Forest Products Industry

From strategic decisions shaping the future of the PEFC alliance to discussions on forest resilience, timber construction and sustainable innovation, the PEFC Forest Forum 2026 brought together the global forestry community for a week of exchange and collaboration in Istanbul, Türkiye. Source: Timberbiz Members and colleagues from 40 countries gathered from 11–14 May to strengthen connections across the network, share knowledge and explore how PEFC certification can support resilient forests, responsible supply chains and sustainable development. The week culminated in a public conference showcasing Türkiye’s growing role in advancing sustainable forest management and certification. Throughout the week, participants shared experiences and insights from across the PEFC network, discussing opportunities and challenges facing forests and forest-based industries around the world. A key milestone of the Forum was the 34th PEFC General Assembly, where members approved the PEFC Project Sourcing standard and the associated requirements for certification bodies. These approvals mark an important step forward in supporting responsible sourcing for construction and other project-based sectors. The General Assembly also welcomed The Navigator Company and Sumitomo Forestry as new PEFC international stakeholder members, further strengthening the PEFC alliance and expanding engagement across the forest sector value chain. Members additionally elected Emma Berglund and Kurt Ramskogler to the PEFC Nominations Committee. The public conference day focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Türkiye’s forest sector as it moves towards its first PEFC Sustainable Forest Management certifications. Four panel discussions brought together national and international experts to explore how certification can support resilient forests, responsible supply chains and sustainable economic growth. The first panel examined the role of timber construction in supporting low-carbon development and resilient infrastructure, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. Discussions highlighted innovation in modern timber architecture, the advantages of timber as a high-performance building material, and the growing role of PEFC Project certification in verifying responsible sourcing. The second panel focused on forest resilience and climate adaptation. Speakers explored how sustainable forest management and certification can help forests respond to increasing pressures from climate change, drought, pests, and wildfires, while supporting biodiversity conservation and resilient communities. Attention then turned to Türkiye’s certification journey, with discussions highlighting the expansion of forest certification, advances in digital monitoring and traceability systems, and the opportunities PEFC certification can create for international market access and credibility. The final panel explored the potential of non-timber forest products, including medicinal plants, honey, natural oils, mushrooms, and cork. Speakers highlighted opportunities for innovation and value-added production, as well as the role sustainable forest-based value chains can play in supporting rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. The Forum concluded with a field trip to Istanbul’s Atatürk Arboretum and Belgrade Forest. Guided by forestry students, participants explored the area’s rich diversity of tree and plant species and learned about its role in forest education and research. The visit also provided insights into forest fire monitoring and prevention efforts, including a stop at a fire observation tower overlooking the Bosphorus.

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As timber harvesting operations demand higher productivity, improved operator control and greater versatility across applications, Kesla introduces its new generation of forwarder cranes. Source: Timberbiz The new F-series covers the size classes KESLA 9F/FT, 10F/FT, 12F/FT and 14F/FT. The range has been developed to meet these evolving industry requirements by combining performance, precision and modularity with proven durability and life-cycle efficiency. The four size classes in the new range offer a gross lifting moment of 120–180 kNm, covering a wide spectrum of the most common forwarder sizes. Each model is available both as a single-extension F-version (reach 8.2 m) and a double-extension FT-version (reach 10.07 m), enabling an optimal solution for varying operational and reach requirements. Two different pillar height options for each model allow flexible integration with different base machines and applications. The KESLA F-series has been developed as a unified product family, where key structural solutions and operational characteristics remain consistent throughout the range. This supports: efficient production, easy maintenance, a consistent user experience, smooth integration with OEM partner machines, efficient spare parts management.   During development, extensive customer feedback from existing cranes on the market was collected and combined with comprehensive field testing across different markets. The cranes have been tested in multiple applications and on various base machines, with highly positive user feedback – particularly regarding motion control, power feel and swing torque. Key benefits for the operator Performance: strong lifting torque and smooth power delivery across the entire working range. Controllability: precise and predictable movements in all working situations. Geometry: optimized boom dimensions, efficient operation with minimal crane movement. Durability: thoroughly tested structure both in forest conditions and on test benches. Serviceability: designed for easy maintenance. Smart hydraulics: proven hose routing solutions and component selection; internal hose routing inside the extension boom is a patented solution.   The modular design of the F-series enables a wide range of configuration options to meet different customer needs. The cranes are compatible with various link options and offer multiple pillar height alternatives, facilitating integration with different base machines and applications. The modular approach also minimizes the number of spare part items, supporting efficient product support. Thanks to the versatility of configurations, the new F-series cranes are also well suited for feeding chippers and other industrial applications. “The F-series represents a new level in Kesla’s crane development. By listening closely to crane users, we have combined our long experience with modern product development to create a product family that meets the needs of both machine manufacturers and contractors well into the future,” said Mika Tahvanainen, Product Management Director at Kesla.

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Global oil prices fell on Monday following news of a tentative deal between Iran and the US to extend their ceasefire agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but a veteran oil watcher doesn’t see crude prices returning to pre-war levels anytime soon. BNN Bloomberg Eric Nuttall, partner and senior portfolio manager at Ninepoint Partners, told BNN Bloomberg on Monday that traders are trying to determine where the price of oil will settle out in the coming days and weeks, as many key details about the deal still need to be ironed out. “Will the Strait of Hormuz actually be toll-free? The (US) vice president this morning said that those details are going to be worked out over the next 60 days, and that has a really profound impact,” he said. Stay on top of your portfolio with real-time data, historical charts and the latest news on oil Nuttall noted that even if the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened as a result of the Iran-US deal, it will take time for oil markets to recover from the volatility of the last three and a half months. “Let’s acknowledge where we sit today; the market has forfeited 1.7 billion barrels of Middle Eastern (oil) production by the time the lag effect ends,” he said. “We will have lost roughly 11 million barrels per day of that production, and it can’t come onstream until ships are actually willing to not just leave the Strait empty but actually come back.” In addition to the logistical backlog and supply chain disruption, the war in Iran has caused extensive damage to petroleum facilities across the Middle East, Nuttall explained. “We also have enormous damage at a number of facilities, about 70 in the world,” he said. “I was in Washington last week and some of the scuttlebutt was that damage in some countries is far worse than has been let on.” Although the Iran war led to higher oil prices, which is typically a positive for North America’s major petroleum producers, Nuttall noted that energy investors “should never have wanted” the direction oil markets were heading prior to Monday’s ceasefire extension. “The US strategic petroleum reserve only really had 50 million barrels left of actual usable capacity,” Nuttall said, citing information he and his team gathered after recent meetings in Washington. “That would have been exhausted by July to August, so we think the US administration was under far, far more pressure than what they acknowledged, and the new normal, so to speak, for the oil market is much, much different than what it was three or four months ago.” Nuttall said he believes around US$80 a barrel for the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate will “serve as the approximate floor” for oil prices going forward. Oil prices were sitting at roughly US$70 per barrel prior to the start of the Iran war in late February. “Just getting all of this unbelievable, nausea-inducing volatility out of the way, where we have to spend our Saturdays following Donald Trump’s Truth Social network, hopefully those days are over,” said Nuttall. “But again, we will not have details for either days, weeks, or up to two months.”

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SouthPAN is boosting mapping and GIS accuracy for New Zealand’s Bioeconomy Science Institute. The Institute’s remit includes managing forest inventory, keeping track of pests and diseases, and supporting precision forestry operations. Source: Timberbiz First introduced in 2020, SouthPAN (Southern Positioning Augmentation Network) is now a core part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry workflows. Accurate positioning is crucial for the Institute’s success; it wanted to see if SouthPAN could make a difference. SouthPAN, or the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network, is a space-based augmentation system that vastly improves the accuracy obtainable from the various GNSS such as GPS. A joint Australia/New Zealand project, it is being led by Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao makes use of a wide variety of equipment and workflows that rely upon precision positioning, such as field mapping and UAV-based aerial imaging. Traditional positioning technologies such as handheld GPS units often can provide accuracy of only 15 metres in some challenging forestry environments. Utilisation of other systems such as RTK or higher-grade GPS units dramatically increases capital and ongoing costs. There are also the problems of sometimes-long acquisition times, which means more time spent in the field and inconsistent data quality due to variable positioning performance. That’s where SouthPAN comes in. The Institute put SouthPAN to the test using a low-cost GNSS receiver to see how its performance would compare with traditional systems. The evaluation showed that using the low-cost unit with SouthPAN can, for the Institute’s purposes, give results comparable with more expensive systems. Importantly, the combination resulted in sub-metre accuracy. This means the Institute has been able to capture more data, more quickly. “SouthPAN can help turn precision forestry into a more accessible and more scalable capability across forestry operations,” said Peter Massam from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Other benefits include being able to standardise workflows, cutting point acquisition from three minutes to 20 or 30 seconds, and speeding up of data collection by three to five times. “SouthPAN delivers a quicker, more precise location in less time, with little to no post-processing,” Mr Massam said.

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The tree policy for Yarra Ranges residents has been officially updated at the last council meeting on 9 June, and the process for complaints along with it. Source: Ranges Trader Star Mail Aligning itself with principles across the council’s tree canopy strategy, nature and liveable climate plans, the new 2026 tree policy endorsed by councillors last week has had some changes made to the way complaints and reviews are managed. Bringing the complaints process into line with council’s customer complaint policy, residents must now settle issues or disputes over trees by going through a four-level complaint system. Previously, the residents unhappy with a decision to retain a tree could bring the matter through the Tree Management Team hierarchy, potentially involving senior managers and councillors. The policy also includes new sections and guidance on roots, infrastructure and cultural significance and was out for community consultation on the Shaping Yarra Ranges website from 15 January to 8 February this year. The policy was delayed for approval earlier in March when it was slowed from a majority vote by councillors. On 9 June, Councillors Gareth Ward and Tim Heenan spoke in support of the motion before it was put to a vote. “The substantive change in this version aligns with the decision review process with our customer complaints policy,” said Cr Ward. “When a resident queries a tree decision, they should encounter the same escalation pathway, the same accountability structure, and the same external review options they would find with any other council matter,” he said. “The community response during the consultation period was broadly supportive, and operational queries raised through submissions were addressed through the arrangements platform, so I’m happy to support tonight’s motion.” With around 1,250 ha of Council controlled parks and reserves, 1,757 kilometres of road corridors, and 600 km of roadsides on main roads, the policy said in a report on Australian local government tree canopy cover, Yarra Ranges was said to have the highest number of trees in Victoria and the second highest in Australia. Less operational than the 2017 document, the new policy references Council’s separate Tree Risk Assessment Framework and other operational documents in how they will manage trees on council-owned land and roadsides. The updated policy aims to balance the need to protect and retain trees alongside managing the risks they can pose to people and property. Cr Tim Heenan spoke about the level of supreme responsibility the council has regarding tree management, the large number of trees they deal with, and the high quality and experience the tree management staff bring to the table. “Over many, many years on council, we’ve had major issues with trees, either ones that we want to retain or ones that we believe should not be retained,” he said. “What we have in front of us here tonight, I believe, after everything that we’ve gone through, is a fair assessment of what we need to do for the future.” The motion, moved by Cr Gareth Ward and seconded by Cr Tim Heenan, was carried unanimously, with all councillors voting in favour.

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Engineers at the University of Auckland have carried out one of New Zealand’s most demanding full‑scale earthquake tests to understand how modular timber buildings behave under real‑world shaking. Source: Timberbiz The team, led by Dr Ashkan Hashemi and Professor Pierre Quenneville, along with PhD student Rajnil Lal, tested a two‑storey structure made from cross‑laminated timber (CLT). CLT is becoming increasingly common in modern construction thanks to its low-carbon profile and fast assembly. But despite growing interest in timber buildings, there is limited full-scale evidence of how they perform during major earthquakes. To address that challenge, the engineers developed a novel system that includes prefabricated building modules with a resilient seismic connection between floors and walls. The system allows the structure to move in a controlled way during an earthquake, reducing the forces that typically cause damage before returning the building to its original position. “This has the potential to become groundbreaking research,” Dr Hashemi said. “The future of the construction industry is modular buildings, with modules fabricated off-site and assembled on-site … New Zealand’s high earthquake demands have made this less feasible, but this research provides a novel solution.” The test was carried out on a two-storey timber building with the weight of a third storey simulated on top – a set up reflecting the medium-density townhouses and apartments now common across New Zealand. Testing took place at the University’s Structures Test Hall in Newmarket, one of the few facilities capable of shaking a full‑size building using realistic earthquake motions. Over several weeks, the team ran the structure through simulations based on real earthquake records, including both horizontal shaking and twisting motions to capture the complex forces buildings experience during major seismic events. The building remained stable throughout the tests, with no damage found in the main timber elements. About 60 industry professionals attended an open day to watch the system in action. Many attendees were struck by the building’s low damage performance and the fact it withstood 100 strong shakes without structural harm. “They were surprised because they’re not used to seeing a building sustain even one major earthquake, let alone a hundred,” says Dr Hashemi. The technology could support modular housing, mid-rise commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities and rapid-build projects in the future, all while reducing carbon and construction waste, he says. “This test proves that sustainable, fast-to-build timber structures can stand up to major earthquakes, and signals more seismically resilient construction is ahead.” The research was supported by the Wood Industry Development and Education (WIDE) Trust and Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE, along with sponsors from the timber construction sector. WIDE Trust funds a range of timber design, architecture and sustainable forestry projects at the University of Auckland.

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New Zealand’s forestry sector is set to benefit from sensible regulation to help meet environmental obligations whilst lowering the cost of compliance, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. Source: Timberbiz “The wood and forestry industries are important contributors to New Zealand’s economy, supporting 42,000 jobs. Last year the sector contributed NZ$6.2 billion worth of export earnings,” Mr McClay says. “It’s prudent we set appropriate legislation and provide the tools that support the sector – and this Government has been fixing the basics to do exactly that.” Recent action from the Government includes: Further reducing the costs of participating in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry Updating the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) with targeted changes to reduce the regulatory burden for forestry operators, while ensuring environmental risks continue to be managed Simplifying the legal harvest assurance to be voluntary and fit-for-purpose to better meet current and future business needs   “The last Labour Government wanted forest owners to pay an excessive NZ$30.25 per hectare per year to enter the ETS, forcing the sector to take legal action,” Mr McClay said. “Following consultation, we’re lowering that, for a second time, to $NZ10.28. “This represents a 66% reduction in the annual charge since the National-led Government took office. We have been working to ensure the system is fair, efficient and proportionate.” The updated structure also lowers ongoing costs for mature forests, addressing concerns about indefinite charges, and eight new targeted fees will be introduced to better align costs with services used. The Government has been focussed on cutting red tape for farmers and growers and this includes forestry. “Through targeted changes to the NES-CF we are making council rules more consistent, so the commercial forestry industry can meet their environmental obligations without being unnecessarily held back. “The current standard was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without clear evidence or justification. “This change focuses on risk and will mean rules are targeted to sites where slash is most likely to mobilise and cause harm.” The forestry sector will also benefit from a simpler, fit-for-purpose legal harvest assurance system, with the Government agreeing to a model and to develop legislation to replace the 2023 mandatory system to better meet current and future business needs. “Consultation feedback was clear; that there is a better way to support legal harvest assurance without adding unnecessary cost and complexity. We have listened,” Mr McClay said. The redesigned model allows exporters to voluntarily access a government assurance to help underpin their work in international markets and competitiveness, by providing consumers’ confidence the products were harvested legally.

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Sustainable Timber Tasmania has officially wrapped up a late fire season, with expanded AI-powered camera and satellite-based detection technology supporting bushfire detection across the state. Source: Timberbiz In the 2025-2026 season, Sustainable Timber Tasmania increased its AI-powered smoke detection camera network to 11 sites with new cameras installed at the Dazzler and Platts fire towers in the northeast. Satellite-based detection was merged with the camera network, adding a new layer to the existing technology network. This introduces efficiencies with verification and improves overall coverage, particularly in remote areas, and provide an additional independent detection source. Between November 2025 and the end of May 2026, the network detected 1,112 potential ignition or smoke incidents and escalated 91 fires to Tasmania’s three fire management agencies, including 73 to Sustainable Timber Tasmania. The busiest detection sites for the season were Doodys, Mt Horror and Mt Arthur. An escalation refers to a detected fire that is not a registered or permit burn and requires further assessment or response. Sustainable Timber Tasmania remains committed to enhancing Tasmania’s ability to detect bushfires early and respond quickly, helping safeguard forests and communities.  

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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has told a Senate Inquiry that the Federal Government’s proposed tax changes will result in 35,000 fewer homes, despite being promoted as a solution to Australia’s housing affordability crisis. Source: Timberbiz HIA warned the reforms risk undermining the Government’s broader housing agenda and called on Senators to reject measures that Treasury itself expects will reduce housing supply. “At a time when Australia is struggling to build enough homes, Treasury is forecasting these tax changes will deliver 35,000 fewer homes. That’s an extraordinary admission for a policy being sold as improving affordability,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said. “You cannot solve a housing supply crisis by making housing investment less attractive. More investment builds more homes – less investment builds fewer.” Ms Martin said the reforms rely on unrealistic assumptions about investor behaviour. “The changes assume investors will simply redirect their money into new housing. In reality, housing competes with shares, commercial property, term deposits and countless other investments. “Investors are free to take their capital elsewhere – and Treasury’s modelling suggests many will do exactly that. “The result will be fewer projects proceeding, fewer homes being built, and even greater pressure on affordability.” Ms Martin said the policy would do little to address the underlying supply challenge. “Budget papers indicate that around 75,000 existing homes may shift to owner-occupiers over the next decade. While increasing home ownership is a worthwhile goal, it does not increase the number of homes – it simply redistributes them. “Our core challenge is supply, and this policy does nothing to address it.” She added that the impact would be particularly acute in regional Australia, where smaller investors are critical to delivering new housing. “In many regional communities there are no large institutional investors waiting in the wings. Local investors are often the difference between projects proceeding or not. “Reducing their participation risks stalling much-needed housing supply in these areas.” HIA also said the reforms fail to recognise the role of diverse housing supply pathways, including knock-down rebuilds and medium-density developments. “A knock-down rebuild that replaces an ageing home with a modern, energy-efficient dwelling should be encouraged, not penalised. “It is also unclear why housing options such as dual-key developments and granny flats are overlooked, despite their capacity to increase supply.” Ms Martin said the changes come at the worst possible time, with Australia already behind schedule to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes. “If we are serious about affordability, every policy should be judged on one question: will it deliver more homes? “On Treasury’s own numbers, these changes fail that test,” Ms Martin said.

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Queensland’s development sector is facing a pivotal moment, with a $127.5 billion pipeline of major projects expected over the next five years and growing pressure on project feasibility. Source: Timberbiz As construction costs rise and labour availability tightens, developers are increasingly focused on buildability, program risk and delivery models that can shorten timelines without adding cost. A Brisbane industry forum later this month will bring together tier-one contractors including Hutchinson Builders, Kane Constructions and engineering firm Aurecon to assess how prefabricated timber systems are performing across commercial and civic projects. Hosted by WoodSolutions, Timber Queensland and the ARC Advance Timber Hub, the Queensland Timber Trajectory forum will focus on the commercial realities of delivery, including procurement models, risk allocation and cost competitiveness. The discussion comes as developers face ongoing challenges with cost escalation, labour shortages and program delays, placing increased emphasis on methods that can accelerate delivery without increasing project risk. Recent Queensland projects are beginning to demonstrate how these efficiencies can be achieved. At the Inala Infill Apartments social housing project, cross-laminated timber floor panels were installed in just two days compared with a six-day program using traditional construction methods reducing crane time and improving build efficiency. Research across Australian mid-rise developments indicates prefabricated timber systems can further streamline construction by compressing program timeframes and reducing on-site labour demands. The forum will examine where these efficiencies translate into commercial advantage and the conditions required for broader adoption. Key sessions include: Olympic infrastructure insights: Lessons from the Paris 2024 Aquatics Centre and implications for Brisbane 2032 delivery, Tier-one builder perspectives: When timber construction becomes cost competitive at scale, Project case studies: Queensland examples demonstrating improved delivery outcomes. Timber Queensland General Manager Strategic Relations & Communications Clarissa Brandt said the industry was increasingly focused on performance outcomes.   “Developers are looking for greater certainty in delivery whether that is program, cost or risk,” Ms Brandt said. “Modern timber systems are part of that conversation because they can improve buildability, reduce site complexity and support more predictable outcomes.” The Queensland Timber Trajectory forum will take place at the University of Queensland on 30 June 30 12:00pm – 5:00pm at the GHD Auditorium, University of Queensland, St Lucia. More information at https://www.timberqueensland.com.au/event-details/woodsolutions-presents-queensland-timber-trajectory-award-winning-exemplars-showcasing-the-way-to-modern-construction

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