Feed aggregator

Scion in New Zealand has produced a ‘how-to’ guide for landowners, forest investors and government agencies that outlines the promising potential of short rotation forestry to supply feedstock for bioenergy production in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz Growing trees dedicated for biofuel not only diversifies regional economies but also contributes to sustainable land management and helps New Zealand meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Why it matters The forestry model provides an alternative investment option for landowners on lower value land (Land Use Capability Class 5-7). By 2035, 150,000 hectares of dedicated bioenergy forest could displace 3 million tonnes CO2-e emissions per year. A two-year research project has identified the opportunities for regional New Zealand to adopt short rotation forestry (SRF) for bioenergy production. Scion’s modelling shows that short rotation forestry as a feedstock for bioenergy has the potential to replace 6% of New Zealand’s annual fossil fuel demand from less than 1% of the land area. This finding reinforces the feasibility of scaling up bioenergy production from forests, particularly in regions well-suited for short rotation forestry including the Central North Island, Northland, the East Coast, and Otago. These areas offer ideal conditions for SRF on lower-value land (Land Use Capability Class 5-7), where transport distances to processing locations can be minimised. Pinus radiata, known for its rapid growth and adaptability, is identified as the ideal species for SRF, with Eucalyptus fastigata and Eucalyptus regnans also showing promise for high biomass yields. These species are planted in dense stands and managed to optimise wood production for renewable energy, such as wood pellets, torrefied briquettes, or liquid biofuels for the marine and aviation sectors. SRF cycles, ranging from 12 to 18 years, are significantly shorter than the conventional 28-year harvesting cycles, providing a steady supply of biomass and contributing to greenhouse gas reduction by displacing fossil fuels and promoting carbon sequestration. Scion is developing forest bioenergy trials with the Ministry for Primary Industries to validate the theoretical findings.

Nothing gives Glencoe Nursery’s Vicki Thiele more satisfaction than seeing the full plantation timber cycle in action – the tiny seedlings she once tended decades ago become fully grown trees, then transforming into timber for the houses of today. Source: Timberbiz Once what was ‘just a casual job’ has evolved into an accidental career for Ms Thiele. Just 16 years old when she showed up for her first day’s seasonal work at the Glencoe Nursery, four decades later, Ms Thiele has risen up the ranks to become the facility’s Production Supervisor. “This job has been my whole working life,” she said, walking across a field of new seedlings,” she said. “What I love about this job is I’ve got the pleasure of being in and out. I’m nearly 57, but I don’t think I’d ever do an inside job. I do a little bit of office work but when I choose, I can go outside.” Experience in virtually every job and activity possible at the nursery, from cutting and setting to long days mowing and spraying on the tractor, has paid dividends when it comes to her supervisory role. “For me, I’m the sort of person who has to have an understanding of that job,” Ms Thiele said. “I think it’s really important because when all the crew come in and I supervise them, that I’ve done that job, and I know how hard it is. So, I like the fact that I’ve got that behind me to guide everyone.” Above all, Ms Thiele said she feels that experience is valued by the nursery crew and wider OneFortyOne team. “Because at the end of the day, I haven’t got a certificate – I’m not a forester, but I have got the experience. And you earn that, I think, as the years go on. No university degree is going to give you that.” Throughout Ms Thiele time, the two biggest workplace changes have been in safety and technology, with the nursery undergoing a major $8m upgrade over the last few years. The brand new undercover automated handling line, installed in 2024, has revolutionised the role of workers, streamlining processes, placing their work at bench height and also, giving them shelter from the cold winters and hot dry summers. When Ms Thiele first started, in the years before Personal Protective Equipment was required, she recalled the nursery crew were at the mercy of the Limestone Coast’s infamous weather conditions. “Wet weather gear is never foolproof,” Ms Thiele said with a laugh. “So, you’d be in all your overalls, your jacket, your gloves and your hat. But sometimes you’d come back in for smoko and your bras and your knickers were drenched!” Although Ms Thiele said a day in the fields was once preferrable to a day working undercover, crew universally agree the major advances in safety and technology at the site are a positive change. “It’s one hundred percent for the better when it comes to safety,” she said. Despite periods of time away from the nursery, to have children and look at other jobs, Ms Thiele said the relaxed nursery environment kept calling her back. “There were plenty of jobs out there, but I kept coming back here, so I must’ve enjoyed it,” Ms Thiele said. Constant advances in technology means output has increased dramatically, from 3,000-6,000 cuttings annually in the 1980s, up to a current total of 1.2million for OneFortyOne, plus an additional 800,000 for contractors. Statistics aside, Ms Thiele said a sense of pride is always behind the nursery team’s work. “It’s the pleasure of seeing a little seed, when you first sow them and you’re waiting every day checking to see if they’ve actually come out of the ground. “As soon as they pop their heads up, then you get to watch them grow. “It’s a good feeling that nine months later you are seeing them leave the nursery as a tree that’s going to get planted out into the bush.” Come September, when the season finishes and the work slows, the 40-plus crew dwindles down to just a handful. A good day at the nursery, Ms Thiele said, is when the team have worked together to send the best possible product out the gate. “For me, it’s getting my jobs done, to a good level and walking out feeling I’ve accomplished what I needed to do,” she said. “Feeling like I’ve put in a good day’s work.”

When Jean Margerie arrived at Techlam’s Levin factory from France, he brought more than just his engineering expertise, he represented a unique collaboration between New Zealand’s wood industry and European technical education. Source: Timberbiz The partnership, connecting Techlam with New Zealand’s forest research institute Scion and France’s prestigious engineering school ENSAM, began with a straightforward goal: improving quality control for glulam beam production. What emerged was a story of cross-cultural exchange and technical innovation. “It’s not often students get to work between research and industry,” Mr Margerie said, describing his split time between Techlam’s factory floor and Scion’s research facilities. “The first impressions were overwhelming, but the constant support from both Scion and Techlam teams made all the difference.” Mr Margerie’s background made him particularly suited for the role. Having visited more than 20 countries with his teacher parents when he was younger, he developed an adaptability that proved valuable in New Zealand’s wood industry – an environment quite different from his European experience. At Techlam, Mr Margerie’s primary focus was refining the company’s quality assessment methods. He spearheaded the implementation of a non-destructive testing device that could evaluate glulam beam stiffness without compromising structural integrity. The system allows technicians to assess beam strength more efficiently while maintaining production quality. His work extended to the factory floor, where he conducted a comprehensive two-month analysis of production workflows. Working alongside manufacturing teams, Jean mapped out each step of the glulam manufacturing process, identifying bottlenecks and suggesting improvements to enhance consistency. The research component of his role at Scion proved equally substantial. Jean devoted significant time to investigating hybrid beam technology, exploring how incorporating exotic woods and carbon fibres could enhance beam performance. This research aimed to push the boundaries of traditional glulam capabilities while maintaining practical manufacturing feasibility. “Each day brought different challenges,” Mr Margerie explained. “One day I might be calibrating testing equipment, the next analysing production data, and the next running laboratory tests at Scion. This mix of practical and research work helped me grow my skillset tremendously.” In Europe, the building industry doesn’t rely as much on wood, or rather in a different way Mr Margerie noted, highlighting a key difference between the regions. This observation carries weight, considering New Zealand’s significant forestry sector. According to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, the industry generated around NZ$6.6 billion of annual gross income in the recent years, with volumes expected to be high for the decade (to 2030) as forests planted in the past are now reaching maturity. ENSAM’s reputation for excellence in engineering education played a crucial role in the success of this international partnership. The institution’s approach goes beyond theoretical knowledge, emphasising practical problem-solving and project leadership skills that translate directly to industry needs. Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director, has been particularly impressed with this practical focus: “Jean’s ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving has brought a new dimension to our operations.” Having completed his internship, Mr Margerie is now finishing a full-time position at Techlam. When asked about his long-term plans, he sees part of his future in New Zealand. “I could easily see myself here for quite a few years,” he said, though he added with a laugh, “but I do miss proper French cheese.” His openness to staying in New Zealand reflects both the opportunities he sees in the country’s wood industry and the welcoming environment he’s found since arriving. For Techlam, the collaboration with Scion and ENSAM represents an investment in both innovation and the future of engineered wood technology. As New Zealand’s engineered timber industry continues its rapid growth, partnerships like these may become increasingly important for bridging global expertise and local innovation.

The Australian Government says it is committed to ensuring illegally logged material is not incorporated into Australian wood products. The arrangements commencing on 3 March 2025 represent an opportunity for government, industry and end users of wood products to have greater confidence in the source and supply of timber. Source: Timberbiz This will provide greater confidence to the Australian public of the strong collective commitment of all parts of the Australian supply chain to responsible forestry practices. The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules) were finalised in December 2024 and will come into effect on 3 March 2025. These new legal requirements will involve changes to internal processes and the government says it remains committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community with clear and accessible guidance. For the first six months of the Rules being in effect (from 3 March 2025 – early September 2025), there will be audits as usual, but the focus will be on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of new/changed due diligence arrangements. There may be further action for non-compliance matters where warranted, consistent with the compliance policy. Aspects of due diligence requirements will change on 3 March 2025. Until then, existing requirements remain in place. More information on what will happen from 3 March 2025 is available in the Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements factsheet. There are also two digital kits (‘digikits’) with resources and information for representative groups to distribute amongst their networks. If you would like to receive the digikits email illegallogging@aff.gov.au Further guidance material will be available ahead of 3 March 2025 to assist in meeting due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure our guidance is fit-for-purpose. At all times the guidance will remain aligned to the legislation and the intent of the legislation. Further information on the changes coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49.

Australian Panels is proud to contribute to an innovative collaboration with The University of Queensland (UQ) on a transformative project aimed at creating sustainable and affordable prefabricated temporary housing systems. Source: Timberbiz This visionary initiative breathes new life into recovered waste cardboard and under-utilised timber from Northern New South Wales, crafting a timely solution for emergency housing. It’s a remarkable fusion of ingenuity, speed, and environmental mindfulness. This project seeks to redefine how temporary housing is conceptualized and constructed. It revolves around the creation of timber-cardboard sandwich panels, a revolutionary structural composite made primarily of recovered waste cardboard and under-utilised timber. These materials, readily available in Northern New South Wales, are transformed into components that outperform conventional foam-core insulated panels by 30% in structural efficiency. Beyond their technical benefits, these panels exemplify a commitment to sustainability, promoting the use of renewable and recycled materials in temporary housing construction. The project also supports the development of new and expanded regional manufacturing capabilities, fostering growth in bio-based modular housing systems. The 2022 floods in Lismore, on the NSW North Coast, served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact natural disasters can have on communities. Thousands of residents were displaced, many of whom waited months for suitable shelter due to the lack of high-quality, rapid-deployment housing solutions. The increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters, driven by climate change, has heightened the urgency for adaptable, durable, and sustainable temporary housing solutions. This initiative directly addresses this challenge by creating a model that prioritises speed, comfort, and resilience. By using locally sourced materials, the project reduces reliance on complex logistics and transportation, enabling quicker assembly and lower costs. This not only accelerates the recovery process for disaster-stricken communities but also supports regional economies. Moreover, the system’s innovative design demonstrates how materials often considered waste can be transformed into high-performing building components that meet modern housing standards. Integral to this groundbreaking project are two standout products from Australian Panels: STRUCTAflor Ultimate (R-Flor) and easycraft VJ100. STRUCTAflor Ultimate, equipped with cutting-edge radiant barrier technology, was specifically chosen for its moisture vapor retarding effect, thanks to the perforated aluminium foil layer. This feature is crucial as it provides protection to the particleboard flooring and floor coverings by reducing the ability of moisture from the subfloor area to enter the structure, making it ideal for installation in damp areas. Other key benefits of STRUCTAflor Ultimate include: Reducing the potential for mould growth on the underside of the flooring. Enhancing the overall System R values (thermal insulation). BAL 29 fire rating compliance, adding a layer of fire protection. Meanwhile, easycraft VJ100 combines aesthetic finesse with unmatched durability, contributing to the visual and structural integrity of the temporary housing units. The culmination of this initiative is a full-scale prototype, a tangible embodiment of the project’s goals. Weatherproof, safe, and remarkably comfortable, this temporary home redefines how recycled materials can serve humanity. During a public showcase at Southern Cross University in Lismore, visitors explored the house, touching its features, asking questions about the technologies used, and sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback. Minister Jihad Dib, NSW Minister for Emergency Services, visited the site along with Benjamin Roche, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) at SCU, and Andrew Hurford, owner of Hurford Wholesale and a key project partner. Their presence underscored the importance of this innovation in disaster response. This project is more than a technical achievement; it is a triumph of collaboration. It brings together expertise from government, research, and industry partners, representing every stage of the value chain from forest resources to wood products and final building applications. Funded by the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and Land and Primary Industries Network, this seed initiative is a testament to how cross-sector partnerships can foster radically new approaches to resource-efficient building design. The result is a low-carbon, sustainable, and scalable delivery model perfectly suited for post-disaster temporary housing. This collaboration sets a new benchmark in sustainable construction, turning waste into opportunity and challenges into triumphs. By significantly increasing the capacity to use renewable and recycled materials, the project not only addresses immediate housing needs but also paves the way for expanded regional manufacturing in bio-based modular housing systems.