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June marked three years since the EU joined the US in introducing measures to prevent Myanmar teak from reaching their markets. Yet, millions of euros worth of shipments of the timber have since entered both countries. Source:  Environmental investigation agency Teak has been called the ‘King of Woods’ and is much sought after for furniture and by luxury yachting builders for its beautiful patina and superior water-resistant properties. However, the trade in this timber has become a focal point in a brutal conflict driven by a military regime. On 1 February 2021, the military overthrew the Myanmar’s democratically elected government in a coup and, the following day, established the State Administration Council (SAC), which took control of all the country’s legislative, executive and judicial functions. The army generals also took charge of the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), which was responsible for the country’s lucrative trade in teak, and MTE now also came under the management of the newly formed SAC. In response to the bloody coup, on 21 April 2021, the US government sanctioned MTE, and the EU followed suit two months later. Sanction regulations are a foreign policy tool, which in this instance, were aimed at nullifying the military’s ability to profit from the sales of timber stolen from Myanmar’s forests and to curb money flowing into the coffers of the junta which was committing atrocities against its people. In effect, that meant MTE could not sell and export any teak from Myanmar into the EU and US markets. Sending any money to MTE in exchange for teak was also prohibited. It is not only those sanctions that prohibited teak imports into the EU and US. Under a longstanding law in the EU, the EU Timber Regulation (soon to be repealed by the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation), made it illegal to import timber from Myanmar because it was not possible to determine if it had been legally harvested. Due to the military takeover of the country and the implementation of sanctions against MTE, the EU Commission decided that all Myanmar timber products should be considered illegal in accordance with the EUTR. Similarly, the US Lacey Act prohibits the import of timber if the wood had been felled and transported illegally based on the country of origin’s laws. This all begs the question, why it is still possible to import teak directly from Myanmar into the EU and US markets? According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, between June 2021 and December 2023, the EU imported more than €34 million worth of teak directly from Myanmar.[1] Notably, total teak imports from Myanmar into the EU decreased from around €23.5 million in 2022 to just over €3.8 million in 2023. While this is a positive decrease in the trade, this figure should be at zero. And does this tailing off of direct trade mean demand for teak has decreased? It is unlikely. EIA strongly believes that Burmese teak is being shipped into EU and US markets via other countries by traders who disguise the wood’s true origin to circumvent sanctions. A prime example is that of neighbouring India, which has seen an increase of teak imports into the EU rise from a total figure of around €500,000 in 2021 to nearly €7.5 million in 2023, according to Eurostat.[2] Similar upward trends are seen for shipments to the US, according to the global trade database Panjiva. It is not possible to know if all exports of teak from India is actually Myanmar teak; India’s forests do contain naturally-grown teak. Nevertheless, this marked increase in exports from India is indicative of a shift in trade that coincidentally aligns with the timings of the implementation of sanctions against MTE. EIA suspects that EU and US traders are seeking alternative routes to acquire Burmese teak from merchants who provide falsified origin papers. India has not implemented sanctions against MTE; therefore, Indian traders can continue to purchase Burmese teak directly from MTE. Regardless, however, under the EU and US sanctions and timber importing laws, for timber shipments reaching these markets, the origin of teak must be verified. Without this, EIA does not believe that all of this teak originates in India. So, Indian traders must be transparent about from where they source their timber. “Given the escalating violence and conflict within Myanmar, without the full implementation of sanctions and timber laws, what’s the point?” says Forests Campaign Leader, Faith Doherty. “The international market must remain vigilant as we continue to see a direct flow of teak from Myanmar. The international community must do more to stop this trade. Any information, including details obtained from within Myanmar, provided by EIA to law enforcement must be acted upon. The demand for this ‘blood timber’ remains high, especially for the elites refurbishing and buying yachts. These illegal actions are supporting an illegitimate regime and one of the most violent conflicts on Earth.”

A new book, ‘Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown’ is set to cause controversy in the conservative world of construction and in the more traditionally minded elements of the environmental movement will be published tomorrow. Source: Timberbiz The carbon emissions generated by concrete and steel construction are well-known. Why then are we not using more carbon-friendly building materials? In a passionate and compelling argument author Paul Brannen advocates the use of timber in buildings wherever possible. His controversial and counterintuitive argument is clear: planting trees is not enough to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, we also must chop them down and use more wood in our buildings. The felling of trees is of course followed by new sapling planting so that the whole sustainable process can begin again ie no deforestation should occur. This is the first book to take timber from the margins to the mainstream, from the forests to the cities. It tackles head-on questions about sustainability, safety, the biodiversity of commercial forests and the pressures on land use. The case for timber as a construction material is persuasively made – the creation of new engineered timbers with the structural strength of steel and concrete enable us for the first time to build wooden skyscrapers – and draws on the latest developments in engineering and material science. In addition to the familiar forestry models, the book advocates alternatives such as wood farming and agroforestry that bring with them added biodiversity gains for farms. With the built environment currently responsible for 40 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, Brannen’s message is unequivocal: we must change how we build. Timber! offers fresh and inventive ideas that over time could see our expanding cities storing more carbon than our expanding forests. “Timber! should be read by all those in planning, housing policy, construction and agriculture, and many more besides,” Helen Browning, Chief Executive, Soil Association said. “Paul Brannen does a fabulous job of showing how feasible and beneficial it would be if we not only sequestered carbon through growing trees, but then locked it up in our buildings and insulation for many decades to come. With innovations like agroforestry on the one hand, and glulam on the other, it’s easily within our grasp to grow and use more wood, with multiple benefits for society, not least to more rapidly solve our housing shortage through modular timber-based buildings.” Shaun Spiers, Executive Director, Green Alliance said Timber! was a passionate and thought-provoking manifesto for the much bigger role wood and forestry could play in tackling the climate crisis and improving the built environment. “It packs in a good deal of fact and analysis, as well as some controversial opinions, but always in an engaging way. I may never be as evangelical about timber as Paul Brannen, but I am now much better informed,” he said. Paul Brannen is Director of Public Affairs for the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois) and the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS). He also works for Timber Development UK (TDUK). As a former Member of the European Parliament, he worked on climate change legislation and during this period he became increasingly aware of the potential role for wood in decarbonising the built environment. Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown is being published by Agenda Publishing.

Amazon has replaced 95% of its plastic air pillows from delivery packaging in North America with paper filler, working toward full removal by the end of the year. Source: Timberbiz The company said that it wanted to ensure that customers received their items undamaged, while using as little packaging as possible to avoid waste, and prioritizing recyclable materials. The removal of 95% of the plastic air pillows is another step in the path to avoid and reduce packaging and part of the company’s multi-year effort to remove plastic delivery packaging from North America fulfillment centres. To date, this will be Amazon’s largest plastic packaging reduction effort in North America and will avoid nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually. Last October, Amazon announced its first US automated fulfillment centre in Ohio would eliminate plastic delivery packaging, including the transition from plastic air pillows to paper filler. This work in Ohio allowed Amazon to test and learn and move quickly on transitioning to paper filler for 95% of its shipments in less than a year. To achieve this, teams collaborated with suppliers to source paper filler made from 100% recycled content, while also coordinating the transition across hundreds of fulfillment centres. This included working with thousands of employees to change machinery as well as to host employee trainings for these new systems and machines. Through testing of paper filler, which included an assessment by a third-party engineer lab, Amazon discovered that it offers the same, if not better, protection to products than plastic air pillows. The paper filler is also curb side recyclable, making it easier for customers to recycle at home, and made from 100% percent recycled content. This effort builds on Amazon’s ongoing investment in reducing packaging and increasing curb side recyclability across all of operations, while ensuring products get to customers undamaged.

Scion has launched a new interactive learning app designed to empower rangatahi (young people) and communities with knowledge about myrtle rust. Source: Timberbiz Developed with a focus on accessibility and engagement, the ‘E heke e Heka!’ app combines innovative technology with culturally relevant content in both Te Reo Māori and English, for a diverse audience aged 12 and above. Students from three kura (Whakarewarewa School, Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology, and Rotorua Primary School – Pukeroa Oruawhata) were among the first rangatahi to download the app during a launch at Te Whare Nui o Tuteata in Rotorua this week. Myrtle rust, an invasive fungal disease affecting indigenous and exotic plant species of the Myrtaceae family, poses a significant threat to New Zealand’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Since its arrival in Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2017, science, research and kaitiakitanga approaches have sought to learn about the impacts some of our most iconic plants, such as pōhutakawa, face in the future. At the same time, myrtle rust scientific resources, particularly in Te Reo Māori, have not been widely accessible. Recognising this gap, a team at Scion led by Indigenous environmental researcher Katerina Pihera-Ridge, embarked on a mission to translate the scientific knowledge for communities, whānau and young people to engage through a unique digital platform. “We believe it’s a fundamental right for all people, regardless of background, to access critical information about our environment,” says Pihera-Ridge, who leads Scion’s Restoration, Protection and Mauri o Te Waonui a Tāne portfolio. “This app bridges the gap between science and communities, offering a user-friendly platform that transforms learning into an interactive and immersive experience.” To complement the ‘E heke e Heka!’ app, Pihera-Ridge envisioned the development of ‘Mātaihia te heka’ Augmented Reality (AR)  to provide users with a virtual window into the world of myrtle rust. By visualising the fungus on four different plant species, the AR feature enhances understanding and empowers users to identify and go on to monitor potential myrtles in their own surroundings as well as consider their own mātauranga tuku iho, or knowledge systems, alongside the science information. “We wanted to create more than just an educational tool; we wanted to craft an experience that resonates with users on a personal level,” explains Te Ao Māori Research Group Leader Sierra De La Croix. “We thought really carefully about where young people go to learn so we could provide the information in a format that they are more likely to engage with. One young person told us the AR feature brought the ngahere to life. “The app is structured as a story, complete with interactive activities that make learning about science informative, digestible and enjoyable.” Proof of its appeal came during early testing with young people who provided valuable feedback to the app’s development team, Kiwa Digital. De La Croix says adults also enjoy ‘E heke e Heka!’, making it a fun activity for all the whānau. “A highlight for me was when we showed our project lead myrtle rust researcher Dr Michael Bartlett the AR component, which is a gamified activity to seek out and find infected leaves on the virtual branches. When Michael saw how closely representative the four different species looked when they are impacted by myrtle rust, he was fully engaged and had the time of his life using the app. “If our experts in myrtle rust research think this is scientifically relevant and cool, then it tells me that it’s an effective tool.” The significance of the app extends beyond its educational value; it’s a pivotal moment in the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and leadership with scientific inquiry and impact. Led by Māori voices and supported by scientific expertise, the project embodies a collaborative approach to knowledge sharing and environmental stewardship. “As Indigenous people, we have a unique perspective on our environment and a right and responsibility to protect it,” says Pihera-Ridge. “This app provides increased accessibility to empower our rangatahi, Māori and community to be aware and informed as active explorers and kaitiaki.” She says the development process was not without its challenges, but the team’s unwavering dedication and the extra mile taken by Kiwa Digital drove the project to fruition. From simplifying complex scientific concepts to ensuring cultural considerations and benefits, all aspects of the app were meticulously crafted to resonate with its target audience. “For us, this project is more than just an app. It shows what can be achieved through Māori-led approaches in collaboration with shared purpose,” adds Pihera-Ridge. “Engaging Māori with research and science, while respecting the values and knowledge they already have, can produce new methods, and outcomes. We hope that this app sparks curiosity and inspires the next generation of scientists and kaitiaki (guardians) who already have a connection with te taiao environment.” ‘E heke e Heka!’ is available for download on the Apple and Android app stores. Mātaihia te heka – AR app is available on the Apple Store, inviting users of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery and learning. The Patua te Tukumate Rāwaho (Myrtle Rust Busters) project is funded by the MBIE Unlocking Curious Minds fund.  

Researchers at UNSW Canberra have developed a green alternative to traditional concrete blocks, addressing both environmental concerns and the rising demand for sustainable construction materials. Source: Timberbiz Led by Dr Amar Khennane, Dr Jong-Leng Liow and their research team, this innovative approach involves repurposing treated timber waste and mixing it with a geopolymer cement to create a new type of concrete block. Dr Khennane emphasised the eco-friendly nature of this construction material, highlighting its lightweight composition and potential insulating properties compared to conventional concrete blocks. The geopolymer cement bonded wood blocks also meet the Australian standard for load bearing, making them a viable option for constructing houses up to two stories high. “The blocks could also be used as an alternative for wall material in construction and reduce the cost of transporting these materials, as the geopolymer cement wood blocks are lighter than traditional concrete blocks, which potentially has a flow on effect to bring the cost of building materials down for a more affordable and sustainable option,” Dr Khennane said. Australia faces a significant challenge with the accumulation of timber waste in landfills. Treated timber is particularly difficult and expensive to dispose of due to its toxic chemical additives. Dr Khennane highlighted the environmental benefits of utilising this waste, as approximately 6 percent of Australia’s total waste is comprised of timber. “Repurposing this substantial volume of wood waste into an alternative building material not only addresses environmental concerns of the wood stockpiling, but could also offer a more affordable and sustainable option for construction projects,” Dr Khennane said. The research also focused on repurposing chromium copper arsenic treated wood, which they first stripped the chemical from and turned into wood chips. These wood chips were left to dry out before being mixed with a geopolymer cement mix that was then shaped into the typical concrete block. They found the decontaminated wood chips significantly improved compressive, flexural, and specific strength, as well as fracture toughness when compared to their non-decontaminated counterparts. The results of this are promising and represent a significant leap towards eco-friendly construction practices. Addressing concerns about fire risk, Dr Khennane said research showed that the material doesn’t combust. Instead, it forms a char when exposed to fire, serving as a natural fire retardant that prevents the spread of flames. Looking ahead, the research team would like to construct a small cabin using this innovative material, contingent on securing funding. This next phase will allow for comprehensive research and testing, exploring how the material may impact a house’s energy rating and potentially reduce energy bills. UNSW Canberra’s initiative represents a significant stride toward sustainable construction practices, offering a glimpse into a greener and more efficient future for the building industry.

Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) one of Australasia’s leading manufacturers of pulp, paper and wood-fibre based packaging solutions has released its 2023 Sustainability Report: Taking us Forward. Source: Timberbiz The company’s five-year Sustainability Action Plan, ‘Connecting People, Connecting Place,’ is integrated into its new company strategic framework for OjiFS, ensuring that its sustainability progress aligns with Oji Fibre Solutions’ vision to be Australasia’s leading manufacturer of wood-fibre products to power the circular bioeconomy. The Sustainability Report provides an update on the company’s key metrics from the 2023 calendar year, and outlines performance against the targets in the Sustainability Action Plan, and highlights key milestones, including: Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the global Oji Group Achieving Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its owned forests Celebrating the recent wins at the PIDA awards with its ‘Outside of the Box’ designs Strengthening = operations with the purchase of Norske Skog Tasman Assets and Cassowary Coast Cartons Pty Ltd Introduction of a new community partnership framework Sharing the results of its comprehensive employee engagement survey. You can view this report here.