Forest Products Industry

Seeds from two trees that survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima at the end of World War Two are being grown at Keele University, in Newcastle UK, as part of an international project to promote peace and hope. Source: Timberbiz The seeds were collected from an oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) in the grounds of the Tenma Elementary School, which was destroyed by the bombing and a 200-year-old ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) growing in Shukkeien Garden. Both trees were situated less than a mile from the bomb site on 6 August 1945 and miraculously survived the bombing. They will now be cared for by experts at the university until they become tall and sturdy enough to be planted in the ground. The seeds were sent to Keele through the Green Legacy Hiroshima initiative, which aims to distribute seeds and saplings from ‘survivor trees’ worldwide. “It is a great honour to have the opportunity to nurture seeds from trees that survived the Hiroshima bombing,” Dr Sarah Taylor, a lecturer in ecology at Keele, said. “Now that we have the seeds, we can begin quite a long painstaking process of propagation and nurturing. The seeds will be sown onto compost and kept in heated plant propagators until signs of germination appear. “The seedlings will need to be nurtured for several years before they are large enough to plant on the university campus, where we hope they will be a source of reflection and inspiration for a long time. “Although they are tiny right now, they are still very powerful symbols of peace and hope and have so much history connected to them. It’s going to be exciting to see the first green shoots rise from the earth.” Keele is the 19th UK partner of the Green Legacy Hiroshima initiative. The project was brought to the attention of the University’s arboretum committee by Franco Castro Escobar following his postgraduate research trip to Hiroshima in the summer of 2024. “Keele has a special connection with Japan through the collection of cherry trees that we have on our campus, and this project will build on that relationship,” Mr Escobar said.

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Stora Enso is initiating a strategic review of its Swedish forest assets. The review includes assessing a potential separation and public listing of the forest assets through a partial demerger. Source: Timberbiz The initiative aims to further increase business focus, streamline operations, and fully unlock the value of both the forest assets and Stora Enso’s core packaging business. As part of this review, Stora Enso will explore various options, including a potential separation and listing of the forest business through a partial demerger into a new company that would be wholly owned by all Stora Enso shareholders. This move aims to establish two robust and independent entities, each with heightened focus and strategic agility. Stora Enso would continue to lead in renewable packaging, with strong market positions and more flexible, integrated, and cost-competitive production. Meanwhile, the Swedish forest business would emerge as Europe’s largest listed pure forest company, owning a unique class of assets with anticipated long-term value appreciation and potential for significant new revenue streams. Following the recent agreement to divest approximately 175,000 hectares of Swedish forestland for an enterprise value of EUR 900 million, in line with book value, Stora Enso retains ownership of over 1.2 million hectares (1.0 million hectares of productive forestland) in Sweden, with a fair value of approximately EUR 5.8 billion as of 31 March 2025. While these assets are integral to Stora Enso’s wood supply chain, they possess a distinct operational, financial, and strategic profile. “Our Swedish forest assets exemplify excellence in sustainable forestry operations and environmental stewardship,” said Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso. “Initiating this strategic review underscores our commitment to maximising shareholder value while ensuring alignment with our long-term strategic objectives. By evaluating various strategic options, we aim to enhance business focus, reduce complexity, and unlock the full potential of both our forest and industrial assets.” Stora Enso plans to provide an update on the strategic review by the end of 2025. All changes are subject to co-determination negotiations and other potential legal procedures in all impacted countries.

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The International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC) has welcomed the release by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of its new Standard covering the way greenhouse gas accounting should be applied to wood and wood-based products. Source: Timberbiz Until the publication of this Standard, there had not been an internationally agreed upon accounting approach for biogenic carbon emissions and removals – an important piece of the puzzle to support corporate climate action and reach global net zero targets. The new series is ISO 13391 Wood and wood-based products — Greenhouse gas dynamics and covers all essential components of carbon accounting for the sector: carbon in forests, carbon in harvested wood products and potential greenhouse gas emissions avoided through the use of wood-based products instead of fossil-based products. “The forestry and forest products sector is a vital contributor to global net zero ambitions – removing and storing carbon in the trees in our productive and conservation forests, and in the wood and paper products, which also play an important role in the circular bioeconomy, replacing fossil-based products,” Chief Executive Officer of the ISFC Ross Hampton said, “However, the role of the forests and forest products sector in the battle to meet global emission reductions goals has been hamstrung by a lack of an internationally agreed accounting process to underpin the calculations covering how much carbon is stored in forests and forest products. “For this reason, we congratulate ISO, and the national standards bodies* which feed into the ISO process, for this definitive work.” ISFC encourages ISO to complete its full suite of standards for GHG accounting and corporate net zero as soon as possible to ensure maximum uptake as time is critical in the battle against a warming climate. ISO 13391 parts 1 and 2 is considered a complement to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol’s Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, which is widely used by ISFC Members and the global business community. The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is generally recognised as the appropriate way to account for organisational level GHG fossil-based emissions.

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New Zealand’s Fieldays held at Mystery Creek last week was full of tractors, the latest agricultural technology, gumboots and more. But it also provided a glimpse into a different world. Source: Timberbiz This year Scion sponsored the Forestry Hub stage, where there were plenty of conversations around gene technologies, native trees, the circular bioeconomy and more. Scion scientists Peter Clinton, Diahanna O’Callahan and Simeon Smaill talked about how forestry and agriculture can work together to address climate challenges, why treated radiata pine is built to last and how we can apply radiata pine growth learnings to create indigenous forests. Scion chief operating officer Florian Graichen also attended this year and said the event was a whirlwind of inspiration and collaboration. His highlights include a visit to the inaugural German Pavilion, which featured more than 10 leading agri-businesses, and meeting European Union Ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith, which could help Scion identify new collaborative opportunities with Europe. “The Scion team had a great time sharing their cutting-edge science, catching up with friends and business contacts and making new connections,” Mr Graichen said. Mr Graichen, Alec Foster of GM Forests to Bio-based Products and portfolio lead Marc Gaugler featured on the Forestry Hub stage. Mr Craichen and Mr Foster shared insights on the future of biotechnology and Scion’s continued innovations to help transform forestry exports, and the exciting journey as we join the Bioeconomy Science Institute from 1 July 1. Mr Gaugler focused on the bioeconomy in the forest: Transforming trees into tomorrow’s products. He also showed international examples of commercially established products that add value to forest resources and could help increase exports from NZ resources. Scion’s innovations aim to embrace opportunities and solve challenges as New Zealand moves to a circular bioeconomy focused on sustainable design and renewable resources.

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Gisborne Council, New Zealand was on the ground on at Porangahau Station in Te Karaka, sharing practical insights and supporting landowners at Beef + Lamb NZ and Te Uru Rākau’s ‘Planting for Profit Field Day’. Source: Timberbiz The event brought together farmers, land managers, and forestry advisors for a farm tour and a series of workshops focused on land management. Sessions covered practical topics such as carbon forestry 101, how to navigate the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), strategies for erosion control, riparian planting and building farm resilience through proper planning. Bryce McLoughlin, Senior Land Management Advisor, was a key speaker presenting how Council is working alongside the community to support sustainable land use across Tairāwhiti. “Every property is different – and that’s why we have our land management advisors out there, working directly with landowners to provide tailored support.” “We’re helping farmers, land managers and landowners make informed decisions using the latest science and planning tools.” Mr McLoughlin also shared how Council is using science and powerful technology to better understand the landscape and support long-term change. “We now have access to technology and modelling we’ve never had before.” “It’s helping us understand the land in much more detail and that means we can give more precise advice and support to landowners.” This includes access to high-resolution LiDAR data, a landslide susceptibility and connectivity model, gully assessments, and field verification – which are all tools Council is using to guide smarter land use. The farm tour also provided a space for farmers and advisors to share their observations, suggestions and lessons learned from their own properties. There were various discussions ranging from where to focus erosion control to how planting could complement existing land use. Speakers also included forestry advisor Tim Petro, who gave a practical overview of carbon farming, and Danielle Castles from Te Uru Rākau, who led a workshop on the ETS. Mr McLoughlin said events like these are a valuable opportunity to connect with locals and strengthen relationships. “Having these conversations are incredibly valuable for our team,” he said. “It helps us ensure Council’s work reflects what’s happening on the ground and the priorities of the people who work and live here.” For more information on Council’s sustainable land use work programme, visit www.gdc.govt.nz

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Sustainable Timber Tasmania CEO Steve Whiteley will retire at the conclusion of his current term. STT’s General Manager Operations Greg Hickey will take over as acting Chief Executive Officer effective from 1 July. Source: Timberbiz STT chairman Rob de Fegely said Mr Whiteley had successfully guided the organisation through a period of significant transformation. “His vision and commitment have been instrumental in positioning the organisation for long-term success,” Mr de Fegely said. “On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere thanks for his outstanding contribution.” Mr de Fegely said that Mr Hickey brings extensive experience in Tasmania’s forest industry and is exceptionally well-placed to lead the organisation during this transition. “Supported by the executive team, Mr Hickey will provide stability and direction as the Board undertakes a national recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer,” he said. “Sustainable Timber Tasmania enters this new chapter with strong momentum and remains focused on delivering sustainable outcomes for Tasmania’s public production forests, while continuing to provide value to the Tasmanian community.” Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam paid tribute to Mr Whiteley. “On behalf of Australia’s forest industries, I congratulate Steve on his career that has included more than 40 years of dedicated service to STT, the broader industry, as well as service as an Independent Director on the AFPA Board since 2018,” she said. “It was clear to me when I joined AFPA last year as someone new to the industry, that Steve was a well-respected industry leader who provided a steady hand, vision and commitment to the management of STT, as well as quality advice to the rest of the industry through his role on the AFPA Board. “It’s no surprise to me that Steve’s leadership has been instrumental to positioning STT for long-term success and I particularly thank him for his advice, insights and contribution with regards to Tasmanian forestry and human resources matters for AFPA.”  

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In a landmark move to accelerate the future of sustainable construction, CLT Toolbox is making its complete, top-tier “Pro” software platform available entirely free to every university student and educator worldwide. Source: Timberbiz The offer is effective immediately until June 30, 2026, and is for the full professional toolkit and is available to all students in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UK, USA and Canada. Students and faculty get unrestricted access to: A complete suite of advanced design calculators for Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Glued-Laminated Timber (GLT), members, and connections. Complex design capabilities, including ambient and fire design for floors and walls, shear wall and diaphragm analysis, and intricate connection detailing. Compliance with multiple international standards, including Eurocode 5 and Australian/New Zealand Standards. Transparent calculation routines, a key feature that allows students to inspect the underlying logic and bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Flexibility to select from a diverse range of trusted partner products across the mass timber supply chain. This provides you with the freedom to choose from a comprehensive library of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Glued-Laminated Timber (GLT), and connection systems from leading manufacturers, ensuring your designs meet specific project requirements and regional availability. The company says this initiative is its investment in building the essential educational infrastructure needed to empower the next generation of engineers and decarbonize the built environment. The company says this initiative comes at a critical time. The global construction industry is under immense pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, with building materials accounting for 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Mass timber stands out as a proven, scalable solution – the only mainstream structural material that is renewable and acts as a carbon sink. Studies show that using mass timber can reduce a building’s embodied carbon by up to 75% compared to traditional concrete and steel structures. With the global mass timber market projected to grow to US$1.3 Billion by 2030, this program is designed to cultivate the skilled workforce needed to meet this surging demand. The announcement has been timed to precede the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) 2025 in Brisbane. As the world’s premier forum for presenting the latest technical innovations in timber engineering, WCTE brings together the exact community of researchers, educators, and practitioners this initiative seeks to empower. By launching ahead of this key event, CLT Toolbox aims to signal its deep commitment to and alignment with the global academic and research community driving the future of timber construction. “My own university experience included only four weeks of timber education. When I wanted to tackle a mass timber project for my final year thesis, I had to teach myself everything from scratch,” said Adam Jones, CEO of CLT Toolbox. “If a tool like CLT Toolbox had been available to me then, it would have been a game-changer. By making our professional-grade platform free for all students, we are removing that friction and empowering them to design with sustainable materials from day one. “Access to professional-grade tools like CLT Toolbox at the university level is a game-changer. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping our students with the skills needed to lead the sustainable building revolution from day one of their careers.” University faculty, deans, and academic administrators can register their institutions for free global access for all students and staff by visiting clttoolbox.com, signing up with student email & sharing proof of studies to Corey Jones at corey.jones@clttoolbox.com.au

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