Australian timber industry news

The idea of trees “talking” to one another through underground fungal networks the so-called “wood wide web” has captured the imagination of the public. This concept, where trees supposedly share nutrients with each other via these networks, has been popularized by books and documentaries. Source: Timberbiz A new study, led by the University of Göttingen, suggests the reality might be more nuanced. The researchers found that young beech trees could transfer carbon to nearby “ectomycorrhizal” fungi, a kind of fungi that grows on and together with the tree roots in a beneficial relationship but not to other trees. These fungi form intricate underground connections with tree roots, and it has been suggested they might also connect trees to each other, allowing for mutual nutrient exchange. However, this latest research raises questions about how much actual sharing is going on. The findings were published in New Phytologist. To trace the movement of carbon, the scientists used a technique called isotopic labelling. They provided CO2 enriched with a heavier carbon isotope (known as Carbon-13) to a young “donor” beech tree and waited five days, giving the tree time to absorb and move the Carbon-13 to its roots. Then, they measured the carbon in the roots, stems, and leaves of a nearby potential “recipient” tree. Ectomycorrhizal roots – the roots symbiotically associated with these fungi – were of particular interest to the researchers; with a delicate surgical intervention, they separated the plant-tissue from the fungus-colonized-tissue of the root tips and found that Carbon-13 the marker for donor-derived carbon was only in the fungus-colonized tissue and not in the rest of the roots of the recipient tree. They repeated the experiment on Douglas firs and again found that the Carbon-13 was only in fungus-colonized tissue, albeit in smaller amounts in this species. “These findings add fuel to a long-standing debate in ecology: are trees truly interconnected in a cooperative way?” explained postdoctoral researcher, Dr Michela Audisio, at Göttingen University’s Department of Forest Botany and Tree Physiology. She added, “It is hard to imagine that ectomycorrhizal fungi would altruistically transfer carbon from one tree to another. However, there are likely to be advantages for the fungi if can access multiple carbon sources, especially when facing environmental stress.” The study also explored what these findings mean for German forests more broadly. The researchers found that ectomycorrhizal roots of Douglas fir, a non-native species, received slightly less of the labelled carbon than European beech, a native species. “This could mean that in forests mixed with Douglas fir, ectomycorrhizal fungi may be less abundant,” said Audisio, “Potentially affecting the forest’s carbon cycle.” This research was part of the RTG 2300 “Enrico” project at the University of Göttingen and was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Original publication: Audisio M, et al. “Ectomycorrhizal fungi of Douglas‐fir retain newly assimilated carbon derived from neighboring European beech”, New Phytologist 2024. DoI: 10.1111/nph.19943

The European Union reached a tentative deal to postpone its landmark law to tackle deforestation until the end of next year, giving global supply chains of commodities from coffee to beef more time to adapt. Source: Bloomberg An agreement reached with lawmakers on Tuesday brings a turbulent few months for one of the EU’s most far-reaching environmental plans close to an end. The law was met with widespread pushback from agricultural giants like Brazil and Indonesia, as well as EU countries such as Austria and Finland. “We successfully postponed the implementation of the deforestation law by one year, giving European businesses, foresters and farmers the planning security they need, while protecting them from excessive bureaucracy,” said Christine Schneider, lead negotiator representing the European Parliament in the talks. Aimed at curbing forest clearance in nations that export to the bloc, the legislation became a symbol of Europe’s environmental ambitions clashing with reality. Businesses such as chocolate makers said they needed time and money to prepare, as did nations that supply them with cocoa and other products. In early October, the European Commission had already moved to propose delaying the rules. But the European People’s Party, the biggest group in the EU Parliament, led a push in the assembly to demand further changes, putting the delay at risk if no deal was reached before the end of this year. During the meeting on Tuesday, representatives of the parliament dropped the requirements after the commission offered assurances to update the law within a year, Schneider said in a statement. “We ensured that the Commission will complete the online platform and the risk categorisation in due time, giving more predictability for all in the supply chain,” said Schneider, who is a member of the EPP group. “Last, but not least, an impact assessment and further simplification is to follow in the review stage for the low-risk countries or regions, giving countries an incentive to improve their forest conservation practices.” Member states and parliament will still need to officially sign off on the deal before the end of the month, a step that is usually seen as a formality. The first step will be a vote in the European Parliament’s environment committee, to be followed by a plenary ballot later this month.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has been recognised on the global stage with a prestigious award that celebrates the finest contemporary architectural projects worldwide. Source: Timberbiz NTU’s Gaia, the largest wooden building in Asia, is the winner of the Prix Versailles 2024, the grand prize under the World’s Most Beautiful Campuses category, which honours the best in campus architecture and design. NTU Senior Vice President (Administration) Ms Tan Aik Na accepted the Prix Versailles 2024 award on behalf of NTU at a ceremony held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), headquarters in Paris. The Prix Versailles is an international series of architectural awards celebrating contemporary projects worldwide, recognising excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability. The annual “World’s Most Beautiful” achievements highlight exceptional architecture and design projects that elevate and beautify living environments. Gaia clinched the top award after making the shortlist with five other world-class university buildings in the US, UK, France and China. Each finalist is recognised as a laureate by UNESCO, having showcased exceptional design, creativity and ecological efficiency. These laureates and the grand prize winners are identified and chosen by the esteemed Prix Versailles World Judges Panel, which comprises distinguished international experts from diverse interdisciplinary fields, including architecture, design, and the arts. On receiving the award, Ms Tan said: “We are deeply honoured that NTU’s Gaia has been recognised by UNESCO and its partners for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability. This recognition underscores the University’s dedication to pioneering sustainable building solutions, creating an inspiring and environmentally responsible campus. By enhancing the living and learning experience for our community, Gaia serves as both a cornerstone of our campus and a model of sustainable development, especially for the tropical region.” Named after the Greek goddess of the Earth, Gaia was constructed using MET sourced from sustainably managed forests. Designed to be environmentally friendly, Gaia emits 2,500 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide annually compared to conventional concrete buildings, equivalent to more than 7,000 roundtrip flights between Singapore and Hong Kong. It is also the eighth Zero-Energy Building on the NTU Smart Campus, which has frequently been named one of the world’s most beautiful campuses. Launched in 2022, Gaia incorporates cutting-edge energy-efficient systems and renewable technologies, making it one of the greenest buildings on NTU’s lush 200-hectare campus. It was also the eighth building on the NTU campus to receive the Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) certification, the highest accolade from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Over the past two years, NTU’s Gaia has been recognised with more than 10 international accolades, including the Austrian Green Planet Building (AGPB) Technology Award. This Austrian award recognises buildings that excel in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and renewable energy. It is supported by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) and AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA (AWA), the trade promotion arm of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Other international awards for Gaia include the Architizer A+ Awards (Sustainable Institutional Building – Jury Winner), and the Architecture MasterPrize Architectural Design Award in the Institutional Architecture category (Best of Best). The Prix Versailles is presented annually by UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the International Union of Design (IUD). It is an international series of architectural awards celebrating contemporary projects worldwide, recognising design, innovation, and sustainability excellence. The annual “World’s Most Beautiful” achievements highlight exceptional architecture and design projects that elevate and beautify living environments.

New rules limiting farm to forestry conversions under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are set to have dire consequences for forest growers in New Zealand and the country’s ability to meet its climate change targets. Source: Timberbiz Announced Tuesday by Forestry Minister Todd McClay, the new rules will see a moratorium placed on exotic forestry registrations for Land Use Classifications (LUC) 1 – 5 and an annual cap set at 15,000 hectares (ha) for exotic forestry registrations on LUC 6 farmland. New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) chief executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, says the rules are hurting forest owners who are making some of the biggest contributions to improving New Zealand’s climate outcomes. “A moratorium on forests able to be planted on LUCs 1 – 5 severely limits the number of forests that can participate in the ETS,” Dr Heeg said. “By pushing the establishment of new forests to marginal or less productive agricultural land, we are not only limiting our country’s capacity to enhance carbon sequestration efforts but also undermining a vital industry that supports thousands of jobs.” With planting restrictions imposed on LUC 6 too, Dr Heeg says the new rules could significantly reduce the land available for establishing the forests needed to meet the 2050 climate target. “Planting of trees, be that for production purposes, diversification of land, or for carbon sequestration, is arguably the only real tool at New Zealand’s disposal to mitigate emissions besides gross emissions reductions,” she said. “These land use restrictions are shortsighted and will only serve to disincentivise forest owners’ participation in the ETS – ultimately leading to reduced planting rates and poor outcomes for our sector and the climate.” While there has been an increase in the planting of carbon forests in recent years, the total forest estate remains smaller than what it was 20 years ago. “The misconception that we need to limit farm to forestry conversions to ensure food production is misguided and hurting our forest growers who are an equally important component of New Zealand’s food and fibre network,” Dr Heeg said. Small scale woodlot owners and farm foresters stand to be most affected, with the new rules limiting the tools available to diversify their land and offset agricultural emissions. “Landowners, including farmers having the right to diversify their land through the planting of more trees,” she said. “Today’s announcement essentially devalues farms in that land use will become limited to farming only. “Only allowing 25% of the farm to be planted also appears to be an arbitrary threshold that may not be appropriate for all farmers.” Dr Heeg says forest owners are concerned that the LUC cut-off was an arbitrary decision rather than an evidence-based one. “The LUC is a blunt instrument that doesn’t necessarily capture all land areas suited to forestry or other land uses. The sector is not opposed to new rules and regulations; however, these must be evidence based,” she said. “Care must be taken applying blanket rules using tools that lack the granularity required to understand the wide-scale impact that moratoriums such as these may have on industries like ours. “It is disappointing that production forestry is once again being unfairly persecuted for its climate contributions and landowners wanting to plant trees are being restricted.” Dr Heeg says forest owners will be seeking further engagement with the Minister on the new rules to ensure forestry is supported and the gravity of these decisions for forest owners is understood. “The lack support for forestry and what the sector is trying to achieve for New Zealand communities is incredibly disappointing,” she said. “The Climate Change Commission has clearly signalled that significantly more planting will be required to meet our 2050 target. “The government’s announcement today is a strong contradiction of the direction New Zealand should be moving in with respect to its climate change policies.” The new rules will come into force from October 2025.  

Södra’s cross-laminated timber (CLT) is now available on innovative software platform, CLT Toolbox. This collaboration allows engineers and architects to easily design and optimize sustainable and efficient timber constructions using Södra’s CLT. Source: Timberbiz CLT Toolbox is already a trusted tool in many countries, and with this partnership, it is now launching on the Nordic market. Södra, as the first partner, marks a significant step in its mission to promote sustainable building with wood. “We believe in CLT Toolbox as a valuable partner and that their solution will add great value to the Nordic market. With this partnership we want to simplify the use of CLT for designers, especially when using CLT from Södra,” Daniel Anderson, Head of Building Technology at Södra Building Systems said. CLT Toolbox was developed in Melbourne, Australia by Ringo Thomas and Adam Jones. It was launched to the Australian construction industry in March 2023. It was developed to automate complex structural design computations, making it easier and more cost effective for engineers to design and build with sustainable materials like timber. CLT Toolbox is a software platform that helps engineers design and optimize constructions with massive timber. It offers various calculators and tools to facilitate calculations and design of CLT structures, such as floors and walls. The platform is designed to save time and improve efficiency in the design process by offering transparent and automated construction methods. It is also adaptable for different suppliers and has clear explanations for certifiers and authorities. “We’re building tools to make designing with mass timber seamless and efficient. Partnering with Södra, one of Sweden’s leading CLT supplier, is a key milestone as we launch in Sweden,” Adam Jones, Founder and CEO of CLT Toolbox said. “In the first week of December, we’ve introduced the Swedish National Annex, Swedish language support, and now, a premier Swedish CLT supplier to our platform. “Our commitment is to create tools that help grow the global adoption of mass timber, and we’re thrilled to achieve this alongside the exceptional team at Södra.”

Demand for sustainably sourced forest and wood products is increasing both nationally and internationally, and the Federal Government says it is committed to providing industry with the tools they need to take advantage of this growth. Source: Timberbiz The Government has launched a suite of online forestry guidance materials for private landowners and managers, including Indigenous forest owners and managers. The comprehensive database introduces the business of commercial forestry and gives those considering farm forestry a great launch pad prior to seeking on-ground information and advice specific to their land management system. The online database is user-friendly and enables people to search materials from a regional level. The initiative contributes to increasing the supply of domestically grown timber products and reducing Australia’s carbon emissions. The materials were developed by Forest and Wood Products Australia in collaboration with Greenwood Strategy Solutions. “Increasing Australia’s wood supply is our Government’s key policy objective for the forestry sector,” the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said. “That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is delivering a suite of initiatives totalling over $300 million to support Australia’s forest industries to innovate and improve capacity and capability. “The area of farm forestry in Australia was reported as 73,000 hectares in 2022 and these online tools will help to continue the growth of this area.” The Government is investing $300 million in the future of the forestry industry, which includes: Over $100 million for transformative research, development and innovation for the timber industry through Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Over $100 million to support the medium and long-term sustainability of our wood processing sector through the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation program Over $73 million to expand Australia’s future wood supply through the Support Plantation Establishment program, and $10 million in the industry’s training needs through the Forestry Workforce Training Program.

The Nangwarry sawmill in South Australia and its 28 hectares of land are on the market. Source: The SE Voice The sales agents are acting under instruction of the liquidators of Shield Holdings South Australia Pty Ltd. The agents state the sale offers investors, developers and owner occupiers the opportunity to acquire a significant industrial land holding with extensive building structures on low site coverage. Also available is an extensive list of machinery and equipment for the continued trading of a timber export business that can be acquired together with the property on a ‘walk-in walk-out’ basis, or separately to the property. Expressions of interest close with the agents on December 18. The Nangwarry sawmill was established in the 1940s by the State Government to process the timber from the state-owned pine plantations. Along with its sister mills at Mount Gambier and Mount Burr, it was sold as a job lot for $130m in 1996 to New Zealand firm Carter Holt Harvey. Nowadays, the Mount Gambier Mill is owned and operated by OneFortyOne. The Mount Burr Mill closed in 2000 and is now derelict and owned by local interests.  

Australia’s forest industries are the solution, this is the message from yesterday’s Federal Government Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership’s Forest Industry Roundtable in Hobart. Source: Timberbiz The roundtable highlighted the need for a coordinated Federal Government approach to support the forestry and forest products supply chain so it can deliver the best possible economic, climate and social outcomes for Australia and the world, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said. “Growing production trees is the foundation that supports our entire processing and manufacturing supply chain and today’s Roundtable positively reinforced the need for public policy coordination across government departments and agencies so our sector can reach its full potential whether it’s for construction and furnishing timber, biomass, pulp and paper or any of our other great products,” Ms Hallam said. “Bottom line – we need policy geared in the one direction to help our sector thrive and when we thrive, the country thrives. “I particularly thank Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon Julie Collins MP for her enthusiastic participation in the Roundtable and for allowing a free canvassing of ideas and strategies for how forestry and forest products can provide solutions on a number of fronts. “A key role of the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership is to inform the development of a new Timber Fibre Strategy and the Roundtable provided the opportunity for participants to discuss challenges and have their say on policy solutions for the Strategy,” Ms Hallam said. “As a sector we employ 180,000 Australians directly and indirectly, many in rural and regional communities that rely solely on the sector, all while providing a range of job opportunities. “We contribute $24 billion to the national economy annually, we create essential products we need every day, all while helping Australia reduce emissions and fight climate change, helping the Government work towards its net-zero goals. “Finally, it was great to see so many AFPA members involved in the Roundtable just months away from the next Federal Election – that will be very important in setting a future agenda for the sector.”

The Greens, the Bob Brown Foundation and the Liberal Government in Tasmania have been accused wanting to start another forest war. Source: Timberbiz Shadow Resources Minister Shane Broad this week said Tasmanian Labor supported jobs in regional Tasmania. “It is what we believe in and what we fight for,” he said. “We urge environmental non-governmental organisations moving to renege on their commitment to the Tasmania Forest Agreement to act with restraint. “The TFA has demonstrated that jobs, industry and conservation can co-exist.  The last thing Tasmania needs is another forest war,” he said. “It is also important to note that we wouldn’t be in this position if Minister Felix Ellis didn’t attempt to re-open the forest wars with his controversial election policy which managed to divide all sides of the debate and saw industry desert him. “The industry doesn’t want another forest war, nor do Tasmanians,” Mr Broad said. “The only groups that do are the Greens and the Bob Brown Foundation, and apparently Minister Felix Ellis.” It comes as the Greens this week accused the state government of having secret plans to release up to 39,000 hectares of native forests for logging. However, the Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz said it was premature to release maps the Greens sought because no final decisions had been made. “Assessments have to be made in relation to each and every proposed area and until such time as I have information I’m not going to, as a relatively new minister in this area, going to put areas out into the public domain,” he said. “I’m currently getting information and being given guidance in relation to areas, and until such time as a determination is made, there’s no real inclination by myself to talk about areas in hypothetical circumstances.” Mr Abetz defended Sustainable Timbers’ failure to gain Forest Stewardship Council certification over the last decade. “If you’re already at world’s best practice and then demand is made that you show even further improvement, it becomes difficult,” he told The Mercury. And the minister said it would be a terrible result if Tasmania followed the lead of other states and ended native forest logging.

AAP reports that “At least 5000 koalas were killed in the 2020 Black Summer bushfires and a subsequent parliamentary inquiry found they would be extinct by 2050 without urgent government intervention to stop habitat loss”.1 Consequently, the Great Koala National Park will be finalised within weeks to ‘save’ them. Australian Forest Products Association estimates that it will cost more than $1 billion and more than 2,000 jobs in the native timber industry. They’ve identified an alternative “acceptable” option which would cost only about $400 million and 700 jobs. The Government has allocated $80 million to establishing the Park. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said there were “a number of figures floating around … The thing I’ve learnt in forestry is that there are never any agreed facts and never any agreed figures”.2 But Sharpe says she will deliver “the government’s biggest environmental commitment”, adding that “We have always been clear that we need a comprehensive assessment process which takes into account environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural issues”. Unfortunately, this process has ignored the main issue. The Government’s own data from surveys using drones and sniffer dogs show that koalas are not endangered and there is no need for a new park. There are more than 12,000 in the targeted 176,000 hectares of regrowth forests and plantations. That’s an unnaturally high density of one koala per 15 hectares.3 NSW’s native timber industry is doomed to follow Victoria’s and Western Australia’s into oblivion because the process is purely political and utterly lacking in science. The Black Summer fires burnt a lot of koalas, more than one would expect given expert estimates of low numbers through most of their range. Their Endangered listing was based on an estimate of only 36,000 koalas in NSW before 5,000 or more were killed in the fires. The estimate for the whole north coast from the Queensland border to the Sydney Basin was only 8,000. Now, with the imminent delivery of the Great Koala Park, three experts have published a scientific article claiming that it’s “dangerous to put numbers on koalas”.4 It says accurate numbers are not available, “Media seized on ‘guesstimates’ from any source, however dubious, and resorted to calculating numbers from habitat statistics and general population estimates without including the caveats that scientists included with these estimates…The obsession with numbers has left a legacy that can drown out the more considered narrative of science and lead to distortions of policy and management”. Daniel Lunney, the corresponding author for this article, was also co-author of a ‘study’ which led to the Endangered listing. They concluded that, “It was not necessary to achieve high levels of certainty or consensus among experts before making informed estimates. A quantitative, scientific method for deriving estimates of koala populations and trends was possible, in the absence of empirical data on abundances”.5 Minister Sharpe now has real data which show that the experts underestimated koala numbers by an order of magnitude. CSIRO analyses6  also indicates that numbers are 10 times higher than Koala Industry guesstimates used to support the listing.7 But the Great Koala Park will go ahead despite huge cost to the environment, economy and society. The Black Summer fires were a consequence of our ‘Lock It Up and Let It Burn’ conservation paradigm. However, koala numbers continued to increase on the north coast and elsewhere despite losses in the fires.8 Accurate numbers from post-fire drone surveys of more than 5000 hectares in two areas near Goulburn and Cooma found koalas at an average density of one per 37 hectares.9 This is similar to densities near Campbelltown where koalas are measurably increasing and female home ranges are about 20 hectares. But researchers there fear the “dangerous idea” that koalas are sustainable at what they regard as low densities.10 These researchers “predicted” that a viable low-density koala population extends all the way from Sydney to Victoria through the South-Eastern Highlands. Their predictions are supported by the accurate post-fire surveys, though numbers are three times higher than they expected and obviously very much greater than the expert guesstimate of 1363 koalas for the whole bioregion. No matter what the cost of the Great Koala Park it’s a scam and NSW’s Environment Minister has real numbers which prove it. Unfortunately, the numbers will no longer be politically dangerous once the park has been legislated and the renewable timber industry has been destroyed to appease the Greens. Their claims of socioeconomic benefits have proved false after every major ‘environmental’ decision on forests since Premier Wran ‘saved’ sustainably logged rainforests in 1982. But we continue to use illegal timber got by destroying rainforests and orangutans. References Australian Associated Press (AAP), At least 5000 koalas were killed, – Search Luke Costin, Australian Associated Press (AAP), Fur flies over billion-dollar koala park cost claims, 27 November 2024. Vic Jurskis, Ecological History of the Koala and implications for management, CSIRO Publishing, Wildlife Research, 12 December 2017, https://doi.org/10.1071/WR17032 Eleanor Stalenberg, Daniel Lunney, Chris Moon, `It’s dangerous to put a number on them’. Media coverage of koalas during the 2019-2020 `Black Summer’ bushfires in Australia, CSIRO Publishing, Pacific Conservation Biology, 25 November 2024, https://doi.org/10.1071/PC24019 Adams-Hoskings et al, Use of expert knowledge to elicit population trends for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Wiley Online Library, Diversity and Distributions, 5 January 2016, https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12400 CSIRO, 2024 update of National Koala Population estimates, Progress Report, 15 April 2024. Jason Ross, CSIRO: Aussie Koala Numbers Are 10x Higher Than Estimate, Wood Central, 9 July 2024. Vic Jurskis, NSW Koala Strategy – Extinguish native forestry, Australian Rural & Regional News, 24 April 2024. Cristescu et al, Difficulties of assessing the impacts of the 2019–2020 bushfires on koalas, Wiley Online Library, Austral Ecology, 29 October 2021, https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13120 Robert Close, Steven Ward, David Phalen, A dangerous idea: that Koala densities can be low without the populations being in danger, Australian Zoologist, 1 June 2017, https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2015.001   Vic Jurkis is a former senior NSW Forestry Commission professional forester. In 2004 he was awarded a Fellowship by the Joseph William Gottstein Memorial […]

Metsä Group’s tissue paper business is taking an important step towards more sustainable transports of its tissue products by arranging part of its outbound transports to customers in Scandinavia with fossil-free fuels. Source: Timberbiz This shift is part of the company’s strategic Lean Supply Chain program aiming for efficient and lean value proposition to local markets. Approximately 40% of Metsä Tissue Scandinavia’s outbound transports are now powered by HVO or biodiesel. These biofuel transports represent a vast majority of the outbound transports that Metsä Tissue organizes by itself in the region and the company’s short-term target is to extend the biofuel coverage of own transports to 100%. Customers that organize their own transports are encouraged to collect their tissue products from Metsä Tissue’s Swedish mills with transportations using fossil free fuels. “By setting high standards for our transportation partners and choosing renewable fuels such as HVO, we can reduce our emissions by up to 90% per truck transport. This is an important step in our strategy and in reaching our ambitious sustainability targets 2030. It also demonstrates well our commitment to more responsible future in our transports – for us and for our customers,” said Daniel Stenberg, Vice President Supply chain, Metsä Tissue Scandinavia. In addition, the increased localized production with the expansion and modernisation of Metsä Tissue’s Mariestad mill will further reduce transportation emissions per transported tonne. Today, more than 85%of the company’s deliveries are made within a 500-kilometer radius from the mills and the increase in local capacity will provide even more local products with shorter transport distances. Combined with the target to transition to 100% fossil-free fuels, the company continues to strengthen its efforts in achieving more sustainable transportations.

Developed to be a flexible and cost-effective timber handling solution for mechanised timber operations, the four-wheel drive (4WD) Bell Skogger design concept has versatility at its core. Source: Timberbiz While developed with primarily an extraction application in mind, the boom and grapple configuration lends itself perfectly to the accumulation of timber infield for extraction, sorting, stacking, and loading timber. There is also an option to install a felling kit, which utilises a felling head where tree size, terrain, or underfoot conditions necessitate a heavier 4WD carrier. Skogger utilises a simple and efficient hydrostatic-mechanical drivetrain with good ground clearance and a low centre of gravity. Its comfortable and ergonomic rubber-mounted operator cab is air-conditioned and boasts a 180° swivelling operator seat and excellent all-around visibility. The Bell Skogger, powered by the JCB Diesel Max 444 T2 Turbo engine, delivers an impressive 74kW of power at 2 200rpm, ensuring a power-packed performance for timber extraction operations. Its overhead boom is equipped with dual lifting cylinders and internal hose routing to ensure efficient and reliable timber handling. With frame articulation of 86 degrees, stop to stop, the Bell Skogger exhibits outstanding manoeuvrability, effortlessly navigating through tight spaces during timber extraction operations. The operator joystick ensures precise steering control for smooth and efficient operation that enhances the overall productivity and ease of use for the operator. The Bell Skogger’s rigid front axle and oscillating rear axle make it a master of uneven terrains, effortlessly conquering challenging landscapes during timber extraction operations. With a rear axle oscillation travel of 30 degrees, stop to stop, the Skogger has exceptional manoeuvrability, allowing operators to navigate tight spaces and difficult terrain with ease. Equipped with standard 23.1 – 26 (16 ply) tyres, the Bell Skogger provides reliable traction. For enhanced performance and even greater traction, an optional 18.4 – 30 (16 ply) tyres configuration is available for the toughest logging environments. With high and low range options and a maximum speed of 20km/h (12.5mph), the Bell Skogger effortlessly manoeuvres through challenging landscapes, ensuring timely and efficient timber extraction. The Skogger’s four-wheel drive system guarantees optimal traction, while the heavy-duty outboard planetary limited slip differential lock provides stability and control for safe and reliable operation even in rugged logging environments. The Bell Skogger focuses on operator comfort and productivity with its rubber-mounted, glazed, and airconditioned operator cab providing a comfortable working environment even in challenging conditions. The ergonomic operator controls, including the mini-coordinate joystick, make operating the Skogger precise and effortless, enhancing productivity and reducing operator fatigue. The 180º swivel seat of the Skogger improves visibility and manoeuvrability, allowing operators to navigate logging operations with ease. A reverse camera is available as an option to improve visibility when reversing. The ROPS/FOPS/OPS compliant operator cab further enhance safety and convenience for the operator.  

Two Sides has challenged more than 2,800 organisations found to be communicating greenwashing messages to their customers, resulting in more than 1,260 organisations removing or changing misleading anti-paper statements. Source: Timberbiz Founded in 2008, Two Sides is a not-for-profit, global initiative promoting the sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper packaging. The Two Sides campaign is a collaboration of companies from sectors including forestry, pulp and paper manufacturing, packaging, inks, pre-press, press, finishing, publishing, printing, envelopes and postal operators. Economic pressures continue to drive many cases of greenwashing with numerous organisations that have previously relied on paper for customer communication shifting their customers from traditional paper-based services to digital platforms to cut costs. This transition is often accompanied by misleading and unsubstantiated environmental marketing claims like “Go Green – Go Paperless” or “Choose e-billing and help save a tree,” but this is misleading and greenwashing. Consumer preferences are being ignored in the push to digital communications. Data from the 2023 Two Sides ‘Trend Tracker‘ report revealed that 55% of European consumers believe that companies’ environmental arguments for switching to digital are misleading and are primarily about reducing company costs. Additionally, the research shows that 76% of consumers want the option to choose and do not want to be forced over to digital communications. As corporate sustainability gains attention, other sectors like tissue and paper-based packaging are also facing greenwashing, with products being misleadingly marketed as more sustainable. These claims often cite various environmental reasons, such as the use of new or alternative fibre sources but are frequently unsubstantiated. “These greenwash claims not only breach established environmental marketing regulations but also harm an industry with a well-established and continually improving environmental track record. Far from ‘saving trees,’ a healthy market for forest products, such as paper, encourages the long-term growth of forests through sustainable forest management,” Two Sides Europe Managing Director Jonathan Tame said. “Many of the organisations we challenge are surprised to learn that European forests have actually been expanding by the equivalent of 1,500 football pitches every day.” Globally, Two Sides has engaged with more than 2,800 organisations making misleading claims about paper. In Europe alone, 811 companies, including South West Water, New Look, BMW Financial Services and Deutsche Bank, have removed or changed these statements. “It remains vital that these misleading messages are challenged to ensure that the industry’s great environmental record is acknowledged and to protect the livelihoods of thousands of people who work in the forest, paper, packaging and print sectors from the impact of opportunistic and deceptive greenwash marketing,” Mr Tame said. Two Sides estimates that the widespread influence of some of these organisations means unsubstantiated claims have a lasting negative impact on consumer perceptions of paper, posing a threat to a sector that supports over 640,000 jobs across more than 112,000 European businesses. The financial impact of greenwashing is also of global concern if these messages continue without challenge. Research conducted by Two Sides and Censuswide in 2021, found that in the European mailing and postal sector alone, greenwashing threatens the loss of €337 million of value annually to the industry. “We are grateful for the cooperation of the hundreds of organisations that have changed or eliminated greenwashing claims from their messaging, and we are also thankful for the many industry stakeholders and members of the public who send Two Sides examples of greenwash,” Mr Tame said. Two Sides operates throughout Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Please send any instances of greenwash to greenwash@twosides.info

Amid towering trees of a Western Australian plantation, a rare Numbat scurries across the forest floor, its striped back blending with the shifting light. Nearby, a pair of Mallee Fowl tend to their nest, where newly hatched chicks are sheltered within a pile of logging residue. Source: Timberbiz These moments of life unfolding in PF Olsen Australia’s plantations exemplify the impact of FSC-certified responsible forestry. The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), an endangered species, and the Mallee Fowl (Leipoa ocellata), listed as vulnerable, have found refuge in the plantation forests managed by PF Olsen Australia (PFOA). The discovery of 14 individual Numbats on a single PFOA property and the successful nesting of Mallee Fowl in logging residue are both remarkable conservation successes, illustrating how sustainable forestry can support biodiversity. PF Olsen, established in New Zealand in 1971, achieved FSC Forest Management certification in 2002. In 2010, it expanded to Australia, where PF Olsen Australia (PFOA) obtained FSC certification in 2013. Today, PFOA manages approximately 156,000 hectares of plantation forests across five states, with a focus on responsible forest management and biodiversity protection. The plantations it manages were planted in the 1990s on land previously used for dryland agriculture, with patches of native vegetation scattered throughout the estate. While bird diversity is lower in plantations compared to adjacent state forests, the fragments of remnant native vegetation scattered across the estate support more diverse bird populations than the surrounding native forests. FSC certification has helped ensure that biodiversity in these landscapes is carefully monitored and preserved. Over the past decade, PF Olsen Australia has, for example, partnered with BirdLife Australia to monitor bird populations in plantations and document their proliferation in the remnants PFOA manages. “We are incredibly proud to have PF Olsen as part of the FSC-certified forestry community,” said Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand. “Their commitment to sustainable forest management exemplifies the critical role responsible forestry plays in preserving biodiversity.” PFOA’s commitment to biodiversity is driven by its 10-year Landscape Biodiversity Improvement Program and supported by investment manager New Forests’ focus on investing in forests for a climate and nature-positive future. PFOA’s program launched following recent changes in the status of the investment vehicle that owns the plantations. To develop the program, ABZECO conducted an independent review of data collected over the past decade in support of FSC certification. This review led to the identification of five key themes, each with associated objectives: Threatened species: Increase the security of the most threatened flora and fauna on the estate. High-quality ecosystems: Expand the area of high-quality ecosystems. Large old trees: Protect and secure large old trees throughout the asset. Remnant connectivity: Enhance connectivity between remnant native vegetation. Stakeholder partnerships: Strengthen relationships with reputable stakeholders. The progress toward these objectives is reported annually in PFOA’s Environment and Sustainability Report. Now entering its third year, the program encompasses more than 25 individual enhancement projects, including weed removal, fox and cat control, threatened species monitoring, and habitat restoration. PFOA collaborates with Natural Resource Management agencies and local universities to ensure the application of the best available knowledge and science. Key highlights of the program include: Identification of 14 individual Numbats on a single property in Western Australia. Observation of a Mallee Fowl pair establishing a nest in logging residue and successfully rearing two chicks. Creation of new wetland areas to support waterfowl. FSC certification has been instrumental in ensuring that PFOA carefully manages the environmental values within its forests. “FSC certification ensures we focus on preserving and enhancing the natural resources in the forests we manage,” said David Bennett, PFOA’s Risk and Compliance Manager. This also positions us to add value to plantation assets as Australia develops its Nature Repair Markets.” Through continued monitoring, collaboration with universities, and partnerships with Natural Resource Management agencies, PFOA ensures its conservation practices are informed by the latest scientific research. “As we look to the future, our goal is to create a landscape where native species thrive alongside sustainable forestry practices,” Mr Bennett said. “By working with experts and stakeholders, we are ensuring that our conservation efforts contribute to long-term ecological health.”

WoodSolutions hosted the 2024 Industry-Educator Workshop at the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Campus bringing together more than 70 people engaged with the wood products sector from across Australia. Source: Timberbiz Participants spanned forestry, academia, timber production, and building design and construction, creating a diverse and collaborative environment. Over two days, attendees engaged in site visits, presentations, discussions, and networking activities, fostering connections across the entire timber supply chain. The workshop underscored the importance of strengthening ties between industry, academia, and building professionals to drive innovation and growth. “Our primary goals for this event are to build capacity within the sector by cultivating a supportive, collaborative community and to attract and retain new talent in the industry,” said WoodSolutions host and timber engineer Jon Shanks. “By aligning expertise and resources, the workshop showcased how the timber sector can achieve maximum impact together.” The workshop discussions emphasised the critical role of collaboration and community in achieving high-quality, impactful outcomes through meaningful research and development. Participants highlighted the value of leveraging collective expertise to address challenges and drive innovation across the timber industry. To enhance these connections, new tools will be developed to facilitate technical support and mentoring, creating stronger links between professionals across academia, design, and industry. The enduring importance of face-to-face engagement was a recurring theme, highlighting its role in fostering meaningful collaboration and trust. The workshop also acknowledged the timber sector’s deep and complex relationship with the broader community. Nurturing this connection is vital to ensuring the industry’s growth, sustainability, and alignment with societal needs. Dr Kyra Wood, Research Fellow in Timber Design & Products at the University of Tasmania’s Regional Research Collaboration Program and Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood, announced an exciting upcoming competition in collaboration with WoodSolutions, the University of Tasmania, and the University of Queensland. The competition is a national student design competition, culminating in the announcement of winners at the 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering in Brisbane. The competition will focus on sustainable timber buildings for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics athletes’ village, designed for adaptability or repurposing post-Games, and will involve cross-university teams mentored by industry professionals. The competition invites expressions of interest from both industry and academia to join the steering committee, contribute as industry mentors, or assist in promoting the initiative to student networks. This collaborative effort aims to engage the next generation of talent while strengthening ties between the timber industry and academic institutions. If you are interested in contributing your time to support this exciting competition contact WoodSolutions at info@WoodSolutions.com.au

Scion has unveiled a NZ$3.6 million upgrade to its Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) lab, enhancing its capacity to support NZ’s broader innovative research requirements, particularly around supporting New Zealand’s forest-based bioeconomy. Source: Timberbiz The upgrade includes advanced new NMR instruments, allowing scientists to delve deeper into the nanostructure of trees and chemicals used in cosmetic or health products. Dr Stefan Hill, Portfolio Leader for High-Value Biorefineries at Scion, says the new instruments support the Crown Research Institute (CRI)’s forestry, bioeconomy and advanced manufacturing research and give industry and academia access to this technology. “The analyses we carry out here are essential for developing products to replace those made from fossil fuels,” he said. NMR technology is essential for understanding the structure of molecules. Scion, which focuses on supporting industries ranging from forestry to plastics to solve real-world problems, is the only CRI with NMR capability. It uses the technology to analyse samples of bio-based products and plant materials. Understanding the molecular composition of materials is fundamental to everything researchers do in chemistry, biotech and material science. Instruments called spectrometers are used to check the presence and function of additives, analyse feedstocks for manufacturing and investigate the authenticity and origin of naturally derived products. This non-destructive analytical technique can also underpin the development of sustainable products, including bio-based adhesives and plastics, bio-fuel research and new ingredients for cosmetics and nutriceuticals (food or parts of food that provide medical or health benefits). Scion’s upgraded lab includes 600 MHz solution-state and 500 MHz solid-state NMR instruments. The latter is New Zealand’s only dedicated solid-state instrument, including semi-solid-state materials. The advanced equipment features the latest generation of superconducting magnets, which provide superior sensitivity and resolution for more accurate test results. It also features a specialised probe to analyse complex, semi-solid and gel-like materials without altering their natural state – a first for Scion and the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Dr Hill says NMR tunes into different ‘frequencies’ of atoms in a molecule, much like tuning a radio to different stations. “Each frequency reveals specific information about the atom’s environment. By tuning into these frequencies, we can map out the entire molecular structure, learn how the molecule functions and how it can be used in new ways. “This upgrade positions us at the forefront of scientific innovation and ensures we can continue to meet the needs of our national and international collaborators,” Dr Hill said. Previous NMR instruments, installed in 1999, served their purpose but had reached the end of their operational life. Scion’s investment in state-of-the-art technology ensures its NMR capabilities are future-proofed for the next 25 years. The lab will also be cheaper to run as it will need fewer liquid helium refills (once a year instead of every two-and-a-half months). There will also be less downtime and maintenance. “We consciously invested in technology that ensures we are equipped to meet our current and future research needs and to consider what the wider NZ research landscape needs,” Dr Hill said. “It also complements NZ’s other commercial NMR lab at Callaghan Innovation, which can provide solution-state NMR capability. “It supports our research and strengthens the resilience of New Zealand’s broader science infrastructure.”

Wesbeam has won the Structural Building Products category and overall Supplier of the Year at the Bowens Supplier Awards in Melbourne. Source: Timberbiz These prestigious awards celebrate not just exceptional performance but also the dynamic partnership cultivated since 2017. Since this time, Wesbeam has worked tirelessly alongside the Bowens team, and by 2019 this strategic alliance saw Wesbeam honoured as Bowens’ Most Improved Supplier, laying the foundation for a thriving partnership. In early 2020, as the building industry faced unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wesbeam stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Bowens. This collaboration led to Wesbeam being named the preferred supplier for Bowens entire network in July 2020, firmly establishing Wesbeam as a market leader in Victoria. Today, the relationship between Wesbeam and Bowens is a testament to the power of mutual growth and shared goals. Over the past four years, this partnership has continued to flourish, driven by a deep commitment to innovation, customer service, and operational excellence. “We are immensely proud to receive both awards in the Structural Building Products category, and Bowens overall Supplier of the Year,” said Peter Board, General Manager Sales and Marketing for Wesbeam. “This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our Victorian team, supported by an outstanding network of Wesbeam colleagues across the country from customer service, logistics, engineering and manufacturing. It’s an honour to partner with Bowens to achieve shared success.”  

The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to release all correspondence relating to the Great Koala National Park consultation process, after claims of serious conflicts of interest. Source: Timberbiz Unions have raised concerns the firm tasked by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to assess the park’s impact on timber jobs was also contracted by the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation to provide advice on ending the timber industry altogether. Nationals’ Leader Dugald Saunders said the allegations are extremely serious. “The Minns Labor Government made an election promise to deliver the Great Koala National Park while protecting the jobs of timber workers at the same time, but what we are seeing here is another example of someone cooking the books.” “Engaging Mandala Partners, an agency with a clear conflict of interest, tells me one thing – that the government was seeking a political outcome here rather than an environmental one.” Shadow Minister for the North Coast, Gurmesh Singh, said industry is rightfully worried about Mandala Partners’ involvement in this process. “This situation shows the government is trying to achieve a political outcome here, rather than an environmental one,” Mr Singh said. “The Minns Labor Government made a dual commitment before the election to deliver the Great Koala National Park while protecting the jobs of timber workers, but what we are seeing now is the complete opposite. “We also want to know how much Environment Minister Penny Sharpe knew about this. She needs to come clean and tell our communities how she has allowed this to happen on her watch.” Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the flawed process is putting thousands of jobs at risk. “The hardwood industry is the backbone of the North Coast, supporting more than 5000 families, who can’t afford to let a skewed system take away their livelihoods,” Mr Williamson said. “On top of that we need to consider the impact the Great Koala National Park will have on the state’s crucial timber supply and the economic fallout for local sawmills and producers. “No timber means no paper, no power poles and no construction materials to build the homes we are desperate for in the middle of a housing shortage crisis.” Nationals Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the government needs to provide clarity around the steps it has taken so far. “Everyone I have spoken to has told me this is an illegitimate process, and the Minns Government has stacked the cards from the very beginning by hand-picking the people involved,” Mr Kemp said. “There are serious questions around how Mandala Partners was chosen and also how it could be awarded a major government contract just months after it was formed. “It seems like a classic case of Labor looking after its mates instead of putting science and logic first.”

Forest & Wood Products Australia has released research which has significantly improved the accessibility and accuracy of wood quality information, providing softwood growers and processors across Australia with critical data to enhance their operations. Source: Timberbiz The research utilises Resi technology for early selection of harvest-age density and modulus of elasticity (MoE), allowing for precise predictions of wood properties and yield. The Resi technology, as discussed in the research, refers to a resistance drilling method used to assess wood properties, particularly in softwood plantations. It rapidly measures the resistance encountered when a drill bit penetrates the wood, which correlates with the wood’s density and stiffness of trees, logs and forest plots. The Resi tool is noted for its efficiency, being three times faster than other methods like the ST300 acoustic velocity measures, and it has been standardised for operational use across the industry to improve the accuracy and reliability of wood quality assessments. This project has underpinned a transformation in the easy access to information about wood quality for softwood growers and processors. Resi data from pre-harvest assessments has accurately predicted mill site-mean board stiffness in sawing studies across multiple sites in Australia. It’s now a routine tool for many companies. The project is strongly aligned with the FWPA Strategic Plan and the focus on improving the resource base, as well as increasing productivity and utilisation along the value chain. “I’m proud to have led a project that directly connects field-based log quality with the experiences of processors, delivering tangible benefits to the forest industry,” said Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast. The research showed that simulated mid-rotation Resi measurements can reliably estimate harvest age quality, aiding in informed decisions regarding rotation lengths. The study also addressed various sources of error between Resi instruments and techniques, establishing that these variances are negligible at a commercial scale, thereby fostering confidence in the consistency of Resi measurements. “This research can help us enhance our operations and planning. With improved predictive modelling, we can make informed decisions about longer term resource planning and better understand timber production outputs,” said Rebecca Cherry, Wood Quality Engineer at Hyne Timber. The key benefits for the industry include: Successful predictions of mill site-mean board stiffness across multiple locations, has improved wood flow between growers and processors and has the potential to inform favourable log pricing structures. Enhanced decision-making capabilities regarding rotation lengths, stocking, breeding objectives, and overall wood quality through predictive modelling. Adoption of over thirty Resi instruments by growers and processors for routine inventory and log supply management. Integration of wood quality predictions with yield estimates in YTGen software and enhancements to the Resi Processor software for better prediction of stiffness and density. Key findings from the project include: A confirmed relationship between pre-harvest measurements and mill production quality, demonstrating that Resi data can predict mill output at a compartment level. Enhanced understanding of radial and longitudinal variation in wood quality, allowing for tailored silvicultural practices. Development of improved algorithms incorporated into the new version of the Resi web trace processor, ensuring ongoing access to cutting-edge predictive models. Looking ahead, the project recommends that Resi technology be further utilised to strengthen grower-processor communication, optimising wood flow and enhancing the value of plantations. A deeper understanding of how site, climate, management, and genetics affect MoE and structural grade percentages will be pursued using extensive, estate-wide datasets. For more information and to download the project report, visit https://fwpa.com.au/report/assessing-managing-mid-rotation-wood-quality-in-australian-softwood-plantations/

REEF Research Foundation breathed a sigh of relief when Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Small Business the Hon Julie Collins MP said the native hardwood timber sector can continue in its current form. Source: Timberbiz The Minister provided the keynote address at the Australian Forestry Products Association quarterly dinner in Canberra in November where she stated the Albanese Labor Government is “committed to the current policy of native hardwood timber” The strong and reassuring comments were made moments before the Prime Minister’s Office withdrew the Nature Positive Bills being considered in the Senate. The Bills could have affected Forestry in terms of the continuation of Regional Forestry Agreements with respect to a Federal EPA and EPBC. This a welcome temporary reprieve. REEF Research Forestry Awareness Program chair Noel Atkins and its political advocate in Kurrajong Strategic Counsel director Adrian Dolahenty attended more than 70 political meetings in Canberra and Sydney in 2024, wrote dozens of letters to ministers, wrote a compelling Senate submission for the Nature Positive Bills that was well received by the Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Environment and Communications and organised a political site visit. “REEF Research made a significant contribution to get this result by focusing on the positive impact selective harvesting of native hardwood timber has on the environment. It was outstanding to hear the Minister support native hardwood timber,” Mr Atkins said. “We never diverted from strategically and tactically countering the erratic, emotional and misinformed allegations from well-meaning but ill-informed ideological activists. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, this is not the end, this is not the beginning of the end, but this is perhaps the end of the beginning when it comes to protecting the native hardwood timber sector.” While in Canberra Mr Atkins provided a presentation to the AFPA Hardwood Chamber on REEF Research’s highly successful Forestry Awareness Program. REEF Research has produced media releases highlighting the sector’s commitment to the environment demystifying the effects on flora and fauna, countered claims about unproven carbon credits that would decimate the native hardwood industry in NSW and calling on the Federal Government to recognise current regulations in forestry. “With continued industry support, we will start 2025 by doubling down on our advocacy efforts to promote the environmental credibility of forestry management practices in the native hardwood industry. “We will continue to support the best industry outcome in NSW in relation to the establishment of the Great Koala National Park and sector security. The program’s success over the last 12 months is a credit to supporters and believers who have had faith in us, and I thank you for your support. Have a great break over the festive season and be ready for more challenges in 2025.”