Forest Products Industry

WoodWorks – Wood Products Council in the US has announced eight 2026 Wood in Architecture award winners, celebrating excellence and innovation in mass timber, heavy timber, light-frame, and hybrid building design. Source: Timberbiz The annual award program recognizes developers and design teams using wood in innovative ways that positively impact the environment, occupants, and communities throughout the US. “WoodWorks was founded to support innovation in modern wood design, and we’re fortunate to work alongside the teams taking on that work every day. Our award program gives us a chance to step back and celebrate what they’ve accomplished, and the projects that represent the best of what wood can achieve,” said Jennifer Cover, PE, WoodWorks President & CEO. An independent jury of design professionals reviewed, deliberated, and selected the winning projects based on four criteria: design excellence, innovative use of wood, sustainability & resilience, and market impact. Winning projects reflect a broad and evolving landscape for mass timber and light-frame wood construction, ranging from urban campuses to rural communities, and from small-scale buildings to flagship headquarters. “The winning projects illustrate not only what is possible today, but where the industry is headed,” Ms Cover said. “High-performance envelopes, advanced acoustic and vibration solutions, and hybrid structural systems are enabling wood to meet rigorous program requirements while delivering warm, human-centered spaces.” 2026 winning projects Amy Gutmann Hall, Data Science & AI Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Architect: Lake Flato Architects (Design Architect, Architect of Record); KSS Architects (Associate Architect) Structural Engineer: Buro Happold General Contractor: Gilbane Building Company Developer/Owner: University of Pennsylvania Cincinnati Public Radio Cincinnati, Ohio Architect: emersion DESIGN Structural Engineer: Schaefer General Contractor: Skanska Developer/Owner: Cincinnati Public Radio Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow Becket, Massachusetts Design Architect: Mecanoo; Architect of Record: Marvel Structural Engineer: TYLin General Contractor: Allegrone Companies Developer/Owner: Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Knight Building Big Sky, Montana Design Architects: Integrated Design Cubed (IDCUBED) / NKBAK / Peter Rose + Partners; Architect of Record: Peter Rose + Partners Structural Engineer: RSE Associates, Inc. General Contractor: Highline Partners Developer/Owner: Lone Mountain Land Company The Kreher Preserve & Nature Centre Environmental Education Building Auburn, Alabama Architect: Leers Weinzapfel Associates Structural Engineer of Record: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH); Delegated Design Engineer: KPFF General Contractor: W.W. Compton Contractor, LLC Developer/Owner: Auburn University – College of Forestry, Wildlife, and the Environment Mercer Middle School Seattle, Washington Architect: Bassetti Architects, A Design Studio of HMC Architects Structural Engineer: Coughlin Porter Lundeen General Contractor: Cornerstone General Contractors Developer/Owner: Seattle Public Schools Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters Fountain Valley, California Architect: HDR Structural Engineer: HDR General Contractor: Swinerton Developer/Owner: Orange County Sanitation District Under Armour Global Headquarters Baltimore, Maryland Architect: Gensler Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti General Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Developer/Owner: Under Armour

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The Threads of Tomorrow Summit, to be held on 16 June in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, will bring together leaders, innovators and change makers from across the fibre, textile and fashion industries to explore solutions, foster collaboration and inspire innovation for a more sustainable future. Source: Timberbiz Presented by FSC promotional licence holder Fashion & Textiles New Zealand, the summit will feature talks from industry experts and leaders, alongside the opportunity to explore the Innovation Hub stalls and discover the latest developments in sustainability within the fashion industry. FSC Australia and New Zealand will be participating in the Innovation Hub, showcasing how responsibly sourced forest-based materials can support the fashion industry’s transition towards more sustainable practices. From fibres and textiles to footwear and packaging, FSC certification helps verify that forest-based materials are sourced responsibly, supporting forests, biodiversity and the rights of workers, Indigenous peoples and local communities. As fashion brands increasingly seek lower-impact and traceable material solutions, FSC-certified forest-based materials like viscose, lyocell, natural rubber and paper-based packaging offer verifiable pathways to responsible sourcing and greater supply chain transparency. At the Summit, FSC will host an exhibit featuring apparel, textiles, footwear and packaging solutions from FSC promotional licence holders and certificate holders across Australia and New Zealand. The exhibit will highlight innovative applications of responsibly sourced forest-based materials and demonstrate how FSC-certified solutions can help drive more sustainable, scalable and circular approaches across the fashion and textile sector.

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Port Stephens Koala Hospital is strengthening its koala conservation efforts thanks to a recent koala feed tree donation from Forestry Corporation of NSW. Source: Timberbiz The koala hospital plays a vital role in caring for and rehabilitating injured koalas in the Port Stephens region, which is home to one of the state’s most important koala populations. Over the past five years, Forestry Corporation has donated more than 10,000 feed tree seedlings to the hospital. This year, the hospital has just received 2,600 seedlings grown from seed at Forestry Corporation’s Grafton nursery. PSKH General Manager Karen Varker said the seedlings will be planted and cultivated to support koala feed tree programs. “Every koala in our care relies on access to around approximately 1,000 trees for feed and habitat, so this donation from Forestry Corporation is greatly appreciated,” Ms Varker said. “Port Stephens Koala Hospital is committed to increasing and growing its work in plantations for koala feed trees and we have planted over 8,000 trees to date across a number of plantations. “The donations that the Forestry Corporation have contributed are vital to our work in this area and we are grateful for the continued support in this important work around koala conservation.” Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader Alex Capararo said the donated seedlings include primary koala feed tree species forest red gum, grey gum and tallowwood. “This initiative represents a strong collaborative effort, drawing on the propagation expertise of eucalyptus species at the Forestry Corporation Nursery in Grafton to supply these essential trees,” Mr Capararo said. “These plantings play a critical role in the conservation and care of koalas, and we are proud to support and contribute to the outstanding work of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.” As the land manager for NSW State Forests, Forestry Corporation grows millions of seedlings each year to plant in softwood and hardwood plantations.

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The launch of the new NZ Pine brand gives New Zealand’s forestry sector a stronger platform to promote the quality, performance and responsible production of radiata pine in global markets, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association says. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the brand will help build recognition of New Zealand wood across global export markets. “NZ Pine gives growers, processors and exporters a shared platform to tell the story of versatile, reliable and sustainably grown New Zealand radiata pine in international markets. A stronger national identity can help customers understand where our wood comes from, how it performs and the responsible forestry practices behind it.” Dr Heeg says the brand’s credibility will be boosted by a government-backed standard, overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries, setting out evidence behind its product and sustainability claims. “International customers are asking more detailed questions about the products they buy and the supply chains behind them. A clear standard will give customers confidence in the NZ Pine brand,” Dr Heeg said. New Zealand’s plantation forests also provide a renewable, year-round wood supply, with many forests independently certified under internationally recognised sustainability programs. “New Zealand pine comes from forests planted and managed to produce a renewable material,” Dr Heeg said. Our expertise and research base give us a highly regarded export product. The brand gives the sector a better way to promote those strengths to the world.” Dr Heeg says the brand launch complements the Government’s recent investment in new wood-processing technology. The Government is investing NZ$3.2 million over three years in an NZ$8 million project with VoMo Limited, a Red Stag Investments company, to assess the feasibility of producing prefabricated, fully fitted mass timber modules. “The NZ Pine brand will help us promote New Zealand wood more effectively overseas, while investment in new technology can expand the ways we use and process it here. New technology and better processing can help New Zealand use more of what we grow, reduce waste and build higher-value supply chains around a renewable resource,” Dr Heeg said. Dr Heeg says both announcements reflect the scale of the opportunity available from New Zealand’s renewable plantation forests. “A stronger international identity and continued investment in new products can help New Zealand earn more from the wood we grow,” she said.

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From the classroom to the workshop floor, students are getting a firsthand taste of life in the timber industry. With strong industry backing and growing demand, the ‘Try a Timber Trade’ Program is gaining momentum across Australia. Source: NTHA NTHA Trainees & Apprentices’ new Educational Pathways Program – Try a Timber Trade – is proving a hit with students and industry alike, giving young people a rare opportunity to step inside real timber businesses, get hands-on with industry tools and explore rewarding career pathways firsthand. With a successful inaugural program completed in Mt Druitt and a strong Liverpool intake now underway, the program is generating growing momentum across New South Wales as students discover the diverse opportunities available throughout the timber and manufacturing sectors. Funded and supported by the NSW Government, Try a Timber Trade is designed to bridge the gap between school and employment, helping young people build practical skills, industry knowledge and workplace confidence while connecting employers with the next generation of apprentices and trainees. The first program, held in Mt Druitt from 25 May to 3 June, combined practical workshops, classroom learning and industry immersion experiences. Students gained firsthand exposure to the timber supply chain, visited workplaces, met industry professionals and built their own timber projects using industry-standard tools and equipment. Following the success of the pilot program, the Liverpool intake commenced on 9 June, reflecting strong demand from students eager to explore new career opportunities. Open to students aged 15 and over in Years 10–12, the seven-day program combines four days of practical training with three days of workplace visits and industry engagement. Participants complete four nationally recognised units of competency, providing a valuable foundation for future apprenticeships, traineeships and vocational training pathways. NTHA Trainees & Apprentices Program Manager Natasha Ryan said the program was opening students’ eyes to career opportunities they may never have previously considered while giving them real-world experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom. “Try a Timber Trade gives students the chance to experience the industry firsthand and gain skills that can support future employment and training opportunities,” Ms Ryan said. “Several participants have already expressed interest in school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time apprenticeships, while others are considering further vocational training pathways.” The hands-on nature of the program proved a major highlight. “Students loved the practical workshops, particularly making chopping boards they could take home. Creating something with their own hands and using industry tools gave them a real sense of achievement,” Ms Ryan said. Industry immersion days also left a lasting impression. “Visiting worksites, meeting apprentices and seeing the journey from milling through to finished products gave students a much deeper understanding of the opportunities available across the industry.” Ms Ryan said the program was equally valuable for employers. “It gives businesses the opportunity to connect with motivated young people, identify emerging talent and help build the industry’s future workforce.” The program’s success has been strengthened by strong industry support. Canterbury Timbers generously donated 16 lengths of Tasmanian Oak for students to use during their practical project work. NTHA also thanked the following businesses for hosting industry immersion days: Heritage Profiles & Mouldings DuraCube Australia Ryder Shop and Office Fitting Knights Timbers Belmont Timber Windoor Joinery   Upcoming program dates: Murwillumbah: 24 August – 2 September 2026 Mt Druitt: 9 November – 18 November 2026   Students interested in future programs are encouraged to speak with their Careers Adviser and complete an Expression of Interest form. Employers interested in becoming involved can contact Natasha Ryan on 0407 442 070 or natasha.r@ntha.com.au, or visit NTHA’s website for further information.  

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Global fire experts recently gathered in Hobart for the 8th International Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference, bringing together fire managers, scientists and Indigenous land stewards from 22 countries. The event focused on one of the sector’s biggest challenges: how to live with fire in a rapidly changing climate. Source: Timberbiz A strong line-up of presenters shared their knowledge, with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) making a strong contribution. Dr Victor Hurley presented the Pine Plains Fire Management Plan, showcasing how regionally grounded science can support clear, defensible fire management at a landscape scale. Phillip Brien highlighted innovative approaches to integrating complex analytics into operational planning, including a Loddon Mallee fire response tool that helps identify and protect sensitive ecological and cultural assets during suppression, while optimising burn scheduling in the region. Sam Hillman and Merinda Day-Smith shared research aimed at improving fuel assessment to strengthen fire behaviour modelling. Their work is testing a more consistent, structured approach to how fuel is measured, which will improve model accuracy and help evaluate fuel management outcomes. Peter Ashton presented on the First Attack Decision Support Tool, highlighting its development, trial and use in operational preparedness, and identifying areas for improvement and potential future use. Pauline Rudolph examined the cumulative impacts of fire across the Grampians and Little Desert, highlighting the scale of recent fires and the ongoing challenge of maintaining critical biodiversity in landscapes dominated by younger, more fire-prone vegetation. Tim Gazzard and Sam Hillman contributed to a session on firefighting effectiveness, sharing insights from the development and use of remote helidip sites in eastern Victoria. Their presentation covered operational learnings, testing of tank designs and how these insights are shaping future infrastructure. Levi Lovett and Tom Robinson presented as part of the Working as One – Culture and Country session. They spoke about how cultural burning and modern fire management can work together to care for Country and support safer communities. They also shared how FFMVic worked alongside Traditional Owners and incident management teams during the 2024–25 Gariwerd (Grampians) and Little Desert bushfires to help protect important cultural heritage. Mr Lovett further highlighted work at the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, showing how strong partnerships, Traditional Owner leadership and tailored fire response helped protect this significant place. A key theme across the conference was the shared challenges facing fire agencies worldwide, including rising bushfire risk, increasing community expectations and the need for transparent, evidence-based decision-making. The conference also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships across agencies and countries. By sharing local expertise and learning from global peers, FFMVic is helping ensure Victoria’s fire management remains forward-looking and better equipped to protect communities, culture and the environment.

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Australia has some of the world’s strictest illegal logging laws, with due diligence requirements applying to both domestic processors and importers before timber products can be placed on the market. Source: Timberbiz To help businesses navigate these requirements, Responsible Wood has developed a new Technical Note explaining how PEFC certification can support compliance with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024. For countries without Commonwealth Country Specific Guidelines, certification can provide a practical pathway to demonstrate compliance and simplify evidence collection. Download the technical note here.

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Sydney based fund manager New Forests has launched its Global Landscape Opportunities (GLO) strategy, the company’s first global natural capital offering, investing across forestry, agriculture, and complementary markets such as carbon and biodiversity. Source: Timberbiz To be established in Luxembourg, the new strategy brings together New Forests’ two decades of experience investing across regional markets into a single, globally integrated portfolio, targeting opportunities across North America, Europe, Australia-New Zealand, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. GLO will be open for institutional investment only. The launch responds to growing investor demand for institutional-grade, global allocations to natural capital, as capital markets increasingly recognise the role of land-based assets in delivering inflation resilience, diversification, and the potential for attractive long-term real returns, alongside environmental outcomes. “The launch of our Global Landscape Opportunities strategy marks a significant step in the evolution of New Forests as a global natural capital investment manager,” Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, New Forests, said. “We are seeing strong investor demand for scalable, institutional strategies that provide diversified exposure to natural capital. This strategy responds directly to that need – bringing together our global platform, investment expertise, and track record into a single, offering. “Natural capital is increasingly recognised as a core component of resilient portfolios, offering the potential for long-term returns while supporting critical outcomes such as climate stability, biodiversity and sustainable land use.” The GLO strategy will invest across a broad spectrum of natural capital assets, including sustainable forestry assets, agricultural land and food production systems, carbon and climate-related investments, and biodiversity and ecosystem markets. “Historically, many investors have accessed natural capital through regional allocations, but not all institutions have the scale, resources or expertise to build and manage global portfolios themselves,” David Shelton, Global Head of Investments, New Forests, said. “Building on New Forests’ regional return performance, this strategy allows investors to access a diversified global portfolio where we actively allocate capital across regions, sectors and markets to optimise outcomes.” “Natural capital offers a compelling investment proposition, with characteristics such as attractive long duration return profiles, inflation hedging, and low correlation to traditional asset classes. It also provides exposure to fundamental global demand for food, fibre, renewable energy and ecosystem services.” The proposed asset allocation will be: United States, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, and New Zealand – 60% to 80% of the portfolio Developed Latin America (Brazil, Uruguay and Chile) – up to 30% of the portfolio Southeast Asia, other Latin America regions, and Africa – up to 20% of the portfolio   The target audience for GLO is institutional investors including pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, endowments and foundations.

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