Australian timber industry news

In response to growing global concern about deforestation and its impact on the planet, the European Union has enacted the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to prevent deforestation in global supply chains, set to come into force on the 1 January 2025. Source: Timberbiz The regulation will prohibit the import of commodities including beef, palm oil, coffee, paper and derived products, unless their origins can be traced, using geolocation data to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation. The use of leather within vehicle interiors makes the automotive industry a significant player in the leather market and has previously been under the spotlight for not doing enough to mitigate its deforestation risks. There are still some areas of the automotive supply chain which fall short in addressing its deforestation footprint especially when it comes to responsible and sustainable sourcing of materials. For more than two decades and through a host of multi-million-pound investments in its state-of-the-art production facility, Bridge of Weir has led the automotive leather industry with its commitment to traceability and efficient, circular manufacturing, adhering to the upcoming EUDR regulations. As a business, Bridge of Weir Leather is 100% transparent, something very few suppliers can claim. They meticulously track the journey of their materials from their source, ensuring transparency and accountability every step of the way. Its commitment offers Deforestation-free leather is not just a legislative requirement but a moral imperative. The growing support from various industries shows that the demand for deforestation-free leather is more than just a trend; it reflects an ongoing movement for ethical practices to protect the world’s ecosystem and shape a more responsible global business landscape. Bridge of Weir Leather sets itself apart by providing confidence in its supply chain. With full traceability of its rawhides, the company already adheres to the European Parliament’s regulation, ensuring its supply chains do not in any way contribute to deforestation. From sourcing over 98% of its rawhides locally from the UK and Ireland, all of which are a by-product of the beef and dairy industries, there’s no risk of deforestation with any Bridge of Weir Leather product. Scottish Leather Group’s 2023 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report is a testament to showing its progress towards achieving net zero leather production by 2025 and how the business can directly support its customers’ sustainability targets. The detailed report highlights a 90% reduction in the carbon intensity of its leather over the last 20 years, as well as 100% traceability of raw materials and 77% of waste recycled in 2022.

Tigercat has added a fifth model to its harvesting head line-up with the new three-wheel drive 573. Source: Timberbiz In late September 2023, visitors to the PLC live demo event held in the US got a sneak peak of the new Tigercat 573 harvesting head processing logs on the end of a Tigercat 875E logger. Since then, multiple units have been testing in far flung regions from Canada to Australia and the results are in. The 573 is shaping up to be a high performing, reliable head for roadside processing and harvesting. Best suited to medium and large tree profiles, the 573 has a 800 mm maximum cut capacity and offers optimal performance in 400-600 mm diameter timber. The feed rollers close down to 60 mm allowing the 573 to smoothly delimb and process smaller diameter trees and thus achieve higher value fibre recovery. The compact frame design deftly handles poor stem form and contributes to tidy delimbing performance. The triangulated feed wheel arm configuration operates in locked three-wheel drive. This, combined with timed knife arms, provide the operator with fast picking and positive stem control for high productivity in roadside processing applications. Independently mounted, trailing-arm length measuring ensures reliable tracking and accuracy. The top knife and lower/back knife pivot on the same side of the chassis frame, aligning the position and flow of each stem centrally through the head. This arrangement promotes positive contact with all three feed rollers and the measuring wheel at all times. The result is better quality and accuracy, reduced fuel consumption, and greater processing speed. The orientation also provides the operator with a clear sightline to the measuring wheel. The 573 is standard equipped with continuous rotation for ease of use and superior hose routing and protection. Quick, stable WiFi connectivity between the cab and attachment modules reduces wire routing along the boom and provides excellent command response. The Tigercat D7 control system is available with Priority or Optimization levels and is fully compatible and compliant with StanForD Classic and 2010. The 573 is a great fit for the H250D, 850 and 875E for roadside processing applications and the H822E and H855E carriers for in-stand harvesting.

Earthsight has learned that a vessel carrying some €40 million of Russian conflict timber was seized by German Customs. The ship, 23,000-tonne Atlantic Navigator II, was enroute from St Petersburg in Russia to the US east coast when it developed a fault and was forced to dock at Rostock port on the German Baltic coast in late March. Source; Timberbiz Earthsight learned of the action through industry sources; it was then confirmed by German Customs. Russian timber was banned in Europe in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The timber industry is one of the largest sources of government revenue in Russia after oil and gas. All forests in the country are state-owned, some of them by the military, and Earthsight’s research has previously shown how many of the largest timber companies are owned by billionaire oligarchs close to Putin. Though the UK and EU have banned Russian wood, the US has so far failed to follow suit, despite calls for it to do so by the Ukrainian Parliament. The vessel is one of a small fleet operated by a Canadian-owned shipping firm, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers (ARRC), which sail back and forth between Russia and the US, their cargoes almost entirely made up of Russian birch ply. US import records analysed by Earthsight show that the Atlantic Navigator II offloaded 9399 cubic metres of such ply at US ports in October 2023, and a further 5876 cubic metres in December 2023. The vessel halted at Rostock is believed to be carrying a similar quantity on this occasion. Such an amount of plywood, when sold at retail, is worth an estimated €40 million. Laid out, the plywood could cover an area as large as 200 football fields. According to Earthsight’s sources, German Customs have placed a ‘hold’ on the ship due to alleged violation of EU sanctions relating to the plywood on board. ARRC’s lawyers argued that the vessel’s cargo should be exempt because it only docked in Germany due to an emergency. German Customs have rejected that argument, and ARRC is set to appeal. When it last took this journey, 161 of the 192 shipping containers on board were filled with birch plywood. Thirteen of those were plywood supplied by Russian timber giant Sveza, which is part-owned by Alexei Mordashov, Russia’s richest man. Mordashov, who is the subject of EU and US sanctions, was among a select group of oligarchs who met with Putin on the day of the invasion. He has been called ‘Putin’s banker’ as a result of another of his firms, Bank Rossiya. Our sources indicate that there are at least 650 cubic metres of plywood from Sveza on board the vessel this time – as much as 10% of the cargo. “This is the largest cross-border seizure of illegal wood I have ever come across”, said Earthsight’s Director, Sam Lawson, who has been studying the international trade in illegal timber for 25 years. Petro Testov, a Ukrainian campaigner who was among those to call for a ban on Russian wood following the invasion, a call which was supported by 130 NGOs from around the world, said: “It is essential that German authorities stand firm, and prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. This blood-timber should be sold and the proceeds donated to Ukrainian humanitarian causes.” US Presidential Executive Order 14068 of 11 March 2022, which banned other Russian commodities, including diamonds, but omitted timber, empowers the US Treasury Secretary to add further items to the list without requiring additional legislation. However, in its latest round of sanctions, passed in the wake of the murder of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny, calls for the inclusion of Russian wood were again ignored by the Biden Administration. “This continued failure to act by the US government is shameful. They must stop profiting from this trade and finally ban Russian wood. We have waited too long”, Testov said.

For the first time in 10 years FTMA Australia took its conference out of Queensland, returning to where it all started in Victoria. The conference was held in late March at Geelong’s newly refurbished arts centre. Source: Timberbiz The conference theme was Looking Outside the Triangle and the first speaker made everyone sit up and focus. Robert Pradolin of Housing All Australians talked about the homelessness situation in Australia and showed a compelling short video. Furthermore, he touched on the role that private business has in addressing homelessness. Tim Woods presented on the latest housing and timber markets, he was then joined by a panel consisting of Karl-Heinz Weiss, Tim Newman and Nick Hewson to talk about the threats to market share, and where housing in Australia was headed. Dr Alastair Woodard who presented on the great opportunities for the Advanced Timber Framing Collective looked at what the sector needs to move forward, such as revising AS1684. Delegates were treated to a masterclass on the new IR laws by Brenda Garrard-Forster from HR Anywhere who also outlined ways in which you can avoid workplace injuries and how to handle Workcover claims. Finally, the keynote speaker was Tim Jarvis OAM, sponsored by MiTek, who spoke about leadership through adversity.

The Otago Regional Council’s proposed setback rules are an overreaction, the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association says. As part of its draft Land and Water Regional Plan, the council has proposed forestry setbacks of 20 to 50 metres from rivers, lakes and wetlands. Source: Stuff NZ Most other councils follow the regulations in the National Environmental Standard for Commercial Forestry that call for setbacks of 5 to 10 metres. Otago Regional Council’s general manager policy and science Anita Dawe said the council staff were still working through feedback on the plan, which would be refined before it was notified in June. The proposed draft calls for setbacks of 20m on slopes with a gradient of 10 degrees or lower, and 50m on slopes steeper than 10 degrees. “The plan is based on technical information including science, consents and compliance data across a range of activities, including forestry, to achieve community expectations for water quality and quantity,” Dawe said. New Zealand Farm Forestry Association President Neil Cullen called the rules “quite draconian,” pointing out that farmers would lose a lot of forestry production land over their total forest area. Many of the association’s members are farmers who have planted forests on what was often otherwise unproductive land, earning credits under the Emissions Trading Scheme. But removing this forestry would count as deforestation under the scheme, Cullen said, which meant owners would have to pay out carbon credits. “The council doesn’t understand the problem it’s created,” Cullen said. “There is no evidence that forestry is causing issues to waterways in Otago. “I think they’ve been scared by what happened on the East Coast where the land is quite unstable.” Cullen was referring to the forestry slash that caused further flooding and damage when it was washed into waterways during Cyclone Gabrielle last year. This was soon after calls for an enquiry into forestry practices sparked by the death of a child at Waikanae Beach who was struck by a floating log washed out by Cyclone Hale in January 2023. But the land in Otago was stable, Cullen said, and there was no reason why regulations in the region should be tougher. Forestry had a good track record but had received a bad reputation because of the poor farming practices in foreign-owned blocks, he said. With little other activity in forestry blocks, it could be better for water quality, Cullen said, adding that harvesting crews were making sure no sediment was going into waterways. “There’s good compliance in terms of looking after waterways and practices are improving all the time.” Cullen worried that over-regulating forestry would make it costly and less attractive to farmers only just considering it. “Landowners are going to say: ‘why bother?’” Pakihiroa Farms general manager and Ngāti Porou Agribusiness spokesperson Hilton Collier saw first-hand the damage caused in Gisborne. While the setbacks sounded steep to him, he said there was another problem with the long-term plan. “Isn’t it intriguing that we try to make decisions for 30 years, yet we can’t guarantee what will happen in 30 years,” he said. “Our councils struggle with Long Term Plans and we’re talking about planting forests that will last for 30 or 50 years.” There was a 200-hectare forest on the land he managed, Collier said, that might never be harvested because despite being planted 50m away from the river, the river moved and was now right up against the forest line. He believed regulations needed more nuance. “It has to be site specific. It comes down to: what’s the right thing for the land?” Most regional councils in New Zealand confirmed that they were using the forestry setback regulations set out in the National Environmental Standard for Commercial Forestry but said amendments could be considered when various regional policies came up for review.

WA’s Forest Product Commission’s (FPC) Farm Forestry Assist Program, established in 2018, is a one-off grant for farmers and other landowners to plant pine trees on their properties. Source: Timberbiz It is open to farmers and landowners who are interested in establishing 20 to 50-hectare pine plantations subject to criteria such as location, scale, soil, access, and management of the plantations to ensure that any resulting plantings have the capacity to help support Western Australia’s softwood industry. Successful applicants receive free, high-quality pine (Pinus radiata) seedlings from the West Manjimup Nursery and Seed Centre. The pine seedlings available through this grant have been developed through a long-running tree improvement program, with selections based on drought-resistance, productivity, and timber properties. Successful applicants can also access technical assistance to ensure the establishment process results in a healthy and productive plantation. Since the launch of the program, more than 750,000 pine (Pinus radiata) seedlings have been planted across 20 properties with total area of over 550 hectares. Established plantings have the capacity to diversify income, complement farm operations, provide landcare benefits, sequester carbon for financial gain and carbon offset, and contribute to meeting Western Australia’s future timber and fibre demand. The program complements the State’s $350 million softwood investment plan to ensure a robust and sustainable forestry industry. More information here.

Growers are increasing Australians’ confidence in homegrown forest products with a fully certified supply chain and the backing of the nationally endorsed ForestFit Standard and certification scheme. Source: Timberbiz AFPA members have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) to implement ForestFit to improve the management of critical risks, reduce costs and increase efficiencies for growers and contracting businesses. Lead AFPA member signatories are Forico, HQ Plantations, Midway, New Forests, OneFortyOne, Sustainable Forest Management, Timberlands Pacific and Western Australian Plantation Resources. “AFPA welcomes the ForestFit MOU and the role it will play streamlining the strategic partnership between two critical sections of the supply chain in growers and contracting businesses,” AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said. ForestFit Project Manager with AFCA, Dionne Olsen said ForestFit provided a national Standard for Contracting Businesses to certify their business systems and manage their operational risk whilst supporting growers to manage their commercial risk. Certification to the Standard provides assurance of performance and continuous improvement. The Standard is aligned to international management system standards ISO 9001: Quality, 45001: Occupational health and safety and 14001: Environment which have has been contextualised with criteria for operations including harvest, haulage, civil silviculture and minor forest products. ForestFit sits in alignment with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Responsible Wood, creating a fully certified supply chain for Australia. It has established a Deemed to Comply with Responsible Wood which reduces audit duplication and downtime.

Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited (RFMAL), operating as FSC Australia (FSC ANZ), is accepting nominations for six director positions to join the FSC Australia board of directors. Source: Timberbiz The upcoming board year marks an exciting phase for FSC ANZ as it embarks on the third year of a strategic plan with numerous significant initiatives in progress. Notably, the revision of the National Forest Stewardship Standard for Australia. Additionally, its Promotional Licence Holder (PLH) partnership program continues to flourish across Australia and New Zealand, and the engagement with FSC community through events like International Women’s Day, International Day of Forests, the PLH forum and FSC Forest Week campaigns foster collaboration across Australia and New Zealand, emphasising the significance of FSC certification. The momentum of FSC ANZ has reached new heights, underscoring the important role of the board directors and members in ensuring continued success. Directors serve for three-year terms. The positions are determined at the FSC Australia’s AGM either by direct appointment when the number of eligible candidates does not exceed the relevant vacancy, or voting by the FSC Australia members when there are more eligible candidates than vacant positions. The successful nominees will be determined and announced at the AGM to be held on 30 May 2024, in Canberra. The board is comprised of nine directors, three from each chamber (economic, environmental and social). This year there are six director positions available as follows: Economic Chamber – two positions available Environmental Chamber – two positions available Social Chamber – two positions available. To nominate for the board, complete and email the “Nomination as a Director of Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited” form by 26 April 2024. For more information: https://anz.fsc.org/newsfeed/board-director-nominations-now-open

Forestry Australia has welcomed the decision by the Federal Court to allow planned prescribed burns in the Strathbogie Forest. In the Federal Court, Justice Horan dismissed a move to stop four prescribed burns in the forest. Source: Timberbiz Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said prescribed burning recognises Australia’s fire-dependent ecosystems, and fire-adapted flora and fauna that have evolved through the long tradition of indigenous caring for Country. “Decades of on ground research and lived experience has shown that prescribed burning can reduce subsequent bushfire severity through reducing fuel loads and also make bushfires easier to control when they do occur,” Dr Freeman said. “Fuel reduced forests are significantly less affected than forests carrying heavy fuel loads when unplanned mid-summer bushfires pass through them, and this is why prescribed burning is an essential activity.” Dr Freeman said fire requires three elements – fuel, oxygen, and heat – known as the “fire triangle”. “Of these, the only variable that humans can control in forests is fuel level – and well-planned prescribed burning is an effective tool for managing forest fuel accumulation. “That being said, it is imperative that prescribed burning is planned and managed appropriately, informed by evidence, with other forest values and key habitats in mind”. “Inappropriate or unnatural fire regimes are the second-most cited reason, after invasive species, for threatened species listings in Australia. “While there is no panacea for reducing the impacts of catastrophic bushfires, well-managed prescribed burning is a scientifically proven part of the solution. “Simply, reduced fuel levels in forests will reduce the severity of bushfires under all bar the most catastrophic fire weather conditions.

The Coalition, the Australian Greens and key Senate crossbenchers have stood up for Australian plantation forestry, fixing laws that would have hampered investment in much needed new forestry plantings, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said. Source: Timberbiz The Treasury Laws Amendment Bill was amended in the Senate to remove completely unintended negative consequences on plantation forestry in Australia. “In a united front for common sense and good policy, the Coalition, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and United Australia supported a Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Amendment to fix the unintended consequences of the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill on the plantation forestry sector,” Diana Hallam said. “I thank Pauline Hanson’s One Nation for moving the amendment and standing up for the Australian forestry sector. I thank the Coalition, the Greens and key crossbenchers for their support and recognition that new forestry plantations are vitally important for Australian jobs and investment. “Despite the Department of Treasury revealing that plantation forestry sector companies were not intended to be captured by the Bill and being aware of the unintended negative consequences on the plantation forestry sector, the issues remained unresolved prior to the Bill’s introduction to Parliament, or after two Senate inquiries into the Bill. “If the Bill had passed as drafted, it would have undermined prospects for jobs and investment, and the Government’s own plantation forestry expansion goals and international commitments to increase the use of timber in the built environment. “Globally, there is not enough timber being grown to meet demand. Australia is facing a long-term shortage of home-grown timber for house-frames, flooring and paper and packaging products. We need more investment in new forestry plantations to ensure in the decades ahead, we have enough resource to create these essential and everyday items that Aussies need. The vote in the Senate was a win for Australia’s sovereign capability in timber and wood supply, a win for jobs in rural and regional areas, and a win for common sense Ms Hallam said.

Timberlab, a subsidiary of Swinerton Incorporated and a leading US provider of mass timber systems, unveiled its plans to construct and operate a state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility in Oregon’s mid-Willamette region. Source: Timberbiz This strategic initiative represents a significant milestone in the firm’s mission to accelerate the mainstream adoption of mass timber construction across the United States, providing a low-carbon and renewable material for the construction industry. “Timberlab’s objective has been to remove pinch points in the mass timber industry so that timber structures are affordable and widely usable in the US construction market,” said Timberlab President Chris Evans. “Over the last four years, we have added two CNC facilities in Portland, OR, and Greenville, SC, focused on expanding the supply chain for mass timber. The increase in mass timber demand, coupled with our successes over the last seven years, is driving us to continue to expand the supply chain by adding our new CLT manufacturing facility in Oregon.” Supported by an investment from Swinerton, plans for the 250,000-square-foot CLT manufacturing facility is poised to support the growing demand for sustainable construction alternatives nationwide. With an anticipated annual output of 100,000 cubic meters of finished CLT products, the facility will integrate automated processes and is expected to create 100 manufacturing jobs at full capacity becoming one of the largest facilities in the US. This endeavour and its employment opportunities will contribute to the region’s economic development while fostering a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing sustainable construction practices. As mass timber construction continued to grow across the US in 2023, Timberlab expanded its operations by opening an East Coast mass timber fabrication facility in Greenville, SC. The progression into manufacturing aligns seamlessly with both firms’ strategic visions and missions. The mid-Willamette Valley is the heart of the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub designated by the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023. Timberlab has ongoing collaboration with leading academic research programs at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and the Tall Wood Design Institute. Building this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near these resources will drive innovation and position Timberlab, Swinerton, and the State of Oregon as catalysts in mass timber construction. “As early adopters of mass timber construction, we swiftly recognized the importance of managing the entire supply chain to ensure timely delivery, exceptional quality, and competitive pricing for our clients. Our new CLT manufacturing facility and two existing fabrication facilities bring us significantly closer to our vision,” said Swinerton Chief Executive Officer David Callis. “These facilities and our turnkey in-house design, procurement, and detailing services have positioned Timberlab, Swinerton, and the industry to make significant strides toward a sustainable built environment. I am thrilled about what this move means for sustainable construction in the US.”  

New research initiative aims to bolster the social acceptability and resilience of forest management. A team from the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO) in Canada, led by Dr Christian Messier, is field-testing a new approach to forest management that leverages the natural strengths of forest ecosystems to positively shift the public’s perception of forestry while improving the resilience and adaptability of our forests. Source: Timberbiz Along with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) and some 40 Canadian partners, Resolute is contributing Can$35,000 to the five-year (2023-2027), Can$6 million initiative that combines the expertise of the research team with experience from companies, universities, provinces, First Nations and NGOs, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada. The project is focused on leveraging tree species diversity to improve long-term forest resilience, maximize recovery rates from environmental stressors such as climate change, and optimize the adaptability of forests without affecting harvesting levels. The initiative also aims to foster the social acceptability of this new approach to forest management. Over the years, Resolute has provided substantial financial support to universities to drive innovation in the forest products sector. Projects like this one will highlight all the benefits that flow from a well-managed forest.

It seems like every time a forest product mill or plant shuts down in the US (monthly if not weekly) it’s viewed as a singular isolated incident. But viewed collectively, the cumulative impacts and magnitude become more focused and apparent. Source: Timberbiz The American Loggers’ Council warns of the consequences saying that these individual incidents are all symptoms of a larger serious condition that diagnosed properly reveals and represents an unhealthy state of the US timber and forest products industries. Forest products mill/plant shutdowns directly impact the mill workers and community, but they also impact the logging sector that sustained that facility, although it is typically not addressed in these announcements. Tracking these shutdowns can serve as a barometer revealing the impacts and losses to logging companies. When mills close, logging companies close, and forest health suffers. While there has been some new mill construction and expansion, this cannot be assumed to be an equal offset. A mill opening 150 miles from where a mill closed, or that uses different species and wood specifications, does not equate to a net zero exchange. So, to merely compare lost production volume to new or expanding production outputs and ignore the geographic displacements or different timber specifications is not reflective of the direct losses and impacts. The brief summary of US forest products mill closures may not be all-inclusive, but it does document nearly 50 closures, reductions or curtailments, and it clearly represents an alarming trend during a short period of time (15 months), directly (mill workers) and indirectly (loggers) resulting in ten thousand or more jobs lost. While US forest products mills and facilities close, the US is now the leading global importer of softwood lumber as depicted by these pine products from New Zealand in a US big box store. According to the World Bank, the US imports more than US$40 billion in wood products from Canada, China and Brazil. In economic development it is easier to maintain your economic base rather than replace it. Supporting the existing forest products markets should be the first objective. However, many contributing factors leading to the decline of the US timber and forest products industries are government policy, regulations, restrictions, unfair trade practices, federal timber supply constraints, and incessant litigation. Many current government practices are harming the forests, environment, and economy. The good news is that there is a prescription and treatment to cure the disease. The US needs to be willing to take the medicine, follow the treatment (literally forest management treatment) and promote the utilization of all wood fibre removed from the forests. With forest treatments and wood utilization the health of the economy will be better, the health of the environment will be better, the health of the timber and forest products industries will be better, and the health of the forests will be better. But Congress and the Administration must write the prescription (policies and legislation) to cure the situation, or they can practice “skilful neglect” (the “professional” term for doing nothing) and perpetuate the continued decline of rural jobs and forest health, signing the death certificate. The forest-based bioeconomy can help replace the lost legacy markets and transition to renewable fuels, renewable energy, renewable chemicals, renewable industrial wood pellets, renewable building products, all produced from renewable timber. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was developed to support much of this transition, yet the EPA has failed to fully implement many aspects of the RFS. The EPA misinterpretations, delayed processing, and self-imposed restrictions have impeded full implementation and leveraging of this opportunity. The US needs to administer the Renewable Fuel Standard as intended by Congress in order to facilitate the renewable energy transition. Forest-based biomass feedstock can provide the input material for renewable natural gas, hydrogen, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, electricity, coal conversion, and steel/concrete production. The US has not followed the rest of the developed nations with recognizing the carbon neutrality aspects and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of renewable biomass feedstock when replacing fossil fuels. The rest of the world has. The US is out of step with the accepted global science of biomass feedstock for energy production to address climate change. The US needs to develop a domestic bioeconomy market and policy just as the rest of the developed world has. Support of the timber, forest products, and bioeconomy sector’s growth will demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing America’s rural economy, communities, and ailing forest health, while developing and transitioning into renewable forest-based bioproducts. Forest health and the timber industry share a symbiotic relationship that is interdependent and mutually beneficial. Jan 2023: West Fraser Announces Indefinite Curtailment of Perry Sawmill in Florida, 126 jobs lost. Feb 2023: Georgia-Pacific closing facility in Texas, 166 jobs lost Feb 2023: Canton N.C,’s Evergreen Packaging scales back production Mar 2023: Pactiv Evergreen closing mill in Canton, North Carolina, 1000 jobs lost Mar 2023: Sonoco Hutchinson, Kansas Paper Mill closes, 116 employees laid off Mar 2023: Clearwater Paper closing Georgia facility, 150 jobs lost Mar 2023: Jay Pixelle paper mill stops making paper, 230 jobs lost Mar 2023: R.R. Donnelley closing Plainfield, Indiana facility, eliminating 79 jobs Mar 2023: ND Paper Old Town mill shutting down for extended period Apr 2023: Billerud temporarily idles Escanaba, Michigan mill Apr 2023: ReEnergy BioMass, Fort Hood, N.Y., 28 jobs lost Apr 2023: Nine Dragons Paper (ND), Extended downtime announced, Old Town, Maine and Fairmont W.Virginia. (recycled feedstock) May 2023: Cascades to Close Underperforming U.S. Tissue Plants, S.C., OR, 350 jobs lost May 2023: WestRock to Close Paper Mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, 500 jobs lost May 2023: Cascades: Permanent closure of a paper machine at the Niagara Falls mill, 40 jobs lost May 2023: PCA idling Wallula, Washington mill, 300 laid off. May 2023: Canton paper mill bell sounds for final time, signaling an end after 115 years Jun 2023: Graphic Packaging to close Auburn, Indiana site, 70 jobs lost Jun 2023: Western Forest Products to Temporarily Reduce Lumber Production Due to Weak Market Conditions Jun 2023: Roseburg […]

Even though wood is a renewable product, essential to the modern way of life, generally the market dictates what is valued, and for forestry this means big logs. The remaining slash (branches, stumps and offcuts) is then considered a waste product. Source: Timberbiz Forestry company OneFortyOne believes that this wood waste is both a design and a market flaw and is putting its collective minds towards finding useful applications for this wood fibre previously only viewed as a problem. Mark Coghill, OneFortyOne Operations Manager, says the company has invested close to a million dollars into the biofuel project since late 2021. “The majority of the investment made has gone towards collecting, measuring, and storing the wood fibre. Over the next five years we hope to reduce the amount of wood waste (or slash) in our forests by at least 75,000 tonnes. That’s enough wood to fill 2,000 logging trucks or cover 10 rugby pitches piled three metres high,” he explains. In a recent breakthrough, the company has signed a new five-year agreement with Canterbury Woodchip Supplies which will see wood fibre previously left in the forest now turned into biofuel, a renewable resource which can displace environmentally damaging coal. The timing of this coincides with local company JS Ewers new biomass boiler upgrade, and some of the wood will be used in their new boiler. With New Zealand committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, this development gives the Nelson Tasman area, where OneFortyOne manages its extensive forests, a path towards reducing its environmental footprint by choosing clean renewable fuel over environmentally damaging coal. There’s plenty of headroom for this product, as OneFortyOne’s forests cover some 80,000 hectares in Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, with a harvest of more than 1.2 million cubic metres each year. Removing such a massive quantity of otherwise unvalued material from the forests and turning it into biofuel in the form of woodchips could help local businesses avoid burning more than 22 thousand tonnes of coal over five years, says Mr Coghill, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by a whopping 50,000 tonnes. With a good deal of New Zealand’s coal being imported, there is a multiplier effect achieved, by using a locally developed product as an effective coal substitute. Furthermore, as the forests from which the wood is removed are renewable resources – currently, OneFortyOne’s plantations are in their fourth rotation, being replanted with new seedlings after every harvest – the wood itself is a regenerating asset. Mr Coghill says slash is often regarded as a problem for the forestry industry generally, but notes that OneFortyOne decided to look at it as an opportunity instead. That led to talks with Canterbury Woodchips, a seasoned operator producing various processed wood products for use in parks, playgrounds, as animal bedding and industrial boilers and other heating sources. Mr Coghill notes ‘huge potential’ for the project if scaled up, adding that ‘it could be a game-changer for New Zealand in creating a sustainable source of bioenergy.’ Even as the ink dries on the contract with Canterbury Woodchips, Mr Coghill says other avenues for turning trash into treasure are being explored. “We continually look for ways to improve slash management. Replacing fossil fuels with bioenergy alternatives can help meet emission targets and create new opportunities for the local economy,” he said. As a result of that continued work and investment, another promising emerging use for slash is as feedstock for the production of biochar. This carbon-rich solid product is produced from the pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen) of biomass residues. Biochar is agriculturally useful, as a supplement added into feedstock it can reduce the methane produced from cows, it can improve soil properties, while offering further potential by sequestering carbon and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. “As we look to the future and further innovation to help the environment, there is more wood fibre available and we are ready to work with other organisations to reduce the impact of slash, prevent climate damage, and create economic opportunities for the Top of the South region,” Mr Coghill said.  

Australian Bluegum Plantation’s inaugural Women in Wood Fibre celebration has been branded a stand-out success with plans to make the gathering an annual industry-wide event. Source: Timberbiz More than 40 ABP staff, Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Karen Stephens, Food and Fibre Great South Coast chair Oonagh Kilpatrick and key industry stakeholders joined for the celebratory lunch as part of International Women’s Day festivities at the iconic Cape Bridgewater Surf Life Saving Club. ABP’s Career Pathway participants Hannah Aldridge and Georgina Malkin coordinated the festivities securing headline keynote speaker, ABC News personality, Kirsten Diprose. Mrs Diprose, who is a regular contributor on ABC Radio Melbourne’s Conversation Hour and former ABC TV News Breakfast weather presenter, spoke of the challenges of achieving a high-flying journalism career whilst balancing family obligations at her Caramut farm. The rural advocate promoted the importance of the food and fibre sector collaborating to generate broader social license to attract the next generation of female leaders. The former Sydneysider, who grew up in Penrith before finding rural roots, highlighted the mental and social challenges faced by rural women attempting to find their place in a historically male dominated agricultural field. Mrs Diprose created the Rural Podcasting Co, a podcast coaching and agency service, specifically for people in rural areas. She also founded and co-hosts the podcast ‘Ducks on the Pond’ specifically targeted at rural women. ABP HR Manager Sheri Tarr applauded the coordinating efforts of emerging leader’s Ms Aldridge and Ms Malkin who were gaining more self-confidence and building new skills as a result of the organisations dynamic three-year Career Pathway training. The development program has supported Ms Malkin to transition from being ABP’s first female bulldozer operator to a harvest supervisor role, completing a Certificate 4 in Forestry while Ms Aldridge, the Portland Chip Terminal administrator, is completing a Certificate 4 in Business. “ABP is proud to invest time and resources empowering our next generation of leaders, building career pathways and supporting innovative workplaces to inspire the best outcomes for our people,” Ms Tarr said. “This Women in Wood Fibre event celebrates the valuable role women play right across our organisation, from operating machinery and silviculture management to speaking in the boardroom. About a quarter of our workforce is female with many women fulfilling key leadership roles in what have been historically male dominated fields. “This event is an important time to reflect on how we can all work together to inspire further inclusion for all in our workplaces and broader communities, pausing to celebrate and recognise all of the wonderful women in our lives.” ABP CEO Russ Hughes presented Ms Aldridge with Melinda Gates’ book The Moment of Lift: Empowering Women Changes the World, which highlights the importance of investing in women. Mrs Aldridge is due to shortly take maternity leave to welcome her first child.

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association has elected Matt Wakelin as its new president. Mr Wakelin was elected during FOA’s Annual General Meeting replacing retiring president Grant Dodson. Source: Timberbiz Portfolio manager for New Forests, Mr Wakelin has extensive experience stemming from a lifelong career in forestry managing forest estates, port services operations, log supply and residues sales for log processing facilities and offering his sector expertise in an executive and corporate capacity. He said New Zealand’s plantation forests, and the forest owners that supported them, would be critical for achieving a greener future. “Our plantation forests sequester more than half the country’s annual carbon dioxide emissions and are the only real tool we have available right now to counter rising emissions and meet the 2050 targets,” he said. Mr Wakelin said that the sector also holds the largest role in supporting New Zealand’s emerging bioeconomy. “Wood chip, pellets and other forms of wood fibre are progressively replacing coal as an alternative, eco-friendly source of fuel. Carbon intensive materials such as steel and concrete are being subbed out for quality, carbon-locking timber too. “The innovative use of wood residues such as pine pollen in the likes of pharmaceutical and skin care products is also changing the way we see and use wood and has real potential to grow the sector,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to be stepping in as FOA President and supporting the sector on that growth trajectory.” Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg acknowledges the leadership and support of outgoing president Grant Dodson, during his two-year term. “Grant’s keen observations, industry practicality and deep knowledge of matters outside forestry have become a valuable legacy for our industry as it meets the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said. Kate Rankin (Wenita Forest Products Ltd) and Darren Man (Earnslaw One) were also elected to the executive council, replacing Steve Chandler and Rowan Struthers respectively. Dean Witehira (Timberlands) will replace Tim Sandall as Vice President for the coming term. “Steve and Rowan have been a real asset to the executive council. Their commitment to representing forest owner interests, particularly their contributions to the sector’s training, careers and labour space, will have a lasting impact,” Dr Heeg said. “We are excited to welcome our new executive members and look forward to seeing their skills, knowledge and fresh perspectives in action.”

George Prothero, a respected and admired person within in the timber frame and truss sector, has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award in a ceremony surrounded by industry stalwarts at the 2024 FTMA National Conference. Source: Timberbiz This award celebrates Mr Prothero’s monumental near half-century career, beginning when he was just 15 years old and culminating in his own business at Alpine Truss, which has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in the industry. Under his guidance, Alpine Truss became known not just for its exceptional products and safety protocols, but also for its employee-centric culture and significant contributions to the local economy, establishing Mr Prothero as a community figure in Wangaratta. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Prothero is recognised for his commitment to the well-being of his employees, fostering a familial atmosphere within his company, and his significant contributions to the local economy as one of the largest employers in Wangaratta. The Clive Martella Service to Industry Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the timber frame and truss sector. Mr Prothero’s receipt of this year’s award underscores his role not only as a visionary leader but as a driving force for industry collaboration and advancement. Upon receiving this distinguished honour, Mr Prothero shared his appreciation for the collective spirit of the industry and the crucial support of his team at Alpine Truss. “I am deeply humbled by this recognition, which truly belongs to the entire Alpine Truss family and our collaborators across the industry,” he said, reinforcing his belief in unity and teamwork as the foundation of his and the industry’s achievements. The award ceremony also saw the unveiling of a symbolic timber slab trophy, engraved with Mr Prothero’s name and decorated with the FTMA logo, signifying the strength and unity of the timber and truss community. Mr Prothero’s legacy will no doubt inspire current and future generations in the timber frame and truss industry, embodying the spirit of innovation, leadership, and community service that the Clive Martella Service to Industry Award celebrates.

Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have received a $500,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant to expand their operations and directly employ up to 16 East Gippsland native timber workers. Source: Timberbiz The business has begun employing former sawmill workers, with the grant supporting new roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication, labouring and administration. Over the next 12 months the grant will help expand the business’ operations on a former sawmill site located at Newmerella. The site has potential to become Newmerella’s industrial hub, further boosting job opportunities. Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame director Lachlan Heather is an Orbost local from a multi-generational family of native hardwood timber workers. He recently moved back to Orbost to establish the steel truss and frame business after seeing a market for steel products and access to a local workforce with a suitable skillset. The Forestry Transition Fund provides grants up to $1 million for businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Applicants that provide direct and ongoing employment to former native timber workers will receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant. A new Forestry Information Coordinator, Cory Lindfield, is now located in Orbost, to provide support to East Gippsland communities impacted by the native timber harvesting transition. Native timber workers, businesses and community members can contact Mr Lindfield for advice and help to navigate the support services and programs available, including information about grant opportunities. “The Dahlsen family has been servicing Orbost and surrounding area for over 100 years, and we are optimistic that the venture will be very successful and great for Orbost by offering local employment to support the retention of families in the area,” JC Dahlsen Pty Ltd chairman John Dahlsen said. Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said the business had more capacity to grow and called on the State Government to commit even more following its decision to end native timber harvesting. “This kneejerk decision by a premier on his way out the door has ripped hundreds of jobs out of our community with no solid plan to keep these families in the region,” Mr Bull told the Weekly Times. “It would be good if the new Premier ensured these workers were all being looked after individually, as I know that is not the case.”

Having a high profile should not provide anyone a free pass to speak disrespectfully and unfairly about others. Forestry Australia is appalled by the misinformation about forest scientists and professionals that has been perpetuated by lobbyists and anti-forestry campaigners in recent media articles. It is hard not to think that such narratives have been constructed to suit certain agendas. Statements made are not universally supported by forest scientists, and do not recognise the knowledge, expertise and credibility of Australia’s world-leading forest scientists. It is also disappointing that recent coverage has not included these other voices. Forestry Australia is a not-for-profit, independent professional association with 1,200 members. Our members are individuals who have high levels of scientific expertise and extensive operational experience. They operate across all aspects of forest, fire and land management, farm forestry and tree growing throughout Australia. Some of our members are current or past employees of State forest agencies responsible for timber harvesting. These forest scientists and professionals are among the most dedicated and passionate individuals, who make significant and under-acknowledged contributions to forest management, forest conservation and provision of renewable, sustainable and responsibly sourced timber for the Australian public. This contribution furthers our understanding of forest ecology and forest fire management. It also includes operational expertise in active and adaptive management options that are crucial for building climate resilience and mitigating wildfires. These forest scientists make significant contributions to managing and conserving our forests for the benefit of society. They provide elite and specialised firefighting capacity to all major wildfire events, collect and apply seed to revegetate forests severely degraded by bushfires, and are at the forefront of technological advancement such as drones and sophisticated apps to record and monitor forest values. In addition, they conduct the most comprehensive threatened species monitoring programs that exist in this country, and oversee comprehensive management plans that provide high quality, sustainable local hardwood timbers. It is time to move on from these tiresome, divisive and outmoded forest wars. Australia needs forest management decisions to be informed by pragmatic, open minded, evidence-based and credible voices who engaged in positive dialogue regarding future forest management. In doing so, it is only right that we recognise the immense positive contributions of the forest scientists and forestry professionals who have dedicated their careers to evidence-based care for our forests. Dr Michelle Freeman is Forestry Australia president and has a double degree in Forestry and Science (Ecology), and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.

The Hyne Group is moving into pallet manufacturing following the acquisition of Melbourne-based pallet and packaging manufacturer Rodpak. Source: Timberbiz This announcement comes just over two years since the Hyne Group partnership with UK based company, James Jones and Sons Ltd, and the combined Group’s focus on achieving growth and expansion. Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon said the acquisition is an exciting addition for the company: “Rodpak is a highly regarded business with a long history in the manufacture of softwood timber pallets, with quality equipment and technology, and great customer relationships. All these factors are very consistent with the core position of the Hyne Group, which has operated in Australia for over 140 years,” he said. “While it will be business as usual for Rodpak’s brand, staff, suppliers and customers, being a part of the Hyne Group brings the strengths of the international connections with James Jones and Sons Ltd, who are a leading pallet manufacturer in Europe with several sites throughout the United Kingdom. “The broader security of being a part of a large timber manufacturing business, also brings further certainty for the Rodpak business and its customer base,” Mr Bindon said. The Hyne Group has been a long-term supplier of timber to the pallet industry, and this remains a core focus for the sawmilling operations. Mr Bindon said the Hyne strategy was not to add new capacity to the pallet market, but rather work with customers and industry participants who were ready to exit the industry or explore strategic partnerships as part of their own succession process. “Continuing to supply these long-term Hyne pallet customers remains an essential part of the broader Group strategy,” he said. “This acquisition has no impact to our high-quality, structural framing product range for the construction sector, which continues to be a critical focus for the Hyne Timber business. “I am very pleased the current owner, Dean Roderick, will be staying on with the business, as he is well respected in the market and indeed internationally within the pallet sector. Dean has been known to the James Jones & Sons pallet business for some years, and he is most highly regarded by them also,” Mr Bindon said. Mr Roderick said the new ownership model was a welcome move to take the company forward. “Becoming part of a national and global ownership model is a significant milestone for us as a business, for our team members, customers and suppliers and we have been pleased with the process to get to this point,” he said. “Rodpak is a great business with strong partnerships, built over many years. With the local strength and global reach of the Hyne Group, I am very confident the company is moving in a great direction, and I personally look forward to working with the broader Hyne Group team.” The full acquisition of Rodpak will finalise on 1 May 2024 subject to all Completion Precedents being met.