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New legislation is on the horizon and the packaging industry is hurrying to find sustainable options without compromising on protective qualities and performance. Source: Timberbiz Across industries, companies relying on packaging are facing urgent and complex challenges. Plastic taxes, bans, the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and the critical need to reduce carbon emissions are driving a major shift. The time for disruptive change is here and legislation is catching up. The move away from fossil-based materials is no longer optional. It’s becoming mandatory, with legislation gaining speed across markets. Here’s what’s coming: Plastic must be recyclable√ Plastic must be recycled at scale √ Minimum levels of recycled content in packaging Re-use targets for packaging. For companies involved in packaging and shipping, the carbon footprint of transportation is well known. Reducing the carbon footprint in every part of the value chain including packaging, is becoming business critical. Because of this, there is a rising demand for materials that are not only more sustainable, but also protective and high performing. “As plastic taxes, bans, and extended producer responsibility fees rise, the need for viable alternatives will only grow both from producers and consumers. Companies that aren’t proactive risk higher costs and increased administrative burdens,” said Juulia Kuhlman Business Development Director Wood foam at Stora Enso. At Stora Enso is working with biomaterials, after decades of research and development on how to phase out fossils and find a sustainable alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. “The implementation of PPWR will drive a strong move towards recycled content within the EU. However, limited supply in the secondary market means demand and prices will inevitably rise,” said Mr Kuhlman. “Our renewable packaging innovations are helping phase out fossil-based expanded polystyrene (EPS) a plastic that is notoriously difficult to recycle by offering high-performance, more sustainable alternatives.” Stora Enso Wood foam is a sustainable game changer in protective packaging, a recyclable alternative sourced from sustainably managed forests. Easy to fabricate and offering both flexible and rigid options. Fibrease is a bio-based, flexible and lightweight wood foam. Designed to replace fossil polymer foams in protective packaging, Fibrease offers thermal insulation and memory foam–like properties all while being recyclable. Papira is a semi-rigid, wood-based foam made from renewable materials. The foam is recyclable with paper & board globally, biodegradable and plastic free. With excellent cushioning performance, Papira is ideal for protective packaging and is currently produced at our pilot plant. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic foams reducing plastic waste and helping companies meet future regulations.

Choosing the right trees to plant is key to successful forest restoration and now there’s a tool to make it easier. Source: Timberbiz At a recent SUPERB workshop in León, Spain, “Seed4Forest” was launched, it is a free, online, decision-making tool that helps users find suitable and productive tree species for any location in Europe. Debojyoti Chakraborty, Senior Scientist at the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), presented this innovative new tool and showed its diverse features in action. With science-based guidance, “Seed4Forest” offers the user: To see which type of trees already grow well in your area now Understand what type of tree species can thrive within an area’s future climate Explore species combinations that can boost both resilience and biodiversity Find recommended seed sources for your chosen tree species Export your results as a PDF for easy reference and access anytime “Seed4Forest” was developed within SUPERB project in collaboration with the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW). Try the tool here https://app.seed4forest.org/

Timber yards, panel product suppliers, and sawmill operations face ever-increasing pressure to handle long and heavy loads more safely, more efficiently, and with less environmental impact. Now Combilift has unveiled two major innovations designed specifically with these industry challenges in mind: the new Combi-FSE 8000 and the Combi-Xtender. Source: Timberbiz The latest addition to Combilift’s four-wheel electric sideloader range, the Combi-FSE 8000, offers an 8-tonne lift capacity, ideal for handling structural timber, packs of sawn wood, panels, or engineered wood products in confined indoor or outdoor environments. Key timber-focused benefits include: Powerful, Emission-Free Operation: Twin 18kW drive motors provide the torque and responsiveness required for heavy packs, with all-electric performance suited for indoor timber stores. Patented Traction and Steering: Designed for year-round reliability in muddy or uneven yard conditions. Unrivalled Operator Visibility: The under-deck battery position and expansive glazing allow operators a clear line of sight, especially when reversing in narrow racking aisles or busy sawmill loading areas. Quick Battery Change: Ideal for multi-shift operations in busy timber yards. Fleet managers also benefit from Combi-Connect, Combilift’s advanced telematics system for real-time machine performance tracking and maintenance planning. Unveiled alongside the sideloader, the Combi Load Xtender is a new pantograph-style load extender that enables complete loading and unloading of trailers or rail wagons from a single side — a major advantage in timber yards where space is tight or trailer access is limited. For timber operations, the Xtender delivers: One-Side Access: Load full packs of timber from one side only, removing the need to move trailers or access both sides. Ultra low mechanism height: Its ultra-compact design ensures smooth movement and full functionality below standard trailer height without interference. Enhanced Safety: Operators can load securely against the far closed side of the trailer, reducing the risk of products falling and keeping personnel out of busy traffic zones. “These new solutions were developed in direct response to what we’re hearing from the timber sector,” said Martin McVicar, CEO, Combilift. “Customers need to move larger loads in tighter spaces with greater safety and lower emissions. The FSE 8000 and Combi Load Xtender do just that — and they’re backed by Combilift’s proven track record in long-load innovation.”

There’s nothing like reaching a lookout and seeing the vast forest landscape stretching to the horizon. Here are some of the best lookouts across Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Keppel Lookout, Marysville State Forest As far as beautiful forest views, you can’t go past Keppel Lookout. A large viewing platform leads to epic scenery overlooking the Marysville township, the Cathedral Range State Park, Steavensons Falls and the Acheron Valley. It’s a 12-minute drive from Marysville and about 20 metres from the car park via a short, graveled pathway. Or if you prefer to work for your view, challenge yourself to the 11 km walk via the Keppel Lookout Trail. Craig’s Hut, Mount Stirling For awe inspiring alpine views, Craig’s Hut is just the place. Constructed for the 1983 Man from Snowy River movie, you can see why this location was chosen, featuring unrivalled views over Mount Cobbler and the Upper King River Valley. You can access the hut and these magnificent views 1 hour and 15 minutes from Merrijig, either directly by 4WD or by 2WD and a 1.2 km walking track. Mount Timbertop For alpine views that are just as stunning on the other side of Mt Buller, head to Mount Timbertop, 16 minutes from Merijig. Accessible only by foot, the 5.5 km return Mount Timbertop Walk is worth every step for the epic view that awaits, looking out across the Delatite Valley and Victorian Alps. The Apex Lookout Walk For incredible views across Bright and the Victorian Alps including Mt Feathertop, Mt Fainter and Mt Bogong head to The Apex Lookout Walk—a 3.2 km return trip from the car park which is 1.6 km from Bright township. Huggins Lookout For a different perspective on Bright, walk the 1.6 km return walk to Huggins Lookout on the other side of town. Ben Nevis, Mt Cole/Beeripmo State Forest Or if you’re travelling west, drive 30 minutes north-west of Beaufort to Ben Nevis. Pack a picnic for gorgeous views over the Grampians Ranges to the west and the Pyrenees Ranges to the north. And if hang gliding is your thing, Ben Nevis is the place, known for its great ‘thermals’—conditions that allow hang gliders to gain altitude. Seven Acre Rock, Yarra State Forest Enjoy a sweeping panorama of Bunyip State Park at Seven Acre Rock, a 16 minute drive from Powelltown. On clear days, you’ll be able to see all the way across to Western Port and Port Phillip Bays.

Well-treated radiata pine can stand the test of time and Scion has the evidence to prove it. The Crown Research Institute was asked to conduct a detailed analysis on a laminated radiata pine cross-arm installed on the Desert Rd as part of the New Zealand Electricity Department’s transmission network. Source: Timberbiz The cross-arm had been lying on one side on dunnage (loose wood, matting, or similar material) 100mm off the ground, for more than 15 years. It had undergone regular assessments until 1990 as part of Scion’s long-term service test program. This recent analysis aimed to assess the cross-arm’s current condition and help predict the remaining service life of similar units still in service. Scion’s timber durability researchers conducted a visual and microscopic inspection, which revealed localised decay – mainly due to brown rot fungi – where the cross-arm had been in contact with the ground. At this site, the effective cross-sectional dimensions were reduced by 10%–15%. However, the remainder of the cross-arm showed no significant signs of deterioration. Structural testing showed the cross-arm retained an average bending strength (MoR1) of 22 megapascals (MPa), meeting the characteristic strength requirement for GL10-grade2 laminated timber. After removing just a few millimetres from the surface, Scion’s team found the underlying timber was still in excellent condition – a remarkable discovery given the cross-arm’s age. Dr Tripti Singh, Scion’s timber durability expert, says the cross-arm performed as properly treated timber should. “While preservative penetration was likely limited – due to the impermeability at the glue lines and treatment after fabrication – the timber still demonstrated outstanding long-term durability. “This case is a testament to the effectiveness of proper timber treatment and thoughtful engineering, showing that radiata pine, when handled correctly, can deliver exceptional performance for decades.”