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The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are seeing sustainability in practice, with PEFC-certified timber used in iconic venues like the Olympic Aquatic Centre. Source: Timberbiz In the construction of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Mathis, a French company renowned for its expertise in constructing large wooden buildings, chose PEFC certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. During construction, Mathis collaborated closely with management teams and general contractors, aiming to meet the high expectations of both the Olympic Committee and SOLIDEO, the organisation overseeing the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision to use wood as the primary material helped SOLIDEO to meets its environmental goals. For Mathis, this meant ensuring that the wood used was not only high-quality but also sustainably sourced, resulting in 95% PEFC-certified wood in the Olympic Aquatic Centre. “It is absolutely essential to ensure the best possible system, so we can say that we have certified wood. We are able to rely on a robust system because it carries the PEFC label,” explains Frank Mathis, CEO of Mathis. “The fact that we have a certification system like PEFC obliges all companies to come into line. This expectation must go down the whole chain. The question doesn’t have to be whether you feel like it or not. Those who want to continue to work have to get involved. The whole chain has to be part of this.” During construction, Mathis collaborated closely with management teams and general contractors, aiming to meet the high expectations of both the Olympic Committee and SOLIDEO, the organisation overseeing the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision to use wood as the primary material helped SOLIDEO to meets its environmental goals. For Mathis, this meant ensuring that the wood used was not only high-quality but also sustainably sourced, resulting in 95% PEFC-certified wood in the Olympic Aquatic Centre. “It is absolutely essential to ensure the best possible system, so we can say that we have certified wood. We are able to rely on a robust system because it carries the PEFC label,” explains Frank Mathis, CEO of Mathis. “The fact that we have a certification system like PEFC obliges all companies to come into line. This expectation must go down the whole chain. The question doesn’t have to be whether you feel like it or not. Those who want to continue to work have to get involved. The whole chain has to be part of this.”

The European Commission should delay the implementation of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a letter from three major timber industry bodies. Source: Timberbiz The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) and the European Timber Trade Federation have called on newly re-elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to delay the implementation of the EUDR, saying it will put the European manufacturing sector “at a disadvantage on the international stage”. In a joint letter sent to Ms von der Leyen, the organisations congratulated the President on her recent re-election, and said: “We were particularly pleased at the observation you made in your re-election speech in Strasbourg where you rightly stated: ‘We all know there is no Europe without SMEs. They are the heart of our economy. Therefore, let us get rid of the burdensome micromanagement, and give them more trust and better incentives.’ “Alas, a prime example of such ‘burdensome micromanagement’ is the EU’s own EUDR which clearly puts the European manufacturing sector at a disadvantage on the international stage and creates significant additional administrative burdens for our companies. “In the current geopolitical and geoeconomic context, the EU green economy – of which the European wood industries are a significant player – must remain competitive and pursue a growth policy, while rightly also striving to reach agreed climate and environmental targets. However, a competitive Europe can only be achieved through realistic policies and implementable measures, all of which need to pass the proportionality and necessity tests. “The EUDR obligations to which our industries are now subject need to be implemented by law in a shorter timeframe than has ever been imposed on any other industrial sector affected by comparable European legislation. “As a consequence of the unprecedented tightness of the deadline, the transition period envisaged does not enable the objectives assigned to it to be met before the deadline expires. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that a delay of the entry into application of the EUDR is granted. “Please be assured that our industries strongly condemn illegal logging and deforestation and hence we support the aims of the EUDR. We believe that from an environmental point of view, these activities cause irreparable damage leading to a loss of biodiversity. “From an economic point of view, illegal logging disrupts markets and drives down timber prices, resulting in unfair competition that hampers efforts to implement sustainable forest management. “At the same time, deforestation has a direct and negative impact on the availability of wood, which is vital to the very existence of our sector. Consequently our industries are understandably at the forefront of the fight against illegal logging and deforestation. “In conclusion, against this background, in order to combat deforestation and translate the objectives of the EUDR into positive results, it is essential that our companies are placed in a position to effectively implement the obligations of the regulation within a credible timeframe, in particular by putting in place the appropriate instruments. This will only be possible if the EU grants as soon as possible an adequate delay in the implementation of the EUDR.”  

The first half of 2024 proved to be a dynamic period for the global forest industry. Many shifts, fluctuations, and emerging trends have formed the industry’s landscape. Timber markets, lumber markets, wood fibre markets, and biomass markets each contribute a crucial piece to the puzzle that forms the global forest industry. Source: Timberbiz The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) saw a quarter-over-quarter increase in 1Q/2024, despite being lower than the same period in the previous year. Interestingly, sawlog prices in the Baltic States continued their decline, while the Nordic countries experienced an increase. Global softwood log trade has been trending downwards over the past five years, reaching its lowest level in 15 years in 2023. Meanwhile, the Global Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) experienced a slight decrease in the early days of 2024 but remained notably higher than its 10-year average. In the global lumber markets, there was a weakening demand across the US, China, and Europe, making 2023 the fourth consecutive year of decline in the global trade of softwood lumber. Staying informed about these market movements is essential for industry professionals. Understanding the fluctuations in the global market is crucial for making informed decisions, creating strategies, and anticipating future trends. Market fluctuations have the power to influence not only profitability but also the strategic planning of operations. Professionals who keep themselves well-informed are better equipped to assess and mitigate risks stemming from market volatility, economic downturns, or unforeseen disruptions. Moreover, market trends often serve as a reflection of shifts in regulatory requirements and environmental standards. Staying informed enables professionals to adapt their practices to meet new regulations and certifications, thereby ensuring the promotion of sustainable forestry practices. This heightened awareness is particularly relevant for forestry professionals as they brace themselves for imminent legislation such as the EUDR, which is bound to have impacts on the future outlook of the global forestry industry. The comprehensive Market Insights report, ‘Global Forest Industry Summary 1H2024’, delves deeper into the major developments in the global forestry industry. It offers an in-depth examination of timber markets, wood fibre markets, lumber markets, and biomass markets. The report details valuable insights into the global trade of wood pellets, softwood lumber imports in China, British Columbia’s pulp industry, and the notable changes witnessed in Finland and Sweden’s lumber prices. You’ll find data-driven insights on the crucial shifts and trends that could shape the future of the global forest industry. To stay ahead in the global forest industry, download the full report to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the trends, insights, and market movements that could define the next half of 2024. You can download the resource here.

A Perth-based plant pathology lab says it was stripped of its permit to help unearth an effective vaccine for trees infested with shot hole borer, and its lab samples confiscated, after it ran foul of the authority’s narrative that treatment is impossible and infected trees must be removed. Source: WA Today During a symposium in South Perth on Friday, Bioscience biologist Peter Keating said initially the company was drawn in by an arborist firm, Classic Tree Services to find an effective treatment for trees infested with shot hole borer. In order to do so, the company obtained a directions permit to move material outside the quarantine area to its Forrestdale lab. He said very little was known about the lifecycle of the tiny beetle however it appeared to be very active in the hottest summer on record, but much reduced with the wet winter. “We made some important discoveries about the nature of the pest and its commensal fungi – but this ran foul of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development narrative that no treatment is possible, so despite our efforts and review, re-issue of the permit was refused,” he said. “We made some important discoveries…but this ran foul of the DPRID narrative that no treatment is possible, so despite our efforts and review, re-issue of the permit was refused.” Peter Keating, biologist “Many local government groups are antagonistic to the strategy of removal of trees as the only viable elimination strategy, thus cooperation with DPIRD is steadily waning. “Many local governments and particularly, their arborists are supportive of developing and testing effective treatments for PSHB [shot hole borer].” DPIRD chief plant biosecurity officer Vincent Lanoiselet said no chemical treatment options had proven effective in the field anywhere in the world to date. “Developing an effective treatment is extremely challenging as the borer and its associated fungus damages the tree’s vascular system and prevents chemicals being taken up and distributed within the tree,” he said. “The department recently conducted its own trials of some insecticides and fungicides, to limited effect – although a topical insecticide has shown some promising results as a preventative measure.” He said DPIRD was liaising with international experts, including those in South Africa and California, to explore other potential control options alongside a team of more than 160 staff inspecting trees across the Perth metropolitan region. A network of more than 3000 traps have been installed in the metropolitan area and the regions, which included the South West, Mid West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern. “Unfortunately, as there currently no effective chemical treatments available and infested trees can die within two years, tree pruning and removal of infested trees is the only way to stop the spread of PSHB to protect our urban tree canopy,” he said. PSHB has been detected in 25 local government areas across the metropolitan area. Data obtained by this masthead shows inner-city councils have logged the highest number of premises infected with polyphagous shot-hole borer with Nedlands leading the pack with 345 cases followed by Melville (145) and Claremont (105). Two years into a $44 million eradication strategy, environmental lawyer Bronwyn Waugh said more needed to be done as shot hole borer devastated inner-city suburbs such as South Perth. “There has been little done other than imposing quarantine restrictions and removing trees,” she said. “This clearly is not working. We must put funds into studying this disease. “We have the experts in WA and must identify how we can treat the disease. Quarantine can slow the disease down but will not eradicate it.” Waugh said scientists needed the opportunity to research shot hole borer and its symbiotic relationship with the fusarium fungus. “The fungus is the food source for the beetle, it is not clear why more effort has not been put into studying how we can treat the fungus as a means to controlling the spread of the shot hole borer,” she said. “Using legislation to mandate occupiers of properties where there are infected trees to remove the tree, or removing trees is not a sustainable answer.”

The Goodman Group is developing its first mass timber warehouse at Moorabbin Airport in south-east Melbourne. Engineered from wood materials, mass timber is modular and allows for faster construction and fewer trucks delivering materials, creating less disruption to the surrounding communities. Source: Timberbiz Constructed predominantly from timber with flexibility and urban design in mind, the warehouse will see a 23% reduction in long-term carbon emissions compared with a similar steel development. The architecturally designed facility is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating and will offer strategic exposure, located on Boundary Road with approximately 44,000 cars passing per day. The new facility will feature: Four units from 3,500-4,300 sqm, with the ability to combine units to create larger space 25 metre shared hardstand Eight metre canopy Three on-grade roller doors per unit LED lighting 99kW solar per unit Targeting 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating Eight electric vehicle charging points 118 car parking spaces The Mass Timber Units are located at Moorabbin, a thriving business precinct and community hub 21km south east of Melbourne. The site boasts convenient access to Melbourne’s arterial road network, extensive landscaping and a range of on-site amenities including DFO, Costco and a variety of retailers and food outlets at Kingston Central Plaza.

Ecosa, an Australian mattress and bedding brand is the newest FSC Promotional Licence holder. Since 2015, Ecosa has been providing high-quality mattresses, furniture, and bedding while reducing its environmental footprint. Source: Timberbiz With its FSC-certified Rio, Sydney and Vienna sofa beds, as well as its Capsule and Urban bedside tables, Ecosa offers customers the chance to shop sustainably and support the responsible management of the world’s forests. Rowena Graham, Head of Brand at Ecosa, emphasises the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. “Treading lightly on the planet is a core value of Ecosa, so using only FSC-verified timber in our furniture is a no-brainer. With so many fast furniture brands putting profitability above sustainability, responsibly sourced wood is the clear ethical choice, and we are proud to be a certified FSC partner,” she said.

Once uncertain about his future after high school, Steven Walton has now emerged as one of Australia’s leading fit out apprentices. Employed by The Winkle Group, the final year Carpentry and Joinery apprentice, was recently awarded the National Apprentice of the Year by the Interior Fitout Association (IFA). This accolade is a testament to his outstanding abilities and commitment to the field. Source: Timberbiz Initially reluctant to pursue a trade, Mr Walton discovered his passion for carpentry and joinery during a work experience stint at The Winkle Group. “I wasn’t always sure about becoming a tradie. After high school, I felt quite lost about my future, but I’ve always had a love for design. I had some connections at The Winkle Group, so I decided to give it a go. From the first day I’ve absolutely loved it,” he said. Apprentice Connect Provider Mas National has been working with Mr Walton and his employer from the beginning providing career advice, handling the apprenticeship administration, and supporting the transition from school to trade career to make it seamless. “Mas was incredibly supportive and assisted me with everything I needed. I lacked the funds to obtain a truck license and purchase some tools, so Mas provided financial support and effectively mediated between my employer and me,” Mr Walton said. During his apprenticeship, Mr Walton has not only honed his technical skills but has also shown a strong work ethic and a passion for fit outs. At 21, the Flagstaff Hill man has travelled across Australia, working on various projects. “We have clients nationwide, and I’ve had fantastic opportunities to expand my skills and advance within the company. The Winkle Group has been very supportive, and I’m excited about what the future holds. I enjoy collaborating with my team and building something we can all take pride in,” he said. Mr Walton expressed pride in his IFA award win, noting it as not just a personal milestone but also a tribute to the support from his mentors and colleagues. The Winkle Group Director Harmony O’Cadin is equally proud of Mr Walton’s achievements. “It’s pretty impressive to be recognised nationally by our industry association. The Interior Fitout Association can only award one national winner in the apprentice category so it’s tough competition when you’re up against apprentices from all around the country,” Ms O’Cadin said. “I believe it was Steve’s positive attitude which made him stand out. Not all young people have that ability to see past what comes after the apprenticeship, but Steve thinks about his long-term career which sets him up for success.  His success is a shining example of what young talent can accomplish with the right guidance and opportunities. We’re thrilled for him.” The Winkle Group has partnered with Mas National for 15 years, signing up an apprentice annually. “Mas always makes the process straightforward for us and ensures our apprentices understand everything clearly,” Ms O’Cadin said. “Our sector is quite niche, and attracting new apprentices can be challenging as many young people are unfamiliar with what shop fitting involves. We encourage them to try some work experience with us to see if it sparks their interest.” Mas National CEO John Glass said Mr Walton’s story is not just about personal success but also highlights the importance of building a skilled workforce for Australia’s future. “As he completes his apprenticeship and takes the next steps in his career, Steve stands out as a role model for aspiring tradespeople everywhere,” Mr Glass said. As Steven looks to the future, he is eager to continue developing his skills and hopes to inspire other young individuals considering a career in the trades. “This journey has taught me that with the right support and dedication, anyone can achieve whatever they want in their field. I hope my story can motivate others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence,” he said.

The FSC ANZ Board has unanimously elected Jon Dee as Chair of the Board of Directors until the first board director meeting after the next AGM in 2025. Additionally, the Board has committed to engaging with the membership to work towards establishing an independent Chair role at the next AGM. Source: Timberbiz Sue Feary will continue as Deputy Chair of the social chamber, and James Felton-Taylor will remain Deputy Chair of the economic chamber FSC ANZ is also delighted to also announce the addition of two outstanding individuals as new members of its Board of Directors. Collaborating with established directors and re-elected Chair Jon Dee, they will play an important role in setting FSC ANZ’s strategic direction. The new Directors are: Rachael Cavanagh, individual member, Social Chamber Scott McLean, individual member, Social Chamber “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who nominated for the Board of Directors. Your participation is vital to our organisation’s success. We are excited to welcome both new and returning Directors to the Board and to have Jon Dee back as Chair. Their expertise and guidance will be instrumental in steering our organisation towards future success,” Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC ANZ, said. Ms Robertson also expressed sincere gratitude to Mike Thompson and Alfred ‘Parry’ Agius for their dedicated service on the FSC ANZ Board of Directors. “We bid them farewell and thank them for their substantial contributions, which have played a vital role in shaping the direction and influence of FSC in Australia over the years,” she said.

Forestry Corporation firefighters on the North Coast are preparing for the bushfire season refreshing skills and planning for the fire season they will face in spring and summer. Source: Timberbiz As one of the state’s four fire authorities, Forestry Corporation staff serve in firefighting capacities as part of their job roles to protect the native and plantation forest estate. North Coast and Far North Coast firefighters have attended preseason fire days near Grafton for training refreshers on equipment, fireground procedure, command, control, communications and safety. Forestry Corporation’s Fire Training and Operations Officer Adrien Thompson said firefighters across NSW are currently testing equipment and procedure in preparation for the coming season. “We get to see all of our firefighting staff across the state for this part of the year and discuss how we can best prepare for the bushfire season and manage our estate when it comes to fire,” Mr Thompson said. “It’s one of the core parts of our business to protect the forest estate and each year we run preparedness events including training new recruits, upskilling existing staff and Pre-Season Fire Day refreshers to get people thinking about the way we communicate, the interactions between the incident ground and the incident management support teams and the collaboration across agencies to effectively and efficiently manage bushfire across all tenures. Forestry Corporation also conducts hazard reduction burns as part of the prevention phase of incident management while also meeting sustainable forest management objectives. “As a firefighting authority and a land manager we enjoy working in collaboration with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife and NSW DPI across emergency management situations,” Mr Thompson said. Forestry Corporation’s Fire Training and Operations Coordinator Brody Wickham. Forestry Corporation trains its firefighters to a world-class standard with four staff members this week deploying to British Colombia to assist with Canada’s wildfire emergency. In managing 2-million hectares of native and plantation state forests across NSW, Forestry Corporation uses the latest technology and systems to detect fires early and provide a timely bushfire response.

Crown Research Institute Scion is hosting ForestSAT 2024, a prestigious international conference on the application of remote sensing technologies for forest monitoring and modelling. A global forestry event is attracting experts from NASA and remote sensing specialists from nearly 30 countries to Rotorua next month. Source: Timberbiz Scheduled from 9 to 13 September, it will be the first time the event will be held in Australasia. More than 300 remote sensing specialists are expected to attend the five-day event, including participants from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Scion’s general manager for Forests to Timber Products, Dr Henri Bailleres, says the conference is a chance for researchers and forestry practitioners to hear New Zealand and international experts share their knowledge. “The diverse representation underscores the conference’s global appeal and its role as a critical platform for addressing international forest monitoring challenges using advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies.” Dr Bailleres adds the presence of experts from NASA provides a unique opportunity for New Zealand-based users of remote sensing tools and technology to engage with world-leading agencies. “There will not be a better time to connect with people who are leaders in their field, so we encourage everyone to view the programme and register now to avoid missing out.” Across the world, precision forestry is helping forest owners and managers realise new value across the supply chain. In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries anticipates that the value of forest product exports will reach NZ$6.59 billion in 2024. With the Government aiming to grow the sector and see New Zealand become a world-leading producer and exporter of high-value wood products, it’s accepted that progress will accelerate with support from research, innovation and new smart technologies. Investment in forest technology is already super charging New Zealand’s forestry sector by enabling the workforce to create higher value products more efficiently. Precision silviculture is advancing at pace, and the tools available to foresters are arming them with more information for decision-making than ever before. Information presented at ForestSAT will highlight the transformative potential of geospatial technology in forestry. Workshops will include practical applications so attendees can gain insights into how new and advanced tools and techniques can be integrated into everyday forestry operations to enhance management and efficiency. The program, spanning 37 different sessions, covers general topics such as precision forestry, terrestrial laser scanning and forest health to more specialised research relating to forestry big data and deep learning, virtual reality in forestry and forest spectroscopy. Participants will also have the chance to engage with leading scientists and renowned experts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, and the United States and Canadian Forest Services. Many of these experts boast impressive publication records, with h-indexes exceeding 40, indicating their significant contributions to the field. Scion principal scientist Dr Michael Watt is a leading expert in the field and, as ForestSAT 2024 chair, says the conference is shaping up to be an unmissable event. “With more than 230 science presentations and 60 posters, there will be something for everyone. “The workshops will be packed with value for forestry professionals, including real-world geospatial solutions that will help them tackle challenges in the field. Eagle technology will hold a workshop that outlines how new and advanced tools can be integrated into everyday forestry operations. “Participants will also gain hands-on experience with Google Earth Engine (GEE), a leading cloud-based geospatial data platform.” This workshop will cover both introductory and advanced uses of the platform, which includes the analysis of the extensive GEE datasets, and building of Earth Engine Apps that integrate with Python notebooks and packages.