Forest Products Industry

Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University. Source: Timberbiz Researchers at RMIT have shown the bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants as water or air flows through it. The findings point to a practical way of turning a common forestry by product into a useful environmental material using a relatively simple processing method. Porous carbon materials are already widely used in water filters, air purifiers and industrial gas treatment systems. Their effectiveness comes from their structure rather than the source material itself. These materials contain a network of microscopic pores. As air or water passes through, unwanted molecules are captured and held within the tiny spaces. PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who led much of the experimental work, said the performance of eucalyptus bark was unexpected. “It is usually treated as low value waste, but with a simple process we were able to convert it into a highly porous material with strong adsorption performance,” Ms Saini said. “It highlights how overlooked biomass can be transformed into something useful.” In the study, the researchers used a relatively simple, one step activation process to produce porous carbon from eucalyptus bark. While similar approaches have been explored using other biomass sources, many porous carbons are still produced through more complex, multistage routes that require additional energy and infrastructure. Plant-waste based carbons are being studied worldwide using feedstocks ranging from agricultural residues to forestry and industrial waste. These materials are typically assessed based on availability, sustainability, processing complexity and performance. Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said eucalyptus bark compared favourably on several of these measures, particularly in Australia. “The strength of this approach lies in its simplicity,” Mr Jampaiah said. “We are converting a widely available waste material into a functional carbon with promising performance, without relying on complex processing steps. That makes it highly relevant for real world environmental applications.” Australia is home to more than 900 species of eucalypt and related trees. As a next step, the researchers plan to work with Indigenous people and organisations with deep knowledge of eucalyptus species to help identify which species may be best suited for this type of application. The team says there is potential to further optimise the material by understanding species specific chemical and structural characteristics, guided by both scientific analysis and long-standing ecological knowledge. Any future work would be undertaken through genuine, respectful collaboration. Because the bark comes from existing forestry operations, it does not compete with food production and aligns with circular economy and waste reduction goals. Materials like this are already being explored internationally for a range of environmental applications. In time, eucalyptus bark derived porous carbon could potentially support: water purification, including treatment of contaminated groundwater and wastewater air and industrial gas filtration point of use filtration systems in regional and remote communities carbon dioxide capture, where pore structure, regeneration and material cost are critical considerations Any real-world use would depend on further work to assess durability, regeneration, scale up and performance in operating systems. Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava AM said the research demonstrated how waste materials could be re imagined as part of environmental solutions. “This work shows how eucalyptus bark can be transformed into materials that support cleaner water, cleaner air and carbon capture,” said Bhargava, Director of the Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC) at RMIT. “At CAMIC, we combine circular economy innovation with real societal impact, while mentoring the next generation of researchers to ensure the work remains purposeful.” ‘Sustainable valorisation of eucalyptus bark waste into microporous carbon materials for efficient CO₂ capture’ is published in the international journal Biomass and Bioenergy (DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2026.109242).

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Entries are open for the 2026 Sustainability Awards, recognising excellence in sustainable architecture, design and construction. Source: Timberbiz Celebrating its 20th year, the 2026 Awards arrive at a pivotal moment for the built environment, one defined by increasing regulatory pressure, housing supply challenges, and the mainstreaming of sustainability as a commercial imperative rather than a design aspiration. Entries opened on 29 April and close on 24 June 2026, with submissions invited from professionals delivering measurable impact across projects, products and practice. Judging will commence on 17 July and the awards gala will be held on 12 November. This year’s program introduces two significant category updates that reflect the evolving priorities of the industry, including the return of established and emerging areas of practice. The introduction of Sustainable Builder/Developer of the Year, marks a decisive shift in recognising accountability for sustainability outcomes. The category acknowledges that leadership has moved beyond the drawing board, rewarding builders and developers who are embedding environmental performance, social responsibility and long-term value creation into delivery at scale. It signals a broader industry recalibration, where sustainability is judged on execution, not intent. Equally, the return of the Prefab & Modular category, absent since 2020, reflects the sector’s rapid maturation and growing strategic importance. Once considered niche, prefabrication is now firmly positioned as a scalable solution to some of Australia’s most pressing challenges, including housing affordability, construction productivity and waste reduction. Its reinstatement underscores increasing industry adoption and alignment with government and institutional support for modern methods of construction. “Sustainability in the built environment is no longer aspirational—it’s essential. These awards not only celebrate the innovators getting it right but also amplify their impact to drive broader change,” said Branko Miletic, Program Director. The Awards Gala will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Sydney, bringing together leaders shaping the future of Australia’s built environment. Established by Architecture & Design, the Sustainability Awards spotlight excellence in ecological and socially responsible design. Over two decades, the program has become one of Australia’s most trusted and influential platforms for recognising leadership in the built environment. For entry submissions, judging information, sponsorship opportunities or event details, visit: www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

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The Electoral Commission of South Australia formally declared the final election result of the Legislative Council at a ceremony in Adelaide this week, confirming the re-election of Labor MLC Clare Scriven. Source: Timberbiz The return of Ms Scriven as a Member of the Legislative Council means she can continue to deliver for the state in her role as the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Minister for Forest Industries. As a Limestone Coast local with a special affinity for the state’s rural, remote and regional communities, Ms Scriven is an important voice for regional South Australia and an important member of Peter Malinauskas’ diverse and hard-working team. The final election result means Labor now holds 10 seats in the Legislative Council, a position not experienced by any government in almost a quarter of a century. Labor has already recorded a record result in the House of Assembly, holding 34 out of 47 seats.

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