Australian timber industry news

The forest products market remains a vital component of the global economy, driving growth through a diverse range of sectors including timber, paper, and bioenergy. Understanding the current economic landscape is crucial for stakeholders to navigate market trends that shape supply and demand dynamics. Source: ResourceWise. The US economy has shown resilience, rebounding steadily from the impacts of COVID-19. After a significant dip in 2020, GDP growth rates have stabilized, with a promising 3% expected for the second half of 2024. Despite this rebound, the forest economy has experienced fluctuating price trends. Theinstability is particularly evident in the softwood lumber and wood pulp sectors. Some areas have seen price declines which have persisted for several months. Others, such as engineered wood products, are witnessing a growth in demand. Following an extended period of rising stock prices, the US homebuilding sector encountered a slowdown in housing starts during the second quarter of 2024. This deceleration has reduced lumber demand and subsequent capacity adjustments in mills. Housing affordability, supply availability, and the direction of FED rate action have remained challenges throughout the year. However, demand for innovative wood products, like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams is anticipated to rise, driven by their applications in sustainable construction. Over the past five years, valuable insights have emerged to guide the forestry industry’s progress: Prioritize Efficiency and Cost Reduction The focus on prioritizing efficiency and cost reduction has led mills to embrace advanced technologies like AI-driven machinery, robotics, and optimized cutting systems. These technological advancements have significantly enhanced operational efficiency by reducing waste and boosting productivity. Precision manufacturing in particular has enabled sawmills to extract maximum yield from each log, producing more lumber with minimal waste. This approach not only amplifies profitability but also endorses sustainability. Additionally, mills are exploring innovative uses for wood byproducts in bioenergy and other bio-based products, thereby fostering a circular economy and minimizing waste. These measures collectively ensure that the mills remain competitive and forward thinking in an ever-evolving market. Invest in Expanding and Transforming Product Lines Sawmills have strategically expanded their product lines to include engineered wood products, addressing the growing demand for mass timber construction. This diversification has unlocked new revenue streams and bolstered the industry’s market position amid fluctuating demands in traditional sectors. The surge in e-commerce and global shipping has led to an increased need for packaging materials, especially corrugated cardboard. This product has helped counterbalance declines in traditional paper products. Many mills have pivoted to focus on converting operations from conventional paper production to packaging materials, seizing the opportunity to meet the heightened market demand. By integrating recycled feedstocks, mills can effectively balance supply and demand. Doing so ensures sustainable and resilient growth in the region’s forest products sector. Promote the Growth of Mass Timber Construction Mass timber construction, particularly with cross-laminated timber (CLT), has seen a rapid rise in popularity throughout the US. The growth has transformed the materials landscape of both residential and commercial projects. Its appeal extends beyond just aesthetics. The environmental benefits of using mass timber, such as reduced carbon footprint and renewable sourcing, align with growing sustainability goals. Additionally, local governments and building codes are increasingly supportive, adapting to incorporate taller wood buildings and streamlined permitting processes. This makes mass timber a feasible choice for larger-scale developments. The momentum is evident with over 1000 mass timber projects currently announced or underway in the US. These projects reflect a remarkable shift towards environmentally conscious building practices. Additionally, local governments and building codes are increasingly supportive, adapting to incorporate taller wood buildings and streamlined permitting processes. This makes mass timber a feasible choice for larger-scale developments. The momentum is evident with over 1000 mass timber projects currently announced or underway in the US. These projects reflect a remarkable shift towards environmentally conscious building practices. Along with opportunities come challenges. Identifying areas that require additional focus can help mitigate disruptions. We’ve outlined some of the challenges we’ve seen below: The forest products sector is currently navigating challenging supply chain imbalances, largely influenced by environmental factors and regulatory changes. An increase in wildfire frequency and severity, such as the 2023 conflagrations that swept through Oregon and Washington has disrupted the raw material supply. It has caused delayed operations and directly impacted timber availability. In tandem with these environmental challenges, more stringent sustainability requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), have imposed additional compliance burdens on exporters aiming to meet European market demands. These factors combined create a volatile environment, demanding adaptive strategies from industry stakeholders to ensure continued supply chain resilience and market competitiveness. The forestry market in the Northwest US and Canada has experienced significant fluctuations in timber prices, partly driven by trade uncertainties that have created an unpredictable economic environment. These market disturbances have forced stakeholders to navigate significant volatility, making strategic planning more complex. As the use of sawmill byproducts like chips and residues for pulp feedstock increases, the demand for traditional roundwood pulpwood and whole tree chips has sharply declined. This shift has created significant challenges for landowners, loggers, and wood dealers, particularly those dependent on pulpwood sales to support forest thinning and timber stand improvement efforts. With fewer buyers in the pulpwood market, landowners are often left with under performing timber stands, while suppliers face reduced opportunities to sell lower-grade materials. The result is mounting pressure on the entire wood supply chain, threatening both profitability and long-term forest health in the region. Compounding these challenges are labour and workforce issues, the most recent being the US port strikes announced on October 1st. These strikes have further impacted the market by disrupting supply chains and exacerbating existing logistical difficulties, prompting the industry to address labour relations and workforce stability to secure its future resilience. Recently, the forest products industry has seen significant consolidation with larger corporations frequently acquiring smaller businesses. This trend helps companies achieve economies of scale, streamlining operations and cutting costs. However, it also leads to less competition and fewer opportunities for smaller, independent operators who […]

Microsoft is building its first datacenter to be made with super strong ultra-lightweight wood in a bid to slash the use of steel and concrete, which are among the most significant sources of carbon emissions. Source: Timberbiz A wood datacenter may sound strangely old-fashioned, if not improbable. But Microsoft engineers have developed a hybrid approach using cross-laminated timber, or CLT, a fire-resistant prefabricated wood material that will enable the company to reduce the use of steel and concrete. The hybrid mass timber, steel and concrete construction model is estimated to significantly reduce the embodied carbon footprint of two new datacenters by 35% compared with conventional steel construction, and 65% compared with typical precast concrete. Microsoft’s hybrid datacenters are the latest examples of how it is working to decarbonize its datacenter and construction operations. In 2020, Microsoft unveiled ambitious sustainability goals: By 2030, it would be “carbon negative” meaning it would take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it emits. And by 2050 it would remove from the atmosphere the equivalent of all the carbon the company has emitted since its founding in 1975. Four years later, there has been meaningful progress. In May, Microsoft announced it had achieved a 6.3% reduction in direct emissions over three years. But indirect emissions increased 30.9%, driven by the growth of datacenters and the hardware housed inside. Indirect emissions are particularly difficult to manage since they include carbon emitted during extraction, processing, manufacturing and even transportation of materials, and so are outside Microsoft’s direct control. In response, Microsoft has mobilized a company-wide effort to accelerate decarbonization. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck task,” says Jim Hanna, who leads sustainability for Microsoft’s datacenter engineering team. While no single action will close the gap between 2030 goals and current trends, Microsoft has multiple levers to pull. Contract language is being updated to accelerate decarbonization by including low-carbon requirements for materials and equipment used in datacenter construction. Select high-volume suppliers will be required to use 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Investments in low-carbon building materials from concrete that permanently traps carbon dioxide to hydrogen-powered steel production are being ramped up in a bid to accelerate commercial supply. And cross-laminated timber, a staple of low-carbon building in the European Union that has only recently begun to catch on in the US, is being put to the test in what Microsoft believes is one of the first hyperscale examples of engineered wood in a US datacenter. Microsoft isn’t the only company working hard to meet its sustainability goals. Many big companies and suppliers have their own ambitious carbon-reduction targets – and are tackling similar challenges. “A lot of our suppliers are on the same journey as we are,” says Richard Hage, who leads global strategy for datacenter engineering at Microsoft. Everyone is “implementing key initiatives to lower the embodied carbon of their materials and their products.”

During COP15 in Montreal, Canada, FSC together with WWF and IKEA announced the launch of an initiative to fast-track Biodiversity Assessments in FSC-certified forests. Now, during COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the first results are ready to be shared, taking a further step in demonstrating the value of forest biodiversity and contributing to the delivery of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Source: Timberbiz These first results indicate promising initial research into the benefits of responsible forest stewardship for biodiversity. In the current biodiversity crisis, monitoring and assessing the impacts of human activities and conservation initiatives is increasingly important. Forest ecosystems and their responsible management have a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity across the globe. However, there is still a lack of robust evidence on how much responsible forest management, especially FSC Forest Management (FM) certification, contributes to biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity loss is the third greatest threat humanity will face in the next decade. More than one million species are facing an unprecedented extinction rate, and at least 40% of the Earth’s land surface has degraded. Evaluating the outcomes of FSC certification is essential to allow insight-driven improvements of Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) and be able to communicate about the positive outcomes of responsible forest stewardship. This is important for FSC to remain relevant and credible in a changing market where substantiating sustainability impacts is increasingly needed. In late 2022, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), WWF and IKEA initiated the Fast-Tracking Biodiversity Assessment project. Soon after its announcement at the COP15 in Montreal , several other companies joined the project, which generally aims to enhance the understanding and monitoring of the effects of FSC certification on biodiversity. It has two main objectives: To evaluate the biodiversity value associated with FSC FM certification. To advance in the development of a standardized and robust monitoring framework for forest biodiversity as part of FSC certification. The project focuses on Brazil, Finland, and Sweden. In these three countries where biodiversity represents an important sustainability value, and where responsible forest management plays an important role for its maintenance. The project benefits from a combination of a technical perspective thanks to the involvement of local consultants and researchers with strong expertise in biodiversity and forest management, and a market perspective, thanks to the participation of various market actors steering the project. This combination ensures a good balance between the scientific soundness necessary to evaluate the outcomes of conservation and management activities and the relevance of the approach taken and subsequent communication of the results to a broad audience on the market. An interactive story presents the key results related to objective 1: to evaluate the biodiversity value associated with FSC FM certification. In addition, the project’s final reports provide more in-depth information and results. In each country, local consultants sought insights into the monitoring, management and conservation of biodiversity associated with FSC certification through exploring: More information is available here.

When large fires break out in New Zealand, like on Christchurch’s Port Hills, or when Australian wildfires cause New Zealand’s skies to turn pink and orange, Scion staff have an important job. Scion’s automatic and manual smoke forecast modelling can inform health authorities’ decisions and advice by forecasting smoke locations and fine particulate concentrations.  Source: Timberbiz The smoke forecast is published in a modelling prototype on Scion’s website. The automatic modelling is done using satellite detected fire hotspots and forecasted weather, which together are used to generate potential fire size, smoke emissions and downwind particulate concentrations. This smoke footprint shows hourly PM2.5 concentrations — concentrations of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. It is these small particles that can travel into the body when inhaled and affect human health. High concentrations of particulate matter can also affect visibility. But automatic modelling has some flaws. Satellites pass over in four-hour intervals and clouds affect visibility which can reduce the number of hotspots detected. Automatic models are also built on assumptions that may not suit all situations. So, Scion’s Fire and Atmospheric Team also runs the system manually upon request, for example by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Scion initiated manual modelling when the Port Hills in Ōtautahi Christchurch caught fire in February. This allowed informed communication around smoke impacts, including where hotspots were not detected due to cloud cover. For the Port Hills fire smoke modelling identified locations where smoke and fine particulate concentrations could be predicted to drift over Christchurch. Smoke forecasts were produced daily showing where smoke could be hazardous over the next 48 hours if the fire continued. Qualitative results were accurate in showing the direction of smoke movement early. This modelling can inform Fire and Emergency, health authorities and the public, project leader Shana Gross says. “The purpose is to provide data that assists in decision making around smoke impacts. This could range from poor visibility over roads to health effects. For example, health authorities could use the data to provide advice on what to do based on projected smoke concentrations,” she said. This advice could include staying inside, shutting windows, or evacuating. The modelling system forecasts smoke from fires both here and eastern Australia. Forests and Landscapes general manager, Tara Strand, says smoke can have far-reaching effects. “Smoke affects many people and can impact many kilometres downwind… A member of the community can use this tool to build an understanding of timing and levels of smoke exposure,” Ms Gross said. While the smoke forecasts are still a prototype, Scion endeavours to keep them up to date, particularly during wildfire season. It is important to recognise, that in any model the outputs have uncertainty and error and while the team strives to minimise both of these, the prototype is still undergoing testing and evaluation. New Zealand’s wildfire season runs from October to May with the highest risk from January to March.

Timberlands, in partnership with the Rotorua Lakes Council, Regional Tourism Organisation RotoruaNZ and the CNI Iwi Collective, are urging all recreational users of Whakarewarewa Forest to stay out of unauthorised operational areas to ensure safety. Source: Timberbiz Timberlands manages the Kaingaroa Forest Estate, one of the largest sustainable harvest forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Alongside iwi landowners, Timberlands provides access to 200 kilometres of mountain biking routes. Timberlands General Manager of Sustainability, Colin Maunder, says Whakarewarewa Forest is a recreational haven for mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders, but it is also a commercial forest and those using the forest must never enter unauthorised areas. The forestry company wants to raise community awareness to the risks involved for both recreational users and kaimahi (workers) when people do not read, or heed forest signage. “When mountain bike riders, walkers, or hikers unlawfully enter an operational area, it creates serious risk not only for themselves but also for our workers who may be engaged in hazardous tasks such as waste thinning, aerial operations, and road edge felling activities. “We know that the forest is a great place to ride and play, but we urge everyone to read and heed forest signage and controls for their own safety and the safety of our kaimahi,” he said. Mr Maunder says the importance of taking notice of the signs in and around any forest area is vital, and shares that anyone who enters an unauthorised area can be prosecuted under the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015. “Starting in November we are undertaking harvesting in areas of Whakarewarewa Forest and have increased controls and signage in preparation. We want to prevent the likelihood of people going into areas they shouldn’t,” Mr Maunder said. “We are pleased to be partnering with our community to promote better safety behaviour across the ngahere (forest). We want to spread the word and ensure everyone can enjoy Whakarewarewa Forest safely.” Rotorua Lakes Council’s Active and Engaged Communities Manager, Rob Pitkethley, says council supports this initiative. “We fully support the efforts of Timberlands to protect our community and their workers. Timberland’s message aligns with recent work that council and its partners have been undertaking to increase safety awareness while enjoying the recreational offerings in the forest. “Safety in our forests is a shared responsibility and we strongly urge all forest users to read and heed the signs to ensure safety at all times.” Timberlands is particularly pleased to receive the support of RotoruaNZ, who will be communicating with local tourism operators. “Whakarewarewa Forest attracts thousands of visitors to our beautiful region each year, and we encourage our tourism operators to join us in educating visitors on the importance of keeping safe and heeding all signage,” Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive RotoruaNZ said.

Detached house approvals across Australia rose by 6.1% in September to 9890, the highest monthly number of detached house approvals in two years. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics Thursday released its monthly building approvals data for September 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. “There were 28,970 detached house approvals nationally in the September quarter 2024. This is 4.1% higher than in the previous quarter and 12.9% higher than at the same time in the previous year,” HIA Economist Maurice Tapang said. “It has been a year since the RBA last raised interest rates. Unchanged cash rate settings, supported by strong population growth, low unemployment levels and acute housing shortages, have helped lift consumer sentiment. “The result seen in house approvals data continues to confirm that the market is past its trough, and more buyers are building a new home especially in those markets outside of Sydney,” he said. Detached house approvals in Melbourne were double that of approvals in Sydney, despite the two capital cities having comparatively similar population numbers and inflows. Mr Tapang said that detached house approvals in some areas of Regional NSW had also improved as home buyers in the state search for more affordable opportunities outside the capital city. “The cost of home building materials are growing at a more normal pace, while build times for houses are back to pre-pandemic levels. The price of shovel-ready land, however, remains prohibitively high especially in Sydney,” he said. “Multi-unit approvals rose by 8.5% in the month of September to 4,950. Approvals for multi-units have been bumpy and trending at decade-low levels amid challenges with capacity, labour availability and materials costs. “There were 14,890 multi-unit approvals in the September quarter 2024, which is 10.7% higher than in the previous quarter and 1.2% higher than at the same time in the previous year. “The volume of apartment construction needs to double current approvals numbers in order to achieve the Australian Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years,” Mr Tapang said. Detached house approvals in the September quarter 2024 rose by 49.9% in Western Australia compared to the same time in the previous year. This was followed by South Australia (+21.1%), Queensland (+17.8%), and Victoria (+9.3%). The other jurisdictions recorded a decline over the same period, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-20.9%), followed by Tasmania (-19.1%), New South Wales (-5.1%) and the Northern Territory (-1.9%). Muli-unit approvals in the September quarter 2024 rose by 179.1% in Western Australia compared to the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (+39.6%) and South Australia (+0.3%). The Northern Territory recorded no change over the same period, while declines were recorded in the Australian Capital Territory (-75.2%), Tasmania (-10.9%), New South Wales (-8.4%) and Victoria (-4.2%).  

Master Builders Australia released new analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data which shows detached home and apartment building times continue to blow out. Source: Timberbiz Fifteen years ago, it took on average nine months to build a stand-a-alone house. Fast forward to today and it now takes 12.7 months – an increase of more than 40% . It’s even more grim for apartment building with an average of 18.5 months from approval to completion to a whopping 33.3 months – an increase of 80% . CEO Denita Wawn said these extended construction timeframes are impacting the industry’s ability to meet housing demand and tackle the housing crisis. “With advancements in technology and construction methods, we should be building homes faster, not slower. “There are a range of contributing factors including labour shortages, declining productivity, union pattern agreements, supply chain disruptions, complex regulatory requirements, occupational certificate backlogs and critical infrastructure delays. “As a result, we’ve seen productivity decline by 18%  over the last decade. “Productivity is more than an economic buzzword. This data proves what happens in a construction environment without meaningful reform,” Ms Wawn said. Master Builders is calling for action to address these bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the construction process. “Streamlining regulatory approval processes, encouraging adoption of digital solutions, introducing incentives to grow the workforce through domestic and international means, and strengthening the domestic supply chain are just some examples,” Ms Wawn concluded.

Air New Zealand and LanzaJet have announced the preliminary findings from a study into using woody waste residues and low-value wood products in New Zealand to produce sustainable aviation fuel – a form of alternative jet fuel commonly referred to as SAF. Source: Timberbiz The feasibility study was funded by Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government, and undertaken in partnership with Scion, Z Energy (Z), and WoodBeca. LanzaJet, a leading SAF technology provider and sustainable fuel producer, has found that locally produced New Zealand SAF could meet up to a quarter of the aviation fuel needed for The study found that using domestically grown woody waste for SAF has the potential to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy per year and create hundreds of new regional jobs.  Significant investment in infrastructure will be needed to achieve this. Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin, says the initial findings from the study are promising however, establishing and stimulating a new SAF market will be critical to ensure New Zealand doesn’t miss out on securing homegrown raw materials like woody waste for its own use and benefit. “These initial findings support that alternative jet fuel can be produced here in Aotearoa from our own locally-grown woody waste, which is very positive for a country that is heavily reliant on long-haul aviation and trade and currently imports 100 percent of its jet fuel,” Ms Hannifin said. “Alternative jet fuel such as SAF is currently the only real tool available to address carbon emissions from long-haul aviation, so it’s crucial for connecting New Zealanders, tourists, and exporters with the rest of the world. “SAF is already being used in small quantities by many airlines globally today, but it currently represents only a fraction of overall aviation fuel and comes at a high premium so anything that can be done increase supply and to reduce that premium is vital. “The right settings and regulatory environment will be important as New Zealand considers homegrown SAF because it’s the only way to secure the necessary global investment. “There is already significant international momentum and in our view New Zealand shouldn’t get left too far behind or we risk seeing the flow of capital go elsewhere or our valuable raw materials being swooped up by other markets for their own SAF.” SAF is almost chemically identical to fossil jet fuel and has the same emissions when burnt in an aircraft, however it has significantly lower emissions than fossil jet fuel over the full lifecycle of the fuel, from raw material production to combustion. For example, Air New Zealand’s June delivery of 500,000 litres of SAF into Wellington had an 89% life-cycle emissions saving versus the equivalent fossil jet fuel. LanzaJet CEO, Jimmy Samartzis, says the company is pleased with the initial results from the feasibility study and reaffirms its commitment to the region. “Building a new industry requires developing a broad ecosystem for SAF in New Zealand, anchored in technology and supported by policy, capital, and demand to help attract funding and make it at a price airlines can afford,” he said. “We are seeing many countries move quickly to put mechanisms in place to stimulate, produce and export their own SAF in the future, because aviation is critical to global economies, as it is here in New Zealand. “CirculAir, the SAF production approach assessed in the study combines the technologies of LanzaTech and LanzaJet to convert waste carbon into SAF. The process starts with LanzaTech’s carbon recycling technology, which (in this case) converts gasified forestry residues into ethanol. LanzaJet then converts that into SAF using its proprietary and industry-leading alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology. “The good news is that turning woody biomass into SAF is technically possible in New Zealand, and with the right settings, is an industry that can get started fairly quickly. “We look forward to completing additional analysis into what other feedstocks, such as municipal household and commercial waste, could be used to make domestic SAF production an even more attractive option in Aotearoa.” A second phase of the study, exploring the potential for municipal solid waste (household and commercial waste) as a feedstock for the LanzaTech carbon recycling process, is expected to be completed over the next few months.

Ancient cultural burning practices carried out by Indigenous Australians limited fuel availability and prevented high intensity fires in southeastern Australia for thousands of years, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Nottingham. Source: Timberbiz The research, published in Science, highlights how the intensity of forest fires in fire-prone southeastern Australia decreased over time alongside an increase in Indigenous populations in the area. Dr Simon Connor from ANU said a better understanding of the link between human-induced climate change and the projected rise in the frequency and intensity of forest fires will lead to improved forest management and conservation in Australia. “We often think about forests and woodlands in terms of trees, but this research shows that some of the biggest changes have happened not in the tree canopy but in the shrub layer. That’s something we weren’t expecting to find,” he said. “Indigenous peoples have shaped Australian landscapes over tens of thousands of years. They did this through cultural practices. We need to keep that in mind when we’re thinking of the best way to live in the Australian environment.” Using tiny fossils preserved in ancient sediment, the research team reconstructed ancient landscapes across southeastern Australia to understand how the vegetation has changed over time. The researchers focused on the shrub layer because this is what allows flames to climb from the ground to the canopy, leading to high intensity fires. The team then compared this with archaeological data to analyse how human activity has impacted levels of shrub cover in Australian landscapes over time. Lead researcher Dr Michela Mariani, from the University of Nottingham, said the expansion of Indigenous populations and a subsequent increase in the use of cultural burning led to a 50%  decrease in shrub cover, which in turn led to a decline in high intensity fires. “The shrub layer in forests can often act as ladders for wildfires to climb up to tree canopies and spread,” Dr Mariani said. “Following British colonization and extensive fire suppression, shrub cover in Australia has increased to the highest ever recorded, which significantly increases the risk of high intensity fires in the future. “Australia’s fire crisis can be tamed with the involvement of Indigenous practitioners in fire management. It’s important to rekindle ancient cultural burning practices together with Traditional Owners to reduce the risk of catastrophic blazes.” This work also involved researchers from the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the University of Tasmania. The paper can be found here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn8668

Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government have defended the native timber industry in the wake of rallies at the weekend calling for an end to the industry. Source: Timberbiz The rallies, organised by the Bob Brown Foundation, were held in Hobart as well as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and other towns and cities. Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) conservation general manager Suzette Weeding told The Mercury in Hobart that STT sowed millions of seeds across to regenerate native forests. “Sustainable Timber Tasmania is focused on delivering a sustainable and balanced approach to forest management in both native forests and plantations,” she said. “In 2023-24, Sustainable Timber Tasmania facilitated the harvesting and transportation of 1.26m tonnes of forest products for processing in Tasmania, including 180,288 cubic metres of eucalypt sawlog. “To support Tasmania’s special species timber industry, 8889 cubic metres of special species timbers was also produced.” On Saturday, Resources Minister Eric Abetz told The Mercury ending native forest logging in Tasmania would result to increased timber imports from jurisdictions with “weaker” environmental protections than Tasmania. He said the government made no apology for standing by the industry and jobs.

PEFC has been promoting nature-positive and people-positive sustainable forest management for the past 25 years, and the structures that have been put in place can be scaled up to bring even more forests under sustainable management according to Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy speaking at PEFC International, at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16). Source: Timberbiz Speaking at the side event “Sustainable Forest Management: Key to Biodiversity” he explained that not only about a quarter of the world’s production forests is certified under PEFC, but also one million smallholders have achieved PEFC certification. Smallholders manage a significant portion of the world’s production forests. Recent estimates suggest that smallholders are responsible for managing around 25% of all production forests globally. This highlights the crucial role they play in sustainable forest management and the broader forestry sector, and PEFC has successfully made certification accessible to them. “The success of PEFC is based on our work through national standards. These recognise that not only forests, but also people are different in different countries, and national standards can adapt to the specific local circumstances. This approach ensures local ownership, which is key for long-term commitment,” Mr Thorsten said. “And our global sustainability benchmark ensures that all national standards are contributing to our joint efforts towards nature-positive and people-positive.” He also highlighted that certification requires third-party auditing, ensuring that the positive impact is independently verified. The side event, hosted by Ibà, PEFC and the WBCSD, spotlighted successful practices and innovative projects by the BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group, Sumitomo Forestry and Suzano and how they contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework, and was moderated by Gary Dunning from The Forest Dialogue.  

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have reimagined the construction of modular homes with the development and testing of an innovative new design that allows the structures to be more easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas. Source: Timberbiz The design of the Structural Timber and Applied Research Team (START), located in Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a wall-to-floor connection with few bolts needed in each connection. Unlike traditional fasteners, the novel connector plate was intentionally designed for ease of disassembly and reassembly, ideal for multiple reuses and relocations. The demand for flexible housing options compounded by concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities, is spurring the need for inventive solutions that can expedite the deployment of safe, sustainable and affordable homes. The ability to reuse walls and other parts means fewer materials end up in landfills. The lightweight and durable CLT is ideal for modular housing in remote areas with limited road access. The system is conceived to be transported in a flat pack arrangement and be assembled using little to no heavy equipment. “Our goal is to redefine how modular buildings are conceived and implemented,” said Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Waterloo and lead on the project. “We are leveraging mass timber in combination with other lightweight and sustainable materials to create a system that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without compromising structural integrity or affordability.” START’s connector runs counter to common design methodology as it is purposefully designed to allow for multiple reuses and relocations. Moving away from the use of multiple small fasteners closely spaced allowed the team to develop a connector that is practical for disassembly and reassembly. The researchers tested the strength of their design by standing two CLT panels measuring 2.0 meters by 2.8 meters upright in a lateral design setup and pushing on it with 60 kN of force, which far exceeds the lateral forces each panel would usually experience. In testing, the novel wall-to-floor connection system proved fit for reuse following several cycles of loading, disassembly and reassembly. “Reuse means less waste and fewer carbon emissions, so our design’s reusability is an important step forward in circular economy construction methods,” said Daniela Roscetti, who led the research as part of her master’s thesis under the supervision of Lacroix and Dr. Andrea Atkins, a professor in CEE. START plans to refine their design and conduct rigorous testing in the next stage of development. The team is pursuing partnership and funding opportunities.

Backed by a €20 million investment, Unilin is set to start recycling MDF on an industrial scale at its site in Bazeilles, France. This represents a great leap forward for the circular economy, as Unilin plans to make this innovative service available to the entire sector via Unilin Technologies. Source: Timberbiz Until now, MDF items such as decorative panels, laminate flooring and production waste products were simply incinerated at the end of their life cycle. What previously made the recycling of such products impossible was the glue used to bond the wood fibres. The key to making it possible was therefore to find a way to break down the glue molecules. “What we’re actually doing is using steam to break apart the glue molecules in cooking vessels,” project engineer Stéphane Marthy said. “Ultimately, these are agro-industrial machines. To make them suitable for MDF recycling, we put them through a rigorous experimentation process to determine the optimal process parameters.” After several years of prototype production, the testing phase finally successfully concluded, and the industrial production phase could commence. “We’re going to be working with the same kind of machines, but this time they are custom-built for our needs, to handle far higher volumes,” said Yoann Raucourt, Production Manager for the Bazeilles site. Right now, Unilin’s Bazeilles plant is already recycling 1500 kilos of MDF an hour, with the intention of exponentially increasing this rate from September 2025. This is the date on which the first MDF recycling line should go live. “MDF recycling enables us to reuse the wood fibres in the product, storing the CO2 in the wood for longer, rather than being incinerated. The aim for the first phase of operation is to store 380,000 tonnes of additional CO2 per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 211,000 cars,” said Julien Boucher, site manager at Bazeilles. The €20 million investment will fund new industrial plants and equipment, as well as implementing new processes. Subsequently, Unilin will be able to offer MDF panels made from 30% recycled materials, with that proportion undoubtedly set to rise in the future. To achieve this, two recycling lines will have to be created and integrated: the pre-consumer lines, handling waste generated by industrial customers (manufacturers of laminated products, etc.), and the post-consumer lines, processing consumer waste materials recovered at the end of their first life. The company is keen to make this technology more widely available, through Unilin Technologies licensing. This will help develop and boost the circular economy of the panels and flooring industry.  

Craigmore Sustainables’ Tōtara Forestry Partnership has raised an additional NZ$50 million over the past quarter, bringing total commitments to nearly NZ$100 million. With a target of $200 million, the partnership is steadily approaching its goal, with a final close anticipated in 2025. Source: Timberbiz The partnership has assembled a diverse portfolio in New Zealand’s North Island, primarily focused on Pinus Radiata forests, complemented by native species riparian zones where appropriate. The investment strategy prioritises properties near to key ports and mills, leveraging returns from both timber and carbon markets. Craigmore currently manages more than 23,000 hectares of forest land, much of which is registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme and eligible for carbon credits, in addition to the normal returns from timber harvest. Craigmore CEO, Che Charteris says Craigmore does things a little differently than larger timber investment management organisations. “Our estates are built up by aggerating smaller properties over a longer period by leveraging our network across both the forest and farming sectors. This enables us to make fewer compromises when building a portfolio, and to focus on properties with good timber economics, strong growth rates for carbon sequestration and opportunities to significantly improve biodiversity outcomes,” he said. While early cashflow from carbon credits trading at NZ$63 per unit as of late October 2024 adds significant value, the partnership remains firmly focused on acquiring properties, which will yield long-term timber profits. New Zealand’s ideal climate supports some of the fastest-growing softwood plantations globally, enabling a 27-year rotation for high-grade structural and appearance grade timber. Tōtara’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) standing consent allows for the acquisition of up to 10,000 hectares of existing production forests (up to 2,500 hectares per property, with a total of 20 properties) until October 2026. This provides flexibility to acquire both newly planted and mature forests without requiring individual property OIO consents.

A new award has been named in honour of long-time Hamilton resident John Kiely, recognising high achieving individuals in the hardwood plantation sector. Source: Timberbiz The John Kiely Award was launched at Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) 15th anniversary dinner at the weekend with Compliance Coordinator Amanda Nagle recognised with the inaugural honour. ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the award would be announced annually, recognising a industry member who illustrated a high level of “integrity and perseverance developing and delivering projects” focused on improving the plantation estate. “Amanda has been instrumental coordinating projects which prioritise best practices and ensure the long-term value of our plantation resource. Amanda embodies a high level of integrity in her work, a trait that John exemplified throughout his esteemed career in our industry,” Mr Hughes said. Now retired, Mr Kiely first joined the sector in 2005 working as a communications manager after retiring from a 32-year long career with Victoria Police. He joined the ABP team in 2013 managing stakeholder engagement, including government relations. Mr Hughes said the award recognised Mr Kiely’s passion and commitment to the sector. “Through honesty, perseverance and integrity, John became an innovator for the sector helping it to grow to become the strong industry we have locally today. John was an excellent advocate, helping educate the community about the vital role our resources provide whilst also building strong connections with government,” Mr Hughes said. “We will proudly deliver this award annually in John’s honour as a fitting tribute to his impactful work. It will not only recognise outstanding achievement but hope it will also inspire future leaders to follow in his footsteps.” Ms Nagle said she was humbled to receive the inaugural award. “This award is a celebration of our collective efforts to achieve our company focus on growing excellence. I’m really proud to work with ABP who have such a strong culture dedicated to improving economic, social and environmental returns,” she said.

The successful conclusion of negotiations on a trade agreement between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is welcomed by New Zealand wood product exporters. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand currently exports around NZ$35 million in value added wood products to the GCC, including panels, paper and planed timber. The removal of all tariffs over a 5-year period and the inclusion of provisions in the trade agreement such as streamlined customs processes and reduced non-tariff barriers, will provide further encouragement to develop this export market for wood products. “GCC countries are motivated towards sustainable construction using mass timber,” said Mark Ross, Chief Executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. “The adoption of mass timber and wood in construction aligns with the regions vision for sustainable development and green building practices, offering a future market growth opportunity for New Zealand wood product exporters.” The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. “Wood processing provides multiple benefits to New Zealand, and it is positive to see the government removing unnecessary barriers and implementing new trade agreements of future benefit to our industry,” Mr Ross said. “We thank Trade Minister, Todd McClay and his officials for the successful conclusion of the GCC trade deal.” Building on earlier negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand’s successful conclusion of negotiations for a NZ/Gulf Co-operation Council Free Trade Agreement should enable further expansion of trade with the GCC’s six members in the Middle East, says the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF). “The GCC region is New Zealand’s seventh largest export destination” said NZIBF Executive Director Stephen Jacobi. “This new agreement, which has been under development for some time, puts the final touch on the framework for expanding trade ties in the region”. The FTA, once signed and entered into force, involves progressive but significant market opening, moving to 99% tariff elimination across all products over a period of 10 years. The FTA not only provides better market access and trade facilitation for New Zealand businesses in the Gulf region but also undertakings on sustainable development and inclusion, which are a first for the GCC.

In October the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network held its industry dinner, themed Building Strength Together in Launceston. The night really embodied the TFFPN’s core mission, which is to provide a platform for greater connection, cohesion and collaboration within the forest and forest products industry. Source: Timberbiz It was well attended by a diverse range of people from in and around the sector. Building Strength Together was a theme especially chosen for the dinner, not only because it’s a theme which underpins the purpose of the TFFPN, but because it felt like the time was right to remember that we are stronger as a sector together, than when we are apart. Nationally and locally the forests and wood products sector are facing considerable change across multiple fronts and angles, and during times of change, there can be a natural tendency to hunker down, isolate oneself and become more siloed. However, it’s at these times that it is most critical to address challenges and to harness opportunities that change brings. We are stronger if we connect, collaborate and build strength together. The recent situational analysis report by GreenWood Strategy, commissioned by the Tasmania Forestry Hub, outlines some of the opportunities, barriers, and actions for the Tasmanian sector and also comments on the need to work closely and collaboratively. Importantly, it surmises that Tasmania’s forest and wood products sector is primed for growth. When you think about the local, national and global challenges we face of providing resources for our population demands in a sustainable way that addresses climate change, takes significant steps towards a zero carbon economy, and protects and conserves our natural environment for future generations for multiple environmental, economic, social and cultural values, there is one industry that sits at the heart of contributing to that, and that is forestry. The Network is grateful to the guest speakers on the night, Tasmanian JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan and Strategic Advisor and former Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Peter Gutwein, who provided insight into their perspectives and experiences of building strength together with teams and a wide range of stakeholders in their current and previous respective roles. Event sponsors were Indicium Dynamics, Marsh, Pentarch Forestry, Reliance, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Forestry Australia wants the Federal Government to ensure that new ACCU Scheme carbon methods developed for managing native forests are truly ‘nature positive’, of high integrity and robustness, and will support the long-term health and resilience of our native forests and communities. Source: Timberbiz Acting Forestry Australia President, Dr Bill Jackson said Forestry Australia acknowledged the Australian Government had this week announced a short list of new carbon methods for the ACCU Scheme. The independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) assessed 39 Expressions of Interest submissions for new methods and identified 4 methods for prioritisation: Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Forests The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water proposed a method to stop or slow down harvesting of publicly owned native forests. Not harvesting the forests for timber or letting them grow older before cutting them down, could enable ACCUs to be issued for storing more carbon. Extending Savanna Fire Management to the Northern Arid Zone The Indigenous Desert Alliance proposed a method to expand fire management to more areas in Australia, particularly lower rainfall areas across northern Australia. This method could reduce emissions while bringing more economic benefits and opportunities for First Nations communities The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation developed a proposal for a method to receive ACCUs by stopping clearing of native forest regrowth. In Queensland for example, farmers can legally clear land for agriculture. This new method could provide an incentive for them to not clear the land and receive ACCUs for the carbon stored in the forest. Reducing disturbance of coastal and floodplain wetlands by managing ungulates Ungulates are hooved animals like water buffalo and pigs, which are destroying wetlands in northern Australia. “Forestry Australia submitted a strong carbon method proposal for consideration under the Proponent-Led Method Development Process for the ACCU Scheme,” he said. “At this stage, the Forestry Australia-led proposal has not been prioritised; however, we are very encouraged by the advice from the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee that our proposal has excellent alignment with the Offsets Integrity Standards and triage criteria and supported it for development, if or when departmental resources permit,” Dr Jackson said. “Forestry Australia remains fully supportive of its proposed new carbon method and is looking forward to engaging with the Australian Government to progress its further development in the near future. Forestry Australia calls on the Australian Government to commit more resources to the ACCU Scheme and its proponent-led method development process. “The proposed method, Enhancing Native Forest Resilience, is focussed on improving the health and resilience of native forests and encouraging active, adaptive management of native forests across all land tenures to assist Australia in meeting its Paris Agreement targets. “Our proposed method is also based on enabling broader participation in the carbon market, which could include State forest management agencies and national parks managers as well as community groups, not-for-profits, private native forest landowners, and First Peoples. “Forestry Australia’s method is based on a growing body of published work that shows forests that are actively managed can have greater carbon sequestration and storage potential. “The proposal encompasses restorative forestry practices and active forest management focused on improving habitat values, carbon stocks and resilience to droughts and wildfires.”

The Victorian government will cut more than 130 positions from its bushfire forest service and close six regional locations, citing budget restraints. Sources: The Guardian, Timberbiz A restructure document presented to staff on Wednesday outlined a “need to fit within a sustainable budget envelope” and to “refine our operating model”. According to the document obtained by Guardian Australia, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s bushfire forest services group will be cut from 1,932 positions to 1,795. Most jobs (47) will go from the forest fire operations unit, 33 will go from the conservation regulation division, 41 from infrastructure and resources and 16 from policy and planning. Staff at Lysterfield, Wangaratta, Mount Beauty, Rainbow, Shepparton and Plenty Gorge will be transferred to other locations. Staff will only be based at Tidal River, Wonthaggi and Nelson seasonally. The restructure was influenced, in part, by the transfer of the Parks Victoria fire program to the department in July 2023. Here’s how the document outlines the change: We have not reviewed our whole operation model since 2017. We need to update our operating model and adjust to changed priorities, context, technologies and ways of working. In September this year Timberbiz warned of job losses within the Bushfire and Forest Services Group stating that Premier Jacinta Allen was preparing to cut 208 staff across 99 regional sites. At that time, it was expected that staff numbers would be cut down to 1717. These cuts will make it more difficult to deal with the inevitable bushfires that Victoria faces each year, especially in the summer months.  

The Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio government claims to be champions of women’s rights and environmental justice. Yet, in their reckless decision to shut down Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry, they are directly contributing to a devastating and perverse outcome –accelerating environmental destruction overseas and driving vulnerable children into the arms of predators. Victoria’s native timber industry, which harvested just four in every 10,000 trees from a minuscule 4% of the public land estate, was one of the most tightly regulated and sustainable industries in the world. Yet the Victorian government chose to kneecap it, turning its back on the rural communities that depend on it, leaving Australia (and other nations that utilised our timber) to import timber from overseas where there are few protections for forests or human rights. The timber filling this gap left by the Andrews government’s disastrous policy comes from places including the Solomon Islands, where logging is neither ethical or sustainable. The devastation is plain to see, coastal areas once green forest now scarred with barren, muddy log dumps. Reports warn that, at the current pace, all forest cover in the Solomon Islands could be wiped out by 2030. But the environmental destruction isn’t the worst of it. When we outsource timber needs to countries like the Solomon Islands, the Victorian Labor government is enabling a system rife with child exploitation and human trafficking. As recently reported by the ABC, a media outlet not typically on the side of Victorian timber communities at these unregulated logging camps, young girls, some as young as 12, are coerced into relationships with foreign loggers, men who use their economic power to take advantage of vulnerable children. In these so-called “log marriages,” young girls are traded, often by their own families, in exchange for money, leaving them trapped in a life of sexual exploitation and domestic violence. And where is the Allan government, the self-proclaimed protector of women’s rights? Nowhere to be found. It is deeply hypocritical for a government that postures itself as a champion of equality, justice, and the protection of women’s rights to allow such heinous practices to flourish abroad as a consequence of its policies. What about the rights of a 13-year-old girl in the Solomon Islands to have a childhood free from predation and sexual violence? What about her right to safety, dignity, and a future untainted by exploitation? By ending Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry, the Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio alliance has turned its back on its own people, blue collar families in timber towns who are losing their jobs and livelihoods while simultaneously supporting some of the worst environmental and human rights abuses abroad. The green policies they claim to champion at home are feeding destruction overseas and leading children into a living nightmare. This is not about protecting the environment; it’s about moral grandstanding for Greens preferences at the expense of families, both here and abroad. The truth is, Victorian timber workers lose their jobs, forests overseas are razed to the ground, and young girls are trafficked into abusive relationships. If this is what the Andrews government calls progress, it’s a bitter price to pay—for Victoria, for the planet, and for the innocent girls who will never have the chance to live their childhood in peace. The Andrews-Allan-D’Ambrosio government must answer: how can you champion women’s rights when your policies are pushing children into the hands of predators in foreign lands? And how do you justify the end of the Victorian native timber sector when these are the true costs? Michael Harrington is a native forestry advocate and third generation firewood operator.