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Trimble Forestry One tech to connect and streamline operations

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:42
Trimble has launched Trimble Forestry One, a comprehensive technology platform built to connect and streamline forestry operations. Unveiled at the Trimble Forestry User Conference, Forestry One enhances forest management by leveraging Trimble’s common data environment for seamless integration with Trimble Connected Forest solutions, while also simplifying regulatory compliance and optimizing supply chain management. Source: Timberbiz Trimble Forestry One extends the capabilities of Trimble Connected Forest solutions by connecting and leveraging operational, spatial and environmental data to enhance decision-making with forest inventory, harvest planning, logistics and supply chain traceability. The platform enables Trimble customers to address critical technical challenges such as disconnected workflows, siloed data and outdated interfaces, promoting a more connected and collaborative future for forestry. Key capabilities delivered by Trimble Forestry One include: Robust Data Management: Maintain compliant, standardized and trusted data with enhanced visibility using solutions like Trimble DataSync for cloud storage/retrieval and Trimble DataVuze for API-driven reporting and insights. Unified Inventory Management: Gain a real-time, consolidated view of inventory throughout the procurement supply chain, improving operational control. Streamlined Sourcing & Chain of Custody: Simplify regulatory compliance (including EUDR) and manage timber traceability through Connected Forest Xchange Plus (CFX+) applications, handling ownership, search, import and export of source data. Efficient User Management & Security: Benefit from optimized user onboarding and administration alongside robust security monitoring and controls. End-to-End Timber Tracking: Achieve complete transparency and traceability by tracking timber movements from the forest to the mill. With Trimble Forestry One, customers in the forest industry can leverage these capabilities to help: Reduce Costs: Optimize operational awareness and planning to reduce costs. Enhance Sustainability: Utilize data-driven insights for environmentally responsible practices and streamlined compliance reporting. Improve Transparency: Build trust with traceable supply chains and faster validation of activities. Reduce Risk: Minimize exposure to unforeseen events through proactive monitoring and data-informed decision-making. “Trimble Forestry One represents a significant leap forward in technology and workflow enhancement for the forest industry,” said Kevin Toohill, general manager, forestry at Trimble. “Our goal is to transform how the sector operates by providing a unified platform that enhances collaboration, streamlines workflows and leverages the power of data to drive informed decisions.”

Mimicking a fire for target burning of pines

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:42
SCA has tried a new method for implementing fire-mimicking measures in pine forests. By using a so-called “portable fire,” manufactured by Retrå Resource Operations, it is possible to conduct targeted burning of pines for conservation purposes. Source: Timberbiz “The portable fire causes damage that resembles what occurs to pines during controlled conservation burnings without the need to burn an entire area,” says Lukas Holmström, nature conservation specialist at SCA. To an untrained eye, the targeted burns along the trunks of numerous pines in the Bjurholm area in Sweden may seem somewhat peculiar. However, burning is an essential conservation measure for creating a specific type of pinewood appreciated by many species. “For certain species to survive, the forest needs to burn occasionally. Conducting controlled conservation burnings is an excellent way to help these species. In this way, we develop vital habitats for species that rely on fire-adapted forests to survive,” Mr Holmström said. A fire-damaged pine that loses bark in parts of its trunk protects itself against decay by impregnating the wood with tar-like substances. “Tar-impregnated pines become highly resistant to rot, allowing them to remain in the forest for a long time, both as living and dead trees,” Mr Holmström said. SCA conducts numerous conservation burnings during the snow-free season, but these measures are highly weather-dependent to avoid the risk of fire spreading. With the portable fire, targeted actions can be carried out on selected pines instead of burning an entire area. “A portable fire is easy to carry and convenient to use since you simply place it on the ground at the base of a pine to be burned. The entire box burns in just over an hour. By primarily using it when there’s snow on the ground, the process becomes both safe and easy to control,” Mr Holmström said. The portable fire is manufactured by Retrå Resource Operations in Vindeln, Sweden a municipal initiative focused on long-term, work-oriented rehabilitation. They began producing portable fires and selling them in their second-hand shop a few years ago for people looking for a simple, portable fire for outings or hunting trips. “We don’t use nails or screws, so no remnants are left in the forest,” said Mats Byström Nuft, instructor and coordinator at Retrå. Sveaskog then discovered the portable fire for conservation purposes, and word began to spread within the forestry sector. Among the customers now are SCA, the Västerbotten County Administrative Board, and Mid Sweden University. “We’ve gone from producing a few hundred per year to about 3,000 this season. Additionally, we are working on developing a new model in collaboration with the county administrative board. The high level of interest is great, but we now need to carefully consider production to ensure it doesn’t escalate, given the nature of our operations,” Mr Byström Nuft said. Mr Holmström has used the portable fire in two areas in Bjurholm, where SCA has now burned approximately 130 pines. So far, he is very satisfied. “The portable fire works very well! We managed to partially burn off bark along the base of the trunks, and we could see resin flowing along the edges of the damaged area, which is good. This means the pine is sealing the damage, known as the fire scar, with resin-impregnated wood. However, it’s a little too early to say how the growth of the resinous wood will turn out – we can see that at the earliest this fall,” Mr Holmström said. A thesis at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), completed in 2024 by student Emma Munters, examined the pine’s damage response to nature conservation burnings, spot burning, and partial debarking of pine. Partial debarking of pine involves removing part of the bark to stimulate the pine to impregnate the wood with resin. The study showed that traditional conservation burns resulted in the most widespread resin impregnation along the trunk vertically, while spot burning led to the deepest radial resin impregnation concentrated at the base of the trunk. “The effects of the three conservation methods differ, according to the study, but all three contribute to the formation of resin-impregnated wood. This is beneficial for biodiversity, as fire-marked pines are a scarce resource. At the same time, it’s important to remember that it takes a very long time for such substrates to develop, so we don’t know exactly how biodiversity is affected,” Mr Holmström said. “By conducting these targeted burns, the presence of ground lichens is not negatively affected. The same applies to partial debarking of pine. There may also be other forests where we don’t want to burn an entire area but only selected pines. “We will purchase more for next winter. One idea is to try combining partial debarking of pine with portable fires to see if it results in more extensive damage.”

A Ponsse manual to describe the new branding

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:41
Ponsse Collection has undergone a significant brand renewal, resulting in the Ponsse Collection brand manual. The manual is intended for all those working with and using Ponsse Collection products – employees, partners and stakeholders. Source: Timberbiz The manual provides a clear guide to the Ponsse Collection brand purpose, voice, key messages and visual identity to ensure consistency in communication, design and branding. The reason for the brand renewal was the need to renew the visual appearance of Ponsse Collection and find words to talk about the brand in the future. Important aspects of brand development, such as the brand story and brand essence, have now been defined and brand communication will be clear and consistent in the future. Ponsse Collection’s vision is to grow from a company manufacturing branded products to a global lifestyle brand that offers its customers increasingly diverse and high-quality products. With the brand renewal, the brand also actively seeks to increase its turnover and reach new customer segments. The brand renewal completely updated Ponsse Collection’s visual identity with a new logo, fonts, brand colours and imagery. A verbal identity has been defined for the brand for the first time. The Ponsse Collection story has been written, and a common style of communication has been created. The Ponsse Collection slogan will now be A logger’s way of life, which describes the core essence of the Ponsse Collection brand, respect for the forest and the people who work in the forest, as well as their lifestyle. The Ponsse Collection brand renewal will be carried out in stages and the visual appearance in line with the new brand will be updated, for example, in marketing materials, stores and online stores. The renewal is also visible in the Ponsse Collection clothing line, and the first to be released is the A logger’s way of life lifestyle collection, which includes various products related to leisure and camping, which use the Ponsse logo and a new slogan in addition to the Ponsse logo. The handbook is available to download here.  

Free safety roadshow to hit the road across NSW

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:40
The National Timber and Hardware Association (NTHA) team is hitting the road with a game-changing free safety roadshow, bringing vital workplace health and safety advice straight to towns across New South Wales this August and September. Source: Timberbiz The workshops will arm attendees with practical WH&S knowledge, a suite of customisable safety tools, and exclusive access to a new WH&S mobile app, all at no cost. In a powerful segment, one member will share their real-life experience of how quickly things can go wrong on the job, a sobering reminder of the importance of staying safety-savvy. “Many businesses don’t realise the extent of their legal WH&S responsibilities until it’s too late,” said an NTHA spokesperson. “This roadshow is about changing that.” Members are encouraged to express their interest by clicking here.    

Timberlink’s teams show up in Tassie and SA

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:40
The Timberlink team was excited to spend time at two recent trade events; the Clennett’s Mitre 10 Expo in Hobart, Tasmania, and the Independent Hardware Group (IHG) Expo in Adelaide, SA. The company says that these events are a valuable way to interact with customers and others in the industry. Source: Timberbiz At the February IHG Expo in Adelaide, the team enjoyed a jam-packed couple of days discussing Timberlink’s product range with everyone who visited the stand. “The IHG expo is always a really exciting atmosphere, and our team appreciate the opportunity to represent Timberlink every year,” Sue Wood, Timberlink National Key Account Manager, said. At the April Clennett’s Mitre 10 expo in Hobart, the Tassie team promoted Timberlink’s Made of Tasmania campaign. On display was Timberlink’s range of Everdeck wood composite decking, which is manufactured at Timberlink’s Bell Bay facility. It is currently the only facility in Tasmania to manufacture these products. “I always really enjoy coming to the Clennett’s Expo. It was fantastic getting to interact with everyone and talk about our wide range of Tasmanian made timber products,” Gareth Watson, Timberlink® State Sales Manager (TAS), said.  

Co-benefits of trees on farms

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:39
A new research report, Co-benefits of Trees on Farms, is shedding light on the environmental and economic benefits of planting trees on farms in southeast Australia. The study, published by Dr Rachelle Meyer from the University of Melbourne, explores how tree planting can support farmers to reduce their operation’s carbon balance, improve productivity and support sustainability in the face of a changing climate. Source: Timberbiz The study found that planting trees on farms can significantly reduce net carbon emissions over time. On the high-productivity farms studied as part of the research project, planting trees offset total emissions from between 20% and 33% over the 30-year analysis period. These reductions are much greater than any that could be achieved by other currently available mitigation options. This is an important finding for farmers who are facing increasing pressure to reduce their operations emissions to meet market and government sustainability targets, including the Australian Red Meat Industry’s CN30 goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. Interviews with farmers as part of the study showed that potential return on investment is an important part of the decision to grow trees. For two of the three case study farms, the research found a 10% annual rate of return was possible. For the third, the rate of return was between 3% and 7%. Figures were impacted by factors like how much shelter the trees provided, the quality of pasture replaced by trees and carbon project costs. A scenario with timber production provided returns that were less variable across differing productivity benefits or carbon project costs. Dr Meyer encourages landowners to consider tree planting as part of an integrated whole-farm plan to maximise these benefits. “Given that planting trees is a long-term commitment, it’s important that trees are incorporated in a way that assists in achieving goals on farm,” says Dr Meyer. “This allows for net emissions reductions that are straight-forward since they align with existing farm objectives. “Timber revenue can also boost returns. It can change a planting from a cost or a low return to one that is providing a good return.” For farmers considering tree planting, relevant and reliable information about the benefits and risks is vital to support decision making. Planting trees based on individual objectives means that farmers can get the most out of their plantations and realise the many benefits of trees on farms.

Oji Fibre Solutions CEO steps aside

Australian timber industry news - Mon, 19/05/2025 - 03:39
Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) has announced management changes to align with its new business model, with its CEO stepping aside to lead the company as Transition Chair and appointing a reduced leadership team, effective 1 July 2025. Source: Timberbiz “The plan to cease papermaking at Kinleith Mill, announced earlier this year, means Oji Fibre solutions will become a simpler organisation with two manufacturing Business Units operating independently,” CEO Dr Jon Ryder said. “Our Central North Island operations will focus on market pulp for export, and our packaging facilities will continue to produce fibre-based packaging for the local primary sector.” The leadership changes include the appointment of two executives leading each business unit and reporting directly to the OjiFS Board of Directors. The announcement also outlines changes to right-size the OjiFS head office, with streamlined corporate services to support the manufacturing units. “These changes are another step in our plan to improve our financial position. They also reflect the changing needs of our new structure,” said Dr Ryder. “I am very proud of the efforts of my leadership team, particularly over the past year. We have worked hard to restructure the business, while continuing to supply our customers. “There is more work to do before we fully return the company to profit, but the end of June will mark a significant milestone in our plan,” said Dr Ryder.  

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by Dr. Radut