Forest Products Industry

US organizations and businesses that will have to deal with increased lumber prices when higher duties hit seem reluctant to speak up, fearing retribution from the Trump administration. Source: Times Colonist The Trump administration’s focus on retribution against individuals and organizations that disagree with him may be curbing British Columbia’s effort to rally US protests against lumber price hikes. Premier David Eby is talking to US politicians about the issue – he had a virtual meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday. But Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said US organizations and businesses that will have to deal with higher lumber prices when the higher duties hit seem reluctant to speak up. He told the legislature: “It’s hard to imagine a large democracy like the US where … industry organizations were fearful of standing up because they didn’t want to get their heads cut off by the president. “How crazy is that?” He said Canadians are fairly critical of politicians and have lots of opportunities to make their feelings known. But he’s hearing about American interests “that would love nothing more than to join us in making the case to stand up for their building sector but are afraid to do so. … It doesn’t bode well for democracy.” Parmar said he hopes people get a chance to make their case known. “They’re not going to be able to afford the homes that they need. They’re not going to be able to rebuild homes in southern California, in North Carolina and elsewhere.” The US government is imposing huge financial penalties against major universities that don’t follow President Donald Trump’s line on various social issues. The threat of sanctions against major law firms that handled past cases against him has prompted several to reach deals with him. Last week, Trump ordered the Department of Justice to open investigations against employees who displeased him during his first term. Those and other measures have prompted intense debate about the chilling of dissent. It might be making the US interests with the most to lose from softwood countervailing duties nervous about objecting. When Eby last week curbed dealings with US interests, he exempted the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. That’s a 34-year-old organization of states and provinces devoted to maintaining the US – Canada relationship. Eby said it would be useful to maintain a presence at those meetings. The Trump tariff war and the new countervailing duties violate everything that body stands for. But PNWER passed a resolution last month on the issue that is noticeably insipid. It stressed the integrated economies and the “prosperous and exemplary relationship that is the envy of the world.” But the resolution omits any explicit criticism of the tariff, duty and annexation threats from Trump and simply urges the US and Canada to “continue” to prioritize and strengthen their relationship. It’s a relationship that Prime Minister Mark Carney, Eby and other Canadian leaders say is irretrievably broken now. Parmar said: “All the steps he’s been taking… have been alienating his largest and most successful trading partner and friend, which makes absolutely no sense to me.” Trump originally threatened a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods but amended it multiple times before settling on a 10% levy. But then it was announced a separate duty on Canadian softwood lumber will jump to 34.5% from 14.5%, with more likely to come after a separate investigation into the “national security” risks of Canadian lumber. “It’s crazy to think that our softwood lumber here in BC could somehow be a national security risk,” said Parmar. “Like, how ludicrous is that?” The US National Association of Home Builders has highlighted the downsides to consumers and objected to the tariff war and the duties. But it’s not the level of outrage that BC wanted to see when officials started warning about the huge costs Trump was imposing on his own citizens. Eby said one of every 10 sticks of lumber in the US comes from Canada. The US National Association of Home Builders says it is more like one-quarter. Just So You Know: Parmar also took a shot at Canadian lumber firms that have been buying up USmills in recent years while curtailing BC operations. Some of them operate more in southern states than in BC now. It’s a newly sensitive issue in light of the trade war. He said: “A lot of companies have benefited from BC, made billions in profits and made decisions to go down south. … There are a lot of frustrated British Columbians who feel the social licence has been broken.”    

International Paper has announced that the company has entered into exclusive negotiations with PALM Group of Germany after receiving an irrevocable offer for the purchase of five corrugated box plants in Europe: (i) three plants in Normandy, France (namely, one box plant in Saint-Amand, one box plant in Mortagne, and one sheet plant in Cabourg); (ii) one box plant in Ovar, Portugal; and (iii) one box plant in Bilbao, Spain. Source: Timberbiz Upon completion of the required French works council consultation and/or employee information processes, the parties expect to enter into a definitive share purchase agreement. The closing is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2025. “Finding the right buyer for these five facilities has been a top priority for our team since the completion of the acquisition of DS Smith, and I’m pleased that we have found one in PALM,” said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. “We are grateful for the many contributions the team members at these five plants have made to the company and know they will continue to be successful and deliver value with their new owners.” The sale of these plants was agreed to with the European Commission as a remedy for IP’s acquisition of DS Smith Plc, as published on the Commission’s website on January 24, 2025. The conclusion of the divestment is subject to the European Commission’s approval of the proposed purchaser. As a result of this disposal, IP will have satisfied all of its obligations towards the European Commission in connection with the acquisition of DS Smith Plc.  

Marking a major milestone in the preparation of ESA’s Biomass satellite for its scheduled 29 April liftoff, experts have completed the critical and hazardous process of fuelling the satellite. Source: Timberbiz Once launched and commissioned for its working life in orbit around Earth, this new ESA Earth Explorer mission will demonstrate how new technology can deliver crucial information about the state of our forests and how they are changing and, importantly, further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle. The satellite has been at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana since 10 March being tested and ready for liftoff on a Vega-C rocket on 29 April. The latest milestone on the checklist was the precise and delicate process of loading the satellite with 132 kg of highly volatile fuel. This fuel will power the satellite so that it can carry out the complex manoeuvres that are needed to collect crucial data on our forests. “Preparations to ready our satellite for launch have been going very well here at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou and I thank everyone involved. “Fuelling the satellite is extremely hazardous and was carried out by the highly specialised team from European-Astrotech-Ltd. Everyone else had to leave the cleanroom while this was happening for safety reasons,” ESA’s Project Manager for Biomass, Michael Fehringer, said. Stefan Kiryenko, ESA Launch Campaign Manager said that he was happy to add that everything went according to plan and Biomass is now fully loaded. The next step is to mate it to the launch adapter and then encapsulate it within the Vega-C rocket fairing. Biomass is the first satellite to carry a P-band synthetic aperture radar – an innovative instrument capable of penetrating forest canopies to measure the woody trunks, branches and stems where carbon is primarily stored. This cutting-edge technology will provide an unprecedented wealth of data, enabling scientists to accurately assess forest carbon stocks and fluxes influenced by land use changes, forest degradation and regrowth. In turn, it will enhance our understanding of forest health, track changes over time, and address key uncertainties in the complex carbon cycle. Forests play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots. However, significant uncertainties remain about the total carbon stored in the world’s forests and how these stocks are evolving. Rising temperatures, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and human activities, such as deforestation for agriculture and urban expansion, further complicate this dynamic. ESA’s Biomass mission aims to resolve these uncertainties by delivering critical da-ta on carbon stocks and fluxes. By tracking carbon shifts linked to land use, degradation and regrowth, the mission will deepen our understanding of the role of forests the global carbon cycle. Biomass is scheduled to launch on 29 April at 11:15 CEST (06:15 Kourou time).

OneFortyOne NZ Forests has established a dedicated sanctuary to protect a rare endemic snail species in a partnership that brings together forestry, conservation, and mana whenua. Source: Timberbiz The sanctuary, located within OneFortyOne’s Rai Forests, provides a small safe haven for giant land-snails, Powelliphanta hochstetteri consobrina, an endangered species classified as Nationally Critical. Environment Manager of OneFortyOne NZ Forests, Jo Field, says the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to responsible forest management. “As responsible forest managers, we believe in protecting the unique biodiversity within our forests. When we discovered these rare snails in our estate, we knew we had to take action,” said Ms Field. “We’ve installed a specialised predator-proof fence to keep out pigs and weka which are significant threats to these snails. We’ve also modified our harvesting practices in the surrounding area to ensure these special creatures are protected for generations to come.” “We’re proud to invest in this infrastructure and modify our forestry practices to protect this species that’s unique to this region.” If any live snails are found during forest operations, they can be moved to the safety of the sanctuary. Biannual monitoring will involve all partners, creating an ongoing collabo-ative conservation effort. Ngāti Tama, the landowners of the forest estate, which is managed by OneFortyOne, play a crucial role in the sanctuary project through their practice of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Dayveen Stephens, Environment Manager for Ngāti Tama, says the protection of these taonga species aligns with their values as kaitiaki of the land. “These snails may be small, but they are an important part of our forest ecosystem and our responsibility as kaitiaki extends to all creatures, not just the large and charismatic ones,” Ms Stephens said. “This sanctuary creates opportunities for our whānau to be involved in monitoring and protecting these taonga. It allows us to retain connection to endemic species on our land. Working alongside OneFortyOne, we’re demonstrating how commercial forestry and conservation of indigenous species can coexist.” The Department of Conservation has provided technical expertise for the sanctuary project. Powelliphanta specialist Ruth Cole explains why these snails need protecting. This particular species of Powelliphanta is found only on the upper slopes of the Bryant and Richmond ranges in the top of the South Island near Nelson, giving it high value as a local endemic. These native species evolved separately from the rest of the world for millions of years and aren’t found anywhere else. They aren’t your garden variety snails – they’re carnivorous giants that can live for decades but are seriously threatened by predation, habitat loss and climate change. They’re now an endangered species, classified as Nationally Critical, and they need management to survive. If they go from the region, they’re gone forever. “What makes this collaboration with OneFortyOne special is seeing a forestry company take such proactive steps to protect a species many people might overlook. These snails play an important role in our forest ecosystems and their shells tell an extraordinary evolutionary story unique to Aotearoa,” Ms Field said. “There’s limited research on land snail habitat in plantation forests, with most previous studies focused on native forests. This sanctuary provides a great opportunity to expand our understanding of how these species can benefit from management in different environments. The anecdotal evidence suggesting pine plantations might provide suitable habitat is interesting from a research perspective.” The sanctuary is one of several biodiversity initiatives OneFortyOne has undertaken as part of its commitment to sustainable forestry practices. “Many people might be surprised to find this level of conservation effort within a commercial forestry operation, but for us, it’s simply part of being responsible forest managers,” Ms Field said. “This project shows how commercial forestry, conservation, and iwi can work together to achieve positive environmental outcomes.”  

Nominations are open for the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions’ Awards, celebrating the people and groups leading native growing efforts New Zealand Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. Source: Timberbiz “These awards will recognise the farmers, landowners, iwi, and community groups restoring and planting native forests, and helping bolster New Zealand’s biodiversity and land resilience,” Mr McClay said. “Native trees are vital to healthy ecosystems, they shelter wildlife, protect water quality, stabilise soils, and store carbon.” Award categories include: Trees on Farms – for farmers growing native forests on their land. This category is open to individual farmers who have grown native forests on their farmland. Entrants to this category will need to show how they meet at least one of the following criteria: having a collaborative approach to planting native trees showing motivation and commitment to growing native forests showcasing best practice in native forest establishment using innovation in native forest establishment sharing ideas and resources with others to help transfer knowledge encouraging others to grow native forests. Lifestyle Block Owner – for owners of properties under 20 hectares. Forestry Company – for businesses or individuals in the forestry sector. This category is open to organisations or individuals from the forestry sector. Entrants to this category will need to show how they meet at least one of the following criteria: having a collaborative approach to planting native trees showing motivation and commitment to growing native forests showcasing best practice in native forest establishment supporting biodiversity within exotic forests using innovation in native forest establishment sharing ideas and resources with others to help transfer knowledge encouraging others to grow native forests. Mana Whenua – for individuals, whānau, hapū, and iwi-led projects. Catchment/Community Group – for local and catchment-based initiatives. Nominations open 15 April and close 9 May 2025. Winners will be announced at Fieldays in June. For more details and to enter, visit: growing native forests champions.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes Federal Labor’s ‘ReMade in Australia’ brand announced as a measure that has potential to demonstrate the recycling power of our sector but the big elephant in the room remains: where does a future Albanese Government stand on Country of Origin labelling for timber and wood? Source: Timberbiz As part of its Future Made in Australia Plan – Federal Labor has announced ‘ReMade in Australia’ where products that have a minimum of 20% recycled content, 50% of which must be Australian made, can display a new logo. The 50% local component would increase to 100% in 2030. The Minister for the Environment and Water, the Honourable Tanya Plibersek, and the Minister for Industry and Science, the Honourable Ed Husic, introduced the logo and program to the Australian public. While part of the Australian Made family, the ReMade in Australia brand will be administered as a separate entity to the Australian Made Campaign and will not be replacing the iconic green and gold kangaroo but instead function as a separate certification with its own criteria. “Manufacturers of timber and woodfibre products across our sector use a huge amount of recycled resource to make new products. Whether its recycled paper and packaging products being reused, recycled products in particleboard, or even plastics being recycled to create composite timber decking, the forest products sector is one of Australia’s great recyclers,” Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. “I’m confident our manufacturers will be very interested to explore participation in the new ‘ReMade in Australia’ brand which aligns with AFPA’s Election Platform Australian Timber. Australia’s Future and strengthening national sovereign capability in Aussie grown and recycled timber and fibre resources. “The big question remains however, over whether Federal Labor will commit to Country of Origin labelling for timber and wood? While it’s a worthy endeavour to inform consumers about recycled content – informing them about where the timber and wood they’re buying comes from in the first place, is as, if not more important. Both the Coalition and One Nation have committed to Country of Origin labelling for timber and wood. We need to know where Labor stands. “AFPA is also advocating for the removal of regulatory and other impediments that discourage recycling of timber, wood and fibre residues as well as other waste to produce energy, including larger scale biomass energy. There are estimates that up to 60 per cent of used timber ends up in landfill, so innovative government policy around this issue is strongly encouraged. “Federal Labor is yet to announce its broader forestry policies, so we look forward to measures like Country of Origin labelling and others outlined in our Election Platform being committed to,” Ms Hallam said.

The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) applauds the Coalition’s commitment to strengthening regional communities through its $1 billion investment in local roads and community infrastructure. Source: Timberbiz This funding will provide much-needed support to councils across Australia, especially regional and rural areas in the South West Slopes of NSW, ensuring they can prioritise and deliver critical infrastructure projects tailored to their communities’ needs. The revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will be delivered through two dedicated funding streams, each worth $500 million: Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream – open to all councils, this stream will help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth. Roads Stream – targeted to regional councils to fix potholes, maintain, and improve local roads. SWG Chair Dean Anderson welcomed the announcement, stating: “Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of our regional economies. This investment will not only improve road safety and resilience but also support the forestry and timber industries by ensuring efficient transport routes for timber and related products.” Executive Officer Carlie Porteous reiterated her support for the funding saying that members of the Softwoods Working Group consider efficient roading infrastructure and support of its Local Government members as its key priority and focus. Not only does it deliver efficient transport solutions and ensure industry competitiveness, but it also keeps our local communities safe in the process. “The forestry and timber industries play a vital role in regional economies, supporting jobs and supplying key materials for future housing needs” Mr Anderson said. The SWG looks forward to working with local councils and industry stakeholders to maximise the benefits of this investment and ensure regional infrastructure continues to support sustainable growth and economic prosperity.

As part of its 2025 Federal Election priorities, the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) is calling for all candidates to throw their support behind Australia’s Regional Forestry Agreements (RFAs) – ensuring the existing agreements remain in place into the future. Source: Timberbiz In calling for the commitment, TFPA Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel said the existing Tasmania RFA holds the state’s forestry businesses to the highest level of scrutiny and ensures the industry is a leader the world on environmental and sustainability standards. “It’s a tough system, but our industry knows it’s the best way to manage our forests, and that’s why we’re calling on all parties in the election to commit to continuing the RFA system for the years to come,” Mr Steel said. “In Tasmania, our RFA covers all forms of forestry and forest management across the state, including public and private, plantation, native, reserve and production areas. “By covering all forestry across the state, this efficiency leads to better outcomes for the environment because implementation requirements are clear – for our foresters, farmers, private landowners, and parks managers, who all adhere to the same accredited and consistently applied set of rules. “ Mr Steel said the Tasmanian RFA and the robust state government environmental laws accredited under RFAs continue to meet the objectives of the Environment Protection, Biodiversity and Conservation (EPBC) Act. “Since their inception, RFAs have ensured that the objectives of the EPBC Act are met by the robust state government environmental laws accredited under them,” Mr Steel said. “For our industry’s future, it’s critically important that the RFA continues to deliver on economic, social and environmental outcomes, particularly the maintenance of investment certainty for internationally competitive forest-based industries. “With nearly 60% of public forests in Tasmania now under conservation reserves and locked away in perpetuity, our Tasmanian RFA ensure that the tiny fragment of land we actively harvest in any one year is regulated. “But more than environmental protections, the RFAs also protect the economic and social health of the forest industry and communities dependent on the industry. RFAs also provide the investment certainty needed for our internationally competitive timber and forest-based industry.”

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes Federal Labor’s $24 million election commitment for the Boyer Paper Mill in Tasmania. This funding will help the facility transition the energy source for its boiler infrastructure from coal to electricity along with other essential measures. Source: Timberbiz The commitment also highlights the extreme pressures the forest products sector’s manufacturing operations are under nationally, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. “We welcome Federal Labor’s commitment to the Boyer Mill announced today – $9 million in upfront support over the next two years and $15 million to deliver mill upgrades over the longer-term. “The facility is a critical forest industry employer in southern Tasmania and Australia’s last local supplier of many publication paper products. “We must however, stress that forestry and forest products is a $24 billion industry, Australia’s 6th largest manufacturing sector and our timber and wood-fibre manufacturing facilities across the country are struggling with rising energy costs. Major national solutions are required from the next Federal Government to address the problem,” Ms Hallam said. “Energy is a major input cost for manufacturing in our sector and has been identified by industry as the biggest single factor that increases wholesale and retail costs for the essential products our sector creates. Like other industries, if we want a sustainable future for climate friendly timber and wood-fibre manufacturing – the price of energy needs to be addressed.” The Boyer Mill is located within the key forestry electorate of Lyons, where Labor candidate Rebecca White holds a slim lead over the Liberals’ Susie Bower according to AFPA commissioned opinion polling released late last week. The polling also showed residents overwhelmingly wanted a Federal Government that would support forestry and the supply chain going forward. “AFPA looks forward to Labor’s broader forestry policies which will be critical for key electorates including Lyons, and we will continue to work with all sides of politics to ensure the next Parliament delivers the best possible outcomes for the country’s sustainable forestry and forest products sector. We are essential for the economy, jobs, communities, the environment and for fighting climate change,” Ms Hallam said.  

Members of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division have voted overwhelmingly to leave the CFMEU and establish an independent union, the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU). Source: Timberbiz In the AEC-run ballot ordered by the Fair Work Commission, 91.6% of participating members voted Yes to the split. The union will now begin formal steps to complete the demerger and establish Australia’s newest trade union. “Our members have voted for change, for a union that is theirs. One that reflects their industries, their values, and their future” said Michael O’Connor, National Secretary of the soon-to-be-established TFTU. “This is about building a better union—worker-led, transparent, and free from the influence of the CFMEU’s construction division.” In an extremely high turnout for a non-compulsory union ballot almost 50% of members voted with 3553 voting Yes and only 324 voting No. The vote was made possible by legislation passed last year in Federal Parliament, championed by Senator Jacqui Lambie and Minister Tony Burke, and supported by all MPs except Adam Bandt and the Greens. “Members won’t forget how all MPs voted with integrity to give workers a say on their future, except Adam Bandt and the Greens, who disgracefully backed John Setka ahead of workers. “We thank Senator Lambie, Minister Burke, and all MPs who backed our members’ right to choose their future.” This result follows a years-long campaign led by delegates and members who demanded a clean break and a stronger union. “This isn’t just a name change. It’s a structural and cultural shift towards more independence, integrity, and member control,” Mr O’Connor said. “Delegates and members drove this campaign from the ground up. They’ll be central to what comes next.” “The TFTU will carry forward the proud traditions of the Manufacturing Division and its predecessor timber, furnishing trade, pulp and paper, and textile, clothing and footwear unions, while forging a bold new path for its members as a proud part of Australia’s trade union movement,” Mr O’Connor said.