Forest Products Industry

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Overall Winner of 2024 was Milko Marchetti with his fantastic image of a red squirrel diving into a tree trunk entitled ‘Stuck Squirrel’. Source: Timberbiz Mr Marchetti entered the photo to the competition after noticing that whenever he showed the image to anyone, they immediately burst out laughing. “The photo was taken on April 23, 2022, in the “Podere Pantaleone” park in Bagnacavallo, Ravenna, Italy. Mr Marchetti wins an incredible once in a lifetime safari, with Alex Walker’s Serian plus a unique handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania and a fantastic photography bag from the fabulous Think TANK. All the category winners were announced; the Nikon Young Photographer Award was awarded to Kingston Tam from Australia for his photo of a smiling frog, winning an amazing Nikon Z8 + 24-120mm kit. Sarthak Ranganadhan, triumphed in the Nikon Junior Category with his very cute smooching owlets also won a Z50II +16-50mm VR kit from Nikon. Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, from Southampton, UK aged just 10 years old is the youngest ever category winner, clinching the Portfolio Category. An amazing achievement. Other Category Winners included Jose Miguel Gallego Molina, Eberhard Ehmke, Damyan Petkov, Przemyslaw Jakubczyk, Tapani Linnanmäki and Kevin Lohman. The free competition is open to all wildlife photography novices, amateurs and professionals and celebrates the hilarity of our natural world. From a surprised otter to a swearing turtle, Comedy Wildlife’s photographs transcend cultures and ages to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Last year’s winner was an image of a female western grey kangaroo striking an air guitar pose, taken by photographer Jason Moore early one morning in a wildflower field in the suburbs of Perth, Australia. https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/  

FSC has extended the blockage period of a Chinese bamboo plywood manufacturer by 1.5 years for repeatedly making false claims on large volumes of bamboo plywood. Despite being blocked by FSC in 2022 for making false claims, FSC found evidence that the company recertified itself under a different name. Source: Timberbiz The company did not disclose its certification history to the new certification body and continued to make false claims on its products despite being blocked by FSC. The company has certified itself under the following names: Zhejiang Anji Double Tiger Bamboo & Wood Industry Co., Ltd. (referred to as Anji Double Tiger) Zhejiang Anji Shuanghu Bamboo & Wood Industry Co., Ltd. (referred to as Anji Shuanghu) FSC considers the actions and intentions of Anji Double Tiger (and Anji Shuanghu) to be a serious threat to the integrity of the FSC system. Thus, in accordance with FSC’s Advice Note 18 (FSC-ADVICE-40-004-18 V2-0), FSC has blocked the company till July 2027. FSC has evidence of how this company, operating under its two names, repeatedly made false claims. They hindered the ability of its certification body and Assurance Services International to conduct investigations. Additionally, they falsely made zero sales claims, while continuing to make FSC claims on products even after being blocked. These actions by Anju Double Tiger (and Anji Shuanghu) indicate a clear intent to manipulate the FSC system. By blocking this company, FSC effectively prevents it from re-entering the certification system until the blockage is lifted. Re-entry will only be possible after the company has implemented the necessary corrective preventative and remedial measures, or when the predetermined blockage period expires. The implications of a blockage are as follows: They can no longer claim FSC certification on their products or use the FSC trademark. They cannot seek re-certification, either as a single certificate holder or as a member of a group or multi-site chains of custody certificate. They cannot become a contractor for other certificate holders with valid FSC certification. For more information about false claims and blockages, refer to Advice Note 18 (ADVICE-40-004-18 V2-0) which can be accessed on page 11 of FSC Directive on Chain of Custody Certification (FSC-DIR-40-004).

Tigercat has released the LX877 feller buncher, the second model to be built on the new sloped tail platform. The LX877 is equipped with Tigercat’s well-proven closed loop drive system. Equipped with a 260 kW (350 hp) engine, it is best suited to high production, steep slope, mature timber clear fell applications. Source: Timberbiz Optimized weight distribution and low centre of mass, along with Tigercat’s patented super duty leveling undercarriage, provide the operator with comfort, stability and confidence on sloped terrain. One of the most important LX877 design features is the sloped tail profile. It provides increased leveling capability to 26 degrees, and better cable clearance in winch assisted applications. Along with the improved leveling angles, Tigercat redesigned the ER boom system to provide a larger envelope with tighter tuck and increased below grade capability. Through-tip hose routing offers better protection of the boom hoses leading to the felling head. The boom has three operating modes – ER, semi-ER and conventional – and can be set based on operating conditions, tree size and operator preference. Other enhancements include further improvements to service access, and in-tank hydraulic filtration for extended service intervals. The side opening engine enclosure completely exposes the top and both sides of the engine and most hydraulic components. When open, the enclosure roof serves as a safe, spacious and convenient work platform. The LX877 is best matched to the Tigercat 5702 and 5702-26 felling saws.