Forest Products Industry

A new paper published in Nature Communications reveals how the way tree species are arranged in a forest can help optimise ecosystem functioning and productivity. Source: Timberbiz The study was conducted using empirical field data combined with advanced computer models and simulations by researchers at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig University, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The researchers found that the way tree species are arranged in a forest, whether clustered or randomly spread out, impacts productivity. This so-called species spatial heterogeneity, which refers to the patterns of species distribution within a forest, such as block or line planting, affects how nutrients cycle through the ecosystem. “For decades, biodiversity research has emphasised the benefits of mixing species for productivity and carbon storage. However, this approach is rarely implemented, largely due to the absence of practical guidelines that account for real-world forestry constraints”, first author Rémy Beugnon and postdoc at iDiv said. The models show that random planting designs increased tree biomass by 11% compared with clustered layouts. A more even spread of tree species helps promote the even distribution of the fallen leaves, boosting nutrients and organic matter recycling, according to the authors. The rate of carbon decomposition after nine months also increased with greater spatial heterogeneity, rising from 36.5% of carbon being decomposed in block designs to 47.1% in random designs. Notably, line planting where alternating rows of different tree species are used, provided a middle ground between ecological benefits and ease of forest management, achieving 40.4% of carbon being decomposed after nine months. Another key factor is the overall diversity and number of species present in a given forest stand, regardless of their arrangement. More diverse forests, with a wide range of species present, showed higher nitrogen and carbon cycling compared to less diverse configurations. This provides a more diverse mix of resources for decomposers and promotes decomposition. “The combination of experimental analyses and predictive modelling could be used to evaluate different scenarios of forest management. Besides the experimental validation of these findings, an important next step will be to know how general our conclusions are and whether they apply to different types of forests,” co-author Benoit Gauzens of iDiv and the University of Jena said. From a practical standpoint, the researchers note the balance required between securing ecological benefits and forest management. While random planting designs maximise ecological outcomes including more biodiversity, enhanced nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, line planting offers a manageable compromise, simplifying tasks like thinning and harvesting. Looking ahead, researchers envision extending these computer-based findings by conducting long-term field experiments to validate the study’s results in real-world contexts. Such trials would further investigate the interaction between tree species diversity, spatial arrangement, and ecosystem function, helping develop new approaches to reforestation and sustainable forestry. “This study is an important example of how basic research can inform management applications under field conditions: we can leverage biodiversity in forests if we arrange it in the right way,” said Nico Eisenhauer, professor at Leipzig University and group head at iDiv. “Moreover, we see how local interactions between trees, their microclimate, and soil biodiversity can scale up to enhance multiple ecosystem services in forests.” The paper can be downloaded at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61389-7    

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The global pulp and paper industry has moved through 2025 with more signs of strain thus far as mill closures and production curtailments continue to mount. These shutdowns both permanent and temporary, are unfolding across regions. They are affecting a wide range of operations, from containerboard mills in North America to pulp and specialty facilities in Europe and the South Pacific. Sources: Timberbiz, Resource Wise This wave of closures follows a similar pattern seen in recent years but appears to be intensifying. Companies are citing a variety of reasons for the decision such as rising costs, shifting demand, aging assets. Global Mill Closures in 2025 Several significant closures have been announced or implemented in 2025: International Paper: Shut down its Campti, Louisiana containerboard mill in April, citing decreased demand for packaging products and efforts to streamline operations. Georgia-Pacific: Announced the closure of its containerboard mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, effective August, as part of a strategic move to optimize its manufacturing footprint. Smurfit WestRock: Closed its St. Paul, Minnesota CRB mill and ceased production at the Forney, Texas containerboard mill, focusing on more efficient facilities post-merger. Greif: Permanently closed its Fitchburg, Massachusetts and Los Angeles, California recycled paperboard mills due to high operating costs and limited integration opportunities. Metsä Board: Closed its Tako board mill in Tampere, Finland, in response to weakened market demand and rising operational costs. UPM Communication Papers: Announced the closure of its Ettringen, Germany paper mill by July, aligning capacity with profitable demand amid market overcapacities. Oji Fibre Solutions: Ceased operations of Paper Machine 6 at its Kinleith Mill in Tokoroa, New Zealand, by the end of June, as the paper production line was loss-making. In this environment, the ability to anticipate and strategically respond to mill closures is essential. This holds true not just for producers, but for suppliers, customers, and investors across the value chain. That’s where advanced benchmarking tools like FisherSolve’s Viability Benchmarking Module come in. This powerful module evaluates mills based on factors like: Cost Position Technical Age Carbon and Environmental Performance Mill Integration and Logistics Capital Needs The pulp and paper industry is undergoing structural transformation. Energy, labour, environmental expectations, and consumer behaviour are all evolving, and mills that can’t keep up are increasingly being retired.

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Irish-based global manufacturer Combilift, a leader in multi-directional and customised handling solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025 for its Combi-CB70E, high-capacity, electric-powered multidirectional forklift. Source: Timberbiz The Red Dot Award, one of the most internationally renowned design competitions, recognises excellence in design quality and innovation. This award completes a hat trick for Combilift who previously won a Red Dot for the Combi-WR and ‘Best of the Best’ for the Combi-CB4. Combilift’s Combi-CB70E impressed the international jury with its new ergonomic design, environmental credentials, and ability to enhance operator comfort and productivity in demanding industrial settings. “We are delighted to receive our third Red Dot Award this year for the Combi-CB70E. Our design and engineering teams have been striving to provide solutions that are not only functional and safe but also reflect excellence in industrial design. Our customers increasingly demand electric alternatives that don’t compromise on performance, and the CB70E is exactly that,” Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift, said. The multidirectional Combi-CB70E is a 7-tonne capacity electric counterbalance forklift, specifically designed for handling long and bulky loads in confined or challenging spaces. Equipped with Combilift’s patented Independent Traction Control System and large elastic rubber tyres, it provides all-terrain capability while maintaining zero-emission operation. The spacious gas strut suspension cab and floor to ceiling glazing offers enhanced visibility and comfort, while the Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel, ensures optimal ergonomics and comfort for operators, even during extended shifts. This Red Dot recognition comes in an exceptional 11 months of success for Combilift, which has also received multiple international accolades for its products and leadership, including Product of the Year and Ergonomics Award at the UKMHA Archies Awards, as well as Design Team of the Year and Industry Leader awards from the UK’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards. View the Combi-CB70E at https://youtu.be/94jdFGAJ7fA

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Following the announcement of proposed upgrades in 2023, works have now commenced in the Redwood Forest at Yarra Ranges National Park in Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Parks Victoria has collaborated with Melbourne Water, Yarra Ranges Council, and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, to ensure that the upgrades to the iconic forest are delivered to the highest standard. Visitors can look forward to several upgrades, including additional car parking, a safety gate, accessible public toilets, and a visitor shelter. We will also be formalising sections of the existing trial network, which will further efforts to protect the environment and growth of the surrounding fauna. The funding for these upgrades has become available in part due to the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund. This fund supports new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects that increase visitation, drive private investment and deliver more jobs to Victorians. Melbourne Water has also invested an additional $400,000 to deliver their portion of work, which will help to improve the river health of the Yarra. This will run concurrently to the works that Parks Victoria is delivering. “The Redwoods project has been many years in the making with a lot of planning that has gone into this very complex site. Did you know that the Redwoods was never designed as a visitor site? The visitation grew organically and at an incredibly fast pace, largely due to social media promoting the beauty of the plantation and its surrounds.” Conrad Annal, the Chief Area Ranger for Yarra Rangers said. “With the funding secured, and the necessary planning and approvals completed – it’s really exciting to see construction commencing. “Having these upgrades and new facilities will provide tangible benefits to the visitor experience and to the environment.” We expect these works to be finished in late 2025, subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions. The project includes environmental protection works from both Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water to minimise the impacts of visitation to the site. Works delivered by Parks Victoria will include formalising sections of the existing trail network, and closing some informal trails, which will reduce the site’s exposure to foot traffic. This will help protect the forest understorey and replenish important habitat that provides a home for plants and wildlife. Works delivered by Melbourne Water will include the construction of boardwalks, viewing platforms and fencing, as well as re-vegetation, along the Cement Creek and the Yarra River. These improvements will reduce the impacts of foot traffic, improve river health and provide and protect native habitat.

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Guulabaa – Place of Koala has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 Awards, recognised in the Completed Buildings: Civic and Community category. Featured alongside some of the world’s most significant architectural works, this honour places the project among the most outstanding examples of built design that serve community and the environment. Source: Timberbiz Held annually, the WAF is one of the world’s most respected design events, celebrating the best in built and future architecture across a broad range of categories. This year’s shortlist includes over 460 projects selected from more than 780 entries worldwide, with Guulabaa among a select group of Australian projects to make the list. Designed by Gensler in partnership with the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Guulabaa in Cowarra State Forest is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre. Realised through strong cross-sector collaboration, including support from the NSW timber industry, which supplied a diverse range of responsibly sourced, durable Australian hardwoods that anchor the design in performance and sustainability. Its WAF shortlisting follows a recent win at the ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, where it was recognised for design quality, environmental leadership, and community impact. “Being recognised by both the ULI Awards for Excellence and now the World Architecture Festival is deeply meaningful,” said Kathy Lyons, Senior Manager at Forestry Corporation of NSW. “It affirms that design rooted in collaboration with community and conservation at its core, can resonate globally and offer a blueprint for how architecture can restore and regenerate.” The WAF shortlisting further strengthens Guulabaa’s growing international profile and underscores its role as a model for sustainable tourism and conservation-led design. Its integration of storytelling, ecology, and architecture demonstrates how the built environment can support both environmental restoration and community empowerment. “Guulabaa demonstrates what’s possible when design is guided by purpose and grounded in Country,” said Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler Australia. “To have it recognised on the world stage is a powerful acknowledgement of the role nature-based design can play in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.” The World Architecture Festival 2025 will take place in Miami Beach this November, where shortlisted teams will present their projects live to an international jury of leading architects, designers and urban thinkers.  

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FSC is inviting proposals for the review and revision of existing national and centralised risk assessments related to forest products. The objective is to align these assessments with the FSC-PRO-60-006b Risk Assessment Framework. Source: Timberbiz Australia is among the 22 countries included in this phase of the work. FSC strongly encourages local organisations with relevant experience in forestry, supply chain due diligence, legality verification, Indigenous rights, and stakeholder engagement to consider applying. Risk assessments are essential to FSC’s mission. They help determine the risk of sourcing unacceptable material in a given country or region and provide guidance for implementing due diligence under FSC Controlled Wood requirements. These assessments are used by certificate holders, certification bodies and supply chain actors to ensure that FSC-certified products are not linked to illegal logging, human rights violations or other unacceptable activities. While existing risk assessments provide a valuable foundation, they must now be reviewed, updated and aligned with the revised risk assessment framework to ensure consistency and robustness across the system. This assignment involves: Reviewing the current NRA or CNRA for the country Identifying any information gaps or inconsistencies Conducting independent research to close those gaps Consulting relevant stakeholders Preparing revised draft assessments for FSC review and approval The following countries are included in this round of work: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Guatemala, Honduras, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, South Africa, Thailand, and Uruguay. If you or your organisation possess the required qualifications and experience for this type of work, FSC would like you to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). You can also find Annexes, which include: FSC Service Agreement Template. The contract that will be signed between the vendor and FSC, if the award is granted. The template is provided for your information and consideration. FSC RFP Clarifications Template. Please use the template in case further clarifications to the RfP are needed from your part. FSC Price Sheet Template. Please fill out the Price Sheet for each deliverable stated in the DELIVERABLES section and submit it in both, PDF (signed) and XLS format. In the same file please also indicate your availability for interview in the provided schedule. Applications are due by 10 September 2025. More information is at https://anz.fsc.org If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity in the Australian or New Zealand context, please don’t hesitate to contact the FSC team via info@au.fsc.org.

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The influence of raw logs on the forestry sector’s exports has surged in the past decade, with the commodity now accounting for over half the sector’s total export earnings. Source: FarmersWeekly Data from Figure.NZ shows export log income dependency has grown by a third since 2015, when logs made up only 42% of export income. Last year they accounted for 56%, with forecasts estimating this proportion will level off in coming years. Mark Ross, CEO of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, said the “log effect” on the sector has been driven particularly strongly since 2019 by the removal of Chinese tariffs on all wood products under the terms of the New Zealand-China free trade agreement. “For forest owners the best price for a commercial decision has been to export logs. We are, however, hoping this will start to turn in the coming years.” He said with the sector’s longer-term goal of doubling exports over 10 years there is no chance it could be achieved under existing forested areas through logs alone. He said the sector wrestles with a perception in overseas markets that pinus radiata is not a quality timber product. There is a need for wider industry promotion of “NZ Inc” timber to grow awareness of its inherent quality. “This is something we have done in the United States, and it needs to be done in more markets.” He said this could include a certified label, or simply having the industry work better together on promotional efforts. “Unlike some sectors, take for example kiwifruit or dairy, we do not have people on the ground in markets to promote our timber. It’s something we have spoken about, particularly if we want to double our exports.” Wood processors do not contribute to an industry levy fund, Mr Ross said, and there has not been a lot of enthusiasm for this despite its potential value. There are now few markets where tariffs themselves are insurmountable obstacles to building volumes, but there are ongoing challenges of non-tariff barriers like building regulations. For example, Australian building regulations for timber “stiffness” limit the ability of NZ to supply the market. Meantime Australian state and federal governments offer attractive grants to timber processors. This includes a $110 million federal grant funding option as part of a $300m industry support package. Mr Ross said it is welcome news to hear how much support NZ is getting from the building industry in the United States as its government considers new tariff levels. Even the US Chamber of Commerce is recommending that timber and timber products remain tariff free. “And they are often on the right side of US trade decisions, so we stay hopeful.” A report on timber imports into the US is due late November, and US President Donald Trump is supposed to wait for the report before enacting levies. This takes the timeline to early next March to decide on measures. Here at home, Mr Ross is hopeful the flatter log returns are prompting more log suppliers to consider meeting demand from local mills and processors. “It’s been hard to get longer term contracts for supply locally with so many logs going to export. We are hoping this is turning around a little now.”  

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The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) says the state government and Hydro Tasmania are sending mixed messages about whether there is enough power for Boyer Mill’s proposed electrification project. Source: Pulse Tasmania AMWU State Organiser Jacob Batt has warned the confusion is putting hundreds of jobs and Tasmania’s industrial future at risk. Mr Batt said workers are “concerned and confused” after hearing conflicting claims that extra power is both available and not available for the mill’s plan to switch its boilers from coal to electricity. “It’s extremely difficult to understand, is there enough power, isn’t there enough power, when the government is saying one thing and Hydro Tasmania are saying another,” Batt said. The dispute centres on Boyer Mill’s plan to replace its coal-fired boilers with electric alternatives as part of its efforts to cut carbon emissions. The mill, which has operated for more than 80 years and directly employs over 300 people, needs extra power to make the transition stack up. Batt believes Hydro is failing to live up to its ministerial charter to provide affordable power, support jobs and help grow the state’s economy. He claimed the state-owned utility was “putting its nose at the Tasmanian government” and placing commercial interests ahead of local industry. “By Hydro Tasmania not offering Tasmanian prices of cheap energy for additional energy to Boyer Mill is in direct conflict with the ministerial charter,” he said. The union is calling for urgent action to resolve the pricing dispute and set a clear energy policy to attract major industrial investment to Tasmania. The AMWU says it will seek commitments from all parties before the state election to make sure Hydro follows its charter and backs Tasmanian industry with competitive power prices. Hydro Tasmania previously told Pulse that extra power is available and can be sourced for the mill and that discussions are ongoing.

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The Murray Region Forestry Hub has welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s Timber Fibre Strategy, commending it as a future-focused and science-backed plan that supports the sustainable growth of Australia’s forestry and fibre sector. Source: Timberbiz “Congratulations to the Government for delivering on its commitment to deliver this strategy, and to those who worked to bring this important strategy together – particularly members of the Partnership and the Department,” said Carlie Porteous, Hub Manager. The Strategy has been developed with strong collaboration across government, industry, and the workforce. It is supported by both employers and unions alike, reflecting a shared vision for a resilient and forward-thinking timber and fibre industry that continues to supply Australian builders and businesses with the wood products they need and use every day. The members of the Hub voice their strong support for the Strategy, particularly its focus on enabling the expansion of existing industries and encouraging long-term investment and innovation. “The Hub is ready to support any work that contributes to meeting the goals outlined in the Strategy,” Rab Green, Vice Chair SWG said. “We’re especially encouraged by its alignment with industry priorities and the recognition of the role regional forestry hubs can play in delivering practical, on-the-ground outcomes.” The Hub encourages the Government to commit to keeping the Strategy an active, living document – with regular check-ins, updates, and engagement mechanisms to avoid it becoming something that “sits on the shelf.” “This Strategy represents a real opportunity to shape the future of forestry in Australia. Let’s make sure it’s implemented with purpose and remains responsive to the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Mr Green said.

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Tasmania is fortunate to have large areas of ‘Wilderness’ where nature takes care of its own. These are globally recognised World Heritage Areas. Some 58.7% of Tasmania’s forests are in some form of formal or informal reserves. However, reserves are usually poorly managed for bio (and genetic) diversity, being at the mercy of wildfire or chance events. All eggs should not be placed in one basket (reservation). There is equal conservation value in creating large areas of actively managed forest with some control and planning over the frequency and intensity of disturbances that shape these forests, especially fire dependent forest communities. A diversity of forest stages of development across both space and time is also critical. Regrowth forests can become old growth! Currently, only around 20% of Tasmania’s public forests are available for production forestry. It is acknowledged that temperate rainforest communities require extensive periods without disturbance and are excluded from forest harvesting in Tasmania. Eucalypt forest lockup favours the later stages of the forest cycle, at the expense of earlier phases characterised by a greater proportion of smaller shrubs and herbaceous plants. Eucalypt forest lockup also encourages fuel build up resulting in the inevitable, intense, uncontrolled wildfire potentially burning out hundreds of thousands of hectares in a single fire season. For example, at the beginning of 2025 the West Coast fire burnt out some 94,000 ha including areas of National Park (Source TFS.), and the 2018- 2019 fires on the central plateau and western Tasmania burnt out some 205,000 ha, some 16% being fire sensitive communities. (Source PWS) In rural communities there is increased threat to life and property from wildfire. Green policy has failed to value regrowth forests. Talk is only of the value of ‘old growth’ or ‘ancient’ forests. However, today’s regrowth forests, allowed to mature, are tomorrow’s old growth, or ‘ancient’ forests. Remember, forest species are dynamic, many requiring fire or disturbance to complete their lifecycles. Diversity in forest age is an important component of biodiversity conservation that appears to have escaped the attention of many. Total forest lock-up policy is akin to us valuing only the elderly our community, with no value placed on our children (and producing them for the next generation!) or working adults (taxpayers!) – complete forest lockup policy makes no sense. Ending native forest harvesting and active native forest management amounts to ecological madness, has no scientific basis, and are driven by political aspiration and self-interest, with no regard to forest ecology, forest conservation or regional economies. David Bower is a graduate in biological sciences, a professional forester and carbon asset manager.

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