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Meta explains that as it constructs new data centres to accommodate the growth of its business, it is focused on achieving net zero emissions across its value chain in 2030. Source: Timberbiz The key strategy is to reach net zero and reduce its emissions. Addressing the emissions associated with the construction and operations of physical infrastructure means that Meta must identify lower carbon alternatives for the materials used in these structures. Most data centres are constructed of concrete, structural steel and other pre-engineered metal. Meta aims to incorporate near-zero-emissions steel in its construction through membership in RMI’s Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform. But another building material will help close the gap to net zero – wood. In general, sustainably-sourced, bio-based materials like wood entail lower embodied carbon than engineered materials like concrete and steel, and these materials store carbon sequestered during the natural processes that created them. Meta started piloting mass timber in the construction of buildings in its data centre campuses in 2025. Meta’s first mass timber administrative building was erected at its Aiken, South Carolina, data centre campus by DPR with mass timber materials provided by SmartLam. Meta will now begin construction of additional mass timber buildings at its Cheyenne, Wyoming site with Fortis Construction and Mercer Mass Timber and at its Montgomery, Alabama site with Hensel Phelps and Binderholz. Looking ahead, the company will begin incorporating mass timber into additional administrative buildings, warehouses and even the critical data halls that house the servers that connect people to our platforms and bring our technologies to life. Incorporating mass timber in the construction of the data centre admin buildings will reduce the embodied carbon of the materials being substituted by approximately 41%. Mass timber products are largely prefabricated, reducing the need to weld steel on site. This can increase the speed at which buildings are constructed by several weeks, as well as eliminate emissions associated with the typical construction process. The lightweight nature of mass timber compared with steel can reduce the volume of concrete necessary for foundations, in some instances by half, further reducing cost and emissions associated with pouring concrete to support these buildings. Mass timber may be engineered to have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, making it a strong and suitable alternative in a data centre setting. Its density and a char layer make it reliably fire resistant, and it can be pre-insulated or pre-assembled to suit the required needs for each application, from roofs to walls. Research has shown that biophilic designs utilizing exposed mass timber in workspaces has the added benefit of helping building occupants feel connected to the natural environment. These new designs will reduce stress, boost morale, increase productivity and foster a sense of wellness for operations and facilities staff on site at our data centres. Mass timber is sourced from trees most commonly used in construction, including douglas fir, spruce, pine, and cedar. Meta requires third-party audits to ensure wood is sourced and milled responsibly. These audits must demonstrate that wood can be transparently traced to the forest of origin, and these forests must be managed for long-term ecological health and social impact, including safe working conditions and fair wages for local communities. Where structural integrity is ensured, mass timber manufacturers may also opt to utilize reclaimed wood salvaged from old buildings or other sources. Sustainable timber operations can complement forest conservation efforts in regions where the company can source mass timber for each of its data centre campuses. As it identifies mass timber suppliers for its new data centre campuses, the company prioritize vendors who demonstrate a commitment to climate smart forestry practices.

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The redevelopment of the existing 1960s open air Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Amphitheatre envisions a revitalized, covered, open air theatre venue within the historic Hastings Park, one of Vancouver’s largest urban parks. Intended as a year-round destination, the Amphitheatre will be a hub for celebration, culture, and social connectivity for the local community and beyond. The amphiteatre is designed by revery architecture. Source: Timberbiz, photos courtesy PNE A key feature of the new amphitheatre will be its precedent-setting starburst mass timber arch roof. The roof will be one of the largest free-span timber roof structures in the world, reinterpreting traditional concrete shell typologies to harness the compression and carbon-sequestering capacity of mass timber to span more than 340 feet. The design features 60 arches arranged in 6-barrel vaulted segments that intersect at diagonal planes, creating 80-foot-high arcs that frame a perfect view of the picturesque North Shore Mountains for which Vancouver is known. Tracing the gentle slope of the nearby Windermere Hill, the roof form settles into the landscape on three points, creating an intimate atmosphere under the warm cover of the wood. Designed with flexible, state-of-the-art infrastructure, a generous permanent stage, and a 3-storey back-of-house building, the amphitheatre will host a wide range of community events and touring productions. Custom house lighting, rigging, and sound equipment will lower the cost of staging events and will thus enable the venue to see expanded uses for community groups and non-profit organizations. The venue will also embrace Indigenous culture and heritage community opportunities by offering a space for art, cultural events, and celebrations. A variety of seating areas will achieve functional versatility. The lower seating area is comprised of removable seating to adapt to standing-room-only for both intimate cultural ceremonies and large-scale performances. The mid-tier, fixed seating is elevated for optimal sightlines, ensuring that every audience member has a clear view of the stage. Nestled in between, VIP Box Suites place spectators right in the heart of the excitement. The addition of lawn seating amplifies the amphitheatre’s capacity, accommodating up to 10,000 people for more informal viewing and maximizing the effect of the site’s natural setting. Targeting Rick Hansen Gold certification and modelling an inspiring vision of accessible design, a generous ramp and stair network will flank the seating area at either side and provide equitable access while also creating moments of engagement and connection. By seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics, the grade, entrance plaza, and thoughtfully positioned ramps contribute to an inclusive and immersive experience. Beyond the well-established environmental benefits of mass timber construction (allowing the project to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 40% compared to baseline), the new Amphitheatre will employ numerous sustainable principles. The project will be 100% electric and near-zero emissions, is targeting LEED Gold and Salmon Safe Certifications, and will include a system to capture and clean the first 48mm of rainwater.

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Green methanol is emerging as a pivotal solution to the supply of cleaner energy products that are experiencing increased demand. Two significant developments underscore this momentum: the advancement of the Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (Beaver Lake) project in Louisiana and a substantial US$100 million investment into green methanol initiatives by industry leaders. Sources: Timberbiz, ResourceWise SunGas Renewables, in collaboration with C2X, has initiated the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase for the Beaver Lake project, marking its progression into the final development stage. Located in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, this facility is poised to become one of the largest green methanol plants in the United States. Upon completion, it aims to produce over 500,000 metric tons of green methanol annually, primarily serving the shipping, aviation, and chemical industries. The project leverages SunGas’ S-1000 gasification technology to convert sustainably sourced woody biomass into low-carbon methanol. Additionally, it plans to capture and permanently sequester approximately 1 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually, generating valuable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits. The facility is expected to commence construction in the second half of 2026, with operations beginning toward the end of 2028. As part of the early-stage development, ResourceWise provided advisement on feedstock risk for Beaver Lake, assessing long-term availability, sustainability, and economic feasibility of woody biomass sourcing in the region. In a significant move to bolster green methanol production, ENEOS, Japan’s leading energy company, along with existing shareholders A.P. Moller Holding and A.P. Moller – Maersk, have agreed to invest $100 million in C2X. This investment primarily supports the final development phase of Beaver Lake Renewable Energy and aims to advance C2X’s global green methanol portfolio, including projects in Spain, Egypt, and other U.S. locations. Brian Davis, CEO of C2X, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership, stating that ENEOS’ market position and technological capabilities will significantly enhance C2X’s portfolio. Satoru Otatsume, General Manager of ENEOS’ Low Carbon Solution Department, highlighted the collaboration as a shared vision for a more sustainable future. These developments signify a commitment to scaling up green methanol production, a critical component in reducing carbon emissions across various industries. Beaver Lake not only represents a substantial investment in sustainable fuel but also contributes to local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting the forestry industry. As the world seeks viable alternatives to fossil fuels, green methanol stands out for its versatility and lower environmental impact. The collaborative efforts of SunGas Renewables, C2X, ENEOS, and Maersk exemplify the kind of strategic partnerships necessary to drive meaningful progress in the global supply of low-carbon fuels. Green methanol is a renewable fuel produced by combining carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from renewable sources with green hydrogen generated from biogenic sources or through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. This process results in a liquid fuel that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. The production of green methanol involves several pathways: Biomass Gasification: Converting organic materials such as woody biomass and agricultural waste into syngas, which is then synthesized into methanol. Electrofuel Pathways: Utilizing renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, which is then combined with captured CO2 to create methanol. These methods not only provide a use for waste materials but also offer a means to store renewable energy in a liquid form, facilitating easier transportation and storage. Green methanol offers numerous advantages that make it a compelling alternative to traditional fossil fuels: Significant Emission Reductions: It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%, and virtually eliminate sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions. Versatility: Applicable across various sectors, including maritime shipping, aviation, and chemical manufacturing. Compatibility: Can be used in existing internal combustion engines, facilitating simple adoption and integration into today’s infrastructure. Energy Storage: Acts as an efficient energy carrier, storing renewable energy in a stable, liquid form. These attributes position green methanol as a pivotal component in the global strategy to achieve net-zero emissions and combat climate change. The developments surrounding the Beaver Lake project and the substantial investment by industry leaders underscore the growing commitment to green methanol as a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions. As technology advances and production scales up, green methanol is poised to play a critical role as a cleaner solution for various sectors by supplying an additional low-carbon fuel source.

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The Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award provides a $2000 bursary to honour a nominee demonstrating commitment to sustainable forest management and/or Chain of Custody Certification. Source: Timberbiz The deadline from nominations has been extended to 5pm Friday 15 August. The nominee must show: Significant and valuable contributions to sustainability. Innovation, improvement, or excellence in sustainable forest management or the fabrication, supply, or utilisation of certified forest products. Strong commitment to the principles of sustainable forest management. Innovation and improvement in promoting Responsible Wood and/or PEFC-certified products. Know someone doing great work in this field? Recognise their efforts with a nomination – the online nomination process takes only minutes. For more information visit: https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/what-we-do/our-collective-impact/richard-stanton-memorial-leadership-award/

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Australian brand Who Gives a Crap (WGAC) has recently launched its toilet paper products in the UK supermarket chain Tesco. Source: The Guardian Having begun as a home delivery service, its recycled and “sustainable” products are now stocked in Woolworths, Aldi and independent supermarkets such as IGA in Australia. Despite the growing presence of WGAC and other brands offering recycled products, the supermarket shelves remain dominated by plush, virgin-pulp toilet paper. So, what are the prospects for further changes in the market? And what are the ethical and environmental options for consumers? Is recycled toilet paper better for the environment? Most mainstream toilet paper is made from virgin pulp – wood fibre sourced from hardwood tree plantations. “They’re grown for single-use products, without any environmental benefit,” says Jennifer Macklin, a senior research fellow at Monash University’s Sustainable Development Institute. “Recycled paper uses less energy and water to produce than virgin or bamboo products,” Ms Macklin says. The head of sustainability at WGAC, Elissa Foster, says globally more than 1m trees are cut down each day to produce traditional toilet paper, citing 2022 research from Edge Environment, commissioned by the organisation. Planting trees for low-value products such as toilet paper in place of old-growth forests contributes to the loss of habitat for species such as the yellow-tailed black-cockatoo, says Estelle Van Hoeydonck, a conservation campaigner at Zoos Victoria, which runs the Wipe for Wildlife campaign. “Opting for recycled toilet paper is one tangible action Australians can take to support wildlife,” she says. Recycled toilet paper is made from post-consumer waste paper, diverting material from landfill, reducing demand for virgin pulp and supporting a circular economy, Foster says. Encore Tissue, an Australian company that produces the icare brand, was featured on Dr Karl’s How Things Work earlier this year. It estimates its recycling operations save 138,000 trees, 185 gigawatt hours of electricity and 128,000 litres of water a year. But Macklin says it is just one part of the wider picture. “Recycled toilet paper is a positive option when feasible – but we don’t want people to feel guilty. Choices like reducing food waste have far greater environmental value than switching toilet paper brands.” What about bamboo – how sustainable is that? Bamboo is often marketed as an eco-friendly alternative – including by WGAC – because it grows rapidly, reaching maturity in three to five years compared with 10 to 40 years for other trees commonly harvested, Foster says. She says it is “a great alternative to wood-based paper”, but agrees with independent experts that recycled paper is the more sustainable option. “Bamboo is a substitution strategy,” Macklin says, “less preferable than reusing existing materials.” Nevertheless, Macklin says she chooses bamboo for my household. “After testing several options, that was the compromise that worked for us.” One reason is that recycled toilet paper is still not as soft as virgin or bamboo. It may also disintegrate less effectively, affecting plumbing. The consumer advocacy group Choice warned in its 2025 toilet paper review that some recycled brands did not break down quickly enough. Is demand for recycled products growing? Yes – for both online and in-store brands. WGAC reported a 21% year-on-year growth in Woolworths over the past 12 months, with rising interest beyond early adopters. The icare products, which are sold exclusively through supermarkets, have also consistently increased sales over the past few years. Experts agree that the more consumers embrace recycled options, the more likely it is supermarkets will expand their ranges. But availability is still patchy. Woolworths carries several recycled brands, including from WGAC, icare, Naturale and Emotions (online only). Coles lists just one icare product. Aldi does not stock recycled toilet paper year-round but has sold limited editions of WGAC products. Foster says WGAC has helped raise awareness and meet demand for recycled toilet paper in a more convenient way. “We witnessed this demand rise in 2020 due to #toiletpapergate [the panic buying spree when Covid hit].” An icare spokesperson said WGAC’s rise had not negatively affected its shelf presence. “We try to match pack sizes, quality and prices with non-sustainable brands like Quilton or Kleenex.” Other home-delivery startups like Yarn’n, Oo Bamboo, About a Dog and Emotions, have followed similar models, often linking each purchase to a 50% charitable donation.

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Consent has been granted for construction to begin on an NZ$100 million development on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd that will have retail and office spaces. Source: The New Zealand Herald The 11-storey timber building will be located minutes from the new Karanga-a-Hape Station which is part of the City Rail Link. Developers James Kirkpatrick Group (JKG) is planning to begin construction in early 2027 after reaching an agreement with Auckland Council. JKG managing director James Kirkpatrick said it was a positive outcome that will deliver immediate economic benefits that serve generations of Aucklanders. “This development will create a new benchmark for sustainable urban design and construction in New Zealand and will enable the city to realise the full social and economic potential of the City Rail Link. “With retail and office space for over 800 Aucklanders, it will attract top-tier tenants, create jobs, and shape a dynamic urban environment that will be a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the K-Rd precinct.” Kirkpatrick said the group worked with council to demonstrate how the building will enhance the area while “being sympathetic to the local environment”. An independent economic impact report estimated the development will add NZ$135m to the local economy and more than 1000 jobs during its four-year construction period. It is expected to add a further NZ$13.3m annually to the K-Rd precinct after construction. The building is designed by globally renowned local architects Fearon Hay and is targeting a world-leading 6 Green Star sustainability rating. “JKG has worked collaboratively with council representatives to address their concerns and agree a resolution, and Aucklanders can feel confident there has been a robust process to reach this resolution,” Kirkpatrick said. In February, the Auckland Council rejected JKG’s plans for the new building because it was too large. Independent hearing commissioners Janine Bell, Bridget Gilbert and Heike Lutz had refused the plans, citing submissions from Waitematā Local Board members Alexandra Bonham and Allan Matson. “The principal concern for the board is the scale of the development,” the commissioners’ report said. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop labelled that decision “insanity”. “Total nonsense. RMA reform is critical to making us a wealthier country,” Bishop said at the time. The Herald previously reported the new development will have ground-level spaces for retail and food and beverage activities, with the upper levels for offices and a two-level basement carpark for 48 vehicles and end-of-trip facilities, servicing and plant areas. JKG has NZ$800m-plus of assets, including office, retail and warehouses.

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The state government has allocated more than $2 million towards seven projects in Eastern Victoria, set to have an effect on economic growth in Gippsland. Source: Aiden Knight Latrobe Valley Express The allocations are part of Round 2 of the Community Development Fund. Heyfield has received close to $500,000 through the state government and the Heyfield Community Resource Centre to help the Future of Heyfield project (in the works since 2022) and its offshoot, Heyfield Adventure Hub pilot program. Initiated by Wellington Shire Council, the Future of Heyfield project focuses on a Local Development Strategy being formulated in the wake of the town’s economic landscape drastically changing over the years, with the timber industry reducing more and more annually. The Future of Heyfield project collaborated with the DEECA Forestry Transition Fund, Regional Development Victoria, Gippsland Community Foundation and the Heyfield Lions Club to ensure the best grant application was put forward, which has paid off in favour of improving the economy of what is an actively ageing community. Just as important to the project is the further development of the visitor economy. The Heyfield Community Resource Centre took the reins from Wellington Shire Council last year. The total amount allocated to the Future of Heyfield project as part of the recent (Community Development Fund) Round 2 was $251,406, which was granted to go towards the establishment of a Heyfield Adventure Hub pilot program. “The Heyfield Traders and Tourism Association will use the funds to promote tourism in the area, deliver a 12-month calendar of events, support visitors and engage local businesses and residents,” the state government said in its press release unveiling the funding for Round 2. Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh also spoke on the funding, stating: “Transitioning communities continue to work day-in-day-out to provide a better future for their towns.” “These grants are supporting countless volunteer hours and input from the community over a long period, and are another positive step forward in agriculture and tourism.” His Labor colleague and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, views it as great potential growth for the area. “We are determined to continue our support for programs, services, facilities, and housing across Gippsland,” she said. “Victoria is building and approving more homes than other states, but there’s always more work to do. “On top of this, we’ve invested more than $75.5m in Latrobe through the Big Housing Build, Regional Housing fund and other programs, which includes homes in Traralgon, Moe and Morwell.” The early 2024 native timber closure hit Heyfield hard, especially after a broken state government promise to support the sector until 2030. The Future of Heyfield project works to guide the town’s economic transition, identifying other areas for growth while trying to preserve the history and connection the town has with timber, and the ways Heyfield can continue to produce it. The Latrobe Valley stands to benefit from the investment, despite not being listed in the receiving townships for Round 2. The Valley and other nearby areas such as Noojee are eligible to apply for grants in Round 3, coming eminently in the Community Development Fund. This would boost key local sectors: tourism, housing, and agriculture – all vital to the Latrobe Valley’s economy and recurring themes in Latrobe City’s June’s council meeting on the 2025-29 Community Vision and Council Plan.

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The recipients of the 2025–26 Growth Scholarship Awards Program have been announced with the judging panel was once again impressed by the calibre and diversity of applications received from across the forest and timber industry. Source: Timberbiz “This year’s recipients reflect the breadth of talent and innovation in our sector from early career operators to seasoned professionals seeking to upskill and lead,” Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations Manager Clarissa Brandt said. Ms Brandt said judges were impressed by the operational aspect of many of the applications which will deliver on-going benefits for recipients and practical outcomes for industry development. The recipients of the 2025–2026 Awards are: $10,000 Kennedy’s Timber Foundation Partner Award Gian Carlos Poleto Learning Activity: Enhancing Forest Management in Queensland Using Drone and LiDAR Technologies $5000 HQP Diamond Partner Award Alan Ferguson Learning Activity: Operation Log Haulage – TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment $5000 AKD Diamond Partner Award Babar Hassan Learning Activity: Enhancing Timber Protection Knowledge through IRG-WP Conference and Chinese Institute Engagement $2500 DTM Timber Ruby Partner Award Sebastian Ballard Learning Activity: Certificate III in Forestry Operations Recipient of the Kennedy’s Timber Foundation Partner Award Gian Carlos Poleto, Forester – GIS & Planning at Parkside Group, will undertake a learning project focused on drone and LiDAR technologies to improve forest assessment and planning in Queensland’s private native forests. “This project will allow me to support landholders with accurate vegetation and timber volume assessments, helping guide sustainable forest management,” Mr Poleto said. “To achieve this, I’ll complete specialised training in drone operation and LiDAR data collection, conduct field trials in private native forests, and develop detailed forest inventory reports. I’ll also engage with experts and industry groups to understand how these technologies can be practically applied in Queensland,” he said. “By mastering remote sensing and spatial analysis, I’ll be able to produce detailed forest inventory reports that improve planning and harvesting decisions. This will directly benefit Queensland’s private native forests by enhancing data accuracy and promoting sustainable practices.” In awarding Alan Ferguson, a B-double log truck driver with Sunchip Group the HQP Diamond Partner Award to pursue a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment judges noted the industry-wide need for training and mentoring. One of the major challenges Queensland’s industry currently faces is a shortage of qualified trainers and assessors who have real, hands-on experience in roles like B-double log truck driving. “There’s a real need for experienced trainers in our industry. This qualification will help me support new drivers and improve safety and standards across forestry transport,” Mr Ferguson said. “As someone with extensive on-the-ground experience, gaining this qualification will allow me to help bridge that gap. I’ll be able to deliver training that is relevant, practical, and tailored to the real challenges drivers face in forestry operations.” Senior Forest Technician Babar Hassan from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ submitted a Learning Project application to help remove barriers to the uptake of timber and support more informed, evidence-based decisions around timber durability — especially as interest grows in mass timber and low-maintenance building systems. Mr Hassan has been awarded the AKD Diamond Partner Award to strengthen his expertise in timber durability, termite protection, and service life prediction modelling. He will attend the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG-WP 2026) annual conference in Beijing and visit leading Chinese research institutes to help him understand how long-term field and lab data are applied in risk assessments and treatment development. “My goal is to strengthen timber protection strategies against termite and decay damage, particularly under Queensland’s climate conditions,” he said. “Insights from international research will help refine the wood service life predictions models and support more informed, evidence-based decisions around timber durability. This work will contribute to longer-lasting timber structures and more cost-effective protection methods for our industry.” Judges selected Sebastian Ballard, a trainee skidder operator at Sunchip Group to receive the DTM Timber Ruby Partner Award.  Mr Ballard will complete his Certificate III in Forestry Operations to build foundational skills in machine operation, sustainable harvesting, and forest assessment. “This qualification will give me the confidence and capability to take on more responsibility and grow my career in forestry,” Mr Ballard said. “By upskilling, I’ll be better equipped to contribute to safe and efficient operations. Supporting early-career development like mine helps ensure the industry has a strong, capable workforce for the future.” Ms Brandt said the scholarship program continues to grow thanks to the generous support of industry partners. “We are grateful to Kennedy’s Timber, AKD, HQPlantations and DTM Timber for their ongoing commitment to workforce development,” she said. “Each of this year’s recipients demonstrates passion, purpose and a clear vision for how their learning will benefit both their careers and the broader industry. “We are pleased to support recipients who are at various stages of their careers but who all have a commonality – passion, drive and commitment to growing Queensland’s forest and timber industry.”

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Thousands of tonnes of windblown sawlogs that were dragged out of the Wombat Forest have been left to split and rot, despite Victoria’s few remaining timber mills pleading to use them for flooring, stair treads and other high-value products. Source: Peter Hunt, Weekly Times In a bizarre twist, timber mill operators say bureaucrats within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action would rather the logs were left to split this summer, rendering them useless for anything apart from firewood. Former timber industry operator Gayle McCarthy said: “These logs could have been milled and put into housing, but now they will be burnt putting more smoke into the atmosphere.” “They’ve been felled and left in the paddock with no water (to prevent splitting), so they’re going to crack, which is a waste of taxpayers’ money,” Mrs McCarthy said. Timber mill operators say DEECA is telling them the government’s decision to shut down its native forest manager VicForests on June 30 last year, meant it no longer had the legislative means to sell logs. But while DEECA has had more than a year to solve the problem, the mills say DEECA policy makers are stalling, paranoid of the political backlash from environment groups if log trucks are once again seen on Victorian highways. One mill operator said it felt like there were two parts to DEECA, “one that wants active forest management and to work out a plan”, while the other part “refuses to act”. Agriculture Minister Ros Spence failed to respond to questions on the stockpile. Meanwhile timber mills are reporting thousands of hardwood plantation logs being stockpiled at Opal’s Maryvale paper mill, which are mainly used for white paper manufacturing. Opal’s mill produced its last ream of white copy paper on January 21, 2023, but plantation industry sources say it has  been forced to keep taking logs under a long-term supply contract it has with Hancock Victorian Plantations Holdings. An Opal spokeswoman said: “Opal manufactures kraft and recycled brown papers, which use both soft wood and hardwood as an input”, and that “wood stock volumes… fluctuate according to production”. However workers at the plant said the hardwood plantation logs made up “a very small percentage that goes into (brown paper) processing now”. Opal was forced to shut down its Reflex white paper lines following the Victorian Labor Government’s decision to end native forest harvesting, which supplied low grade hardwood logs to the mill. One mill operator said the plantation hardwood stockpile that now sat in Opal’s yards was just another example of the waste inflicted on the industry by the government. Meanwhile Ms McCarthy said there were still thousands more windblown logs lying on the forest floor in the wake of the 2021 storm, which was not only a waste but posed a massive fire risk.

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The Hyne Group, through its growing Hyne Pallets division, has acquired long-term customer Newcastle Pallets. Source: Timberbiz As Hyne continues to deliver on its acquisition strategy focussed on sovereign manufactured and vertically integrated businesses, this is the fifth pallet manufacturing acquisition in less than two years. In May Hyne acquired Pallet & Bin Pty Ltd located in Shepparton while in 2024 it acquired Rodpak Pallets & Packaging (VIC), Express Pallets & Crates (QLD) and Pinetec Pty (WA). Like the previous four businesses, Newcastle Pallets is located in one of Australia’s leading population centres and manufacturing powerhouses of the country. Specifically, Newcastle represents the strong growth region of the NSW Hunter Valley and greater Newcastle area. It also supplies a nationally operating customer base, some of whom are also customers of our other pallet manufacturing plants, enabling Australia’s significant manufacturing, mining, industrial and agricultural sectors to efficiently freight their goods. Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon said Newcastle Pallets has been a valued customer of our Tumbarumba Sawmill in NSW during its approximately 25 years of operations. “We are really pleased to bring Newcastle Pallets into the Hyne Pallets fold. I welcome the opportunity to have worked with the owner, our previously valued customer, Anthony Turner, to deliver a smooth succession transition for his business. We will also ensure a seamless transition for the staff, customers and suppliers of the business over the coming months,” Mr Bindon said. This is the second investment the Hyne Group has in Newcastle, with an existing, large distribution centre to service the broad customer base of Hyne Timber with key framing and laminated beam construction timbers. “This acquisition not only presents really good opportunities for our team members, customers and suppliers, but it further integrates the Hyne Group Newcastle region footprint to ensure efficiency and growth into the future.” Mr Bindon said. The acquisition of Newcastle Pallets will finalise on 1 September 2025, subject to all Completion Precedents being met.

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