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For more than a decade, Vietnam has been one of the biggest success stories in the global wood pellet market. Fuelled by strong demand for renewable energy in Japan and South Korea, the country rapidly became Asia’s largest wood pellet supplier and the world’s second-largest exporter. Source: ResourceWise But as the market matures, the conversation is shifting. Buyers, regulators, and industry stakeholders are increasingly focused on the resilience, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness of pellet supply chains. Vietnam’s expansion didn’t happen by chance. As Japan and South Korea sought alternatives to coal, wood pellets became an important component of their renewable energy strategies. That demand created an enormous opportunity for Vietnamese producers, who quickly scaled production to serve these growing markets. Today, however, the dynamics are changing. Policy shifts in Japan and South Korea are reshaping biomass incentives, creating new uncertainty for exporters that have become heavily dependent on a relatively small group of buyers. Rapid growth often attracts greater attention and higher expectations. As Vietnam’s pellet industry has expanded, discussions have moved beyond production volumes to questions about sourcing practices, supply chain transparency, product quality, and environmental impact. Importing countries are placing more emphasis on sustainability standards, while buyers increasingly expect greater visibility into how pellets are produced. These developments reflect a broader trend across global biomass markets: commercial success is increasingly tied not only to price and availability, but also to operational transparency and environmental stewardship. Vietnam is also operating in a more competitive marketplace than it did several years ago. Emerging suppliers across Southeast Asia are expanding production, while established exporters continue investing in efficiency and sustainability. At the same time, pricing pressures make it more difficult for pellet manufacturers to invest in facility improvements or environmental upgrades, particularly when contracts prioritize cost over long-term partnerships. As competition intensifies, producers will likely need to balance affordability with investments that strengthen product quality, operational performance, and buyer confidence. The challenges facing Vietnam are not unique. Around the world, wood pellet producers are navigating similar questions around emissions, community impacts, certification requirements, and supply chain transparency. As biomass markets continue to evolve, these factors are becoming increasingly important to buyers and policymakers alike. For market participants, understanding these broader trends is becoming just as important as tracking prices and trade flows. Vietnam remains a critical player in the global pellet trade, but the industry’s next chapter will likely be defined by more than export growth alone. Policy changes, evolving buyer expectations, and regional competition are reshaping what success looks like for producers across Asia. ResourceWise’ latest Market Insights report, “Vietnam’s Wood Pellet Industry Faces Growing Market and Sustainability Pressures,” takes a deeper dive into these developments, exploring the market forces behind Vietnam’s rapid rise, the growing scrutiny surrounding the industry, and what these trends could mean for buyers, suppliers, and the broader biomass sector. If you’re looking to understand where the Asian wood pellet market is headed next, the full report provides the context and analysis behind these emerging shifts. You can download the report at https://www.resourcewise.com/resources/report-market-insights-asian-pellet-market-july-26?hsCtaAttrib=217560324217  

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The Council Recommendation on Integrated Wildfire Management, which is a non-binding policy recommendation adopted by the Council of the European Union providing a common framework for EU Member States to improve how they prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires across the entire disaster risk management cycle, identifies FoRISK among the initiatives to foster international cooperation on integrated wildfire risk management. Source: Timberbiz The Recommendation was adopted in response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons, particularly the record-breaking 2025 season in which more than one million hectares burned across the EU. FoRISK, an implementation mechanism of Forest Europe hosted by EFI, is mentioned under Article 41 in the section on Measures to Strengthen International Engagement. This reference recognises FoRISK as a key initiative in the pan-European region supporting cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building on forest risks management, such as wildfires, windstorms, pests and diseases. FoRISK is an implementation mechanism under the aegis of FOREST EUROPE, the pan-European voluntary high-level forest policy process, for the forest risk management community. Its main objective is to foster and strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchanges between all members for the resilience and adaptation capacity of forests and the forest sector to future disturbances. The focus is on the evolving interactions between disturbances like wind, fire, pest outbreaks, and diseases – critical and essential for future forest management. Through the analysis of good practices, we develop policy recommendations and joint innovative solutions to support stakeholders in building more resilient forests. The Recommendation follows the publication by the European Commission in March 2026 of the Communication on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management, which set out a comprehensive approach to cover the whole risk management cycle of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery across Europe. FoRISK goals are to enhance and maintain the resilience of forests and the forest sector within sustainable forest management, and to support forest adaptation to changing conditions to future forest disturbances, by creating a proactive, long-term network through international collaboration and cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. Wildfires are among the most pressing manifestations of the abovementioned challenges, exacerbated by climate change. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of forest disturbances across the pan-European region, proactive and effective risk management requires coordinated action across sectors, disciplines and national borders. FoRISK contributes to this objective by facilitating and supporting the exchange of knowledge and good practices and helping translate scientific evidence into practical and policy-relevant solutions. FoRISK remains committed to supporting pan- European countries and stakeholders in strengthening integrated forest risk management and contributing to resilient forests and resilient societies across the region.

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Voodin consortium has secured a €48M EU grant to build Spain’s first automated wooden blade factory. Launching in 2031, the Navarre facility will replace fibreglass composites with recyclable engineered wood and support more resilient European wind energy production. Source: TechEU Wind energy is an important part of Europe’s shift to clean power, with €45 billion raised for new wind projects across the region in 2025. But that investment comes with a sustainability challenge: today’s wind turbine blades are made of fibreglass, a material that is difficult to recycle. Around 78% of decommissioned blades end up buried in landfills, raising serious environmental and cost concerns for the industry. To tackle this challenge, Germany’s Voodin Blade Technology and three partners have secured a €48.18 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund for the Voodin Blade 1st Factory (VB1F) project. The initiative will scale the production of fully recyclable wind turbine blades made from Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), replacing conventional composite materials with engineered wood. The consortium comprises project coordinator VMG Wood Invest and VMG Technics from Lithuania, together with Germany’s Voodin Blade Technology and Anker-Tec. Voodin Blade Technology has developed a fully automated, mold-free manufacturing process, which can produce wooden wind turbine blades anywhere in the world where clean energy is needed. This approach avoids the limitations of centralised factories and enables blade production with less specialised labour and investment. “Our manufacturing system is designed for fast-scale deployment,” said Tom Siekmann, Co-Founder and CEO of Voodin Blade Technology. “By enabling local blade production, we can help build stronger, more resilient European supply chains, reduce dependence on overseas manufacturing, and accelerate the deployment of wind energy where it is needed most. Our approach is designed for both scale and flexibility.” A first-of-its-kind factory in Navarre, Spain, will be established to create an all-European sustainable supply chain in line with the European Green Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and REPowerEU. VB1F as the first automated, mold-free wind turbine blade factory in Spain. Launched in 2031, the Navarre facility will produce up to 160 sets of blades per year, supporting the manufacture of wind turbines that can collectively generate around 13.5 million MWh of electricity over a decade.  The process relies on advanced automation in a fully electric, mold-free environment, enabling flexible production without retooling for each new blade design. The operation is expected to support about 450 local jobs at full capacity. The technology not only removes supply bottlenecks but also helps meet Europe’s ambitious energy and climate targets. The plant can be licensed and replicated in other regions worldwide.

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For Corryong’s Lily McKimmie, last summer was her initiation as a seasonal firefighter and a chance to step into a role she’d grown up around. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News “I grew up at the Corryong depot with my Dad working there, so it was a bit surreal actually being the one doing the job,” she said. As a first-year seasonal firefighter, there was a lot to take in. “It was a bit daunting at the start,” Ms McKimmie said, “but I settled in quickly. “I learned a lot in a short time and got more confident with each shift. “Being part of an experienced crew made a big difference. There was always support when I needed it and I got to learn by doing, which really helped. A highlight of the season was working alongside her dad, Beau, a career forest firefighter and respected member of the Corryong community. “I never really knew exactly what he did until this season,” she said. “Seeing him out there, the way he works and steps up, gave me a whole new level of respect. I’m really proud of him.” Like any first season, there were challenges especially when the Walwa River Road fire threatened communities in the Corryong district. “There were definitely a few moments early on where I felt out of my depth but those were the ones that pushed me the most,” Ms McKimmie said. “The long hours and having to back it up day after day was also something I had to adjust to. “It made me realise how important it is to stay calm, trust what you’ve been taught, and just focus on doing your job properly even when you’re tired.” Now studying at university in Geelong, Ms McKimmie is already keen for another season. Her advice to others thinking about joining? “Just give it a go, you learn so much by being there and getting involved,” she enthused. Anyone interested in a career in forest firefighting and land management can apply now for the 2026/27 season at https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobtools/JnCustomLogin.Login?in_organid=18479 or call 136 186.

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Long before power tools, traditional timber framing was crafted with generations of accumulated knowledge. In Australia this practice continues to evolve, adapting centuries-old European joinery traditions to local timbers, climates and building codes. Source: Timberbiz Join Chris Nance, founder of Traditional Timber Frames and one of Australia’s most accomplished post-and-beam practitioners, as he draws on more than 130 commissioned frames and nearly two decades of practice to share what traditional timber framing looks like in Australia today. Mr Nance will share how he has adapted the oak framing techniques he learned in Wales to Australian hardwoods and architectural contexts; and the practical considerations that come with designing, engineering and certifying handcrafted timber frames within the Australian regulatory environment. He will also reflect on his role as an educator, having taught timber framing in the UK, France and across Australia, and what it takes to pass on a craft that demands both deep material knowledge and hands-on skill. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, builder, or simply drawn to the idea of beautiful buildings made to last, this session offers a rare window into a craft tradition that is alive and growing in Australia. Registration is free, the event is on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 from 11am – 12pm. CPD points available For more information visit https://traditionaltimberframes.com.au/ or email info@traditioinaltimberframes.com.au

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A new survey shows the forestry sector maintains New Zealand’s largest private landowner investment in wildfire preparedness and firefighting capability, with forest owners spending an average of NZ$8.1 million on fire protection annually. Source: Timberbiz The investment extends beyond emergency response, covering training, specialist equipment, vehicles, prevention activities and insurance. The 2025 Wildfire Statistics and Forest Fire Management Capabilities Study found forest owners maintain trained fire crews, heavy machinery, specialist firefighting equipment, water supplies and fire management plans across 77% of New Zealand’s plantation forest estate. New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) Fire Committee Chair Sean McBride says the study demonstrates the significant investment forest owners make in capability and equipment to ensure wildfires can be detected and contained quickly year-on-year. “Forestry is the only private landowner group in New Zealand maintaining substantial in-house wildfire suppression capability,” Mr McBride said. “Forest owners maintain trained crews, water supplies, pumps, tankers and heavy machinery so they can move quickly when a fire breaks out. “This capability also supports Fire and Emergency New Zealand, neighbouring landowners and rural communities during wildfire events.” The survey found that the most damaging fires recorded by forest owners start outside forest boundaries, often spreading from grass or scrub into plantations. “Most rural fires ignite in grassland outside forests but can quickly cross from one property to another,” Mr McBride said. “While forests are generally more resistant to ignition than surrounding grass and scrub, those grassland fuels dry quickly, ignite easily and can spread fire rapidly into neighbouring properties including forests. “This is why forest owners invest heavily in people, equipment and local capability. Our crews know the forest roads, water points and terrain, enabling them to respond quickly when every minute counts.” The study found the number of slip-on firefighting units, where a water tank or pump is mounted on a ute or truck, are an increasingly important tool for forest owners’ rapid wildfire response. The number of units have more than doubled in recent years, from 12 in 2022 to 28 in 2025. “These units are critical for enabling crews to get water directly to a developing fire promptly,” Mr McBride said. With El Niño forecast to bring drier, windier conditions and elevated fire danger across many parts of New Zealand this summer, maintaining a strong level of readiness will be particularly important. Mr McBride says preventing fires from starting remains the most effective way to reduce wildfire risk. “People cause around 98% of New Zealand’s wildfires, so everyone has a role to play in mitigating the risk. Before carrying out work, check the conditions and current fire danger, follow any restrictions and postpone activities when the risk is high to prevent fires from starting. “While the forestry sector invests heavily in prevention and suppression capability, the safest and most effective method is a fire that never starts.”

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Each year, Forest Week spotlights the importance of sustainable forestry worldwide. Held annually, FSC Forest Week is a worldwide campaign to help drive consumer awareness about the importance of responsible forestry. Source: Timberbiz The aim is to inspire customers to act by choosing FSC-certified products. This year Forest Week will be held on 21-27 September. Spotlighting the importance of sustainable forest management, the global FSC Forest Week campaign is held on the last week of September. Each year, brands, NGOs, and organisations join forces to raise awareness about the importance of responsible forest management and its role in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss. Since its launch, FSC Forest Week has evolved into a powerful, global campaign. With initiatives such as community engagement, internal company activities, forest walks and factory tours, we are discovering new, exciting ways to expand our influence every year. This year’s theme is ‘Do one thing for forests’. You can be part of this journey by doing your one thing for the forests and inspiring consumers to find the one thing they can do that will positively impact the world’s forests, ultimately promoting FSC’s work together. FSC certificate holders and promotional licence holders can register to take part in the campaign via the FSC Brand Hub https://brandhub.fsc.org/auth/login After registering, you will have access to the campaign toolkit, which includes assets such as social media posts (visuals and copy) covering various topics to keep your audiences engaged. The campaign’s key visual (logo), an email signature banner, a digital background, and a printable banner are also included, so you can support FSC Forest Week in any way you wish. You can choose which assets to use, or you can use the campaign’s key visual to create your own. FSC Forest Week 2025 Social Media Wall Explore the media wall to experience how individuals and organisations around the world demonstrated their commitment to sustainable forestry online. From creative campaigns and product spotlights to powerful storytelling, the global FSC community made a strong impact. View the Social Media Wall to see the reach, creativity and momentum behind FSC Forest Week 2025.

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