Forest Products Industry

Ponsse is improving its services in Northern Finland, with a new field service unit starting operations in the Kuusamo, Posio, Kemijärvi and Salla areas. In addition, the availability of spare parts and consumables will improve, as customers are offered a new pickup warehouse service that is open around the clock.

“Distances are long in Northern Finland, and in partnership with Ponsse’s contract service partners operating in the Pudasjärvi, Suomussalmi and Kemijärvi areas, we are further improving the level of service in the region. The new field service unit is operated by an experienced service and parts specialist, who in addition to maintenance work also supports spare parts sales and serves local customers,” says Pertti Rönkkö, After Salas Manager, Ponsse Finland.

A 24/7 pickup warehouse supports smooth daily operations

A new self-service pickup warehouse operation will also start in the area. Customers can collect typical consumables and common forest machine equipment from the pickup warehouse, which is open around the clock, at a time that suits them.

“With the pickup warehouse, we’re improving the fast availability of consumables, spare parts and forest machine equipment. With this new service, we also want to bring more ease to our customers’ everyday work and ensure that their operations are as uninterrupted as possible,” Rönkkö adds.

Finland’s most extensive service network ready to serve

Ponsse offers its customers the most extensive service network in Finland. Currently, a total of 26 locations serve customers in Finland, and approximately 200 forest machine professionals work within the network. In total, 40 service vehicles and field service units serve our customers directly on logging sites.

“The new field service unit and pickup warehouse in Northern Finland are part of our long-term development efforts to further strengthen Finland’s most extensive service network and our service and spare parts services,” says Jani Liukkonen, Country Manager, Ponsse Finland.

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German company NiTO has developed wooden bricks with which it hopes to revolutionize the construction industry. It says these bricks are an innovative, sustainable and easy-to-use building system made of 100% solid wood that offer quick assembly, a healthy indoor climate and are fully recyclable. Source: Timberbiz At a time when the construction industry faces immense challenges, from skilled labour shortages to rising material costs to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the NiTO wood brick presents itself as a solution. This innovative product not only promises ecological benefits but also addresses pressing economic and social problems. Made from 100% solid wood without additives or adhesives, it is fully recyclable and seamlessly integrates into natural material cycles. This consistent implementation of the circular economy in the construction sector is an important step towards reducing the industry’s ecological footprint. Moreover, every building constructed with NiTO wood bricks actively contributes to climate protection by binding CO2 in the long term. About one ton of CO2 is bound per cubic meter – a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. The shortage of skilled workers poses major challenges for the construction industry. NiTO offers a clever solution. Thanks to the innovative tongue-and-groove system, the wooden bricks can be easily stacked like oversized toy blocks. This simplification of the construction process allows even less specialized workers to be employed efficiently. The speed is particularly impressive. You need less than a minute for one square meter of NiTO wall, while conventional masonry takes about 30 minutes. This enormous time saving allows companies to realize significantly more projects with the same workforce, thus counteracting the shortage of skilled workers. The increase in efficiency through NiTO directly affects the cost structure of construction projects. Shorter construction times mean lower personnel costs and faster completion of projects. This not only increases profitability for construction companies but also makes new buildings more attractive and affordable for end customers. In addition, the simplicity of the system opens up new possibilities for personal contributions. As a builder, you can actively participate in the construction process and thus save additional costs. This flexibility and cost efficiency strengthens the competitiveness of construction companies. The NiTO wooden brick is more than just an innovative building product – it represents a paradigm shift in the construction industry. It shows that sustainable, efficient and cost-effective construction is not only possible, but the future of the sector.

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Under the leadership of climate scientist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, the Science and Timber Construction Alliance (SITCA) was launched. The initiative aims to transform the construction sector into a driver of climate protection through sustainable forest management and modern timber construction. Source: Timberbiz Together with its founding partners IIASA, Hilti, WIEHAG, binderholz, EGGER, Stora Enso, and the Austrian Federal Forests, SITCA combines scientific expertise with the innovative strength of leading companies from the construction and forestry sectors. “We are approaching dangerous tipping points in the climate system. At the same time, the global built environment is responsible for more than one-third of CO₂ emissions – making it the single greatest leverage point for preventing a looming ‘Hothouse Earth’ scenario,” Prof Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director General of IIASA, said. “Cities must be transformed from sources of CO₂ into carbon sinks. Timber construction is the most important tool to achieve this. “The combustion of fossil fuels and the destruction of natural ecosystems have significantly increased the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and store the carbon in their wood. When this wood is used in long-lasting buildings, the carbon remains locked away for decades or even centuries, while new trees grow in the forest and absorb additional CO₂. In this way, CO₂ is continuously removed from the atmosphere and, metaphorically speaking, ‘pumped’ via the forest into the built environment. “Sustainable forest management and timber construction, combined with reuse and modern recycling technologies, can therefore create a long-term carbon sink.” The alliance’s primary objective is to provide scientific evidence and raise awareness among decision-makers. “With SITCA, we are creating the scientific foundation needed to convince decision-makers in politics, public administration, real estate, and the construction industry around the world of the need for a paradigm shift from CO₂-intensive materials to regenerative building materials,” Dr Erich Wiesner, CEO of WIEHAG said. Austrian Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig said: “Building with wood saves CO₂ twice over. On the one hand, carbon is stored in wood over the long term; on the other hand, the use of emission-intensive construction materials is reduced. “This is why Austria has consistently promoted timber construction for many years, for example through endowed professorships in timber engineering and the Austrian State Prize for Timber Construction. Particularly in multi-storey residential construction, however, there remains enormous, untapped potential. “Through initiatives such as SITCA, we bring together science, industry, and policymakers, strengthen innovation, and create the knowledge needed for a climate-friendly and sustainable future.” For Prof Daniela Kleinschmit, President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), the societal dimension is crucial. “Timber construction can only succeed with healthy forests. We integrate biodiversity and social considerations from the very beginning to ensure the public acceptance required for this transformation,” Prof Kleinschmit said. IUFRO will be represented on the alliance’s advisory board as a scientific partner and will contribute expertise from its global network of researchers. SITCA works in close coordination with the communication initiative “Grow the Solution,” developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). “Globally, we are faced with a discrepancy between the urgent need for climate-friendly building materials and the still limited public awareness of sustainably produced wood in construction. We welcome the SITCA initiative, as it helps provide fact-based information on sustainable, forest-based solutions,” said Dr Ewald Rametsteiner, Deputy Director of the FAO Forestry Division, underscoring the initiative’s international significance. In addition to the scientific community, SITCA is supported by major players across the sector. The founding partners, together with HASSLACHER Group, which joined last week as the first new industry partner, represent the entire forest-based value chain. The Science and Timber Construction Alliance (SITCA) is a global platform dedicated to advancing timber-based construction through scientific evidence.

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Forest fires in France, Spain, and Portugal have devastated over 17,000 hectares of land due to prolonged heat. On Sunday, hundreds of firefighters continued to battle the flames, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Source: UNN The latest forest fires in France, Spain, and Portugal have already devastated more than 17,000 hectares of land amid the ongoing heatwave in the region. This is reported by Le Monde, writes UNN. On Sunday, July 5, hundreds of firefighters continued to battle forest fires in France, Spain, and Portugal, as temperatures in heat-stricken Europe rose again. The latest forest fires have already devastated more than 17,000 hectares of land — twice the size of Manhattan (a district of New York) — in the three countries, where temperatures in some places are forecast to reach up to 40ºC on Sunday. It is noted that a fire near the northeastern coast of Costa Brava in Spain has devastated more than 2,200 hectares of land. Meanwhile, nearly 600 French firefighters have been mobilized to contain a forest fire that has engulfed more than 1,000 hectares on the slope of Mount Trevillach, about 36 kilometres east of the southern city of Perpignan. Another 300 French firefighters are battling another forest fire in the mountainous region of the southeastern department of Drôme. In Portugal, emergency services said they had managed to bring 80% of a forest fire under control that devastated about 13,000 hectares of forests and scrubland in the north of the country. Spain and Italy sent reinforcements and water-dropping aircraft after Portugal requested help in fighting the fire, which injured nine people. According to a group of scientists from the international initiative World Weather Attribution, Western Europe already experienced heatwaves in May and June this year that would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change.

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Landholders across Victoria are being supported to integrate more trees into their farming systems, following an extension of the Victorian Trees on Farms (VToF) Program. Source: Timberbiz The program and Professional Service Provider Register has been extended to 1 November 2026, giving eligible landholders more time to apply for grants to establish trees on their properties. Through the Victorian Trees on Farms Program, landholders can access grants of up to $40,000 to deliver on-ground works such as shelterbelts, riparian planting and revegetation projects. The program supports farmers to improve productivity and build resilience, while delivering environmental benefits including better soil health, reduced erosion, increased carbon sequestration and enhanced biodiversity. Agriculture Victoria Acting Executive Director Forestry and Fibre Industry Liam Costello said the extension would support more landholders to take part in the program. “This program is about helping farmers integrate trees into their properties in practical ways that support their business and the long-term health of their land,” Mr Costello said. “The extension gives more landholders the opportunity to plan and deliver planting projects that improve productivity, resilience and environmental outcomes.” Mr Costello said trees on farms also play an important role in strengthening Victoria’s farming systems for the future. “Integrating trees into farming systems can deliver multiple benefits, from shelter for livestock to improved soil and water outcomes, while supporting sustainable land management.” The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.5 billion to support industry transition, impacted workers and communities, and the management and future use of Victoria’s forests. The VToF program builds on the Victorian Government’s broader investment in plantation development and farm forestry, helping landholders diversify income and make the most of their land. For more information about the program, visit the Victorian Trees on Farms Program page at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/plantations-and-farm-forestry/trees-on-farms/victorian-trees-on-farms-program

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Increased trade is key to driving an innovative wood processing and manufacturing sector that will strengthen regional communities, reduce emissions, and build a more resilient and prosperous New Zealand, according to Mark Ross, Chief Executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (WPMA). Source: Timberbiz “This includes supporting trade policies that open markets for high-value wood products, backing programmes such as the Value-Added Wood Exports Growth Accelerator, along with encouraging investment in domestic wood processing to grow the sector,” Mr Ross said. “Equally important is supporting efforts to remove trade barriers that restrict market access and limit opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers.” Mr Ross said the National Party’s policy document released at the weekend, Building the Future: New Zealand’s Next Billion Customers, signals an on-going commitment to growing New Zealand’s export sector. “A clear focus on export growth and trade support is good news for New Zealand businesses. It’s encouraging to see these priorities recognised, and exporters will welcome the commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s international trade opportunities if National is re-elected,” he said. For our sector specifically, National has signalled a focus on driving value-added wood exports rather than raw log exports, with attention on opportunities created through trade agreements such as the CPTPP, RCEP and a future India Free Trade Agreement. The policy also highlights leading value-added wood and forestry trade missions into Asia and the Gulf region and promoting products such as engineered wood, mass timber and construction products. Trade should remain a priority for all political parties. New Zealand has a strong tradition of cross-party support for trade. Maintaining that approach will be vital for the continued growth of the wood products sector and for New Zealand’s future economic success. ” By working together to expand market access and support value-added exports, we can unlock greater economic value from our forest and wood resources, create more skilled jobs in our regions, and build a stronger wood processing and manufacturing sector,” Mr Ross said. National’s plan to secure New Zealand’s next billion customers includes: Prioritising new trade deals with European, South American, African and Asian countries, with an initial tranche of seven priority markets to pursue negotiations with in the next five years. Negotiating new essential supplies agreements with like-minded partners, using the NZ–Singapore AOTES agreement as the template. Cutting red tape by expanding paperless trade and digital customs, eliminating NZ$1 billion in non-tariff barriers. Creating new tools for businesses to help streamline their export experience. Giving New Zealand Trade and Enterprise a sharper mandate – leading Kiwi businesses to new opportunities and backing the next generation of exporters. Completing at least 23 trade missions over the next term, with a sharper focus on sector-specific missions and measurable commercial outcomes. Re-affirm our commitment to doubling the value of exports by 2034.   The seven priority markets are Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay and the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Together, they represent almost 700 million people and more than US$5 trillion in combined GDP. The Building the Future: New Zealand’s Next Billion Customers’ can be found here.  

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After the passage of the most recent Federal tax hikes, the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Property Council of Australia have united to issue a warning that proposed changes to capital gains tax (CGT), negative gearing and Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) investment rules will reduce housing supply, increase rents and make it harder to deliver the homes Australia needs. Source: Timberbiz Proposed tax changes disincentivise investment in existing rental housing and shrink supply. At the same time, new homes are more expensive to build than existing dwellings, meaning any slowdown in investment is likely to place further upward pressure on rents. UDIA National President, Oscar Stanley, said extensive engagement with developers, financiers, mortgage brokers, commercial finance specialists and property professionals across Australia, has delivered a clear message – the removal of SMSF investment from the new housing market will make it harder to finance residential developments and result in fewer homes being built. “The housing industry has spoken with one voice today,” Mr Stanley said. “This policy will make it harder to fund new housing and will ultimately reduce supply.” HIA Chief Executive Industry & Policy, Simon Croft, said that at a minimum, the changes should be amended to preserve the ability of SMSFs to support new housing supply, consistent with the broader objectives of increasing housing availability. “The Government has already acknowledged that its Budget housing tax changes will reduce supply by around 35,000 homes over the next decade,” Mr Croft said. “It is concerning that further restrictions on private capital have been introduced without any public assessment of the additional impact on housing supply. Apartment developments rely on meeting pre-sale thresholds, and SMSF investors play a critical role in getting these projects out of the ground.” Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia, Mike Zorbas, said: “New housing supply is king. Construction and capital costs already prevent new projects taking flight. “Changes to SMSFs are the latest handbrake on investment nobody asked for at the same time as trust tax hikes suck the certainty out of new business and hiring decisions for a substantial part of the sector.” Treasury’s own Budget estimates show the proposed tax changes would result in fewer homes being built over the next decade. The impact will be significantly worse if SMSFs are prevented from investing in residential property. SMSF investment is critical to the viability of many new housing developments, with at least 30 per cent of apartment project pre-sales typically coming from SMSF investors. SMSF investment in new housing is a lynchpin for project pre-sales. Every investor helps deliver more homes for Australians. Removing this source of investment would make it even harder to get new housing projects off the ground. The industry believes more supply, not additional taxes, is the key to solving the housing challenge. The peak bodies are calling on the Government to: Consult closely with industry on rules defining the impact of the negative gearing, CGT and SMSF changes to avoid unintended and unworkable outcomes; Review the impact of the combined changes with a view to further fixes if the downside exceeds Treasury modelling; Allow SMSFs to continue to invest in new residential housing; and Prioritise policies to accelerate delivery of rental housing and increase housing supply.   Mr Stanley said that Australia was in the grip of a housing supply crisis. “Every policy should be working to increase the number of homes we build, not unintentionally reducing them,” he added.

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