Australian timber industry news

Forestry England and British Airways have a one-year partnership to support planting 9,000 oak trees and help create an area of wildflower meadow at Wing Wood in Buckinghamshire. Source: Timberbiz Wing Wood is a new 51-hectare woodland Forestry England is creating to be an inspiring green space for local people, a valuable habitat for wildlife and a sustainable source of timber. Support from British Airways’ Better World Community Fund is boosting the number of trees being planted and has kickstarted funding for the wildflower meadow in the new woodland. Forestry England has already planted more than 109,000 broadleaf and conifer trees at Wing Wood and will plant another 23,000 this year. Thanks to British Airways’ support, this will include 9,000 oak trees, with British Airways staff joining Forestry England to begin the planting of these at Wing Wood. They also saw how the rest of the new woodland is being created including the preparations for the wildflower meadow, the first section of which will be planted in the spring. With kickstarter support from British Airways, Forestry England has launched a fundraising campaign using Crowdfunder. They are aiming to raise £16,000 to expand the new wildflower meadow at Wing Wood, which will cover just over half a hectare. It will blend with the woodland, providing essential food plants for pollinating insects such as butterflies and bees and shelter for small mammals and birds, creating a joined-up mosaic of habitats across Wing Wood. Later this year Forestry England will begin creating five new wildlife ponds, a community orchard and accessible paths. As part of the partnership, British Airways staff will volunteer alongside Forestry England teams to help look after woodlands and forests at four sites across England. The partnership announcement comes at a time of major national focus on tree planting, woodland creation and nature recovery, with Government targets to treble tree planting rates in England by 2024. Forestry England is planting at least 2,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodland in England by 2025. Several new woodlands are being created as Coronation Woods to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and leave a lasting legacy for people and nature.

A new study by researchers at University of Limerick has revealed a sustainable method of efficiently converting waste heat into electricity using Irish wood products, while minimising costs and environmental impact. Source: Timberbiz The groundbreaking study, led by researchers at UL in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Valencia, has demonstrated a method of generating electricity using low-grade heat recovered from lignin-derived membranes. Lignin, typically overlooked, is a sustainable by-product derived from wood in paper and pulp production. The study shows that these membranes can convert waste heat into electricity by utilising the movement of charged atoms (ions) within the material. This is a significant advancement as previous studies had only demonstrated this technology using cellulose from natural wood, and the new UL research has successfully applied it to lignin from waste wood – contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy as a result. Low-grade heat refers to waste heat generated at temperatures below 200 degrees Celsius. In industrial processes, 66% of the waste heat falls into this category, highlighting the potential of this breakthrough for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications. The NXTGENWOOD study, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, has been published in the Journal of Advanced Functional Materials. Professor Maurice N Collins, Professor of Materials Science in UL’s School of Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Bernal Institute who supervised the study, explained: “Low-grade heat comes from various sources like waste heat in industries, heat losses in insulating systems, ocean thermal gradients, biomass fermentation, and solar heat. “Despite its potential, utilising low-grade thermal energy in energy harvesting applications has been challenging due to the lack of cost-effective technologies. “Our research explores the use of ionic thermoelectric membranes made from lignin, an underutilised by-product in the paper and pulp industry, offering a sustainable solution.” Lead author Muhammad Muddasar, a NXTGENWOOD PhD student based at the Bernal Institute, explained: “We have developed the first lignin-based membrane for ionic thermoelectric energy harvesting. “Our membrane is lightweight, easy to synthesise, and biocompatible, making it suitable for various applications, including thermal energy harvesting, temperature sensing, and biomedical sensors for health monitoring.” The UL researcher’s work on the NXTGENWOOD project comes under the umbrella of the Science Federation Ireland-funded Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER). The project is dedicated to developing new value-added applications from Irish wood. Professor Collins added of the environmental potential of the research taking place at UL: “While there is still room for further development in heat-to-electricity conversion applications, the study demonstrates that abundantly available lignin can successfully contribute to low-grade thermal energy harvesting, especially in scenarios where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are crucial.”

An interesting story has been emerging about two Merritt, Canada residents who have created a hybrid (diesel/electric) logging truck prototype that displays innovations and dedication to sustainability. It has taken them two years and over a million dollars (of crowd-source funds mostly from other truckers) to build their first two prototypes. Source: The Williams Lake Tribune Eric Little and Chace Barber (Edison Motors’ co-founders) were inspired to create their own electric truck since Tesla was so slow at releasing their electric truck as promised in 2016. The hybrid truck is a specially designed heavy-duty vehicle intended to replace traditional diesel-powered logging trucks. Little said much of the inspiration for the truck came from their mission to protect the environment. Also check out the You Tube videos which shows the truck as well as commentary by the builders about the problems they had to overcome to build and test the first prototypes. The electric motor had to be moved closer to the drive axles because the drive shaft and universal joints kept breaking because of the high torque from the electric motor. The prototype boasts features that make it unique and suitable for the rugged conditions of the logging industry. It is equipped with an electric motor and a diesel motor that promises more horsepower with a fraction of the fuel costs and emissions. The builders believe this version is the solution for now, as about only 10% of the industry can operate on fully electric trucks. For example, batteries are used when loggers go uphill with their empty trucks because they are still very light. Once loaded, more energy is produced going down the hill than you used going up. In order to meet the needs of the other 80% of logging truck situations that don’t always have logs on mountain tops for recharging batteries they have replaced a 15 litre diesel engine to a nine litre one and you can drive for about two hours off the batteries, depending on your load, and then the generator fires up for another 30 minutes. So you are only running a nine litre motor for a half-hour to drive off electric for two hours, instead of running a 15 litre diesel 100% of the time. While we wait for the delivery of these hybrid trucks we might start seeing electric motors on the logging trailers. Truck News April 2022 describes how FPInnovations is currently developing a hybrid trailer for forestry operations, with plans to replace a conventional trailer axle with an electrically powered drive axle. The project is reportedly worth around US$2.5 million and is funded by Natural Resource Canada’s Clean Growth Program. The fuel savings are claimed to be up to 15% with the trailers with greenhouse gas emissions reductions up to 40 tonnes per year. Another reported benefit to the trailers is nearly 50% better traction in slippery conditions. I think these hybrid systems are a good way to transition away from conventional diesel-powered trucks. The electric trailer prototypes will use regenerative braking to recharge the batteries, reduce brake fade, and increase safety in mountainous terrain for both log and biomass trailers. As Baber and Little point out in their video it takes time to find the weaknesses in any prototypes so the sooner we incorporate the hybrids into our truck fleets the faster we can make the improvements.

In log transport, an array of new innovations around electric, hydrogen and diesel-hybrid powered vehicles, truck automation and platooning continue to be rolled out. Right now, there’s huge interest being shown by local forestry and log haulage companies. Already, many firsts for fuelling log trucks in this part of the world are underway by some larger fleet operators. Source: Timberbiz Since last year’s major Wood Transport & Logistics event, new technologies and innovations that were unveiled in May 2023 have had 12 months of on and off-road testing and commercial operations under their belt. Now is the time to get meaningful results back on just how it’s all stacked up – operationally and financially. It’s for this reason and as overwhelmingly requested by last year’s delegates, a follow-up Wood Transport & Logistics event for log haulage, forestry and log harvesting companies has been set up by the Forest Industry Engineering Association. Support again has also been secured from key trucking associations from across the region. The event will run in Rotorua, New Zealand on 22-23 May 2024 as well as being live streamed to companies outside of Australia and NZ unable to travel into New Zealand to attend the event in person. For those attending in Rotorua, a conference, pre-conference workshops being run by the Log Transport Safety Council and Trimble Forestry, exhibitions (inside and outside the venue) and a 50th reunion of harvesting researchers from LIRO/LIRA – have all been planned around these dates. Registrations, program details and further information can be found on the event website, www.woodtransport.events  

Scion is rewriting the rulebook on tree propagation, ushering in a new era for forestry. It’s a world where trees are beginning their lives in a lab and where scientists are harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to boost productivity. Buckle up because the future of forestry has arrived. Source: Timberbiz The current approach to propagating forestry trees as varietals to deliver the very best trees into our forests is a labour-intensive exercise. Scion is partnering with Forest Growers Research (FGR) and industry on the Tissue Culture Techniques for the 21st Century Forests project which uses somatic embryogenesis as a reliable propagation method to ensure consistent results. Scion has a long history of growing plants from seed, and propagation techniques that create new plants from cuttings, grafting and layering. This project is exploring the potential of how we can create new trees by growing plant cells in culture in a petri dish – a process that doesn’t require seeds to germinate. Scientists working in Scion’s tissue culture labs are using a technique called somatic embryogenesis that is playing a critical new role in clonal propagation for woody plants. The research is advancing knowledge to help improve ways the forestry industry can rapidly grow new trees from proven and high-performing genotypes. Scion’s science lead on the project, Dr Jana Krajňáková, explains there is an urgent need for cost-effective, efficient tree vegetative propagation (bio)technologies for supporting the development of precision forestry, and delivery of forest products and services. The FGR-led programme is funded by the Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT), MBIE, and Strategic Science Investment Fund, and aims to produce a reliable and cost-effective tissue culture process by using bioreactors and other high productivity systems to quickly produce small, rooted plantlets. The work will make dramatic improvements in the delivery of genetic gain and future biotechnology developments into tree stock. Somatic embryogenesis is a process that takes immature embryos, formed after pollination, from green cones. These embryos are then induced to produce masses of cells which contain many tiny somatic embryos. The embryogenic mass that originated from one immature zygotic embryo is called a cell line. These cell lines can be encouraged to form mature embryos that develop into seedlings which are acclimatised to nursery conditions and finally planted in the forest. This process is an extremely attractive option for the rapid reproduction of genotypes with proven performance. Each tree species and cell line (genotype) within a single species requires its own set of instructions to get to the end goal – a robust plant. Ms Krajňáková stresses the complexity of figuring out the best conditions for a multitude of different cell lines. “Tissue culture can be considered advanced cooking – it is more art than science.” The current approach for somatic embryogenesis starts with a cell line and uses a semi-solid media for supplying the required nutrients. A potentially more efficient approach with liquid media in bioreactors is also being explored. Scion is the first institute to be investigating temporary immersion bioreactors for Pinus radiata. Using these bioreactors is a step towards automation and scale-up; instead of manually transferring somatic embryos between petri plates, the embryos grow in a liquid media in the bioreactors. Temporary immersion bioreactors of coniferous somatic embryos are not well studied. Scion has tried Pinus radiata, redwoods, and Douglas fir in the bioreactors; redwoods are the most promising at this stage. Scion tissue culture scientist Cathie Reeves has successfully developed a simplified propagation protocol that condenses the germination phase from five weeks to 10-14 days. The results showed greater survival rates and quality of the plants, which validates the shortened protocol – leading to reduced costs. Ms Reeves says “better quality plants mean better overall survival because the costs due to loss of plants is reduced”. “We are also looking at ways of further reducing the timing and even removing an entire step involved in the process, which would further reduce costs.” Ms Krajňáková says one of the key outcomes is the relationship and development of trust between Scion and our industry partners in working with cell lines. “Sharing the results with partners so far, our approach has created more openness,” she says. FGR Tissue Culture Techniques for the 21st Century Forests programme manager Russell Burton says the project is building the industry’s body of knowledge. “The more sharing we have, the more we all learn and the more New Zealand increasingly gains from the program.” In the current Pinus radiata somatic embryogenesis process, the resilience of tissue-cultured plants, when transferred to the nursery, is poor. Root systems are often a limiting factor for their clonal deployment potential due to scarcity of roots, cessation of their growth and unbalanced architecture. Machine learning wasn’t part of the original program but after the first year it was highlighted as an opportunity to improve productivity. A small pilot project indicated the promising potential for increased productivity and greater automation. Since that time, additional resources have been injected into the program in response to industry interest, and machine learning is now an integral part of the project. The team is embracing modern technologies and increasingly using automation, which allows for more accurate measurement of somatic embryos, helping the selection process and making it more efficient. The potential impact of this machine learning and artificial intelligence has been recognised by the forestry industry. FGR awarded Scion data scientist Sam Davidson the Young Researcher award for his machine learning work on this project at the FGR annual conference in September 2023. The scientific excellence of Scion’s tissue culture team was also acknowledged with the Science of International Quality award from FGR. This was based on the team’s ability to build key collaborations with world-leading international teams, and the number of scientific publications and speaking opportunities the team has produced in under four years.  

Australia is home to 134 million hectares of forests covering approximately 17% of the land area, and storing an estimated 10.5 billion tonnes of carbon, with 98.8% held in native forests. Source: Architecture & Design Of the 132 million hectares of native forest primarily dominated by hardwood species, two million are plantation, while five million hectares – 3.7% are accessible for timber harvesting. Each year, a nominal 78,000 hectares are carefully harvested, representing just six in every 10,000 trees, with the selective harvesting occurring exclusively in approved areas and followed by meticulous regeneration efforts, often involving replanting native species in much higher numbers than was removed. The Australasian Timber and Flooring Association (ATFA) says it is actively addressing the complex challenges posed by the timber harvesting dilemma across multiple fronts in Victoria (VIC) and New South Wales (NSW), following the permanent closure of forestry operations in VIC, and the suspension of forestry operations in NSW to establish 106 Koala Parks. ATFA also says it has been clarifying aspects such as wildlife protection, carbon sequestration, and the sustainability of timber products, particularly their ability to store carbon throughout their lifespan. With careful canopy management and forest renewal practices, younger trees thrive, contributing to healthy microclimates and stronger habitats, it notes. Australia’s native timber industry contributes significantly to the economy, generating $2.9 billion in gross revenue in NSW alone, while promoting job creation, supporting regional communities and bolstering Australian sovereignty in timber supply. Native timber harvesting plays a pivotal role in Australia’s sustainable forestry practices, effectively harmonising economic development with environmental preservation. Considering the multifaceted dimensions of the issue, ATFA has gone on the record saying that “only a balanced approach can safeguard both our environment and the livelihoods of many Australians dependent on this industry.” Over the next four years, both Federal and State Governments are allocating over $300 million to support the country’s forest industries. ATFA claims it’s initiatives “inspire innovation in these diverse sectors, fostering a harmonious balance between economic growth and ecological responsibility, while setting new benchmarks in eco-conscious design, and helping shape a sustainable future, where the choices made today resonate positively across industries and generations.”

Standards New Zealand has released a draft Technical Specification for Structural design actions – Part 5: Earthquake actions – New Zealand (TS1170.5) for public comment. The draft specification looks to provide updated engineering guidance to determine earthquake loadings when designing new buildings. Source: Timberbiz “Standards New Zealand and Engineering New Zealand were commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to develop a draft Technical Specification incorporating the science and insights gained from the updated 2022 National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM),” said Malcolm MacMillian, National Manager, Standards New Zealand. “The draft Technical Specification has been developed through a robust process using the skills, knowledge, and experience of a committee of technical experts from across the building industry. We now welcome others to review the proposed draft and provide their feedback. Public comment will run for a four-week period. “Once published, a Technical Specification should typically be reviewed after three years to decide whether to extend its use for a further three years, revise it, withdraw it or develop it further to become a standard.” The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is encouraging people from across the engineering, building and property sectors to provide input into the public comment process being run by Standards New Zealand. “The current earthquake loading requirements for new buildings are not changing with the release of this Technical Specification. Once published by Standards New Zealand, it will be able to be used by designers on a voluntary basis as one way of demonstrating compliance with the performance-based Building Code, through an alternative solution” said Dave Gittings, Manger Performance Building and Engineering, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. “It’s important to note that the Technical Specification does not change the requirements of the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system. All seismic assessments, including voluntary seismic assessments, follow the same approach as for the national earthquake-prone building system and use the current standard NZS 1170.5:2004,” he said. The draft Technical Specification is a technical document. It has been developed to help engineers and designers voluntarily incorporate, into their designs, the results of new science in the NSHM. If the specification is followed, new buildings will be able to better withstand the range of earthquake shaking expected in different areas of New Zealand. “The draft specification is intended for most new buildings such as offices, commercial buildings, and apartments. Other buildings, such as dwellings and timber framed buildings up to two storeys’ high are generally not affected because a different design standard is typically used,” Mr Gittings said. “The use of a technical specification provides the framework to ensure that technical content being proposed is adequately ‘road tested’ by New Zealand engineers, with the opportunity for them to provide feedback before the information is published in a New Zealand Standard or considered for inclusion into the Building Code.” The draft Technical Specification 1170.5 can be found on Standards New Zealand’s website here. Public comment closes on 14 March 2024.    

Five Top of the South community organisations have been given a funding boost thanks to forestry company OneFortyOne’s community grants program. Kylie Reeves, OneFortyOne’s Corporate Affairs Manager explains that the company offers one-off grants of up to NZ$5,000.  Source: Timberbiz “We are particularly keen to support projects that relate to People, Ideas, Nature, Environment (PINE). We assess the applications every two months, giving consideration to our objectives and impact – this ensures the process is fair, but otherwise we leave it to applicants to let us know what they need most,” she said. “This funding round we received applications from a diverse range of projects. The five successful organisations were chosen as it was felt that they would all make a big impact in the community in their own way. “Since we launched in July 2021, we have supported 60 community projects in the region, contributing over NZ$160,000 in funding and building materials through the community grants program.” Below are the successful February grant recipients: Hearing Association Nelson Inc received a $5,000 grant which will help deliver their Dangerous Decibels program in schools. Pete Dowling, Manager of Hearing Nelson said this education program is the only World Health Organisation approved hearing loss awareness program in the world. “With the increased use of technology devices such as headphones and Bluetooth ear buds, it’s crucial for the younger generation to know how to prevent hearing loss. “Thanks to the OneFortyOne grant our interactive science-based program will be able to reach over 3,000 students within our region this year,” Mr Dowling said. EAP Marlborough received a NZ$1,800 grant which will help fund drama education for rural communities in Marlborough. Selena Tonks, Education Adviser for REAP Marlborough said the grant funding will allow them to deliver the drama workshops in six rural communities in Marlborough. “The performance will bring the community together as we use drama to learn about local Marlborough places and stories,” she said. “The programs will be aimed at tamariki and students and along with having fun and learning a new skill it’s also hoped it will help build student resilience and emotional regulation, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.” Tamaha Sea Scouts based in Mapua received NZ$1,430 to purchase a new inflatable tent and ground sheet. Amanda Brett, Group Lead, Tamaha Sea Scouts said a new tent will be a valuable asset they can use for their camps. “The funds will allow us to a purchase a modern style inflatable tent which will mean we can make the most of shorter camps as we’ll be spending less time trying to get all the setting up,” she said. “Having the youth able to go away on camps helps them build self-resilience. They make positive memories by cooking and playing together, going for bush walks and team building.” Valley Stags Rugby Club received NZ$2,000. The Valley Stags is the combined senior rugby team for Tapawera and Rangers clubs in the Tasman Rugby Union. There are also combined kids teams under the Valley Stags organization which includes players from the Murchison and Tapawera clubs. Dion McGaveston, Chair of the Valley Stags Rugby Club said rural rugby is at the heart of what they do, and we couldn’t operate without the support from local businesses like OneFortyOne New Zealand. “It’s fantastic to have them onboard,” he said. The Marlborough Fijian Community received NZ$1,800 which supports their Covenant Brothers Team, a dedicated group of rugby enthusiasts, to participate in the Marlborough 7s, hosted by Navigation Pasifika. For more information about our community grants, see www.onefortyone.com/community/grants The next funding round for New Zealand grants will be at the end of April 2024.

Bedford has officially unveiled new state-of-the-art equipment at its timber manufacturing facility in Mount Gambier, as part of a $7m investment in the region.  Source: SE Voice The upgrade is set to double production capacity, drive greater efficiencies and broaden timber processing services at its timber manufacturing facility. Bedford chief executive Myron Mann said the investment strengthened its commitment to building capabilities, partnerships and opportunities. “We are thrilled to officially launch major infrastructure upgrades and new facilities at our Mount Gambier site,” he said. “Our investment in advanced manufacturing demonstrates our long-term commitment to being a sustainable supply chain partner in the local community, taking waste timber and adding value and finishing services across a range of products.” Mr Mann said currently Bedford partners with local industry to manufacture products such as picket fencing and decking. “The introduction of new infrastructure including a filtration system is set to build on this and deliver additional environmentally sustainable practices into Bedford’s manufacturing process,” he said. “The introduction of a new filtration system at our timber mill demonstrates our commitment to an environmentally sustainable model of manufacturing, where nothing goes to waste. “The new system collects timber extracts from the manufacturing process, which is utilised across other industry, such as materials for duck nests.” Mr Mann said included in Bedford’s investment in the region was a new Learning and Experiences Hub, which was co-located on Bedford’s timber mill site and opened last September. “The purpose-built hub offers skill-based learning and experiences for the local community, with its core purpose to build learning and capacity across the region to support people with disability to live the life they choose,” he said. Bedford will formally launch its upgraded facilities and new developments to the Mount Gambier community and industry partners at an event on Thursday.

Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager, Matt de Jongh, recently visited Brisbane to strengthen partnerships and advocate for sustainable practices in the timber industry. Source: Timberbiz His agenda included meetings with key industry players and participation in the Sustainable Industrial Manufacturing Asia Pacific Conference (SIM-PAC) 2024. One of the notable meetings during Mr de Jongh’s visit was with Responsible Wood certificate holder Platinum Timber, a leading timber supplier committed to responsible and sustainable practices. He discussed the importance of Responsible Wood certification with Platinum Timber’s Director, Peter Kennedy. Mr Kennedy emphasised the value of Responsible Wood certification. “At Platinum Timber, we believe in the significance of responsible wood sourcing, ensuring that our products contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly future,” he said. Platinum Timber has been a frontrunner in promoting environmentally conscious timber sourcing, and their dedication aligns with Responsible Wood’s mission to ensure the responsible management of forests worldwide. Jonathan Tibbits, Responsible Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager, emphasised the value of collaborating with an organisation such as Platinum Timber. “Platinum Timber not only promotes the sustainable and responsible use of timber, but has demonstrated this for many years,” he said. Platinum Timber can be found at https://platinumtimber.com.au/ Mr de Jongh also actively participated as a speaker in the SIM-PAC conference in Brisbane. He highlighted the pivotal role of responsible wood practices in industrial manufacturing processes. “Conferences like SIM-PAC provide a platform to share insights and innovations in sustainable manufacturing. Responsible wood sourcing is an integral part of creating a more environmentally friendly industrial sector,” he said. The SIM-PAC conference, as detailed on their website SIM-PAC, serves as a nexus for professionals in sustainable industrial manufacturing, facilitating discussions on eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technologies. During his visit, Mr de Jongh and CEO of Responsible Wood, Simon Dorries met with Sebastian Jaimes from Rothoblaas, a global leader in providing sustainable solutions for timber construction. The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and exchange ideas on advancing sustainable practices in the timber industry. “Engaging with industry leaders like Rothoblaas is crucial for driving positive change. Together, we can elevate the standards of sustainability in timber construction,” Mr Dorries said. Mr Jaimes echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Rothoblaas’ commitment to developing innovative solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility. More information about Rothoblaas can be found at www.rothoblaas.com Mr de Jongh’s visit to Brisbane showcased the growing momentum in the timber industry towards responsible and sustainable practices. These partnerships and engagements underscore the collective commitment to creating a more environmentally conscious future for the timber sector.

Sumitomo Forestry has received for the sixth consecutive year the highest-ranked top 1% assessment in the homebuilding industry in The Sustainability Yearbook 2024, a corporate sustainability assessment conducted by S&P Global, a US organization that is the world’s leading research and ratings company. Source: Timberbiz S&P Global assesses the economic, environmental, and social aspects of more than 9,400 leading companies around the world. The top 759 companies, including 83 Japanese companies, are listed in the Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for excellence in sustainability performance. Ever since the Sustainability Yearbook was first issued in 2008, Sumitomo Forestry has been selected for excellence in sustainability performance in the homebuilding industry for 17 consecutive years. This year, six Japanese companies, including Sumitomo Forestry, received the top 1% ranking in their respective industry sectors. Sumitomo Forestry has also been selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, both of which are global ESG investment indices based on S&P Global scores.

The eight disciplines of problem-solving is a methodology widely used in automotive industry, and it applies to plywood production as well. The structured framework helps teams to identify, locate and fix the issue at hand. Source: Timberbiz “At UPM Plywood we use 8D in quality control projects because it is a well-applied method among our customers and it helps us systematically to identify the root cause when there are, for example, deviations in plywood product quality,” Harri Nieminen, Product Manager at UPM Plywood said. 8D aims not just to correct one problem but to eliminate the root cause behind reoccurring problems. Each discipline represents a structured step to take to solve a problem, from creating a team to verifying root causes, preventing reoccurrences, and eventually congratulating the team.  Nieminen describes that the 8D projects are led by product managers and product management, and he says the method works well in plywood quality management. At UPM Plywood, 8D project is established when there are challenging customer claims. “We establish 8D projects whenever there are large and demanding claims. Also, if the customer wants us to do an 8D project for some reason related to the product quality, we evaluate the problem and establish the project and the project team from product management, production, and sales. The team varies depending on the project,” Mr Nieminen said. Once the cause has been identified and corrected and preventive actions are implemented, the measures can be tracked from the 8D report. The 8D report is also delivered to the customer if needed. “For our customers, 8D method and report proves that if for some reason they have ended up with a faulty product, there will be no similar fault again,” Mr Nieminen said. “How wood behaves as a material is not always understood. If wood material is exposed to water it may swell, or it shrinks when it dries. It is difficult to get a completely flawless product from wood due to the natural characteristics of the material.” For example, WISA products used for vehicle flooring may often be the only wooden parts in the vehicle. “Plywood can’t be analysed the same way as metal parts, but the 8D methodology works fine with plywood as well,” Pekka Kautonen, Manager, Continuous Improvement at UPM Plywood said. “8D has clear steps and leads to a deeper analysis than the direct handling of the customer claim, in which case finding out the actual problem can be forgotten. As we are being experienced and wise, we may quickly jump straight to a solution, even though we should really find out what caused the error or deviation.” The 8D tool can be applied lightly or thoroughly, depending on the extent of the problem to be solved.

Studio Weave’s pavilion in London is built to the rear of an existing Edwardian brick library, this single-storey, timber-framed extension provides an open plan café and flexible spaces for individual, community and group activities. Source: Timberbiz Inside, a rich variety of wood salvaged from trees felled across the parks, streets and gardens of London forms the joinery and furniture. The architects worked closely with local furniture maker Sebastian Cox to design a continuous wall of fluted timber panelling that connects shelving with built-in seating. Cox also designed and made custom desks, collapsible tables, stackable chairs and upholstered sofas for the pavilion. Overall, 25 cubic metres of salvaged wood was used for fitted and loose furniture, from species including London plane, poplar, sycamore, ash, Holm oak, Turkey oak, sequoia and horse chestnut. The wood was sourced, milled, and planed with the help of Fallen & Felled – a London-based timber company set up to reduce wastage of fallen trees in the capital. Fallen & Felled, is a timber company pioneering a sustainable alternative. Thousands of mature trees are felled in London every year, and most are simply chipped and burned. Fallen & Felled repurposes felled urban trees into hardwood timber for furniture makers, architects and designers. It keeps tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere and reduces the UK’s reliance on imported hardwood. More than 90% of hardwood used in the UK is imported. And yet every year, thousands of perfectly usable trees are felled in London. Almost all of them are chipped and burned for firewood or biomass fuel for power stations. So Fallen & Felled instead mills these trees into boards and seasons them for more than 12 months to transform them into furniture-grade hardwood timber. They also source some popular English species – including oak and ash which are less common in the capital from woodlands outside London. This timber is used by furniture makers, architects, designers and enthusiasts. Extracting huge trees from tiny London streets; persuading busy people to change how they dispose of trees; and milling timber that’s sometimes full of nails, shrapnel and worse is challenging. Despite the challenges, the company says it is excited to be a part of the ‘circular economy’, finding ways to recycle and add value to things our society has become used to throwing away. The company never fells trees and only use trees that perhaps have died of old age, or have been felled to make way a city development. The company has a shop in London as its main public-facing site, but there is also a timber store in Essex, just outside the M25 which is the timber warehouse behind the scenes. It’s on the same site that the wood is mill, air- and kiln-dry.  

Heavy equipment manufacturer Komatsu has signed a multi-year deal with Williams Racing to become the principal partner of the British team from the start of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season. Source: Timberbiz Komatsu was a key partner of Williams Racing in Formula One during the 1980s and 1990s, a period of abundant success for the team. The most notable achievements were in 1996 and 1997, when Komatsu supported Williams Racing to Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve respectively. With an eye to the future, both brands are excited to build on their shared history as they embark on a new era. Tokyo-based Komatsu has been leading innovation in the equipment manufacturing sector for more than 100 years. As embodied by its brand promise, “Creating value together,” the company believes that collaborative partnerships are the optimal way to create a lasting positive impact. Komatsu’s official designations with Williams Racing reflect the companies’ shared focus on the long-term development of engineering, technology and new generations of talent: Official STEM and Early Careers Partner, Official Esports Partner and Official Construction Machinery Partner. These areas will overlap and combine within the partnership, as Komatsu endeavours to engage and bring focus to the next generation of innovators through STEM events enriched by the Williams Racing esports platform. “Komatsu and Williams Racing have shared values around innovation and the development of our people,” said Hiroyuki Ogawa, President and CEO of Komatsu Ltd. “Through our partnership we look forward to creating value together, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Williams Racing, is aligned with Komatsu’s mission to create value through manufacturing and technology innovations to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.” One of the driving forces behind the partnership was the alignment of vision that the two brands share. The characteristics embedded in Komatsu’s DNA and values, such as cutting-edge technology, outstanding quality and unwavering reliability, are all demonstrated by Williams Racing at the highest level of motorsport. This new partnership creates a foundation for cross collaboration between Williams and Komatsu into the future, and we look forward to working together across a range of disciplines, especially relating to the development of our people and exploring potential opportunities in the technical engineering ecosystem. “Williams Racing is delighted to be rekindling our relationship with Komatsu,” James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing said. “We have enjoyed huge success together in the past and reuniting is a significant step in Williams Racing’s long-term mission to return to the front of the grid. Both Williams and Komatsu are committed to attracting and developing the best young talent in pursuit of our goals and we look forward to working together again.” Komatsu’s logo and branding will feature prominently on the 2024 Williams Racing livery, as well as the team’s overalls and kit, during the upcoming Formula One season. With operations in more than 140 countries, Komatsu is a global provider of premium heavy equipment, services and solutions. The company introduced the world’s first autonomous dump truck in 2008 and is helping customers advance towards carbon neutrality with its growing range of electric, hybrid and fuel cell construction and mining equipment. Williams Racing is one of the world’s most iconic Formula One teams. The British outfit has been competing at the highest level for almost five decades, amassing 114 victories, 313 podiums and 128 pole positions in that time. Williams Racing has also won nine constructors’ championships, making them the second most successful team in the history of the sport.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is on track to transition responsibility for delivering heavy vehicle regulatory services, including on-road compliance and enforcement, from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), on 20 April 2024. Source: Timberbiz NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the transition of services in Queensland will be a significant achievement for the organisation and will result in safer and more consistent regulation of heavy vehicle movements across Australia. “The transition of heavy vehicle services in Queensland will complete our National Service Transition (NST) program – a huge accomplishment for our organisation,” Mr Petroccitto said. “I am thrilled we are a step closer to achieving our aim, of having a consistent approach to compliance and enforcement from the roadside to interventions, borderless operations and delivering timely, national responses to critical compliance issues. “The transition will result in a more streamlined approach to how heavy vehicles are regulated across Australia, a journey that will have taken the NHVR almost 10 years to achieve. “From 20 April, on-road compliance, investigations, prosecutions and programmed heavy vehicle inspections will be some of the services currently provided by TMR to transfer across to the NHVR.” On transition, the Northern Region will be created within the NHVR’s Operations Division and will join Central and Southern Regions in leading on-road operational service delivery. “This exciting milestone will see 165 roles added to the NHVR as part of our Northern Region, many of which will transfer across from TMR,” Mr Petroccitto said. From April, the heavy vehicle industry can expect to see the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers working roadside across Queensland, including in the far north and western areas of the state. TMR spokesperson Joanna Robinson said the transition will end a 10-year journey for the NHVR and will finally deliver a nationally consistent approach to regulating the heavy vehicle industry. “TMR has been working closely with the NHVR, to ensure a seamless transition for all staff and customers,” Ms Robinson said. “We are currently advising our team that heavy vehicle regulatory services and those staff who have chosen to transfer, will officially transition to the NHVR on 20 April. “TMR will continue to be directly responsible for delivering regulatory and compliance programs for several important services, including road manager functions. “This transition will streamline the delivery of heavy vehicle regulation for industry and will improve regulatory outcomes and safety.” The NHVR was established in 2013 as a statutory authority to administer the Heavy Vehicle National Law, which applies in all Australia’s states and territories except the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Queensland is the sixth Australian jurisdiction after South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, Victoria, and New South Wales where the NHVR will be directly delivering heavy vehicle regulatory services.

Mass timber has the potential to be a critical building component for the cities of the near future given the need for the construction sector to reduce its reliance on concrete and steel to lower its Co2 emissions. However, as this market grows and mass timber buildings evolve to greater heights, the construction risk landscape will also be transformed, bringing risk management challenges for companies, according to the new Emerging Risk Trend Talk report from Allianz Commercial. Source: Timberbiz “The emergence of mass timber as a sustainable construction alternative represents a significant opportunity for the building sector to reduce its carbon footprint while also satisfying a demand for a material that is more cost-efficient but as durable as steel and concrete,” Michael Bruch, Global Head of Risk Advisory Services at Allianz Commercial said. “However, in any industry, deployment of new materials or processes can result in new risk scenarios, potential defects, or unexpected safety consequences, as well as bringing benefits, and mass timber is no different. Given this market’s expected future growth, companies should do all they can to develop a greater understanding of their exposures including fire, water damage, repetitive loss scenarios and even termite infestation, and ensure they have robust loss prevention measures in place to combat these.” Although mass timber currently only represents a small proportion of the overall number of buildings constructed worldwide each year, nevertheless, from mixed use developments to hotels to schools, an emerging market is underway. As mass timber buildings evolve with greater height and intricate designs, they will pose new challenges in terms of risk mitigation. This Allianz report identifies several of these hazards and challenges with Allianz Commercial risk consulting engineers also highlighting loss prevention measures to consider that could help to reduce their impact. Mass timber is wood, and fire is the primary hazard concern, with this risk needs to be considered through all the life stages of a building – design, construction, and operation. Ongoing research and testing is being conducted to further develop a methodology for evaluating the performance of structural elements during the entire duration of a fire. Allianz analysis shows damage from natural catastrophes is already the second most expensive cause of construction claims. Timber buildings exposed to floods may require structural controls, drying and repairs, impacting expected operating losses. Mass timber is highly vulnerable to water damage including flood, water ingress, and plumbing leaks. Mass timber construction has a unique supply chain and manufacturing processes that differs from traditional concrete and steel framing. One significant disadvantage of the assembly line manufacturing process is the potential for a serial loss scenario. If a particular batch of mass timber elements has a defect, multiple elements in a structure or across project sites may be affected. Defective products is already the third costliest cause of construction/engineering insurance claims, according to Allianz. Construction firms may face challenges in finding experienced work crews for mass timber construction projects, given its nascent status. This can result in productivity issues and safety concerns as crews navigate the learning curve of working with mass timber. While not common in all areas of the world, termites and other wood-boring insects may pose a significant threat to mass timber buildings, potentially causing extensive structural damage over time. You can download the Allianz document here.

Forest and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) will be participating in the upcoming Primex Field Days, a significant event that fosters crucial connections between the agriculture sector, timber communities, forestry industries, and the everyday individual. Source: Timberbiz Primex Field Days, which are to beheld May 16 to 18 in Casino, NSW are renowned for celebrating innovation and excellence in agriculture, and so provide an ideal platform for FWCA to highlight the pivotal role of forestry in sustaining communities and ecosystems. This event serves as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the sustainable timber sector and the public, offering a unique insight into the significance of responsible forestry practices. FWCA’s presence at Primex aims to showcase the sustainable and diverse contributions of forestry to our society. Through engagement with the public, visitors will gain valuable knowledge about the timber industry’s positive impact on the environment, economy, and community well-being. Forestry education lies at the heart of this initiative, as FWCA endeavours to dispel misconceptions and promote a balanced understanding of the sustainable timber sectors role in shaping a sustainable future. Through this engagement, FWCA seeks to inspire a sense of environmental stewardship and appreciation for the intricate connections between forests, communities, and the products derived from wood. FWCA will be joined by a host of other forestry and timber related exhibitors in the PRIMEX ‘Forestry and Timber Hub’ – all of whom are at the forefront of advancing the dialogue on sustainable practices and the harmonious coexistence of forestry and successful communities. For more information on the Primex field days head to www.primex.net.au

One of New Zealand’s largest forestry companies has had its certification suspended over slash damage in and around Tolaga Bay. Sources: 1News, Timberbiz Ernslaw One is part of the Oregon Group, owned by the Malaysian based Tiong family, along with its subsidiary company and processing arm, Winstone Pulp International, situated in the Central North Island, which undertakes lumber and pulp manufacturing. The certification was from the Forest Stewardship Council, an international body that sets forestry standards. Damage to the area from the slash is from 2018, however, locals remain concerned. Tolaga Bay farmer Mike Parker said there’s “thousands” of areas which have had slash damage. “[They’re] in the back of Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, our friends up in the Waiapu region there, there’s thousands of these situations happening. There’s only one way they go, and that’s down and they keep going.” With multiple forestry companies working in Tairāwhiti, there’s no way of knowing where all the wood has come from. However, some areas impacted by the slash filmed by 1News this week were where Ernslaw was a major grower. Manu Caddie of Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Hauā said Ernslaw has already been prosecuted successfully in the High Court. “This is just another notch against them, I guess, and hopefully there’s other companies that go under the spotlight.” Chair of the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use Hekia Parata said it was an environmental disaster unfolding in plain sight. Not only has Ernslaw lost its certification from the Forest Stewardship Council but an audit was being conducted into many forests around the country. Ernslaw said it was appealing the suspension. The company referred 1News to the agency that audited its forestry operations in New Zealand. The agency hasn’t responded to a request for comment. 1News chief correspondent John Campbell said that like the slash itself, there is much more to come on this story.

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia has welcomed the appointment of Diana Hallam as the new Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer which it says comes at an important time for the renewable timber products sector. Source: Timberbiz “Diana has significant previous experience working at senior levels of the Australian Public Service and has expressed a strong commitment to understanding the many issues affecting our supply chain and regional communities across Australia,” EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gavin Matthew said. “Diana takes on this important industry leadership role at a critical time with a volatile market for our essential products, a national need to plant more for-harvest trees, a worldwide push for reduced emissions and renewable products, and international impacts continuing to disrupt supply chains. “The timber manufacturing sector produces many innovative, reliable, and renewable products that should be recognised as preferred building materials in a low emissions future. There is much to be done but we are confident Diana will hit the ground running, using her understanding of Australia’s public service and political environment, and work for our industry backed by the strong team at AFPA.” “EWPAA is keen to work with Diana and her team to put in place quality policy settings that will plant more for-harvest trees, build more homes and businesses with timber solutions, and grow our forest product industries.”

Western Victoria’s new plantation hardwood strategic alliance, GT Hardwood, is actively educating the community on its plans to invest in new plantation trees to meet the world’s growing consumption for fibre-based products and mitigate the continued decline in resource. Source: Timberbiz The collective, formed by the region’s main plantation hardwood (Eucalyptus globulus or Bluegum) growers, including ABP (Australian Bluegum Plantations), Midway Limited, and New Forests, recognised the need to collectively work on educating the community and government on the increasing market demand for its sustainable woodchip resource and plans for more local investment, including a focus on domestic value-add. Founding Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, CEO, Liz McKinnon was recently appointed as the GT Hardwood external affairs manager to support stakeholder engagement, strengthening relationships, and understanding of the contribution of the collective, which exports more than three million tonnes of sustainably grown plantation hardwood chip annually from the ports of Portland and Geelong. This focus includes working with Midway promoting its commitment to invest up to $200 million in new plantations with associated carbon projects through new green field sites within the south west region. The investment supports the Federal Government’s National Forest Industries Plan which has earmarked the planting of one billion plantation trees nationally by 2030, as well as the national ambition towards net zero. Midway is also working with local farmers to facilitate forestry based carbon projects on their land which produce carbon credits that can be sold to large emitters, diversifying on farm income. Ms McKinnon and Midway leaders have been in the region this week, undertaking consultation with the Corangamite Shire Council demonstrating how hardwood plantations complement existing agriculture investments, highlighting that their management activities rely heavily on local employment. “Australia’s plantation estate is in decline, losing a further 28,000 hectares in recent years, equating to a 250,000 decline over the past decade. This includes a 10 per cent contraction in the nation’s blue gum estate over the past decade, with significant parcels of blue gum land lost across the Green Triangle. This loss, largely due to conversion back to agricultural use, comes at a time when global demand for fibre continues to soar, with estimates the global market will quadruple by 2050,” Ms McKinnon said. “Planting more trees to store carbon is a key lever to meet the international focus on decarbonisation. Our locally grown sustainable plantation hardwood chip also plays a valuable role producing recyclable paper and packaging to replace plastic products as well as replacing coal for energy generation. “New trees will also play an instrumental role in reaching Net Zero Emission Targets for the agricultural sector. Our trees, which are often planted as woodlots and shelter belts, are a reliable tool in capturing and storing carbon whilst supporting farmers to diversify their farm income by earning carbon credits through the government backed Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.” Ms McKinnon said GT Hardwood was focused on optimising the use of its fibre and diversifying its market base, investing in domestic value-add research to understand how to use globulus in new structural timber products to support the nation’s strained housing market. “Domestic demand for hardwood timber products continues to climb with hardwood imports into Victoria increasing by nearly 40 per cent since 2019. Our collective is investing in research to understand how to use eucalyptus globulus in structural timber and other hybrid products in an effort to reduce this reliance on imported products, which are often sourced from unsustainable sources,” Ms McKinnon said. “We need our sustainable hardwood plantation sector to continue to grow to support the creation of new local jobs, support investment in new domestic manufacturing, meet growing market demands, and utilise trees in the fight against climate change. New plantation hardwood trees mean more carbon capture, locked away in these new earmarked locally produced timber products.”