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The Komatsu C124 has received significant upgrades for the 2025 model year, aimed at boosting productivity and user experience. Source: Timberbiz Key improvements include a redesigned valve block and enhanced hydraulics for the feeding system. Feedback from test customers who tried the prototype has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly noting the head’s smooth operation and efficient feeding. The most notable upgrade is the introduction of a new valve bank, which offers improved durability, reduced wear, and lower energy losses resulting in fuel savings. Additionally, the pressure control for the front and rear knives has been refined for greater precision, with adjustments now fully managed via software. This allows operators to easily control settings like the knives’ opening pressure from inside the cab. The hydraulics for the tilt functions have also been improved, resulting in smoother operation and potentially higher measurement accuracy during processing. To ensure high and consistent measurement quality, Advanced length measuring is now standard on the C124. This update includes a stronger cylinder and a modified mechanical stop to reduce wear. The saw unit has been redesigned with additional clearance between the saw bar and frame to prevent collisions. A reinforced, curved base plate enhances durability while reducing the unit’s ground footprint. The updated design also provides more space around the saw motor, making daily maintenance easier and more accessible. The new feed system features high-flow motors that enhance performance and reduce energy losses. The upgraded system also includes improved hose routing for easier servicing and extended service life. An optional reinforced hose protection layer is now available to further increase hose longevity. The 2025 model introduces the “Find End” option, which automatically resets length measurements without requiring a new cut, reducing waste. The option has been updated with a protected lens and debris-resistant design for longer service life. Other enhancements include improved centring for small stems, stronger bushings with better sealing for front delimbing knives, and new feed rollers with spikes for better grip and measuring accuracy in challenging conditions. These upgrades collectively make the Komatsu C124 more efficient, durable, and user-friendly, offering operators greater control, reduced downtime and improved productivity even in the most challenging environments.

The sustainable management of tropical forest contributes significantly to safeguarding forests, protecting biodiversity, contributing to rural communities and sustainable livelihoods according to Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy at PEFC International at the Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF) 2024 in Macao SAR. Source: Timberbiz “Yet we are facing a dichotomy. While we are all well aware of the tremendous benefits that sustainable forest management provides, topical timber has grappled with numerous challenges as it has struggled to maintain its stake in the international timber markets, especially in terms of public perception,” he said in his opening speech of the first session, Together Towards Reliable and Effective Global Timber Supply Chains. Jointly hosted by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and organised by the Secretariat of the Global Green Supply Chains Initiative (GGSC), GLSTF 2024 brought together more than 700 key enterprises, policymakers and international experts from over 40 countries and regions to explore the way forward for high-quality green development in the global timber industry. One of the major achievements of the Forum was the launch of the Action Framework for Promoting Legal and Sustainable Timber Supply Chains, which aims to strengthen international collaboration among stakeholders in timber supply chains, promote the sustainable development of the timber industry, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change. “PEFC certification is an important tool to help achieve the objectives of the Framework. Through PAFC Congo Basin, we offer a robust and well-respected forest certification standard that was developed by local stakeholders and is regionally adapted and tailored to the specific forest ecosystems, legal and administrative framework, socio-cultural context of Congo Basin countries, specifically Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo,” Mr Thorsten said. “While we are facing a dichotomy, we can resolve it ourselves. We don’t need a white knight in shining armour or a pink unicorn. If those present here – governments, international organisations, businesses and forest owners – collaborate to manage their forests sustainably, they can demonstrate the benefits tropical forests provide through tools such as PEFC.”

A revised FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Germany now expands to cover Christmas trees, venison, and other forest products. The standard becomes effective on 1 November 2024. Source: Timberbiz Germany harvests about 20 million Christmas trees each year, a quarter of the European market. Now, some of those trees will be FSC certified in accordance with a new version of the Forest Stewardship Standard for Germany. Christmas trees represent a quite specific product for FSC certification. They are generally harvested by clear felling of a stand of similar-aged trees, which the current Standard forbids, and they do not produce timber. For that reason, they are considered non-timber forest products (NTFP), along with things like nuts, mushrooms, and venison, which are also included in the new standard. The Standard was developed after two public consultations that involved a wide range of stakeholders, including forestry companies. A new appendix covers NTFPs and includes not only Christmas trees but also decorative brushwood, honey, mushrooms, fruit, seeds, and venison. In addition, FSC Germany members further confirmed the new version of the Forest Stewardship Standard at its 33rd General Assembly. Christmas trees and game meat are currently the most frequently marketed NTFPs in Germany. The new standard will allow FSC companies to offer these products with the FSC label and thus differentiate themselves from conventional forestry operations. For companies and local economies, certification of NFTPs helps to reduce dependency on timber sales as well as to generate income from lesser-known products. Marketing non-timber forest products is also an important step in reorienting forest management towards more versatility and ecosystem services, especially as the climate emergency damages the forest, with consequent losses in timber sales. For consumers, the Standard’s ban on the use of pesticides is a further benefit. Residues of harmful chemicals have been found on conventional Christmas trees. FSC-certified trees will contain no such residues. Consumers will also be reassured that peat is prohibited and that non-native species must be harvested before they flower, which will prevent them from spreading into natural forests. Game meat, notably venison from deer, will also be safer because the animals will be guaranteed not to encounter pesticides on the food they forage in certified forests. The standard also requires hunters to use lead-free ammunition, which means that game meat from certified forests will not contain harmful heavy metals. “The new Standard is a great improvement for producers and consumers,” said Jens -Birger Bosse, manager of biological production and responsible for FSC certification at Landesforsten Schleswig-Holstein with 46.000 ha FSC certified forest. “Producers can show that their operations are more sustainable and better for the environment, which is exactly what consumers are looking for, in Christmas trees and all the other non-timber forest products our forests have to offer.”

St Lukes is a Tasmanian-based private health insurance company that has been in business for 70 years, its newly formed health and wellness hub in the heart of Hobart offers its members and the public a range of health and wellbeing-focused activities from yoga to new-parent classes and everything in between. Source: Timberbiz Award-winning Tasmanian architectural firm Terroir was tasked with a brief to create a health-conscious space that would also inspire, draw new people in, and create excitement around their brand. With tight constraints from the existing building, Terroir drew inspiration locally and abroad, creating a health hub with a design that is world-leading and Tasmanian-inspired. Covering two floors, the St Lukes flagship site required the 394m2 ground floor to be designed for both staff and guests, with an area exclusively dedicated to community use to promote their rotating health and wellness workshops, classes and offerings. The 178m2 second floor was designed for staff offices, meeting rooms and amenities. Taking note of other leading flagship stores around the world, Terroir Project Architect, Jack Andrews, says they looked to the natural beauty of Tasmania to bring their design to life. “St.Lukes prides itself on being uniquely Tasmanian. Having grown up here and exploring the forests myself, we sought to bring in shapes of tree hollows from Tasmania’s forests to create a space that stands out through its subtlety and serenity. We wanted people to come in and say ‘Wow!’ while maintaining a sense of calm,” Mr Andrews said. Tasmanian special species Blackheart Sassafras was used to achieve this serene and natural environment. Working with Vos Construction and Joinery, 1,500 hours went into creating the 3.6m high by 56m long form made from hand-selected Blackheart Sassafras veneer supplied by Britton Timbers. Suspended from the ceiling, the structure’s organic shape, tone and texture reflect the beauty found in Tasmania’s iconic and cherished forests. Of all Tasmanian timbers, Sassafras has the most variable and dynamic colouring. If the tree is infected with a staining fungus, it produces Blackheart Sassafras. Blackheart is a timber with distinctive dark brown, black, and sometimes green streaks running through the wood; no two pieces are ever the same. “We went through many sketches and spent a lot of time rationalising the design, ultimately creating a series of convex, concave and flat moments. We tried to keep the form as organic as possible. Using a species like Blackheart Sassafras with its striation and varying colours helped accomplish this. We simply couldn’t have achieved the aesthetic we were aiming for with a different species of timber,” Mr Andrews said. Using boat-building techniques to create the curvature of the timber, the veneer sheets were applied to an MDF backing, stretching the resource to ensure minimal waste. Opting for a natural clear coat with a 10% matt finish, the southeast-facing glazing allows the light to accentuate the variation of the timber veneer without reflection or glare. With the natural variation found throughout Blackheart Sassafras, Mr Andrews says Terroir spent countless hours aligning the veneer sheets before manufacture and assembly to ensure the design met their requirements. “We went through and took a photo of every single veneer sheet. From here, we developed a montage to work from, laying them all out and positioning them to avoid repetition to get the look of a natural hollowed-out log,” he said. “We are inspired by the availability of sustainable timbers in Tasmania. The ability to source and harvest timber locally, as opposed to a species sourced from further afield, was very appealing. It wouldn’t be possible without the credentials, forest stewardship and certification from a company like Britton Timbers.”

Otana is a Western Lowland Gorilla at Melbourne Zoo. He’s been staying warm during winter thanks to wood wool from Barkstead in the Wombat State Forest. Source: Timberbiz ‘Wood wool’ is essentially fine wood shavings cut from timber, and often used for nesting and bedding materials for animals. In this case, storm debris has been collected from the Wombat State Forest before being turned into wood wool at a mill in Bendigo. It was then donated to Melbourne Zoo, to be used as bedding for Tasmanian Devils, meerkats, orangutans, gorillas and tigers. Some fallen trees and root balls from the storm damaged area of the Dandenong Ranges National Park are now used as fish habitat along streams; wildlife habitat in Lysterfield Lake Park; and animal enclosures at Werribee Zoo. Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria have used finished timber products made from storm debris for bollards, sleepers, log seats, mulch and picnic tables. In the Wombat State Forest, we are planting native species to rehabilitate some storm affected sitesand even the plant stakes are made from storm debris. To prepare for the upcoming fire season and reduce bushfire risk, work has been done to remove hazardous storm debris in the Wombat State Forest and Dandenong Ranges National Park and put to good use wherever possible. Storm debris is also available in designated firewood collection areas for the community.    

Scion celebrated the dedication and achievements of its employees at the 2024 Employee Recognition Awards, where over 90 nominations, the highest in the event’s history, highlighted the outstanding contributions of staff across various fields. Source: Timberbiz Held both in-person and virtually, this week’s awards showcased the hard work, innovation, and leadership of individuals and teams who embody Scion’s values and contribute to its ongoing success as a Crown Research Institute. “Each nomination reflects the respect and admiration of colleagues for the exceptional efforts made by every individual and team,” Chief Executive Dr Julian Elder said. “I’m proud to acknowledge our finalists and winners today for their remarkable achievements.” Dr Yi Chen received the prestigious Roger Newman Award for Science or Engineering Excellence after delivering exceptional leadership in digital packaging research for almost a decade. Through multiple national and international collaborations, Dr Chen has built a network of highly productive research partnerships, contributing to both Scion and New Zealand’s science community. Nursery Services team lead Matt Dunn received the Industry/Stakeholder/External Customer Engagement Award for his exemplary work with external customers. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the smooth operation and support of Scion, Jacqui Collins and Kim Murrell were named winners of the Enabling Scion Award. Jacqui was commended for her unwavering support of her Christchurch colleagues, while Kim was recognised for her positivity and dedication to surpassing expectations in every project she undertakes. Bioprocess engineer Carla Cronje was honoured with the Leadership/Emerging Leader Award for her exceptional mentorship and project management, while also receiving the Health and Safety Award for her proactive approach in a high-risk hydrogen project. The Kawenata Awards celebrate staff whose work exemplifies some of the mātāpono, or principles, of the Kawenata (MOU) that was signed between Scion and three hapū: Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu. Researcher Sylvia Tapuke was recognised for her work connecting hapū to Scion’s research, particularly the Urban Forests Symposium and the Fungal Volatile Organic Carbon project. Executive Assistant Vanessa Miller was also honoured for her consistent manaakitanga, providing a strong example for all staff to follow. This year there are co-recipients of the Recognition of Contribution to Māori Award. Te Rātā Whakamaru Team and Rotoiti 15 won for their innovation, skill development, commitment to environmental stewardship, sharing of knowledge and mātauranga, and efforts to reconnect whānau with their work on their lands. Scientist Reina Tamepo also won for her work in the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, particularly Whitiwhiti Ora and Matarau programs. Her mahi enables and empowers Māori landowners and decision-makers to exercise self-determination of their aspirations by providing them with science-based data and information in an accessible format to allow them to understand the nature of their whenua (land) and the potential productive opportunities from it. The Recognition for Publication Success Award winner was Jamie Bridson for his contribution to a large number of high-impact journals, while Martin Cooke-Willis was awarded Recognition of Technician Success for his multi-faceted contributions to Scion’s laboratory operations. Scion has also nominated candidates in five categories to attend the Science New Zealand Awards in March next year, where all Crown Research Institutes and Callaghan Innovation are represented. Scion’s nominees are Christchurch-based scientist Ilze Pretorius for the Early Career Researcher Award; Scion’s Ecogas Team for the Success in Innovation/Commercialisation Award; the Cetogenix Project Team for the Collaboration for Impact Award; Katerina Pihera-Ridge for the Te Tohu Tūhura Award; and Dr Florian Graichen for the Individual/Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tariff elimination across all New Zealand wood products entering the UAE through the new NZ/UAE trade deal is welcomed by the wood processors and manufacturers association (WPMA). Source: Timberbiz “Our hope is that the successful conclusion of the NZ/UAE Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will lead to an increase in NZ wood products entering the UAE,” said WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross. “The UAE is in a transition period where they are favouring timber-based construction over concrete and steel, signalling a regional shift towards sustainability. “Despite a limited number of timber buildings erected to date, UAE has experienced a threefold increase in imports of plywood and other timber products in the past year.” From a New Zealand basis it currently exports around NZ$10 million in wood products to the UAE, with the main categories being sawn timber, sleepers, pulp and paper. Other wood products exported include wood for flooring, furniture and joinery. It is acknowledged that New Zealand’s share of NZ$10 million is small when compared with the total UAE wood and wood product imports of NZ$267 billion in 2023. However, even a minor percentage growth in NZ exports to the UAE through the CEPA will assist in providing encouraging signals to our domestic wood processing industry. “Wood provides multiple benefits to New Zealand, and it is positive to see the government backing our industry in removing unnecessary barriers and implementing new trade Agreements,” Mr Ross said. “We thank Trade Minister, Todd McClay and his officials for their speedy completion of this trade deal.”

Exports of softwood logs from Australia lifted to a 45-month high in July 2024, screaming up to 265,657 m3 after the prior month saw a 36-month record of over 140,000 m3. The main recipient is India, with China re-emerging as an export destination after a nearly four-year hiatus. Source: Industry Edge The rise in exports does not necessarily signal a reintroduction of elevated levels of softwood log exports. As the data shows, the exports are evenly split between the two reported dimensions. There are prospects the recent movements are inventory clearances, including of smaller dimension logs. Australian Softwood Log Exports by Country: Jan ’17 – Jul ‘24 (m3) We have elected to show the monthly chart here, in this manner and timeframe, to underscore the differences in softwood log exports since China withdrew from the market in 2020. The second chart, which addresses the last 15 years, shows annual exports (the black line) and the moving weighted average price of those exports. In addition to modestly rising average prices since the end of 2009, the period from around 2021 shows increased price volatility. This came about as volumes deteriorated when China left the market, resulting in the massive decline in total exports. In 2023-24, total softwood log exports reached 937.0 km3, almost the same volume (just 3 km3 lower) than was the case in calendar year 2009. Annualised Softwood Log Exports & Weighted Average Price: Jan ’10 – Jul ’24 (km3 pa & AUDFob/m3) Australian softwood log export prices have fluctuated over the last year. The chart shows weighted average prices on a monthly basis (the black line), but also show the country specific prices. For most months, the price to India is hidden by the weighted average price because India has – until the re-emergence of solid trade with China – driven the price and volume. In July 2024, the weighted average export price was AUDFob126.13/m3, down 9.9% on the prior month and 5.6% lower than in July 2023. Australian Softwood Log Export Prices by Country: Aug ’23 – Jul ‘24 (AUDFob/m3) Over the year-ended July 2024, Australia’s total exports of softwood logs were 148.3% higher than the prior year, totalling 0.937 million m3. Reported exports totalled 265,657 m3 in July 2024, at a weighted average price of AUDFob126.13/m3. For export, softwood logs are differentiated as larger or smaller than 15 cm diameter. The distinction between log sizes was previously more noteworthy, but analysis becomes challenging as monthly export volumes are increasingly erratic, as seen in the chart. If the chart retains validity in current markets, it is in part to show the contrast between what was once the case and what is now occurring. Australian Softwood Log Exports by Size: Jan ’21 – Jul ‘24 (‘000 m3 and AUDFob/m3) Larger logs (diameter >15cm) dominate Australia’s exports, over most time periods. From 2021, the trend shifted away from favouring exports of the smaller diameter (<15 cm) logs. That appears to have changed over the last year, with larger dimension logs again dominating export data reports and growing strongly from some regions. Over the year ended July 2024, exports of the smaller logs totalled 0.198 million m3 or 21.1% of the total, while shipments of larger logs totalled 0.734 million m3 (78.9%). Differentiation of exports based on their diameter also allows for some price analysis. Export prices for the smaller sized logs have remained at a relatively stable price in recent months, moving through a narrow range, while the average price of the larger diameter logs has fluctuated. In July, exports of the smaller logs tallied an average AUDFob109.79/m3 while the larger diameter logs were recorded at AUDFob133.03/m3. For more information visit www.industryedge.com.au

  Congratulations to all nominees of the Forest Practices Awards 2024. The FPA Board and Awards Committee thank everyone who submitted a nomination and took time to recognise excellence across the forest practices system. Source: Timberbiz The nominees are listed below for each award. The Board of the Forest Practices Authority recognises that there are people working in forestry in Tasmania who display excellence in applying the forest practices system in their particular field of work. This is why Forest Practices Awards were started in 2007, to publicly acknowledge a few of these inspirational people. The forest practices system is based on continual improvement and cooperation between all parties. It’s the high standard achieved by those who implement the forest practices system which enables this co-operation and continual improvement. The Directors of the Board congratulate the nominees, not only on their outstanding professional achievements, but also on the manner in which that work has, and will continue to, contribute to the ongoing achievement of sustainable management of forests in Tasmania. “I would like to emphasise the significance of being nominated as it shows that your peers really value your achievements. We had a really strong field of nominations this year – double that of last time – and the Awards Committee had a difficult time deciding on the winners. So, I want to congratulate every single nominee and thank them all for your contributions to the forest practices system,” Pam Allan, chair of the FPA board said in the nominations booklet. “I also want to thank the Awards Committee: Kim Creak from the Board, Anne Chuter as CFPO, Heath Blair from Reliance Forest Fibre and the FPO Reference Group, Ann La Sala from Forico and the Forest Practices Advisory Committee and Chris Grove and Laurel Trebilco from the FPA staff.” You can download the Forest Practices Awards booklet here, it contains information on each of the nominees.

A government appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years. The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature. Source: Australian Associated Press The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park. A government appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years. The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature. The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park. That lines up with the end of existing wood supply contracts from northern forests. Other options include business as usual, reducing native timber harvesting until other sources are found, or putting native forests under indigenous management with extra supply to come from private and public plantations. Stuart Blanch is WWF-Australia’s forests expert and says the inclusion of an exit option is a big deal. “I think this is the first time that a NSW government process has seriously consulted stakeholders on ending native forest logging,” he says. “I think this is showing there’s enough people in government and parliament who think it’s safe enough to articulate this as a real issue they need to explore.” Dr Blanch is among those who’ve been consulted and he’s glad the government has created the conditions for an important, overdue and difficult discussion. “The genie is now out of the bottle regarding completing the transition out of native forest logging to plantations. “The experience from the shutdown of logging in Western Australia and Victoria is that once a government starts to canvass a full exit, the private sector stops investing, and workers start finding new jobs.” Dr Blanch says that if an exit is on the cards, the government will need to start planning now so the transition is well funded and well executed. In a statement, the government said the panel had been tasked with consulting widely on the future of forestry in NSW, with its work to feed into an industry action plan. “We want input on what forests and a sustainable forestry industry will look like in the next 30 years,” it said. “Consultation will consider key areas such as the sustainability of forestry operations, the future of all types of forestry (softwood, hardwood, native), environmental concerns, community demand for timber, climate change mitigation and adaptation and more.”