forestry to keep our economy strong to create the jobs Tasmanians need to ensure that Tasmania remains the best State to live, work and raise a family. “The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises the views of world-leading experts, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), that active forest management can contribute towards emissions reduction. “Labor’s latest Green-tinged thought bubble isn’t backed by science and would lead to Australia importing more timber from overseas, increasing carbon emissions while harming our economy and environment. “The active management of our native forests improves fire management and pest control, and actually increases opportunities for carbon storage,” he said. “We support emerging carbon markets that encourage landowners to become forest growers and provide options for our public forest estate while maintaining the growth of our timber industry and on-island processing. “The question for Tasmanian Labor is how long can the hapless Dean Winter hold out against his left faction-controlled party machine.”  

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has backed calls from the national peak forestry body for the Federal Government to withdraw support for the NSW Government’s proposed Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Forests (INFM) method. Source: Timberbiz In a media statement, the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) CEO, Diana Hallam, said that there were serious questions over the validity and integrity of the INFM method proposed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW). The plan, which has received support from the Federal Government, proposes ending sustainable native forestry as part of a model for improving Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) program. Despite being a plan by the NSW Government, to work it relies on sustainable native forestry to be ended across Australia. TFPA Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, said the model tries to force the Tasmanian Government to march in lockstep with the radical proposal by the NSW Government. “The model proposed by the NSW Government, and backed by the Federal Government, would see the end of sustainable native forestry in Tasmania” Mr Steel said. “Our industry has bipartisan support in Tasmania. But this looks like another case of a mainland state trying to impose its opinions onto our island. “This proposal also flies directly into the face of commitments to protect Tasmanian native forestry made by Anthony Albanese before the last federal election.” Before the federal poll in 2022, Mr Albanese wrote to Tasmanian timber workers promising “if I become Prime Minister, a Government I lead will not shut down the native forest industry in Tasmania”. “The industry welcomed the commitment from Mr Albanese in 2022. Tasmanians saw this as a pledge not to cut jobs in regional parts of our state,” Mr Steel said. “However, the Federal Government’s support of this new INFM model flies directly in the face of that promise. “We would welcome Mr Albanese publicly reiterating the promise he made to Tasmanian forestry workers in 2022, to continue to support our respected, responsible and renewable industry,” Mr Steel said.

WoodSolutions has launched an updated timber framing campaign with new assets and expanded digital push. The timber framing campaign is now live on the WoodSolutions website with updated resources and assets to boost adoption. Source: Timberbiz Managed by Forest & Wood Products Australia’s WoodSolutions program, the refreshed and updated page and campaign assets are available free to download by industry to support their timber framing promotional efforts. The decision to integrate the timber framing campaign under the management of the WoodSolutions program was made to strategically harness its expansive and reputable audience, along with its robust and growing database. This move aims to maximise the campaign’s reach and deepen engagement with key stakeholders across the industry, ensuring the messages resonate with a broad and influential audience. With tens of thousands of users each month, the WoodSolutions website is a powerful platform to promote the pro-timber framing messaging. The campaign will be supported with a boosted digital campaign that will target key decision makers in large residential building companies and inspire them to embrace the campaign and its co-branding customisation opportunities. The digital campaign will also engage with proud entrepreneurial tradespeople and share the promotional assets across their platforms and business promotion. The overall aim of these efforts is to support building a better business by promoting the use of renewable timber framing. As with everything that FWPA and WoodSolutions does, the rebranded creative assets are built on valuable insights gathered over the six years since the campaign’s launch. Key findings from research by the Timber Framing Collective include: Builders responses: More likely to rate sustainability credentials as important in their choice of materials compared to previous year (increase from 27% to 48%).   The influencers to choose timber framing are: Flexibility if plans change Easy to renovate Renewable and responsibly sourced There is an increase in positive sentiment towards the timber industry (74% to 83%) and about how the timber industry impacts the environment (51% to 72%)   Consumers say: Still rate sustainability credentials as an important part of the building process (59%) Most consumers would like their builder to provide materials that are good for the environ-ment. However, cost of materials is increasingly important in the decision-making process.   Influences to choose timber framing are: Low cost Fast to assemble Environmentally Research indicates a strong interest in sustainable building materials among both consumers and builders, presenting our industry with an opportunity to share an impactful sustainability narrative. Specifically, builders favour proof points that highlight forestry replanting practices, alongside straightforward messages about the advantages of timber framing. We can effectively communicate through messages such as: “Choose renewable, sustainable timber framing,” “Certified sustainable timber framing is the responsible choice,” and “Your timber framed home stores carbon absorbed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and helps address climate change.” It has been found that consumers respond positively to evidence related to sustainability and rejuvenation, particularly statements that are clear and informative such as: Timber framing is a natural way to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Trees grow for around 30 years before they are harvested, allowing them to capture substantial amounts of CO₂. Approximately half the dry weight of timber framing is carbon, which is stored for the life of the timber. People have negative perceptions about logging and deforestation and often think cutting down trees is a bad thing. However, when timber comes from a sustainably managed forest, it is one of the most renewable building materials available. In Australia, we replant over 70 million seedlings every year and our softwood plantations grow the amount of timber framing needed for an average home every two and a half minutes. Timber has the lowest embodied energy of all mainstream building materials. This means that the entire production process of timber framing from planting and harvesting to manufacturing, transportation, and installation uses the least amount of energy. And recent technologies and innovations are increasing yields from each log, decreasing waste, and reducing energy use further.   New assets available for download include: A fact sheet which is a quick and easy conversation starter about renewable timber framing. A printable poster and pullup banner to promote your sustainable business practices at events. A flyer to share with clients to dive deeper into the sustainability benefits of choosing timber framing. A white labelled certificate to present your clients with recognition of choosing sustainable timber framing. And social media tiles to share across your channels to promote your business’ commitment to sustainability. Download these resources now at https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/timber-framing

The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed new Forest and Wood Products Australia board directors – Matt Crapp, Dr Michelle Freeman and Cameron McDonald and thanks outgoing directors – Stephen Dadd, Nick Roberts and Yvonne Pengilly for their service and commitment to our sector’s national Research and Development Corporation. Source: Timberbiz The changes to the board were made at the FWPA annual general meeting. FWPA Chair Craig Taylor said the new directors would bring unique perspectives and similarly strong commitment to excellence as their outgoing colleagues Mr Taylor extended his appreciation and recognition to continuing board members Katie Fowden and Professor Tony Arnel, and to the entire FWPA team led by Andrew Leighton FWPA’s CEO. AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam congratulated the new board members. “All three are well known to AFPA and we’re thrilled to see such high calibre people recruited to the FWPA Board. Matt already makes a valuable contribution on the AFPA Board, while Michelle has done an excellent job in recent times as Forestry Australia President, and Cameron has made a substantial contribution to AFPA and our Growers Chamber over several years,” she said. “I also thank our current AFPA Chair, Stephen Dadd for his dedication to serving FWPA for nine years, as well as Nick Roberts and Yvonne Pengilly. Chair Craig Taylor, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Leighton and the rest of the FWPA team deserve praise for their ongoing work and efforts in support of our sector. “FWPA performs vital work for Australia’s forest industries and it’s essential that passionate and qualified industry representatives are involved in the governance of the organisation. As we head into a Federal Election year particularly, AFPA looks forward to continuing our working relationship with FWPA for the betterment of our sector and the Australian economy,” Ms Hallam said.

On 7-8 November the 10th edition of the International Hardwood Conference was held at the Hilton Vienna Park in the Austrian capital. The Conference was hosted by the Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs, which co-organized the event with the two usual partners: the European Organization of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) and the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF). Source: Timberbiz The event drew many participants from 26 countries all over the world. Participants had the opportunity to attend an interesting study tour – the group visited three companies, including the innovative parquet company Weitzer Parkett, Mühlbauer Holz, a leading timber merchant in Austria, and TEAM 7, which produces top-notch, custom-made solid wood furniture. The conference was opened by an economic overview provided by Christoph Schneider of the Economica Institute. Mr Schneider showed that increasing global tensions are having a negative effect on stability. Businesses will operate in an increasingly challenging environment but there will also be opportunities such as mainstreaming of artificial intelligence. Silvio Schüler of the Austrian Research Centre for Forests delivered an insightful presentation on European hardwood forests. The share of hardwood forests is rising across Europe and with climate change trees are growing faster. Forests’ health is key for a stable provision of raw materials to the hardwood industry. However, climate change and forests pests are threatening forests’ vitality. Adapting forest management to these changed conditions is very important as well as increasing material uses of hardwood. Presentations about the market situation around the world were delivered in the second session of the conference. In their introducing remarks, Mrs Maria Kiefer-Polz, EOS Vice-President for Hardwood, and Mr Ad Wesselink, ETTF President, argued that in Europe the last couple of years were quite challenging for the hardwood businesses. The big question mark for operators in the sector is whether the market has bottomed out and 2025 can really be the year of recovery. The hardwood businesses are also adjusting to a new cost structure amid higher costs for energy, personnel, equipment etc. Michael Snow of the American Hardwood Export Council showed that 2024 is a quite difficult year on the other side of the Atlantic as well. Production in the United States has been on a long-term declining trend due to weak home demand for basically all hardwood applications. Exports to overseas countries are sluggish but, overall, slightly better than US demand. However, subdued Chinese demand is taking a toll. In his presentation about the Chinese market, Mr James Xu of Shanghai AM Forest Products stressed the importance of using new sales channels such as local social media to maintain market share in the challenging Chinese. Innovative sales methods are really gaining momentum in China. Jean-Christophe Claudon of the International Timber Trade Organization delivered a presentation about tropical wood. Tropical sawnwood production as a share of overall global sawnwood production has been relatively stable over the last 30 years at around 13/15%. A very relevant market for the hardwood industry – the parquet market – is also going through a difficult period, as Ms Isabelle Brose showed in her presentation on trends in the European parquet industry. The sector is focusing on incremental innovation such as, among other things, water-resistant, acoustic and smart wood flooring. In the Q&A session, better promotion of products is seeing as crucial for the future of the sector by presenters intervening in the morning, particularly as younger consumers are increasingly sensitive to environment-friendly products such as sustainably produced hard-wood. Mr Harald Mauser of the European Forest Institute gave an overarching presentation on the impact of EU legislation on the forestry sector. Unfortunately, an impact assessment calculating EU legislation costs for the sector is missing, also considering that policies affecting the sector are on the rise. On a brighter, the reduction of administrative burdens is one of the targets of the new European Commission, but it remains to be seen how this will be applied in practice. The enhanced stress on a circular bioeconomy provides opportunities for the sector but the policy framework needs to be coherent. Dialogue with decision-makers and the wider public will be vital for the woodworking industry, including for the hardwood industry. The audience was then treated to two relevant panel discussions. A crucial topic of the conference, the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), has been addressed in the first panel discussion and preceded by a comprehensive introductory presentation delivered by Franz-Xaver Kraft of GD Holz. The announced “entry into application” delay expected to be approved soon by the EU Institutions has been unquestionably welcomed by the international timber industry, which is working hard to implement the challenging requirements imposed by the EUDR. Certification schemes such as PEFC and FSC, which were also on stage, offer valuable support for companies aiming to comply with the EUDR by providing traceability frameworks, risk assessment tools, deforestation-free standards, and documentation that align closely with the regulation’s requirements. While companies may need to implement supplementary due diligence measures, certification schemes provide an effective foundation for ensuring compliance with the EUDR and reducing the administrative, legal, and logistical challenges associated with the new regulation. The second discussion was very inspiring and focused on innovation in the hardwood sector. The speakers’ interventions focused on innovation in hardwood furniture and construction, both on the possible uses for hardwood in construction and on the potential for wood-based hybrid constructions. The last session has been opened by an overarching presentation on possible new material concepts for the hardwood sector. You can download presentations at https://ihc2024.at/presentations.html  

Robert Allinson, UK Sales Manager, UPM Plywood, gave delegates at the TDUK Global Market Conference an overview of the Finnish softwood plywood sector, outlining its importance to the UK market, and the recent changes seen since the pandemic. Source: Timberbiz He also highlighted raw material supply as one of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry, along with rising costs and high log prices in particular. UPM Plywood manufactures high-quality WISA plywood and veneer products for a number of industries, including construction, vehicle flooring, shipbuilding and other industrial applications. It owns seven mills across Estonia and Finland, owns 900,000 hectares of forests in total, 600,000 of this within Finland and also manages 500,000 more. Forestry is a significant industry in Finland, which has an overall forest cover of 75% – or 22.8 million hectares. This compares with 39% forest cover across the EU, and just 13% in the UK. “Finland is reasonably unique in that 60% [of its forest cover] is in private own-ership. There are about 620,000 individual forest owners, which for a population of about 5.6 million is about one in nine – so obviously Finland is culturally very invested in forestry. Around 15.9% of all exported goods from Finland are from the forest product sector,” Mr Allinson said. The UK imported around 1.16 million m3 of plywood in 2023. Around 321,000m3 of this was softwood plywood, 12% of which came from Finland. Hardwood plywood imports were 839,000m3, of which Finland contributed 2.7%. Mr Allinson noted that Finnish plywood imports to the UK have fallen since their high in 2021, but that this largely followed the COVID disruption seen across large parts of the industry. “Interestingly, the value of the softwood imports into the UK from Finland is about £16 million, and hardwood is about £26 million, reflecting the high value of some of those birch products,” he said. This year for Finnish exports a lot of markets have been very strong. “The birch side of things is up slightly in Europe, though down across some other markets. Softwoods are mostly up in European markets, but down for the UK, where softwood plywood from Finland generally has seen a decline reflective of the conditions here,” Mr Allinson said. Like a number of other speakers at the Global Market Conference, Mr Allinson highlighted raw materials as a big challenge for the industry. “Raw material supply is a big issue,” he said. “We hope that prices will stabilise this year, but the industry also needs to look at how to best use the resources we have to allow everybody in the supply chain to get a return, because otherwise we won’t get the investment we need,” he said. While he noted that economic slumps aren’t new to the forestry industry, other issues were also playing their part in making the sector a challenging one. “Import sanctions on Russia, although vital, have caused some issues in coal markets, and log prices have been particularly high, affecting availability. There’s hope that Spruce prices will stabilise this year, with only small increases into next year. But raw material availability is definitely a challenge for all manufacturers,” he said. “The aftermath of the pandemic, as we know, has also caused some issues in the markets, particularly around the ability of companies to get gain credit for trading purposes, and we’ve certainly seen construction, distribution and manufacturing businesses failing as a result.” Despite this, Mr Allinson does believe that an upturn is on its way. “I don’t think the up-turn is going to catch anyone out, unfortunately, but there’s certainly a backlog of construction across the UK and most of our core markets in Europe, and obviously in the US. And there’s some positive projections and I think the wood panel sector is likely to improve through next year with levels being predicted to return to pre-COVID levels by 2027.” The growing move towards renewables and low-carbon materials also offers some positive hopes for the timber sector, Robert said, with a strong focus on wood products for construction that are certified, environmentally sustainable and dependable. “Legislative changes across Europe are certainly enforcing embodied carbon limits in construction and this will create further opportunities for wood. Denmark, for example, has al-ready written limits on embodied carbon into their building codes, and I think Sweden, the UK and France are not far behind, which is good news.” Mr Allinson then turned to the question of whether, once the market does improve, we will have enough wood to meet the demand. “Supply is as always going to be key, and strong reciprocal relationships with customers will hopefully prove to be fruitful once the upturn comes and supply gets tight.” He explained that in Finland, only 75% of the annual growth of the forest is harvested, so it has a good model in terms of sustainability of supply. But he noted that log production is declining in Europe, and log prices are kind to rise. “The expectation is that wood products will play an increasing role in construction due to their sustainability credentials, but with no forecasted increase in log availability as an industry, we’re just going to need to find ways to use what we have to our best advantage and more efficiently. So perhaps the question should be how we use the wood we have to the best effect. The reality is that resources are limited, and we need to ensure there’s room to build profitability throughout the supply chain so that everybody is able to get a return and be profitable,” Mr Allinson said.

This Christmas, a beautiful tree from Forestry England Kielder is making a 330-mile journey to stand beside the Houses of Parliament, bringing festive cheer to the heart of Westminster. Source: Timberbiz One of Kielder Forest’s 150 million trees, the 40-foot Sitka spruce was carefully selected by experts at Forestry England for its perfect shape and impressive size. This iconic tree will stand at the foot of the Houses of Parliament throughout the festive period. Once the tree has been chosen, Forestry England’s skilled team carefully cuts down the tree to prevent any damage to its branches. It’s then wrapped, loaded, and ready for its long trip to London. To ensure the tree is as sustainable as possible, Forestry England selects it from an open area in the forest to allow ground plants flourish. After Christmas, the tree will be chipped and reused in London’s parks and green spaces, continuing to benefit the environment. Richard Cooper, Beat Forester at Forestry England, said: “Felling this tree is a highlight of my year. It has to be just right, and it’s a great feeling to see it standing next to the Houses of Parliament. Getting it safely from Northumberland to London is a skilful process, and I’m proud knowing that so many people will enjoy it in Westminster.” This year’s spruce, which started life about 40 years ago, is one of 120 trees from Forestry England Kielder that will bring Christmas cheer across the UK, with others heading to places including Ipswich, Sheffield, and Stockton-on-Tees. Another 25ft tree has been delivered to Westminster Hall and a 12ft tree will stand in the Speaker’s House. Kielder Forest is already preparing for the future, planting thousands of seedlings to keep this tradition alive and to supply timber locally.

Sustainable Timber Tasmania is stepping up its efforts to monitor the swift parrot, with observations indicating active foraging in and around forest reserves and production areas. Source: Timberbiz Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Swift Parrot Monitoring Program is in full swing, with recent surveys conducted across key areas of Tasmania, including the Tasman Peninsula, Southern Forests, and Eastern Tiers. Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s research and operations teams have reported encouraging signs of swift parrot activity, with small groups of parrots observed foraging on blue gum and black gum at various sites, both within forest reserves and surrounding production areas. While no nesting activity has yet been identified so far, these early observations signal a positive start to the season and return of the parrots to Tasmania Ongoing monitoring efforts are part of Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s commitment to conservation and sustainable forest practices and demonstrate active management of potential breeding habitat for swift parrots within Tasmania’s public production forests. Over the past fortnight, the teams have made significant progress; retrieving acoustic recorders from previous surveys, conducting targeted field surveys and deploying additional equipment in potential swift parrot breeding areas. This comprehensive approach allows for adaptive forest management based on real time monitoring and minimising potential disturbance to the species and its habitat. “Sustainable Timber Tasmania continues to prioritise the management of potential swift parrot habitat, adapting its forest practices as needed to support a successful swift parrot breeding season,” Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s General Manager Conservation and Land Management Suzette Weeding said. “Our proactive approach to acoustic monitoring and field surveys is invaluable in detecting various forms of bird activity across the landscape. By closely monitoring the swift parrot, we can adapt forest management activities to align with the species needs throughout its breeding season. “Our goal is to see that Tasmania’s production forests continue to support both sustainable timber harvesting and potential wildlife habitat, balancing conservation and responsible land management,” she said.  

This year’s OFO forest photo competition saw an impressive array of over 120 entries from students across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, showcasing their perspectives on our iconic landscape. Source: Timberbiz Entries were brought to a panel of judges, and top honours were given to Year 6 student Hunter Crowe, and Year 12 student Ellie Cookson. “I like to go walking with my family out in the bush, to find and explore new and amazing sceneries,” Hunter explained. “I most enjoy the way that walking in nature can make you feel better, especially when we go Geocaching. It’s amazing to see all the revegetation after the scars from bushfires, and the interesting shapes that the existing trees have formed.” OneFortyOne CEO Wendy Norris expressed her admiration for the students’ work. “The perspectives shared by these young photographers are truly inspiring,” Ms Norris said. “The enthusiasm and creativity shown highlight the strong connection our community has with local forests.” Launched in August to celebrate National Forestry Day, the competition was designed to encourage students to explore and share their unique perspective about what the forest means to them. Ellie captured the essence of local forests with her stunning photograph and heartfelt words about the surprises and unique sights in the forests she calls home, while Hunter’s winning entry beautifully depicted his love for nature, and the joy he finds in exploring the bush with his family. “I love all the forests around because there’s always something new to see, something unique in its own way around every single corner, you never know if there’s going to be a surprise such as a kangaroo, emu, a bird or simply a tiny mushroom. Everything is special and I’m glad to call it home,” she said. “Their ability to capture the beauty and resilience of our forests emphasises the importance of thoughtful stewardship of the forest for generations to come,” Ms Norris said. “We are incredibly impressed, and thankful to all of the students for their contributions to this celebration of nature.” The winning photos will be featured on OneFortyOne’s social media channels and website, and a selection of entries will be displayed at a number of exhibitions in the region.

Pan Pac has a new General Manager – Lumber Mark Kennedy, who joined Pan Pac in November 2024. Source: Timberbiz Mr Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) and an MBA. He has vast experience in operations management in manufacturing environments globally, including as General Manager Operations with Asaleo Care. His early career also gave him experience at the Kawerau Pulp Mill. Mr Kennedy has a strong background of leadership, technical skills and experience with industrial relations and multi-union environments.

To support the use of timber in construction, Forest & Wood Products Australia is introducing a new industry standard aimed at streamlining compliance for exterior timber wall cladding. Source: Timberbiz The current complex regulatory landscape often leads to increased time and costs for projects, making timber a less attractive option for builders and designers. The proposed FWPA Standard introduces a non-mandatory Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) solution specifically for exterior timber wall cladding systems. This innovative Standard provides a clear compliance pathway for meeting the condensation and weatherproofing provisions of the Na-tional Construction Code (NCC). “By simplifying compliance requirements, we’re not only reducing costs and project delays but also empowering builders and designers to choose timber as a preferred material.” said Boris Iskra, National Codes and Standards Manager at FWPA. For commercial projects under NCC Volume One, this standard provides the first-ever compliant DTS solution, significantly reducing reliance on costly customised Performance Solutions where external timber cladding is permitted to be used. For residential projects under Volume Two, it accommodates modern cladding systems and updated installation methods, further streamlining the compliance process. This new standard aims to minimise project delays, reduce construction costs, and promote the broader adoption of timber as a sustainable material, enhancing its appeal and opening new market opportunities. FWPA is committed to industry-wide engagement in developing this standard. Consultations are being held with timber cladding manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and building associations. To achieve NCC recognition, the standard is being developed in alignment with the Australian Building Codes Board’s Protocol for the Development of National Construction Code Referenced Documents. An open public comment period from November 13, 2024, to February 7, 2025, invites industry members to provide feedback and help shape the standard. If referenced in the NCC, the new Standard will deliver several benefits to industry stakeholders: Streamlined Compliance: Architects, building designers, and builders will gain a straightforward pathway to meet NCC requirements, reducing the complexities of compliance navigation. Cost Savings: Detailed design and installation guidelines will aid building surveyors and certifiers in minimising the need for costly Performance Solutions, especially beneficial for commercial projects and minor residential variations. Faster Approvals: The simplified compliance process aims to decrease project delays, allowing projects to progress more swiftly and meet client deadlines effectively. Flexibility and Choice: The new Standard provides an additional compliance option while allowing professionals to utilise existing pathways, enhancing timber’s adaptability in a competitive market. For more information on the FWPA Standard and how you can provide feedback on the draft standard, please visit: www.fwpa.com.au/standards-activities/draft-standard-design-installation-of-exterior-timber-wall-cladding/

A scheme to help alleviate the burden of sea freight for Tasmanian businesses should have a ground-up review and be indexed, according to the Tasmanian Forest Products Association. Source: Timberbiz Meeting in Hobart, the Seante Select Committee on the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) was told the scheme is out-of-date, in need of administrative changes and should be indexed to ensure it remains fit for purpose. The TFES assists Tasmanian businesses to be more competitive when exporting goods to the mainland, by offsetting the costs of shipping across Bass Strait. Speaking to the inquiry, TFPA Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, said the scheme was essential to keep all exporting Tasmanian businesses competitive. “A recent survey of our members found that the majority of them use the scheme in one way or another, whether that’s for processed timber, trusses, veneer, engineered wood products or sustainably harvested logs. “With over $320 million in exports to the mainland, and over $55 million in international trade facilitated through the system it’s essential for our industry,” Mr Steel said. “These figures are only for the sustainable forest industry. The scheme is essential for all businesses that ship across Bass Strait.” Mr Steel said there are several issues with the TFES as it currently operates. “Our members have told us the system is old, out-of-date, and relies on manual bookkeeping methods. They say its lack of indexation actually means businesses are worse off now than before the scheme was introduced. “And they say the scheme hasn’t kept up with increasing shipping costs, which are now much more per kilometre, per kilogram than road or rail freight further disadvantaging Tasmanian businesses against their mainland counterparts.” Mr Steel said it’s important to note that the scheme’s objective was always to “alleviate”, but not fully “equalise” the freight cost disadvantage incurred by Tasmanian businesses who move freight between Tasmania and the mainland by sea. “Shipping goods to and from Tasmania has a unique set of challenges, both logistically and eco-nomically,” Mr Steel said. “The need to transfer goods from road or rail to ship and then back to road or rail is an impediment to trade no other state is faced with. This disadvantage was one of the reasons for TFES was originally introduced. “Despite extensive shipping cost rises over recent years, the scheme has not been indexed against the rise in shipping costs, which has resulted in a perverse outcome where mainland businesses trade is at a distinct advantage over TFES supported Tasmanian businesses – exact-ly the purpose of the scheme’s original introduction.” As well as hearing from the TFPA, the committee heard from a range of industry bodies, including Fruit Growers Tasmania, Wine Tasmania, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and TFPA member Norske Skog Boyer.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is urging the Federal Government to withdraw support for the NSW Government’s proposed Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Forests (INFM) method. Chief Executive of the AFPA Diana Hallam said the proposed method clearly fails to meet integrity standards. Source: Timberbiz “There are serious questions over the validity and integrity of the INFM method proposed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW). The ACCU Scheme should not be hijacked to fund government projects at the cost of realising genuine carbon abatement,” Ms Hallam said. “We are calling on the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen to ask the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) to review how the INFM method satisfies integrity standards, including additionality, scale of abatement and adverse environmental and economic impacts.” Ms Hallam said the proposed INFM method has expanded to include Tasmania and Queensland. “The proposed INFM method requires a national cessation of native forestry operations and is not compatible with government commitments to support our sustainable native forestry industry,” she said. “If a carbon method incentivising the cessation of native forestry operations is rejected by states practicing sustainable native forestry, as expected, it risks undermining the integrity of the carbon abatement scheme as a whole.” AFPA was extremely surprised to see the INFM method recommended for further development at the expense of Forestry Australia’s Enhancing Native Forest Resilience method, which was developed by forest scientists, focuses on improved forest health through active forest management and was assessed by the ERAC as having ‘excellent alignment with Offsets Integrity Standards’. In contrast, the INFM method, developed by consultants, was only assessed with ‘potential’ to meet the same standards. There is an increasing body of evidence that shows forests managed for production provide the greatest ongoing greenhouse gas benefits. In other words, the carbon benefits accruing from forests that are harvested and managed are greater than forests that are conserved or locked up because growing trees sequester carbon at a greater rate than mature ones, and harvested timber continues to store carbon long after it has been removed from the forest. “Carbon methods with strong integrity are needed to ensure active forest management reaches its climate change fighting potential for Australia and the world,” Ms Hallam said. “I urge the Federal Government to scrutinise ERAC’s decision-making processes and reverse its decision to develop the INFM method. Australia’s abatement ambitions can be realised if we understand and accept the science that managed native forests support the climate, communities and the economy. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has acknowledged this science. That ERAC has not, suggests Australia’s abatement ambitions are being sacrificed in the pursuit of ideology or politics,” Diana Hallam concluded.  

Five new Hall of Fame Inductees, three Industry Champions and two Icons of forest contracting were celebrated at the Australian Forest Contracting Association Gala Dinner and Industry Excellence Awards on 14 November. Source: Timberbiz One hundred and twenty people gathered at the event in Launceston, Tasmania to recognise the achievements and contributions of the people and businesses who epitomise what this great industry is all about. Australian Forest Contractors Association General Manager Tim Lester said the overriding message from the evening was the importance of community and collaboration. “Contracting businesses are the lifeblood of the forest products sector” Tim Lester said. “They are very often multigenerational family enterprises, with dedicated staff, the highest levels of performance and a real commitment to maintaining healthy environments and communities. “Through our Industry Excellence Awards we are acknowledging and recognising this dedication and service which can be easily overlooked. “We are also proud to recognise the outstanding contribution and resilience of this year’s Hall of Fame Inductees who have been involved in industry for 25 years and elevated two of our Hall of Fame members to Icon status. “We awarded five Service to Industry Award for individuals and organisations who have made a significant contribution in support of forest contracting businesses. “And with a special new category we acknowledge the work of three Industry Champions, individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of our businesses and industry. “Our congratulations to all the nominees and award winners,” Mr Lester said. Winners and Finalists Next Generation Achiever, awarded to a talented and successful emerging industry leader. Sponsored by the Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast. Winner: Jacob Hughes, JCH Harvest, (Tas) Finalists: Meeghan Price, TP Bennett and Sons, (Tas), Samuel Blackberry, Sunchip Group (Qld) Mr Hughes commenced in the industry as an operator and has become a significant contractor in Tasmania. He has been a leader in the innovation of winch assist in steep logging. Female Leader Award, for outstanding achievement and contribution to the industry, sponsored by John Deere Winner: Kirsty Parker, M&M Timbers, NSW Finalists: Jennifer Ferguson, Austimber Harvest & Haulage, Vic, Jillian Aylett-Brown, Tasmania Ms Parker is a great advocate for the hardwood timber industry, always creating opportunities to promote the industry and taking the fight to keep it going to both local and federal politicians. Excellence in Safety, awarded for outstanding achievement and contribution to the development and delivery of safe practices, Sponsored by Forico. Winner: Sunchip Group, Queensland
Finalists: South West Haulage, WA, JCH Harvest, Tasmania. Sunchip Group has proudly been involved in the forestry industry for over 25 years. Passionate about the safety of its people and our industry, Sunchip Group has taken the lead when it comes to industry training and safety within the SE Qld region. Excellence in Operations, awarded for outstanding achievement and excellence in operational and organisational performance. Sponsored by Waratah Winner: Francis Richardson, Orana Enterprises, Tasmania. Finalists: William MacPhail, Sunchip Group (Qld), Jana Costello, Sunchip Group, Qld) Mr Richardson is an industry leader in truck tracking, scheduling, reporting, safety, and electronics logbook utilization. Hall of Fame – Sponsored by ForestFit Andrew Westaway, MWM Logging. During the past 20 years Mr Westaway has worked in various Victorian locations in native forestry, salvage operations, bushfire responses, windblown pine, dangerous tree work, and fire salvage. Mr Westaway’s was the first crew to utilise the K tree system which was used in salvage operations for hazardous trees, adopting the process for green forests. Denis Greensill, Greensill Bros. Mr Greensill has been in the timber industry servicing both native hardwood and softwood operations for decades. He is a large employer in the region, and his nominator described him as an
all-round legend of the industry. Angela McGuigan, Sunchip Group. Ms McGuigan has been integral part of Sunchip Group’s success for more than two decades. She is a quite achiever in the background, acting as a support within the business and industry. Gerard Bennett, TP Bennett & Sons. Mr Bennett has dedicated over 30 years to the forest industry, playing a pivotal role in supporting contracting businesses and ensuring the ongoing success of the sector. He has been a mentor and trainer to many young professionals, fostering the next generation of forestry experts. Tammy Price, TP Bennett & Sons. Ms Price is a powerhouse of southern Tasmania, and has actively championed the cause of forest contractors for many years. With passion and commitment, she has advocated for better outcomes for contracting businesses as part of a thriving industry sector. Service to Industry – Sponsored by Forestworks Graeme and Sylvia Elphinstone, Elphinstone Engineering Long-time supporters of the industry in Tasmania in nationally. Over the past year they have committed enormous personal time, effort and funding to bridge the gap of understanding by working with the team at MONA through the Forest Economics Congress. Ken White, Whites ATS For the enormous amount of work to review, analyse and support the negotiation of the forest and fire services agreements in Victoria, supporting the harvesting contractors reaching a good outcome. Midway Limited For continuing support of ForestFit since 2019. The commitment and dedication of multiple staff members has had a significantly positive impact on what is being achieved through the project for the benefit of industry. Peter Rutherford, South East Timber Association (SETA) Mr Rutherford works as a volunteer to advocate for the timber industry in the South Eastern part of NSW. As Secretary of the SETA group he goes over and above in supporting timber industry employees and businesses. Dallas Frost, Frost Batten Accountants. An industry expert in assisting contractors together advocating for industry with a number of state government bodies. He has developed costing models for industry bodies and government organizations and presented at a number of seminars for contractors over the last 20 years. Industry Champions – Sponsored by JASANZ Simon Shackleton, John Deere Mr Shackleton has been the General Manager Sales & Marketing John Deere Forestry (Asia-Pacific & Africa) since early 2000’s and prior to this was in a […]