Australian timber industry news

The first production Tigercat X877 feller buncher was put through its paces in Canada. This new feller buncher is the next model built on the innovative sloped-tail platform to roll off the assembly line and onto a Canadian logging operation. Source: Timberbiz The X877 is a high-performance carrier with a closed loop drive system. As a result, the machine has excellent multifunctioning characteristics, well suited to highly skilled and experienced operators seeking maximum productivity. The sloped-tail platform provides excellent tail clearance when swinging over obstacles, while retaining clear and convenient access to daily service points and machine components. With a fully retracting roof enclosure, both sides of the engine, the valves, and the hydraulic pump area are exposed and easy to reach. The upper assembly is designed to house both the Tigercat FPT N67 and C87 engines for improved commonality. In-tank hydraulic filtration extends service intervals up to 2,000 hours. Long track frames and an integrated counterweight ensure excellent machine balance and stability. A newly designed ER boom system offers tighter tuck and a larger boom envelope. ER technology, developed exclusively by Tigercat Industries, reduces operator fatigue and conserves energy. The operator’s cabin is equipped with a comfortable parallel action suspension seat with integrated heating and cooling, and full adjustability. Clear sightlines and ergonomic positioning of controls reduce operator fatigue over long shifts.

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US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L Rollins has announced the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken the next step in the rulemaking process for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period. Roads are a key prerequisite for large-scale logging and mining projects. Source: Timberbiz Secretary Rollins said rescinding the roadless rule would allow local land managers to make decisions on logging. “We are one step closer to common sense management of our national forest lands. Today marks a critical step forward in President Trump’s commitment to restoring local decision-making to federal land managers to empower them to do what’s necessary to protect America’s forests and communities from devastating destruction from fires,” said Secretary Rollins. “This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America. It is vital that we properly manage our federal lands to create healthy, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come. “We look forward to hearing directly from the people and communities we serve as we work together to implement productive and commonsense policy for forest land management.” The USDA Forest Service is publishing a notice seeking public comment on its intention to develop an environmental impact statement for the proposed rescission of the rule. The notice details the reasons for rescinding the rule, the potential effects on people and resources, and how national forests and grasslands are managed. “For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to action – prohibiting road construction, which has limited wildfire suppression and active forest management,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “The forests we know today are not the same as the forests of 2001. They are dangerously overstocked and increasingly threatened by drought, mortality, insect-borne disease, and wildfire. “It’s time to return land management decisions where they belong with local Forest Service experts who best understand their forests and communities. We encourage participation in the upcoming public process. Your input will help to build a stronger, safer future for our forests and the communities that depend on these forests for jobs, recreation, and clean water.” While the rescission would apply to roadless areas in Alaska, state-specific rules for Colorado and Idaho, which were part of the Administrative Procedure Act petitions, would not be affected by the proposal. In total, the 2025 rescission would apply to nearly 45 million acres of the nearly 60 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. Ninety-six percent of the Forest Service’s inventoried roadless areas are located in 12 western states, Alaska has almost a third of the 45 million acres affected by the pending change. The proposal aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation to get rid of overcomplicated, burdensome barriers that hamper American business and innovation. It also supports Executive Order 14153, Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential which directs the Forest Service to exempt the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 Roadless Rule. The public is invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposal to guide the development of the environmental impact statement no later than Sept. 19, 2025. Public comments will be considered during the development of the draft environmental impact statement. Additional opportunities to comment will occur as the rulemaking process continues.  

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At the 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) in Brisbane, colleagues of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented two new research papers showcasing the role of wood products in climate change mitigation as well as their potential contributions to a sustainable bioeconomy. Source: Timberbiz The papers presented at the WCTE underscored the importance of improved data, modelling tools, and policy frameworks to fully capture and support the climate and bioeconomy benefits of long-lived wood products and their full integration into national strategies. The first paper, ‘Wood Products for Climate Change Mitigation in the Asia-Pacific Region’ focused on the Asia-Pacific region, where both production and consumption of wood products is rapidly growing. This research was implemented by FAO under the IUFRO-WOOD for GLOBE initiative with the full research report to be released at a later date. Findings highlighted that, while long-lived harvested wood products currently make a modest contribution to total emissions reductions, they are an important part of a comprehensive approach to decarbonising key sectors such as building and construction especially when combined with more efficient processing, longer product lifetimes, recycling and reuse, and substituting wood for more energy-intensive materials like steel and concrete. The Asia-Pacific region, home to 55% of the world’s population and, with two-thirds of global new urban floor space expected to be built in China, India and Southeast Asia by 2050, is a key arena for scaling up sustainable timber use. The second paper then focused on Forest Product Demand and Supply in a Bioeconomy Transition: The possible role of timber for climate change mitigation.  This paper was jointly developed by colleagues from FAO, Bauhaus Earth and a range of international researchers to describe high-level findings on globally engineered wood product supply and demand trends in the construction sector until 2070 as well as their further potential implications for climate change mitigation. Preliminary results suggest that higher adoption of engineered wood products in construction, could reach 50% of emission savings as compared to business-as-usual scenarios. The full study is expected to be published by the end of the year as part of FAO’s Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2025 Special Studies. The presentations sparked lively discussions, not only with engineers and architects but also with policymakers, industry voices, and academics from beyond the forest sector. The Asia-Pacific paper was presented in a highly technical session focused on structural engineering of timber in construction. Discussions around the paper centred on how to account for carbon sequestered in forests and timber products alongside fossil fuel reductions, and on the associated challenges in measurement, reporting, and accounting currently limiting widespread adoption in national climate strategies. The global supply/demand paper was presented in a session on architecture, engineering, and practitioner perspectives, which featured a broader set of topics such as education for wooden cities, green public procurement, and timber’s integration with concrete. Questions in this session were centred on the assumptions underlying the modelling approach used in the study, the trajectory of potential emissions reductions over time, and the scale of timber’s contribution relative to other mitigation measures. Participants were also interested in how increased demand might affect global timber supply, trade flows, and forest management practices. Keynote speakers at other WCTE sessions emphasized the environmental benefits of using more wood in buildings, but also pointed to hurdles: construction codes, product standards, insurance concerns, lack of skills in wood building, and the need to move wood use from niche projects to mainstream practices. Technical sessions underscored additional challenges, such as engineering issues with timber joints, combining wood with other materials, variability between species, durability and recycling, and efficient use of available resources. Addressing these barriers will be critical for scaling up wood as a climate solution. The engagement of FAO colleagues at WCTE 2025 provided a valuable platform to share global and regional insights and collaborate with the global timber engineering community. The questions and perspectives raised showed the value of engaging audiences beyond the forest sector and highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and cross-sectoral collaboration to advance policy advice on climate and bioeconomy. WCTE 2025 emphasized the vital role that wood products can play in building a low-carbon, sustainable future. The discussions in Brisbane reflected both the excitement and the complexity of scaling up timber in the built environment. As cities grow and the demand for sustainable materials accelerates, the findings presented at WCTE 2025 offer a clear message: when sourced and used responsibly, timber can help bridge the gap between climate ambition and practical action, turning our buildings into part of the solution for a resilient, low-carbon world. Furthermore, as FAO continues to strengthen data, modelling and policy guidance on wood products, strong partnerships can ensure that the benefits of wood are realised, without compromising forest ecosystems.

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Demand for wooden furniture and upholstered seat products peaked in 2020-21, fuelled by increased consumer spending on home upgrades and renovations during and after pandemic lockdowns according to a new report from IBISWorld. Source: Timberbiz The report titled Wooden Furniture and Upholstered Seat Manufacturing in Australia states that Australia has faced ups and downs since Covid. Since then, the industry has encountered several challenges to maintaining consistent revenue growth. Import competition, especially from countries like China, Vietnam and Malaysia, continues to pose a significant challenge. Furniture retailers sourcing from these countries benefit from lower manufacturing costs, allowing them to offer competitively priced products. These low-cost furniture products are especially attractive to consumers dealing with limited discretionary income and rising living expenses, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers with higher production costs to compete effectively. Rising timber prices over the past five years have exacerbated demand downturns, with manufacturers often reluctant to fully pass on these higher costs in a market dominated by imports. As a result, domestic manufacturers have increasingly focused on premium and bespoke products, moving away from the unprofitable, low-cost segment now largely controlled by imported furniture. Although industry revenue is anticipated to grow at an annualised rate of 1.0% over the five years through 2025-26, reaching $4.5 billion, increased import competition and ongoing discretionary income pressures are expected to cause a 0.6% drop in revenue from 2024-25. High import pressure continues to challenge local manufacturers, especially those producing budget furniture ranges. By shifting focus to premium, customised products, domestic manufacturers have better defended market share against foreign competition and maintained a loyal clientele. Increased demand for public transport has led to a rise in production of upholstered seats for public transit systems. Government investments in rail infrastructure and a growing consumer preference for sustainable transportation alternatives have driven this demand. Manufacturers tend to be based in populated areas, favouring locations near transport facilities and retailers that allow them to cut down on transportation time and costs. That’s why establishments are predominantly concentrated along the eastern seaboard. The industry remains highly fragmented, dominated by small-scale manufacturers and sole traders. With over 97% of enterprises employing fewer than 20 people, diverse preferences and low entry barriers ensure no single firm holds significant market share. For more information visit: https://www.ibisworld.com

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The New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has officially entered into force, opening the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, New Zealand Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced. Source: Timberbiz “The NZ–UAE CEPA is New Zealand’s fastest-ever trade agreement. Negotiated in just over four months, it delivers up to an estimated NZ$42 million in tariff savings per year for Kiwi exporters and the wider economy,” Mr McClay said. “From today, 98.5% of New Zealand’s exports to the UAE will enter duty-free, rising to 99% by the start of 2027. This is one of the best goods market access packages we have ever secured.” Key goods such as dairy (NZ$766m), red meat (NZ$52.5m), apples (NZ$34.9m), kiwifruit (NZ$7.8m), seafood (NZ$15.5m), forestry products (NZ$9.4m), and honey (NZ$5.2m) will all enter duty free from today. The UAE is one of New Zealand’s largest markets in the Middle East and a gateway into a US$500 billion economy that is growing and diversifying rapidly. With two-way trade already worth NZ$1.44 billion a year the CEPA creates a platform to go much further. The UAE imports 90% of its food, meaning strong new opportunities for New Zealand’s world-class producers. “Beyond goods this agreement creates a platform for two-way investment, digital trade, and services opportunities that will generate jobs, lift incomes, and boost the economy for all New Zealanders,” Mr McClay said. “The CEPA strengthens our relationship with a key Gulf partner and takes us a step closer to the Government’s goal of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years.”

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Komatsu Forest recently hosted a demonstration of the new Komatsu 895 Firefighter, a forwarder equipped with the RL21 firefighting kit, developed by Rodwell Logging of Bombala, NSW. Source: Timberbiz The event, held at the HVP headquarters in Rennick, Victoria, drew strong interest from across the local forestry and fire management sectors, with nearly 50 attendees present. The demonstration began with a general introduction, followed by a key presentation from Peter Rodwell, the principal designer of the RL21. Mr Rodwell provided an insightful overview of the development, design, and practical application of the RL21 system, drawing on Rodwell Logging’s firsthand experience using the equipment in wildfire response. A standout feature of the RL21 is its quick-mount design, which allows it to be easily installed or removed from a standard Komatsu 895 forwarder. This flexibility enables the machine to be quickly converted between fire response and conventional forwarding operations. The RL21 is equipped with a custom-designed 20,000-litre water tank integrated into the forwarder’s log bunk. A high-pressure pump powers dual water cannons mounted on either side of the headgate, capable of delivering up to 450 litres per minute with a range of up to 40 metres. For added safety, a 3,000-litre emergency reserve tank can be activated from the cabin to douse the engine and cab, giving the operator a critical window to retreat from danger if required. Following the presentation, the machine was started up by Steve Witherow MD of Tabeel Trading and driven along a fire break near the HVP facility, where the water cannons were demonstrated in various configurations. Afterwards, the machine was parked and its access panels opened, giving attendees the chance to inspect the inner workings and system components up close. Garry Kennedy from Kennedy Trailers was on hand to answer any queries on the RL21 water tank fabrication process. The demonstration was well received by the diverse audience, which included forest owners and managers, fire department personnel, and resource management professionals from companies such as HVP, OneFortyOne, PF Olsen, AKD, CFA Victoria and Green Triangle Fire Alliance. Brett Jones, Managing Director of Komatsu Forest, took a very keen interest in the RL21’s development by visiting Rodwell’s to inspect the prototype, and finalised a marketing agreement with Rodwell Logging in late 2024. Since then, momentum has accelerated. Komatsu Forest delivered its first RL21 Fire Tanker in December 2024, and a second unit on a Komatsu 895.3 Speed Shift was delivered in June this year. Komatsu Forest currently has a third RL21 in stock with two more units in production for future sales. “The RL21 Fire Tanker will be a game changer in Australia for fire prevention and fire management,” Mr Jones said. “The key is the machine’s versatility to access a fire at ground level, which has not been possible with conventional road vehicles.” Rodwell Logging’s innovation highlights the vital role of local expertise in addressing complex environmental challenges. Their commitment to community safety, practical engineering, and resilience sets a benchmark for bushfire preparedness in Australia.

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The latest Housing Industry Association forecasts show that recent policy announcements will see more than one million new homes commencing construction over the next five years. Source: Timberbiz The HIA recently released its quarterly Housing and Economic Outlook Report, covering forecasts for residential building activity across Australia. This HIA Outlook has revised the forecast for the number of new homes to commence construction in the five years to June 2029 from 986,000 to 1.01 million considering recent policy decisions. “Higher than previously anticipated population growth, and changes to government policy, have resulted in an upgrade to our forecasts for the number of homes that will commence construction over the next five years,” HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said. “Despite the upgrade in the Outlook, policy settings remain too restrictive to achieve the goal of 1.2 million new homes over the next five years. “The decline in the cash rate has seen home building activity pick up, but this improvement is not evenly spread across regions or building types as government policies remain the main determinant of the volume of home building,” he said. “Indications are that Australia’s population growth will remain elevated and exceed 30 million before the end of 2030. This will force up the price of established homes and increasingly see new home construction as a cheaper alternative to purchasing an established home.” Mr Reardon said that changes to government policies were starting to focus on reducing the costs and barriers to new home building and would add further to the supply of new homes. “In this Outlook there is an upgrade to the forecast number of homes to commence construction in New South Wales due to recent changes announced in this year’s state Budget,” he said. “A plan for the government to underwrite apartment sales, the pattern book and fast-tracking approvals will have a tangible uplift in commencements in New South Wales over the next few years. “The announcement by the Australian Government to lower the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (5% deposit) will also see an ongoing increase in first home buyers building a new home. This policy could add as much as 10,000 new homes, per year, to supply. Further reform of macro-prudential restrictions introduced since the GFC also warrant review and could add further to the supply of new homes.” Mr Reardon said that home building activity would flow to those regions with the lower cost of delivering new homes to market. “For this reason, home building activity increased first in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. New South Wales and Victoria remain laggards given the significantly higher cost of land and home supply in those states,” he said. “Upside risks could emerge in other regions if governments remove constraints on new home supply. “Interest rates will remain the most significant cyclical factor affecting new home building volumes. Structural factors such as population flows and policy decisions will determine which regions capitalise on this opportunity.” Forecasts: Detached houses: There were 28,620 detached houses that commenced construction in the March quarter 2025, with a similar 28,240 forecast for the June quarter, working its way back up to 29,470 by the final quarter of 2025. This will produce a 2025 calendar year total of 115,070 detached house starts, 7.2% up on 2024. A steady improvement is expected to continue from here, reaching a 2027 peak of 125,840, before moderating back to 116,370 in 2029 as land constraints become more binding and new multi-units become relatively more affordable. Multi-unit dwellings: There were 19,450 multi-unit dwellings that commenced construction in the March quarter 2025, which is expected to moderate back down to 17,440 in the June quarter and remain relatively steady for the rest of the year. This will produce a 2025 calendar year total of 72,070, up by 17.2% on 2024’s 13-year low. A modest further improvement is expected to 76,570 in 2026, before accelerating towards 96,910 by 2028 and 99,960 in 2029, as rising prices in the established market catalyse the feasibility of new apartment projects.

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The Hyne Group, through its national Hyne Pallets network, has announced its acquisition of Seapal Pallets & Crates located in Kilcoy, South-East Queensland. This marks the sixth pallet manufacturing acquisition in less than two years and the second in Queensland. Source: Timberbiz Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon, acknowledged the history of Seapal which has been in operation since 1998 under the current ownership of Trevor Carter. “As we continue to grow our national pallet network, we welcome Seapal, which, like the Hyne Group, has a long history across Queensland and Northern NSW. In addition to standard pallet manufacturing, the business delivers custom solutions to service the unique freighting requirements such as those of large manufacturing businesses. “We see some strong, future synergies with our Express Pallets & Crates business located close by in Narangba. This includes fibre supply, freight, staffing & management, production planning and raw material scale efficiencies.” Mr Bindon said. Seapal has an extensive network of customers across the mining, agriculture, logistics and food sectors, with Peter Hyne recently addressing staff on site and welcoming them to the Hyne Pallets structure. Timber supply for the Seapal business will continue from the co-located sawmill, ownership of which will be retained by Trevor Carter. But this will be complemented by Hyne’s leading Queensland sawmill business at Tuan, one of the largest sawmills in Australia. This supply capability and flexibility, ensures certainty and consistency for all existing and future customers. The Seapal trading name will remain the same and the team will transition across to Hyne Pallets at completion. The acquisition of Seapal Pallets & Crates will finalise on 1 October 2025, subject to all Completion Precedents being met. The Hyne Pallets network now consists of Seapal Pallets & Crates, Kilcoy, QLD; Express Pallets &Crates, Narangba, QLD; Newcastle Pallets, Newcastle, NSW; Rodpak, Melbourne, VIC; Pallet & Bin, Shepparton, VIC and Pinetec, Perth, WA.  

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Heat-stressed Victorian mountain ash forests are thinning fast, turning from carbon sinks to carbon sources, new research reveals. Published in Nature Communications, the research shows forests will lose a quarter of their trees by 2080 due to global warming. Source: Phys Org Mountain ash forests are currently one of Earth’s most effective ecosystems for storing carbon, they store more carbon per hectare than the Amazon. But researchers say these forests will store less carbon in the future as warming causes more trees to die and decompose. Scientists from the Universities of Melbourne and New Hampshire (US) analysed almost 50 years of data from Australian forest monitoring plots. The researchers found that increasing temperatures are thinning mountain ash forests rapidly, threatening their long-term potential to store carbon and slow global warming. Lead researcher, University of Melbourne Dr Raphael Trouve explained that the forests’ natural thinning response to temperature stress means that the ability of large-scale tree-planting initiatives to reduce atmospheric carbon levels may decline over the coming decades. “Australia’s mountain ash forests are one of Earth’s most carbon-dense ecosystems, but our study reveals how climate warming could turn them from carbon sinks into carbon emitters as excess tree deaths and decomposition release stored carbon,” Dr Trouve said. “Data collected in forest studies since 1947 shows that warming is intensifying competition among trees for limited resources, mainly water, and causing around 9% tree loss in mountain ash forests for every degree of warming.” A projected rise of three degrees Celsius by 2080 could reduce tree density in these forests by 24%. Making up for this carbon loss would require establishing hundreds of thousands of hectares of new forests. “As more trees die and decompose, they will emit carbon dioxide, with an impact equivalent to driving a million cars 10,000km per year for 75 years,” Dr Trouve said. “This predicted forest loss does not include the impact of bushfires, which is also increasing. “A growing tree needs space and resources to survive. Under resource-limited conditions, such as water stress, a big tree will outcompete smaller, surrounding trees, causing their deaths.” Dr Trouve said recent research has shown how natural thinning in forests changes streamflow and water yield. “Natural thinning of the mountain ash forests will likely impact Melbourne’s water supply,” he said. “One promising management option is reducing stand density: selectively thinning some trees to give others a better chance of survival. This would accelerate the natural self-thinning process and give the rest of the trees more water, nutrients, and space to grow. “Decades of research around the globe has shown that thinned forests are more resilient to drought, and the trees in them grow faster and survive better during dry periods.” Native to south-eastern Australia, soaring to over 90 meters, the mountain ash or Eucalyptus regnans is one of the tallest tree species in the world. “The trend in natural forest thinning may depend on regional climate as well as tree species,” Dr Trouve said.

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When the Andrews–Allan Government promised timber towns would be looked after through the forestry shutdown, people breathed a sigh of relief. They thought at least the transition would be fair. Instead, it’s turned into one of the most disgraceful stitch-ups regional Victoria has seen. Contractors in towns we all know – Noojee, Heyfield, Orbost, Cann River and Powelltown to name a few, built their lives on Timber Sales Agreements, the contracts that kept families afloat for decades. People bought gear, hired staff, and invested in their towns on the back of them. But when the payouts came, it was a circus. Some got most of what they were owed, while others with the exact same contracts got nothing. No reasons. No consistency. Just bureaucrats hiding behind “discretion” and hoping people would cop it quietly. To make it worse, many were told their contracts had no value at all. That’s rubbish. Those agreements carried businesses for decades. To suddenly declare them worthless isn’t just bad policy — it is cruelty dressed up as governance. Take the case of my friend, a former VicForests contractor (who wishes to remain anonymous due to potential governmental retaliation). He has spent years collecting Alpine Ash seed, the very seed that’s been used to reforest our mountains after harvesting and bushfires. His work has been vital to keeping these forests alive for the next generation. And yet what has the Allan Government offered him? A package so poor it would leave him with nothing for his investment, his skill, and his service to this state. A bloke who helped rebuild the bush is now being hung out to dry by the same government that bragged about reforestation using his seed. That’s not just unfair, it’s shameful. Premier Jacinta Allan should hang her head. Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos is missing in action, more interested in press conferences than people. And the bureaucrats who signed off on this disgrace? They’ve backed in a scheme designed to save the State money by ripping off small family businesses in the bush. This whole “transition” has been a con job. Dan Andrews told people to plan for 2030. Contractors believed him, invested millions, and built their lives on that promise. Then the rug was pulled. Now families are saddled with debt, stranded machinery, and so-called “support packages” that are nothing more than insult payments. Behind all the spin, this is what it means: families facing ruin, workers walking away with scraps, and country towns losing yet another heartbeat. The demands are simple and fair: Publish the criteria for how VicForests contracts were valued. Review the decisions that left people with nothing. Reassess cases where families and workers were misled. And hold Jacinta Allan, Steve Dimopoulos, and their bureaucrats accountable for this betrayal. Because this isn’t just a line in the budget. This is real people, real livelihoods, and real communities. And right now, the government that promised to look after them is the one that’s continually kicking them in the guts. Mick Harrington is a third-generation firewood contractor, former executive officer of Forest and Wood Communities Australia and a Gippslander.

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Timber plantations in permanent forest reserves are not considered deforestation, plantation and commodities Malaysian minister Johari Ghani told the Dewan Rakyat (the lower house of the Malaysian parliament). Source: Free Malaysia Today He said the government considered such plantations as forest since the land use remained unchanged and trees were replanted after harvest. Johari also said states were allowed to log and replant only a small portion of reserves at a time, capped at 5% of the total area. He said Malaysia would honour its pledge to the United Nations to keep half of its land under forest cover. “We are at 54.3% (forest cover) today, so we’re still within our limit,” he said. He said loans had been provided to support timber plantations under the industrial timber plantation (ITP) scheme, with repayment due when harvesting begins, usually after 15 to 20 years. As of June 30, some 259,654ha of reserves had been converted into plantations, of which 67.5% had already been replanted. He was responding to a question by Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu), who had asked about the progress of ITPs, the extent of deforestation involved, and their impact on the environment and ecosystem. Johari said that clearing forests for oil palm was not allowed as such crops would not meet global sustainability standards and could not be exported. He also rejected claims that ITPs were monoculture projects, saying various species such as acacia, rubber and teak are being planted. “The key rule is to keep replanting after each cycle so that forest cover is maintained in the long term,” he said. On the timber trade, Johari said raw log exports remained prohibited. “Logs must be processed locally before export, such as into furniture,” he said. Imported logs are permitted, but only from certified sustainable sources to protect Malaysia’s export certification. He was responding to a question by Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) on whether logs from Malaysian forests were being exported directly overseas.

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China’s central bank said on Monday it has issued a notice jointly with two other government departments, outlining 15 targeted measures to leverage financial strength to drive high-quality forestry development. Source: China Daily The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said that the measures, raised jointly with the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, involve five aspects. These aspects include enhancing financial services for collective forest tenure reform, strengthening financial safeguards for critical forestry strategies, and increasing financial investment for the forestry industry’s high-quality development. The notice placed a strong emphasis on innovation in forest rights mortgage lending, advocating for an expanded scope of mortgageable forest rights, legally compliant loan term extensions, and overall improvements in loan quality, quantity, and accessibility. It further specifies that the three departments will enhance financing coordination for national reserve forest projects, streamline loan approval processes, and facilitate the transformation of ecological resources into ecological capital. Going forward, efforts will focus on improving the quality and efficiency of financial services for collective forest tenure reform in order to support the high-quality development of the forestry sector, according to the PBOC.

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The Two Sides Trend Tracker is a biennial global survey and one of the most comprehensive studies into consumer perceptions of print, paper, and paper-based packaging. Commissioned by Two Sides and conducted by independent research company Toluna, the study was carried out online in January 2025. Source: Timberbiz In its latest edition, the research gathered responses from 12,400 consumers across 17 countries including national representative insights from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States. Across Europe, a growing number of organisations are encouraging customers to transition from paper to digital communications, often citing environmental benefits. However, many of these claims lack evidence and fall under the definition of greenwashing – the use of misleading environmental messaging to justify cost-saving decisions. The Trend Tracker survey reveals that 56% of European consumers recognise the primary motivation for service providers switching their customer communications to digital is to reduce costs, not to help the environment, an increase from 49% in 2021. Furthermore, 65% believe they should not be charged more for choosing paper bills or statements, a figure that has risen steadily from 54% in 2021. The right to choose remains important for many, 76% of European consumers (up from 74% in 2021) agree they should have the right to choose between paper and electronic communications, especially when dealing with financial and service providers. This choice is not only about preference but about accessibility, ensuring that those who cannot easily access digital services are not left behind. “The Trend Tracker survey is a vital tool for understanding how consumer perceptions are shifting across a wide range of topics related to print, paper, packaging, and tissue products. “Unlike earlier editions, where the COVID-19 pandemic introduced dramatic swings in opinion, this year’s findings reveal a steadier and more consistent view across Europe. Encouragingly, we’ve seen modest improvements in public understanding, but the survey also highlights some persistent misconceptions that the industry must continue to address,” said Jonathan Tame, Managing Director, Two Sides. Focus Areas of the 2025 Survey: Environmental perceptions of paper, print, and fibre-based products Preferences for printed or digital communication Attitudes toward packaging and sustainable alternatives Consumer views on tissue product use and manufacturing Two Sides is a global not-for-profit, membership organisation promoting the unique sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper, and paper-based packaging. You can download a summary paper here.

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Faced by continuing change in packaging and industrial paper markets, the latest data and analysis for Australia reveals some intriguing trends and shifts. This update focuses on the performance of various packaging grades, including corrugated boxes, cartonboard, sacks and bags, and other industrial papers. Source: Industry Edge IndustryEdge is confident that when final analysis is completed, Australia’s large packaging and industrial paper market will have consumed a record volume of paper and paperboard, around or just above 2.0 million tonnes, in 2024-25. Confirmation will be available in the 2025 Pulp & Paper Strategic Reviews. A highlight of the last year has been the sharp increase in Australian packaging grade imports, which rose by 17.2% year-ended May 2025. Imports totalled 278.9 kt, more than 40,000 tonnes higher than for the previous year. This surge in imports contrasts with a 5.8% decline in exports over the same period. Importantly, Australia is still – by a long margin – a net exporter of packaging and industrial paper grades. The weighted average prices for imported packaging and industrial paper grades also saw a decline of 3.3% in Australian dollars, measured on a free-on-board basis. The trend of increasing imports extends to converted packaging products, including sacks and bags and every possible version of corrugated boxes, right down to humble pizza boxes. These imports continue to set new records, with a total of 214 kt imported year-ended May, valued at more than AUD679 million, marking a 4.8% increase for the year. These may be something of a canary in the mine. Despite the sovereign capacity in packaging, it is easy to observe imports gaining a progressively larger toehold, gradually crowding out local manufacturing, at the margin. IndustryEdge’s latest reporting, provided as part of the Pulp & Paper Edge Data and Information Service, provides a comprehensive overview of the Australian packaging paper industry and trade, highlighting the key trends. For instance, Australia’s net exports of packaging and industrial paper grades totalled 493 kt year-ended May, down 15.3% from the prior year. Imports of Kraftliner – the strong outer liner for corrugated packaging – and corrugating medium, saw notable increases, with the latter rising by 40.7% to 63.7 kt over the last year. The July monthly update also delves into price movements of various packaging grades. Import prices for packaging and industrial paper grades declined by 3.3% year-ended May 2025. The IndustryEdge Australian Packaging Paper Trade Price Indexes provide valuable insights into these price trends, showing the weighted average price movements for selected major grades. It is updated each month and exclusively available to subscribers. Converted packaging products continue to trend upwards, with annual imports increasing for the twenty-seventh consecutive month. Year-ended May 2025, total imports rose by 8.1% to 213.9 kt. Moulded fibre product imports also saw a significant increase, totalling AUD93.9 million, up 22.9% year-ended May 2025. The packaging and industrial paper sector in Australia and New Zealand continues to experience change, with increases in imports and notable shifts in price trends. These developments underscore the importance of staying informed and adapting to the evolving market landscape. For more detailed data and analysis, subscribers can access IndustryEdge’s online Pulp & Paper Industry Data & Information Service at any time and can download a range of data and analytical products, all updated monthly at www.industryedge.com.au

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The recent Blackberry Funding article (Funding for critical research to tackle blackberry invasion) was distributed with incorrect information regarding the source of funding and the recipient of the funding. The Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) was not the recipient of the funding for this work. FWPA provided funding to the research project which is headed up by Dr Rae Kwong (AgVic). The Hubs, who are funded by DAFF are often instrumental in providing the preliminary work to support such research applications. The media release from the MRFH was intended to demonstrate the strong ongoing collaboration between these groups.

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Following the initial announcement earlier this year, Techlam has now confirmed the successful acquisition of the Woodspan brand and intellectual property (IP), and the formalisation of a long-term supply partnership with Taranakipine. Source: Timberbiz The deal ensures continuity for Woodspan’s parallel laminated timber (PLT) customers and brings the brand’s technical expertise in-house. “We’ve been working towards this since our initial announcement earlier this year,” said Brett Hamilton, Managing Director of Techlam. “The acquisition gives us direct access to proven PLT systems, and the manufacturing partnership ensures our customers get reliable supply.” Under the new structure, Taranakipine will continue manufacturing PLT panels to Woodspan specifications, whilst Techlam will lead design, sales, distribution and customer support. This partnership combines Taranakipine’s production capabilities with Techlam’s global distribution network and technical resources, ensuring an uninterrupted supply for customers. “We’ve worked closely with the Taranakipine team to align on specifications, tolerances and logistics,” said Roy Hamilton, Director of Sales & Projects at Techlam. “The result is a seamless supply chain that supports our customers with reliable, high-quality engineered timber.” Tom Boon, CEO of Taranakipine, sees the arrangement as strengthening both companies. “This partnership is a great example of how collaboration can unlock value for the entire industry,” he said. “We get to focus on what we do best – manufacturing high-quality PLT panels whilst Techlam takes care of the customer relationships, design and project management.” As part of the transition, Ruben Norris, formerly Technical Manager at Woodspan, has joined Techlam as Technical and Project Support. “I’m excited to be joining Techlam at such a pivotal time,” said Ruben Norris. “There’s genuine momentum here. The partnership with Taranakipine means we can maintain the quality standards customers expect whilst expanding our capacity to support new projects.” The timber industry in New Zealand has historically faced supply chain disruption and gaps in technical support. Roy Hamilton says the new structure addresses this. “We’ve spent months aligning specifications and logistics with Taranakipine. Customers are already seeing improved lead times and better coordination between design and production,” he said. The deal delivers several benefits for the industry: improved lead times and production planning, expanded technical support through Ruben’s training programmes, continued innovation including the MPI-supported PLT ground floor system, and sustainable sourcing from New Zealand-grown radiata pine. The companies have integrated their ERP systems and completed joint training programmes, with additional customer engagement planned for September. “We’re not trying to reinvent anything,” Brett Hamilton said. “Woodspan already had great systems and loyal customers. We’re just making sure those relationships are properly supported, and the supply chain works reliably. This is about building something enduring for the mass timber industry in New Zealand.”

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New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, has announced the purchase of approximately half of McPhee Beef Farms in New South Wales via its Australia New Zealand Landscapes and Forestry Fund. Source: Timberbiz McPhee Beef Farms is a large-scale, highly improved beef breeding operation located near Yarrowitch and Walcha in the New England region of New South Wales. Aggregated over 30 years by the McPhee family, it is home to the Maria River Cattle Company Angus herd which, crossed with fullblood Wagyu bulls, is a major supplier of high-quality F1 Wagyu. Covering approximately 8,400 hectares of freehold land across two main holdings, Benditi Aggregation and Glen Eagle, the McPhee Beef Farms will be known as Benditi Pastoral Company. Existing staff and management are being retained under a new management company formed by the vendor to provide ongoing property management and maintain existing business relationships for Benditi Pastoral Company. The asset will be managed by New Forests with specialist agricultural expertise provided by its related entity New Agriculture, using a whole of landscape approach to optimise the investment returns with the potential for registering carbon projects and introducing more regenerative agriculture practices.  New Forests will also look at management practices to reduce emissions across farm vehicles and review energy requirements from renewable sources. “The McPhee asset is a quality business which aligns perfectly with our whole of landscape approach where we can position investors to benefit from the best use of the landscape, while combining additional revenue streams such as carbon and biodiversity,” David Shelton, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, and Global Head of Investments at New Forests, said. McPhee Beef Farms is ANZLAFF’s fourth Australian investment, following the acquisition of three sites in the central tablelands of New South Wales, which were acquired as part of the Fund’s Australian greenfields aggregation program. In January 2025, New Forests announced the final close of ANZLAFF (its fourth fund focussed on Australia and New Zealand), raising approximately A$600 million from institutional investors from across Asia Pacific and Europe including Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power, Germany’s BVK and Sweden’s AP2. In April 2025, New Forests announced New Agriculture was looking to raise A$750 million for the New Agriculture Landscape Opportunities Fund (NALOF) from institutional investors. This strategy takes a similar approach to the previous four funds, but with agriculture as the core focus, rather than forestry. The transaction is subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval.

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In Aotearoa New Zealand’s Woodhill Forest, just 50km northwest of Auckland, the Forest Stewardship Council Forest Walk this week brought together retailers, manufacturers and supply chain leaders from across the local FSC network to see responsible forestry in practice. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by FSC certified forest managers Manulife Investment Management and Matariki Forests, together with landowners Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, the event highlighted how FSC certification safeguards biodiversity, upholds Indigenous Peoples rights and cultural values, supports workers and local communities and delivers certified materials to local and international markets. Attendees represented a cross-section of New Zealand’s FSC community, from chain of custody certificate holders such as Opal ANZ, Visy, Abodo Wood and OfficeMax to Promotional Licence Holders including Mitre 10 NZ, The Warehouse, Bunnings NZ, NXP Limited and Woolworths Group (Countdown), with the New Zealand Green Building Council also in attendance. Bringing these organisations together for the first FSC Forest Walk in New Zealand created a unique forum for connection across the supply chain and underscored the growing momentum behind FSC in the region. The day began with a pōwhiri led by Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara. Guests were welcomed with waiata (song) and the sharing of kai (food), an expression of manaakitanga, the Māori value of hospitality and care. Malcom Paterson, Chief Executive of Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, then spoke about the land and his people’s enduring relationship with it, emphasising its deep and longstanding place within the cultural landscape of Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara. He explained that under Crown ownership, Woodhill Forest was established to stabilise the vast drifting sand dunes which were encroaching on agricultural land, with planting beginning in the 1930s continuing through to the 1980s. Following the 2013 Treaty of Waitangi settlement, the land was returned to Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, who retain ownership today and have partnered with Manulife Investment Management and Matariki Forests to manage the plantations. Integral to the management of Woodhill Forest is its function as a multi-use landscape, where recreation and community use coexist with forestry operations. Horse riding, mountain biking, tree climbing and paintball take place among the plantation trees, while its forest scenery has provided striking settings for major films and television series including The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Attendees were introduced to the recreational side of the forest at Tree Adventures and Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, where the forest managers outlined how they support public access and community use of the forest. They explained the importance of responsible forest management in balancing recreation and safety while maintaining social licence and engaging with stakeholders. “It was a fantastic experience to learn about the history of the forest block and how it’s managed, and to see FSC principles in action,” Simon Rice, Product Risk and Compliance Coordinator at Bunnings NZ, said. “It was also great to see how the forest is open to other commercial ventures, and how the forest management company works collaboratively with each entity to ensure the forest flourishes as a shared resource. That level of coordination was really impressive and added another layer of insight to the day.” The group also travelled to a coastal restoration project, where a protective strip of trees has been retained between the shoreline and the plantation forest. This buffer plays an important role in protecting the forest from the salty coastal winds. The forest managers explained how the site is managed to maintain High Conservation Values, with a focus on environmental resilience and cultural values. The FSC Forest Walk concluded at an active harvesting site, where attendees observed a harvester in operation and learned how the plantation life cycle is managed. The group also heard from the harvesting contractors, a multigenerational family-run business with many years of experience and a deep understanding of forestry. The FSC Forest Walk at Woodhill Forest brought FSC’s requirements to life. Held in the lead-up to FSC Forest Week (20-26 September), the event provided a timely opportunity to reflect on the role of forests in our everyday lives and the importance of supporting sustainable forestry. FSC ANZ extends its thanks to our hosts, Manulife Investment Management, Matariki Forests and Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, for welcoming participants to Woodhill Forest and sharing their knowledge and expertise into responsible forest management.

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New guidance to simplify safety for forestry businesses and workers has been published by WorkSafe New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. The fatality rate is 20 times higher than the average for all industries. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for forestry and harvesting operations was spearheaded by WorkSafe, in collaboration with the forestry industry. The ACOP has now been launched by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden. The guidance outlines the responsibilities and legal expectations for operators and helps workers know what good looks like. An update to the good practice guide for small forestry operations has also been published, along with educational resources to aid understanding. New information is included on machine safety, planting and pruning (silviculture), managing work-related health, and manual tree felling. “The guidance blends technical expertise with hands-on knowledge from the sector, and uses shared language between the two,” WorkSafe’s chief executive Sharon Thompson said. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. “Reducing deaths and injuries in forestry requires everyone in the sector to properly plan for and practise safe harvesting.” The updated ACOP is the first key deliverable from WorkSafe’s priority plan for forestry. The organisation will be undertaking targeted assessments to help embed the guidance in the coming months. The Forest Industry Safety Council, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, and the Forest Industry Contractors Association partnered with WorkSafe to develop the new guidance. “Huge strides have been made to improve work health and safety in the forestry industry, but there’s plenty of work to be done. We want the same thing – for our people to be safe on the job, and to come home from work safely every day,” said Joe Akari, chief executive of the Forest Industry Safety Council and Safetree New Zealand. Read the updated forestry guidance at https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/forestry/  

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In a new report, Australia’s leading tech and engineering academy has highlighted the urgent need for Australia to reduce reliance on diesel in mining, road freight, agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Source: Timberbiz The report, released today by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) in partnership with Fortescue, gives five clear recommendations, including that the Federal Government commission an independent review to reform financial incentives that support diesel use. ATSE CEO Dr Kylie Walker said that to achieve its low-emission targets, Australia needed to take a new approach to fuelling heavy industry, and this could be achieved by applying technological solutions, and reforming policy and tax levers that support diesel. “There is an urgent need to decarbonise Australia’s most emissions-intensive sectors,” Dr Walker said. “By encouraging the application of mature clean fuel technologies, investing in fast-tracking clean tech in development, reducing the cost of green alternatives and increasing the cost of diesel in a targeted and balanced way, Australia can achieve its industrial decarbonisation. “Early-stage research and development initiatives are also crucial in supporting the transition away from diesel.” The report calls for an independent review which should consider a range of reforms, including to the Fuel Tax Credits Scheme (FTCS), which is a major barrier to the transition away from diesel. By subsidising diesel use, the FTCS currently protects high-emitting sectors from the true cost of fossil fuel consumption and undermines national emissions reduction goals. The report also recommends examining changes to the Australian market-based emissions reduction mechanism by exploring the introduction of carbon pricing or an adjustment of the Safeguard Mechanism to better reflect the environmental impact of diesel. ATSE’s report highlights a range of mature and emerging technologies, and the need for a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of decarbonisation pathways beyond electrification – as well as mechanisms to bring clean fuel tech to market. Other recommendations include the establishment of a coordinated Future Diesel Strategy, investment in comprehensive infrastructure to support the clean energy transition and targeted R&D investment. ATSE Fellow, Fortescue Board Member and former CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall emphasised the importance of Industry partnering with Government to shape science-based Industry and Energy policy. “Heavy Industry wants to transition to cleaner fuels, but the current policy settings make it harder than it should be. Right now, the Fuel Tax Credit scheme effectively subsidises burning diesel, while companies that invest in clean alternatives face higher costs especially in this transition period. That imbalance holds back innovation and locks in emissions,” Dr Marshall said. “The Federal Government has a critical role to play in fixing those settings and creating incentives that accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. At the same time, Industry must step up and co-invest in the solutions that will cut emissions and deliver new green industries for Australia. “If we want Australia to become a Clean Energy Superpower; if we want a Future Made in Australia; then we need a system that rewards smarter, cleaner choices. Emerging clean technologies need the right mix of policy, incentives and investment to make Australia’s green and gold vision a reality.” Dr Walker said a strategic mix of policies, investment and industry engagement was necessary to support this transition. “The transition away from diesel while supporting thriving Australian freight, mining, agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors is a complex challenge. It won’t be easy and there is no one-size-fits-all solution – it will need to be all-encompassing” she said. “But we have the technology; we can do it if we get the settings right.”

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