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PEFC has been promoting nature-positive and people-positive sustainable forest management for the past 25 years, and the structures that have been put in place can be scaled up to bring even more forests under sustainable management according to Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy speaking at PEFC International, at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16). Source: Timberbiz Speaking at the side event “Sustainable Forest Management: Key to Biodiversity” he explained that not only about a quarter of the world’s production forests is certified under PEFC, but also one million smallholders have achieved PEFC certification. Smallholders manage a significant portion of the world’s production forests. Recent estimates suggest that smallholders are responsible for managing around 25% of all production forests globally. This highlights the crucial role they play in sustainable forest management and the broader forestry sector, and PEFC has successfully made certification accessible to them. “The success of PEFC is based on our work through national standards. These recognise that not only forests, but also people are different in different countries, and national standards can adapt to the specific local circumstances. This approach ensures local ownership, which is key for long-term commitment,” Mr Thorsten said. “And our global sustainability benchmark ensures that all national standards are contributing to our joint efforts towards nature-positive and people-positive.” He also highlighted that certification requires third-party auditing, ensuring that the positive impact is independently verified. The side event, hosted by Ibà, PEFC and the WBCSD, spotlighted successful practices and innovative projects by the BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group, Sumitomo Forestry and Suzano and how they contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework, and was moderated by Gary Dunning from The Forest Dialogue.  

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have reimagined the construction of modular homes with the development and testing of an innovative new design that allows the structures to be more easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas. Source: Timberbiz The design of the Structural Timber and Applied Research Team (START), located in Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a wall-to-floor connection with few bolts needed in each connection. Unlike traditional fasteners, the novel connector plate was intentionally designed for ease of disassembly and reassembly, ideal for multiple reuses and relocations. The demand for flexible housing options compounded by concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities, is spurring the need for inventive solutions that can expedite the deployment of safe, sustainable and affordable homes. The ability to reuse walls and other parts means fewer materials end up in landfills. The lightweight and durable CLT is ideal for modular housing in remote areas with limited road access. The system is conceived to be transported in a flat pack arrangement and be assembled using little to no heavy equipment. “Our goal is to redefine how modular buildings are conceived and implemented,” said Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Waterloo and lead on the project. “We are leveraging mass timber in combination with other lightweight and sustainable materials to create a system that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without compromising structural integrity or affordability.” START’s connector runs counter to common design methodology as it is purposefully designed to allow for multiple reuses and relocations. Moving away from the use of multiple small fasteners closely spaced allowed the team to develop a connector that is practical for disassembly and reassembly. The researchers tested the strength of their design by standing two CLT panels measuring 2.0 meters by 2.8 meters upright in a lateral design setup and pushing on it with 60 kN of force, which far exceeds the lateral forces each panel would usually experience. In testing, the novel wall-to-floor connection system proved fit for reuse following several cycles of loading, disassembly and reassembly. “Reuse means less waste and fewer carbon emissions, so our design’s reusability is an important step forward in circular economy construction methods,” said Daniela Roscetti, who led the research as part of her master’s thesis under the supervision of Lacroix and Dr. Andrea Atkins, a professor in CEE. START plans to refine their design and conduct rigorous testing in the next stage of development. The team is pursuing partnership and funding opportunities.

Backed by a €20 million investment, Unilin is set to start recycling MDF on an industrial scale at its site in Bazeilles, France. This represents a great leap forward for the circular economy, as Unilin plans to make this innovative service available to the entire sector via Unilin Technologies. Source: Timberbiz Until now, MDF items such as decorative panels, laminate flooring and production waste products were simply incinerated at the end of their life cycle. What previously made the recycling of such products impossible was the glue used to bond the wood fibres. The key to making it possible was therefore to find a way to break down the glue molecules. “What we’re actually doing is using steam to break apart the glue molecules in cooking vessels,” project engineer Stéphane Marthy said. “Ultimately, these are agro-industrial machines. To make them suitable for MDF recycling, we put them through a rigorous experimentation process to determine the optimal process parameters.” After several years of prototype production, the testing phase finally successfully concluded, and the industrial production phase could commence. “We’re going to be working with the same kind of machines, but this time they are custom-built for our needs, to handle far higher volumes,” said Yoann Raucourt, Production Manager for the Bazeilles site. Right now, Unilin’s Bazeilles plant is already recycling 1500 kilos of MDF an hour, with the intention of exponentially increasing this rate from September 2025. This is the date on which the first MDF recycling line should go live. “MDF recycling enables us to reuse the wood fibres in the product, storing the CO2 in the wood for longer, rather than being incinerated. The aim for the first phase of operation is to store 380,000 tonnes of additional CO2 per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 211,000 cars,” said Julien Boucher, site manager at Bazeilles. The €20 million investment will fund new industrial plants and equipment, as well as implementing new processes. Subsequently, Unilin will be able to offer MDF panels made from 30% recycled materials, with that proportion undoubtedly set to rise in the future. To achieve this, two recycling lines will have to be created and integrated: the pre-consumer lines, handling waste generated by industrial customers (manufacturers of laminated products, etc.), and the post-consumer lines, processing consumer waste materials recovered at the end of their first life. The company is keen to make this technology more widely available, through Unilin Technologies licensing. This will help develop and boost the circular economy of the panels and flooring industry.  

Craigmore Sustainables’ Tōtara Forestry Partnership has raised an additional NZ$50 million over the past quarter, bringing total commitments to nearly NZ$100 million. With a target of $200 million, the partnership is steadily approaching its goal, with a final close anticipated in 2025. Source: Timberbiz The partnership has assembled a diverse portfolio in New Zealand’s North Island, primarily focused on Pinus Radiata forests, complemented by native species riparian zones where appropriate. The investment strategy prioritises properties near to key ports and mills, leveraging returns from both timber and carbon markets. Craigmore currently manages more than 23,000 hectares of forest land, much of which is registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme and eligible for carbon credits, in addition to the normal returns from timber harvest. Craigmore CEO, Che Charteris says Craigmore does things a little differently than larger timber investment management organisations. “Our estates are built up by aggerating smaller properties over a longer period by leveraging our network across both the forest and farming sectors. This enables us to make fewer compromises when building a portfolio, and to focus on properties with good timber economics, strong growth rates for carbon sequestration and opportunities to significantly improve biodiversity outcomes,” he said. While early cashflow from carbon credits trading at NZ$63 per unit as of late October 2024 adds significant value, the partnership remains firmly focused on acquiring properties, which will yield long-term timber profits. New Zealand’s ideal climate supports some of the fastest-growing softwood plantations globally, enabling a 27-year rotation for high-grade structural and appearance grade timber. Tōtara’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) standing consent allows for the acquisition of up to 10,000 hectares of existing production forests (up to 2,500 hectares per property, with a total of 20 properties) until October 2026. This provides flexibility to acquire both newly planted and mature forests without requiring individual property OIO consents.

A new award has been named in honour of long-time Hamilton resident John Kiely, recognising high achieving individuals in the hardwood plantation sector. Source: Timberbiz The John Kiely Award was launched at Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) 15th anniversary dinner at the weekend with Compliance Coordinator Amanda Nagle recognised with the inaugural honour. ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the award would be announced annually, recognising a industry member who illustrated a high level of “integrity and perseverance developing and delivering projects” focused on improving the plantation estate. “Amanda has been instrumental coordinating projects which prioritise best practices and ensure the long-term value of our plantation resource. Amanda embodies a high level of integrity in her work, a trait that John exemplified throughout his esteemed career in our industry,” Mr Hughes said. Now retired, Mr Kiely first joined the sector in 2005 working as a communications manager after retiring from a 32-year long career with Victoria Police. He joined the ABP team in 2013 managing stakeholder engagement, including government relations. Mr Hughes said the award recognised Mr Kiely’s passion and commitment to the sector. “Through honesty, perseverance and integrity, John became an innovator for the sector helping it to grow to become the strong industry we have locally today. John was an excellent advocate, helping educate the community about the vital role our resources provide whilst also building strong connections with government,” Mr Hughes said. “We will proudly deliver this award annually in John’s honour as a fitting tribute to his impactful work. It will not only recognise outstanding achievement but hope it will also inspire future leaders to follow in his footsteps.” Ms Nagle said she was humbled to receive the inaugural award. “This award is a celebration of our collective efforts to achieve our company focus on growing excellence. I’m really proud to work with ABP who have such a strong culture dedicated to improving economic, social and environmental returns,” she said.

The successful conclusion of negotiations on a trade agreement between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is welcomed by New Zealand wood product exporters. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand currently exports around NZ$35 million in value added wood products to the GCC, including panels, paper and planed timber. The removal of all tariffs over a 5-year period and the inclusion of provisions in the trade agreement such as streamlined customs processes and reduced non-tariff barriers, will provide further encouragement to develop this export market for wood products. “GCC countries are motivated towards sustainable construction using mass timber,” said Mark Ross, Chief Executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. “The adoption of mass timber and wood in construction aligns with the regions vision for sustainable development and green building practices, offering a future market growth opportunity for New Zealand wood product exporters.” The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. “Wood processing provides multiple benefits to New Zealand, and it is positive to see the government removing unnecessary barriers and implementing new trade agreements of future benefit to our industry,” Mr Ross said. “We thank Trade Minister, Todd McClay and his officials for the successful conclusion of the GCC trade deal.” Building on earlier negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand’s successful conclusion of negotiations for a NZ/Gulf Co-operation Council Free Trade Agreement should enable further expansion of trade with the GCC’s six members in the Middle East, says the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF). “The GCC region is New Zealand’s seventh largest export destination” said NZIBF Executive Director Stephen Jacobi. “This new agreement, which has been under development for some time, puts the final touch on the framework for expanding trade ties in the region”. The FTA, once signed and entered into force, involves progressive but significant market opening, moving to 99% tariff elimination across all products over a period of 10 years. The FTA not only provides better market access and trade facilitation for New Zealand businesses in the Gulf region but also undertakings on sustainable development and inclusion, which are a first for the GCC.

In October the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network held its industry dinner, themed Building Strength Together in Launceston. The night really embodied the TFFPN’s core mission, which is to provide a platform for greater connection, cohesion and collaboration within the forest and forest products industry. Source: Timberbiz It was well attended by a diverse range of people from in and around the sector. Building Strength Together was a theme especially chosen for the dinner, not only because it’s a theme which underpins the purpose of the TFFPN, but because it felt like the time was right to remember that we are stronger as a sector together, than when we are apart. Nationally and locally the forests and wood products sector are facing considerable change across multiple fronts and angles, and during times of change, there can be a natural tendency to hunker down, isolate oneself and become more siloed. However, it’s at these times that it is most critical to address challenges and to harness opportunities that change brings. We are stronger if we connect, collaborate and build strength together. The recent situational analysis report by GreenWood Strategy, commissioned by the Tasmania Forestry Hub, outlines some of the opportunities, barriers, and actions for the Tasmanian sector and also comments on the need to work closely and collaboratively. Importantly, it surmises that Tasmania’s forest and wood products sector is primed for growth. When you think about the local, national and global challenges we face of providing resources for our population demands in a sustainable way that addresses climate change, takes significant steps towards a zero carbon economy, and protects and conserves our natural environment for future generations for multiple environmental, economic, social and cultural values, there is one industry that sits at the heart of contributing to that, and that is forestry. The Network is grateful to the guest speakers on the night, Tasmanian JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan and Strategic Advisor and former Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Peter Gutwein, who provided insight into their perspectives and experiences of building strength together with teams and a wide range of stakeholders in their current and previous respective roles. Event sponsors were Indicium Dynamics, Marsh, Pentarch Forestry, Reliance, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Forestry Australia wants the Federal Government to ensure that new ACCU Scheme carbon methods developed for managing native forests are truly ‘nature positive’, of high integrity and robustness, and will support the long-term health and resilience of our native forests and communities. Source: Timberbiz Acting Forestry Australia President, Dr Bill Jackson said Forestry Australia acknowledged the Australian Government had this week announced a short list of new carbon methods for the ACCU Scheme. The independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) assessed 39 Expressions of Interest submissions for new methods and identified 4 methods for prioritisation: Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Forests The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water proposed a method to stop or slow down harvesting of publicly owned native forests. Not harvesting the forests for timber or letting them grow older before cutting them down, could enable ACCUs to be issued for storing more carbon. Extending Savanna Fire Management to the Northern Arid Zone The Indigenous Desert Alliance proposed a method to expand fire management to more areas in Australia, particularly lower rainfall areas across northern Australia. This method could reduce emissions while bringing more economic benefits and opportunities for First Nations communities The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation developed a proposal for a method to receive ACCUs by stopping clearing of native forest regrowth. In Queensland for example, farmers can legally clear land for agriculture. This new method could provide an incentive for them to not clear the land and receive ACCUs for the carbon stored in the forest. Reducing disturbance of coastal and floodplain wetlands by managing ungulates Ungulates are hooved animals like water buffalo and pigs, which are destroying wetlands in northern Australia. “Forestry Australia submitted a strong carbon method proposal for consideration under the Proponent-Led Method Development Process for the ACCU Scheme,” he said. “At this stage, the Forestry Australia-led proposal has not been prioritised; however, we are very encouraged by the advice from the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee that our proposal has excellent alignment with the Offsets Integrity Standards and triage criteria and supported it for development, if or when departmental resources permit,” Dr Jackson said. “Forestry Australia remains fully supportive of its proposed new carbon method and is looking forward to engaging with the Australian Government to progress its further development in the near future. Forestry Australia calls on the Australian Government to commit more resources to the ACCU Scheme and its proponent-led method development process. “The proposed method, Enhancing Native Forest Resilience, is focussed on improving the health and resilience of native forests and encouraging active, adaptive management of native forests across all land tenures to assist Australia in meeting its Paris Agreement targets. “Our proposed method is also based on enabling broader participation in the carbon market, which could include State forest management agencies and national parks managers as well as community groups, not-for-profits, private native forest landowners, and First Peoples. “Forestry Australia’s method is based on a growing body of published work that shows forests that are actively managed can have greater carbon sequestration and storage potential. “The proposal encompasses restorative forestry practices and active forest management focused on improving habitat values, carbon stocks and resilience to droughts and wildfires.”

The Victorian government will cut more than 130 positions from its bushfire forest service and close six regional locations, citing budget restraints. Sources: The Guardian, Timberbiz A restructure document presented to staff on Wednesday outlined a “need to fit within a sustainable budget envelope” and to “refine our operating model”. According to the document obtained by Guardian Australia, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s bushfire forest services group will be cut from 1,932 positions to 1,795. Most jobs (47) will go from the forest fire operations unit, 33 will go from the conservation regulation division, 41 from infrastructure and resources and 16 from policy and planning. Staff at Lysterfield, Wangaratta, Mount Beauty, Rainbow, Shepparton and Plenty Gorge will be transferred to other locations. Staff will only be based at Tidal River, Wonthaggi and Nelson seasonally. The restructure was influenced, in part, by the transfer of the Parks Victoria fire program to the department in July 2023. Here’s how the document outlines the change: We have not reviewed our whole operation model since 2017. We need to update our operating model and adjust to changed priorities, context, technologies and ways of working. In September this year Timberbiz warned of job losses within the Bushfire and Forest Services Group stating that Premier Jacinta Allen was preparing to cut 208 staff across 99 regional sites. At that time, it was expected that staff numbers would be cut down to 1717. These cuts will make it more difficult to deal with the inevitable bushfires that Victoria faces each year, especially in the summer months.  

The Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio government claims to be champions of women’s rights and environmental justice. Yet, in their reckless decision to shut down Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry, they are directly contributing to a devastating and perverse outcome –accelerating environmental destruction overseas and driving vulnerable children into the arms of predators. Victoria’s native timber industry, which harvested just four in every 10,000 trees from a minuscule 4% of the public land estate, was one of the most tightly regulated and sustainable industries in the world. Yet the Victorian government chose to kneecap it, turning its back on the rural communities that depend on it, leaving Australia (and other nations that utilised our timber) to import timber from overseas where there are few protections for forests or human rights. The timber filling this gap left by the Andrews government’s disastrous policy comes from places including the Solomon Islands, where logging is neither ethical or sustainable. The devastation is plain to see, coastal areas once green forest now scarred with barren, muddy log dumps. Reports warn that, at the current pace, all forest cover in the Solomon Islands could be wiped out by 2030. But the environmental destruction isn’t the worst of it. When we outsource timber needs to countries like the Solomon Islands, the Victorian Labor government is enabling a system rife with child exploitation and human trafficking. As recently reported by the ABC, a media outlet not typically on the side of Victorian timber communities at these unregulated logging camps, young girls, some as young as 12, are coerced into relationships with foreign loggers, men who use their economic power to take advantage of vulnerable children. In these so-called “log marriages,” young girls are traded, often by their own families, in exchange for money, leaving them trapped in a life of sexual exploitation and domestic violence. And where is the Allan government, the self-proclaimed protector of women’s rights? Nowhere to be found. It is deeply hypocritical for a government that postures itself as a champion of equality, justice, and the protection of women’s rights to allow such heinous practices to flourish abroad as a consequence of its policies. What about the rights of a 13-year-old girl in the Solomon Islands to have a childhood free from predation and sexual violence? What about her right to safety, dignity, and a future untainted by exploitation? By ending Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry, the Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio alliance has turned its back on its own people, blue collar families in timber towns who are losing their jobs and livelihoods while simultaneously supporting some of the worst environmental and human rights abuses abroad. The green policies they claim to champion at home are feeding destruction overseas and leading children into a living nightmare. This is not about protecting the environment; it’s about moral grandstanding for Greens preferences at the expense of families, both here and abroad. The truth is, Victorian timber workers lose their jobs, forests overseas are razed to the ground, and young girls are trafficked into abusive relationships. If this is what the Andrews government calls progress, it’s a bitter price to pay—for Victoria, for the planet, and for the innocent girls who will never have the chance to live their childhood in peace. The Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio government must answer: how can you champion women’s rights when your policies are pushing children into the hands of predators in foreign lands? And how do you justify the end of the Victorian native timber sector when these are the true costs? Michael Harrington is a native forestry advocate and third generation firewood operator.