Australian timber industry news

Spanish police have arrested five members of a drugs gang, several Dutch nationals among them, during a raid in the Catalan city of Reus on Sunday, Spanish media reported. Source: Dutch News The gang, whose members come from Albania, Lithuania and the Netherlands, had hit upon a “very sophisticated method” to hide the drugs by impregnating 16 tonnes of wood pellets used as fuel for wood burning stoves with liquid cocaine, local paper Diari de Tarragona said. Police discovered that the pellets, which had entered the country legally from South America to Spain in sea containers, were stored for three months to “cool off” before being taken to a place where the drugs were extracted. The premises had been watched for months when a lorry with a foreign number plate arrived to pick up a load of pellets and police sprang into action. In all, 920 bags of pellets, each weighing 18 kilos, were found. The gang also had a space to package, seal and store the drugs, which were then transported across Europe. Police also impounded five kilos of MDMA, two hydraulic presses, a lorry and luxury car.

Since 1991, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has published a comprehensive report on the social, economic and environmental state of Canada’s forests. The theme of the 2023 edition of The State of Canada’s Forests is relationships for resiliency. Source: Timberbiz The document underscores the need for climate action and the benefits of sustainable forest management, while drawing attention to the interconnections between people, nature and the long-term sustainability of Canada’s diverse forest-based values. Among the stories featured in NRCan’s 2023 report: how Canada manages its forests for diverse values through the principles of sustainable forest management how “community forests” help sustain multiple values at multiple scales in increasingly uncertain landscapes how sustainable forest management sequesters carbon and helps mitigate climate change how forests help protect healthy aquatic ecosystems and Canada’s drinking water, and how forest disturbances and climate change affect our drinking water supply and quality the diverse people working across the forest sector supply chain, from forest regeneration and the production of various forest products to the development of new knowledge to help sustainably manage our forests “In 2022–2023, Natural Resources Canada continued to deliver on its mandate to improve the lives of Canadians while ensuring that our country’s natural resources are managed sustainably, competitively and inclusively,” writes the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “This report summarizes many of these initiatives, and it highlights the department’s efforts to ensure economic growth, create good jobs in every region of the country, and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Canadians.” To learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s forests and forest products sector, read The State of Canada’s Forests: Annual Report 2023 here.  

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to make a popular pain reliever and other valuable products from plants instead of petroleum. Source: Timberbiz Building on a previously patented method for producing paracetamol, the discovery promises a greener path to one of the world’s most widely used medicines and other chemicals. More importantly, it could provide new revenue streams to make cellulosic biofuels derived from non-food plant fibres cost competitive with fossil fuels. “We did the R&D to scale it and make it realizable,” says Steven Karlen, a staff scientist at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Centre who led the research published recently in the journal ChemSusChem. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used pharmaceuticals, with a global market value of about US$130 million a year. Since it was introduced in the early 1900s, the drug has traditionally been made from derivatives of coal tar or petroleum. In 2019, Mr Karlen and UW–Madison biochemistry professor John Ralph showed how it could be made instead from a compound in poplar trees using a well-known chemical reaction. Now Mr Karlen’s team has improved the process for making paracetamol as well as other drugs, pigments, textiles, and biodegradable plastics with a cumulative market value of more than US$1.5 billion, a portfolio of products that he says could support dozens of small biorefineries feeding into larger hubs without saturating the market. The process is available for commercial licensing through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the non-profit organization that commercializes university discoveries to support ongoing research. The paracetamol molecule is made of a six-carbon benzene ring with two chemical groups attached. Poplar trees produce a similar compound called p-hydroxybenzoate (pHB) in lignin, the part of the cell wall that binds plant sugars together and provides structure. Lignin is chock full of valuable aromatic compounds that could replace many petrochemicals and provide biorefineries with additional revenue streams to make plant-based fuels cost competitive. The challenge is breaking down the complex and irregular chain of molecules into useful components. It turns out pHB is relatively easy to break off with chemical treatment, but while the initial discovery showed it was chemically possible to turn it into paracetamol, Mr Karlen says that process didn’t convert enough of the raw material into the final product. Research scientist Vitaliy Tymokhin discovered that treating poplar biomass with a different and typically cheaper method converted nearly all the pHB into another chemical that can then be converted into paracetamol or a less valuable molecule with other applications. “You can make dyes like black ink, polymers which can be used in textiles or material application, convert it to adhesives or into stuff like that,” Mr Karlen says. “It’s got a huge market and big value.” By recycling the unreacted product back through in a continuous reactor, the scientists successfully converted 90% of the raw material into paracetamol, which they extracted using a method that’s cheaper than traditional purification techniques. Karlen says it should be possible to dial the yield up to 99%. The process is primarily water based, relies on green solvents, and is continuous rather than a batch reaction, which makes it ideal for industrial applications. “As I’m chopping the tree up, it can feed right into a reactor that pulls out the benzamide,” Mr Karlen says. “So, you’re never stopping. As fast as your trucks can come in and fill that hopper, you can keep processing.”

Spanning four decades and featuring domestic and internationally significant work, Dr Brian Richardson’s career was acknowledged when Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard presented him with the Minister’s Biosecurity Award at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards dinner at the Beehive. Source: Timberbiz The award recognises outstanding contributions to New Zealand biosecurity over at least 10 years. Dr Richardson, a principal scientist in Scion’s Plant Protection Physics and Chemistry team, has worked at Scion since 1983 and research during his 41-year career has focused on forest protection, particularly in the areas of biosecurity and pest management. His expertise in pesticide application has been applied to pest eradication operations and more recently to the problem of wilding conifers, where his aerial spraying guidelines now underpin the Wilding Conifer Control Program. Dr Richardson also helped eradicate invasive insects including the painted apple moth, white-spotted tussock moth, and southern saltmarsh mosquito. Successful invasions of these pests could have crippled New Zealand’s horticulture and forestry exports. What keeps many people in science, Dr Richardson says, is a sense of curiosity. “That sense of discovery is really exciting, but for me, it’s adding value. Seeing something you do of use to someone. That motivates me. Working with teams has always been a big part of it too,” he said. “Anything I’ve achieved has been with the support and partnership of others who I feel all share in this award. Sadly, some of those who helped me on my career journey are no longer with us, but I will still acknowledge their contributions.” He also remembers some challenging and successful projects that became career highlights. “I think some have shared common characteristics. They’ve been complex problems with clear goals or challenges for the science to overcome. They’ve involved partnerships between policymakers, the science teams and people managing operations. We’ve worked closely together as a team and that’s really key to success,” he said. “There’s a lot of satisfaction in science that is immediately of value and can be used by people making decisions.” Dr Richardson has also collaborated internationally, such as with the US Forest Service on the development of spray modelling systems to quantify pesticide drift and efficacy. This work was recognised with a technology transfer award from the USDA Forest Service in 1996. He has contributed to technical advisory groups convened to address significant biosecurity incursions such as the brown marmorated stink bug and been involved in sector-wide initiatives like the Forest Biosecurity Council and as a board member on research programmes, including Better Border Biosecurity, BioProtection Research Centre, and Frontline Biosecurity. Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder says it is great to see a lifetime’s achievements be recognised. “As Brian said in his acceptance speech it is a huge reflection on all the people he has worked with over the years. It is also great to see Scion and the critical work the Crown Research Institutes do for New Zealand being acknowledged.” Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says Richardson’s recognition is well deserved. “It’s really important for scientists in the forest industry to be recognised.  Scientists generally, and those who work in the forest industry in particular, tend to be overlooked when awards are handed out.” “So, recognition through a Ministerial Award is tremendous news.” “That Brian’s work is in biosecurity is also noteworthy. Keeping pests and pathogens out of our production forests, native trees and gardens is vital, but usually the more successful we are the less newsworthy it is.” The award is the latest in a list of Dr Richardson’s achievements including the NZ Institute of Forestry ‘Forester of the Year’ Award in 2015, a Science New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and New Zealand Plant Protection Medal in 2022.

The prospect of a “looming” balcony crisis in Victorian homes has raised concerns, but proactive measures can be taken to assess and address potential structural issues before they escalate. Timely inspections, maintenance, and necessary repairs can help mitigate risks and ensure the safety and longevity of these properties. Source: Timberbiz “Analysing the timber species and waterproofing systems used could be a crucial step in understanding why these issues are occurring, especially if the buildings are around 10 years old,” said Professor Tripti Singh, Director of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life. Timber is a safe, durable, and predictable material to work with but like anything else, it requires ongoing maintenance. Some are saying that defective balconies are the biggest concern for buildings constructed in the last 15 years, but homeowners can prevent this sort of damage by taking proactive steps to maintain their balconies and other timber home elements. If you are looking to purchase a home or already own a home with a balcony, inspections are a great first step. Knowing the state of the balcony and what materials have been used arms you with the necessary knowledge to maintain your property. Inspections can help identify construction quality and design flaws so that you and your builder can plan the appropriate course of action for your balcony and decking concerns. Balconies and decks constructed prior to provisions introduced into the National Construction Code (NCC) may not meet current safety standards, as these provisions weren’t in place to mandate construction. However, with the implementation of the NCC provisions, decks designed and built to adhere to these provisions are considered to meet safe service life standards when properly maintained. From design to installation, timber is a durable and sustainable choice when correctly specified and constructed. Choosing a knowledgeable builder who knows the ins and outs of waterproofing and timber construction can provide you the reassurance you need to trust your balcony or raised decking system will last. From recommended timber species, termite protection and weather protection to sub-deck supports, builders can find all the details they need on domestic timber deck design from WoodSolutions. Timber professionals know that choosing the right timber species for each project is key to a long-lasting build. If you want to do some research of your own, you can download the SpeciesSolutions app to research timber species for any home project. Preventative measures such as coating systems (paints, stains), preservative and on-going maintenance assure your timber balcony can survive the elements. Waterproofing and maintaining that barrier is key to keeping your balcony in shape. If the damage has already occurred and you need to know what to do next, download the guide to learn about the Impact and Assessment of Moisture-affected Timber-framed Construction. The WoodSolutions guide on Domestic Timber Deck Design that, when used alongside modern design and construction techniques, is a best practice guide and tool that can assists tradespeople in delivering a safe and durable balcony or deck. Homeowners should regularly inspect and maintain balconies and decks made from timber to ensure structural integrity and safety. Timber is susceptible to weathering and damage over time, posing potential hazards if left unchecked. Regular inspections and maintenance, including sealing, staining, and repairing any damage, can prolong the lifespan of the structure and prevent accidents or costly repairs in the future. Find out more about timber durability, installation, inspection in the Domestic Timber Deck Design guide at https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications/domestic-timber-deck-design-0

Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has awarded John Deere Australia and New Zealand Inclusive Employer Status for 2023-24, in recognition of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Source: Timberbiz To celebrate Inclusion at Work Week, DCA announced the 82 employers to earn a place on the list, with John Deere joining a small number of companies to receive the recognition three times, having been included in 2021-22 and 2022-23. To make the list, participants must prove their commitment to diversity and inclusion by having employees complete an in-depth survey to map the state of inclusion in their workplace and produce results that exceed national benchmarks on a series of key measures. John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, said achieving Inclusive Employer Status for the third year in a row was a proud moment. “Each year, this assessment has provided us with valuable insight on where to focus our efforts to ensure we offer an inclusive workplace for everyone,” he said. “An inclusive workplace is not the result of the actions of one, but the actions of many.” As Head of People and Culture at John Deere Australia and New Zealand, Camilla Kelly has led the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey. “DEI is multi-layered, requiring time, dedication, and a holistic approach to fully understand its complexities,” Ms Kelly said. “It can challenge deeply held beliefs and raise difficult questions. It’s not about checkboxes or quotas, but rather it’s interwoven in everything we do and everything we want to be. “We have taken the time and energy to expand knowledge across the company, not just talk. “Our policies, talent selection criteria and workplace practices have been updated, including introducing industry-leading gender-neutral parental leave. “We’ve also worked on developing leadership capabilities and implementing DEI frameworks that empower everyone to lead initiatives that move the needle on DEI.” John Deere’s Australia Aftermarket team recently led such an initiative, holding an event at the Brisbane office to celebrate World Inclusion Day. Staff were encouraged to share their personal stories, food from their cultural backgrounds, and discuss perspectives on what inclusion means to them. “Inclusion is all about creating a work environment where everyone feels respected,” Aftermarket Marketing & Communications Specialist, Laura Pozniak-Elphick, said. “You should feel like you can bring your true self to work every day, and John Deere really embraces that. “While your colleagues always try to be their most professional selves, it’s important to remember they are individuals with families and lives outside work. Someone could be smiling on the outside but struggling on the inside, so we just need to be mindful of each other and be as kind and inclusive as possible. “If your corporate values are rooted in diversity and inclusion, that extends to your ability to recruit the best people, which ultimately elevates your whole business. I think there’s also a halo effect where if a company is a good corporate citizen, they’re more likely to be offering their products and services in the best possible way.” With innovation as one of John Deere’s key values, Ms Kelly said diversity and inclusion was paramount to the company’s success. “As a smart industrial company, we need both diverse talent and an inclusive culture to develop this competitive advantage,” she said. “Fostering genuine, sustained diversity in the workplace takes many years and a genuine heartfelt commitment from all staff. It’s important that business leaders take charge to lead and empower other staff to follow.”

Foresta, an Australian listed company, announced the signing of a 30-year lease on a property in Kawerau, in the Bay of Plenty with plans to build New Zealand’s first low emissions fossil free fuel plant. Source: Timberbiz It plans to invest $300 million building the plant which will employ more than 100 people. The plant would produce low-impact torrefied wood pellets. The plant is subject to resource consent being granted. The production process produces torrefied “black” wood pellets heated to between 200C and 300C in the absence of oxygen. Foresta said black wood pellets had the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions when used as replacement for coal, as well as to reduce emissions from shipping for every log not being exported. Foresta chairman Henry Cheng said that with the phasing out of industrial coal boilers by 2037, the company was placed to provide locally produced black wood pellets. Annual initial production of 65,000t of pellets would require about 200,000t of logs or about 330ha of forestry supply a year. Seven million tonnes of pine feedstock would be used to produce two million tonnes of black wood pellets. New Zealand uses around two million tonnes of coal a year for electricity generation, industry and heating. Supply agreements are under way with owners of sustainably managed pine plantations. The company says it does not intend to use forestry waste or slash but has identified 2000 pine forest owners within 100km of its proposed plant. Recently Foresta signed a harvesting contract with Silvertree Biomass Solutions for around 243,000 tonnes per annum of logs, stumps, and other approved biomass, fulfilling the entirety of Stage 1a’s raw feedstock requirements for the proposed integrated manufacturing facility in New Zealand. This strategic partnership underscores Foresta’s commitment to fortify its raw material supply chain, by securing the forest cutting rights the company said in a statement. “We recognise that harvesting and delivery costs represent a significant portion 50%-90% of our biomass supply expenses. This contract with Silvertree not only secures our supply chain but also ensures cost efficiency, contributing to our commitment to sustainable operations.” The planned plant will also produce natural, pine-based chemicals (rosins and terpenes) from pine trees which can replace petroleum-sourced chemicals.  

New South Wales will record the biggest expansion of softwood plantations in a decade, growing the timber frames needed to build more houses. Source: Timberbiz Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) NSW CEO James Jooste said new softwood plantations are critical to resolving the states housing crisis. “Timber frames are the backbone of our housing industry used in 80% of new homes,” Mr Jooste said. “The solution to meeting future housing targets is access to domestic building materials and the most important material is timber,” he said. The Commonwealth has allocated $73 million over the next four years to help establish new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantations in Australia. NSW will plant an additional 3500 hectares of softwood timber under round 1 of the Commonwealth Governments Plantation Establishment Program. Mr Jooste said that figure is three times larger than the total national plantings in 2021-22. “We are on the right track to reverse the stagnant growth of one of our most important resources,” he said. “New South Wales received 70% of grants on offer under round one of the program showing the demand to address our housing crisis. “We need to build more homes to deal with our housing crisis, but we can’t build houses with growing more softwood trees.” Mr Jooste said the Plantation Establishment Program has been key to stimulating new investment in plantations. “NSW must build 80,000 new homes every year for the next 25 years to meet our housing needs, so this program could not have come at a better time,” he said. “The Commonwealth can keep improving the program by simplifying up-front to access the program while maintaining a robust assessment criterion. “The strategic increase in timber plantations is not just about meeting immediate housing needs. It is also a vital step towards environmental sustainability. “Timber is the ultimate renewable helping to decarbonise our economy while we achieve our housing targets,” Mr Jooste said. Grant applications for Round 2 of the program runs from 9 February 2024 to 27 June 2024. Successful applicants will receive $2,000 per hectare to help with the establishment costs of new plantations.

The global search to find an internationally recognised expert to lead South Australia’s Forestry Centre of Excellence as director has begun, with leading forestry researcher Dr Jim O’Heir appointed as the general manger. Source: Timberbiz South Australia’s Dr O’Hehir brings his extensive experience in the areas of forestry, wood production and environmental management as he joins the Forestry Centre of Excellence having previously been the head of Forest Research at the University of South Australia in Mount Gambier and various executive roles at ForestrySA. Dr O’Hehir is highly regarded across both the industry and research sectors, which was reflected when he was named the 2023 Timber Legend at the 4th Green Triangle Timber Awards last October for his dedication to the forestry sector. A search for a second expert is also underway to fill the director role. The successful applicant for the director role will help advance innovative research on wood resources and wood-based products, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of South Australia, with national and international research institutions and industry. The Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) is the first of its kind in South Australia and was a key forestry commitment by the Malinauskas Labor Government with an aim to create long-term research and development capability to enhance the Green Triangle’s economic prosperity to generate more jobs and investment in the region. The South Australian Government last year launched the FCoE strategic plan, which outlines the vision behind the $15 million 10-year collaborative project, which has been established at the existing UniSA and TAFE precinct in Mount Gambier. The FCoE is a central hub that focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the creation of new market opportunities from Australia and across the globe. A Strategic Collaboration Agreement to formally establish the centre was signed off in December 2023 between the South Australian Government, the University of South Australia (UniSA), the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH), and the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA). Tree Breeding Australia (TBA) will also be located in the centre. For more information about the role or to apply visit: Research Professor: Wood Science & Technology and Director: Forestry Centre of Excellence (Level ERP). https://workingatunisa.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=88CB661B-D769-F4CE-5182-DA7C3CEF5135 Applications close 11:30 pm Thursday 18 April 2024 (ACST).

Funding to support disaster resilience in the primary industries has been highlighted at a South Australian Forest Products Association disaster resilience summit in Mt Gambier. Source: Timberbiz A new pilot project led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Primary Producers SA (PPSA) has received $770,000 from the State Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction grant program to prepare the agricultural sector and mitigate the impacts of compounding and increasingly complex natural disasters. Funded through a national partnership agreement between the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments, the project takes an industry-led approach to minimising disruptions to supply chains and maintaining the production and profitability of regional communities. This support is subsequent to the $26.7 million investment made by the Malinauskas Government to increase the Country Fire Service’s aerial firefighting fleet, which for the first time has seen a Blackhawk helicopter with 4,500 litre capacity for water and foam substantively based at Mount Gambier during the 2023–24 fire danger season. Additionally, the upgrade of the latest fire observation tower in Lucindale South has now been completed featuring game changing artificial intelligence (technology now rolled out across the region. The cameras are now fully operational at Comaum, Mount Benson, The Bluff, Carpenter Rocks, Mount Burr and Furner. It is the first time the Pano AI system has been implemented commercially in Australia as part of the South Australian Government’s $2.3 million fire tower network upgrade project, with $1 million targeting the new technology – and it has already been able to assist with early detection of several bushfires in the South East. “This new pilot program funded by SAFECOM and delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Primary Producers South Australia (PPSA), provided the South Australian Forest Products Association an opportunity to host a Disaster Resilience Summit bringing together all the agricultural commodity groups with community groups and key decision markers in an effort to focus on how to mitigate the impacts of compounding and complex disasters,” South Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan Paine said. “One thing that Covid taught us all, is that disasters can come at any time and we can never be too prepared. These disasters include bushfires, floods, heatwaves and extreme winters, pandemics, animal, and plant diseases, and we need to ensure that we are all integrated with our approach when it comes to disaster management,” he said. “SAFPA’s Disaster Resilience Summit attracted significant guest speakers to address the 80 plus crowd who attended from across the State and Victoria, to understand how authorities and community members can minimize the disruptions to supply chains, ensure production maintenance continues in the event of a disaster and most important, how we can support the community to recover after a disaster. “SAFPA acknowledge the ongoing support of the State Government, particularly the Minister for Forest Industries, The Honourable Clare Scriven, and the Minister for Emergency Services, The Honourable Joe Szakacs, who both attended and spoke at the Summit.  Their attendance highlights how important the State Government values our regional economies and how committed they are to safeguarding lives, property and infrastructure in the region.” Along with the Ministers, the Summit attracted the following speakers: Jonathon Pollock, Bureau of Meteorology Jason Taylor, Limestone Coast Landscape Board Cameron MacDonald, OneFortyOne Caroline Rhodes, Primary Producers South Australia Alex Zimmerman, Community recovery Coordinator, SA Government Brett Loughlin, Chief, SA Country Fire Service Anthony Walsh, Green Triangle Fire Alliance Andrew Prolov, PANO AI Jason Wallace, ac.care Andrew Excel, Department of Infrastructure and Transport Georgina Goodrich, Department of Premier and Cabinet “Industry and Government have a strong partnership and are working together to reduce the impacts of disaster.  Currently, SA’s forest industries invest $13 million every year into fire detection, prevention and response, including fire fighters, specialist firefighting tankers, and associated equipment,” Mr Paine said. “With industry’s investment along the State Government’s additional investments into upgrading fire tower network with new technology and increasing the Country Fire Services aerial firefighting fleet with a Blackhawk helicopter, the Limestone Coast is well prepared to combat any compounding and complex disasters. “Thank you to our partners, SAFECOM with Department of Primary Industries and Regions and Primary Producers South Australia, OneFortyOne and Limestone Coast Landscape Board, for their support for this ever-important Summit.  SAFPA are working in step with industry and government authorities to ensure the Limestone Coast are well prepared in crisis management, mitigation and recovery,” he said.

  The forestry industry of Mississippi is bracing itself for a game-changing shift, following President Biden’s recent signing of the FY2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) Appropriations Bill. Source: Forestat Global The T-HUD Appropriations Bill includes a provision that allows vehicles handling agricultural transport, such as timber-carrying trucks, to operate at weights up to the existing state limit of 88,000 pounds on an interstate highway within the borders of Mississippi. This provision was successfully integrated into the bill by US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Before this change, sizeable agricultural vehicles were confined to operating only on state and county roads. The new legislation breaks down these limitations, providing a safer and more efficient environment for such transport. Ms Hyde-Smith pointed out that the provision is a significant step towards aligning state and federal laws. From a safety standpoint, it also yields the added benefit of moving traffic away from narrow, poorly lit, and often less-maintained roads. The senator emphasized that this change will not only boost public safety but also stimulate commercial activity in the state of Mississippi. Key industry bodies, including the Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Loggers Association, and Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, have been tireless advocates for this shift in transport allowances. The organizations have praised Ms Hyde-Smith’s understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the forestry and agricultural industries, her commitment to the provision, and her overall support to these vital sectors. The measure was approved as part of a comprehensive six-bill package. As the industry adapts to this significant change, the MFA promises to keep its members abreast of further details and implications. This change in transportation allowances promises to bring about a marked improvement in the safety and productivity of Mississippi’s forestry industry. Truly, a win-win for both the commercial sector and the public safety of the state. Key industry bodies, including the Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Loggers Association, and Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, have been tireless advocates for this shift in transport allowances. The organizations have praised Ms Hyde-Smith’s understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the forestry and agricultural industries, her commitment to the provision, and her overall support to these vital sectors. The measure was approved as part of a comprehensive six-bill package. As the industry adapts to this significant change, the MFA promises to keep its members abreast of further details and implications. This change in transportation allowances promises to bring about a marked improvement in the safety and productivity of Mississippi’s forestry industry. Truly, a win-win for both the commercial sector and the public safety of the state. For industry professionals, staying on top of the latest developments like the new federal truck weight limits is not just important it’s essential for ensuring competitive advantage, operational efficiency, and long-term growth. These changes can have profound implications on logistics, cost structures, and industry standards. Staying informed empowers businesses to pivot quickly, seizing opportunities and averting potential risks.

SCA is involved in a development project aimed at a remote-controlled soil scarification machine. Skogforsk leads the project and is responsible for the work in the testing environment, while SCA acts as the landowner and contributes with a base machine. Source: Timberbiz Skogforsk, the Forestry Research Institute of Sweden, has been working on remote control and automation of forestry machines for many years. So far, the work has been focused on a forwarder, but now a soil scarification machine will also be tested. The goal is to bring the technology of remote-controlled forestry machines closer to practical application. “SCA is involved in several development projects concerning forestry machines, and remote control is something we find particularly interesting. We have good experiences from the collaboration project with a remote-controlled timber loader at our timber terminal in Torsboda and are eager to participate in the work with a remote-controlled soil scarification. We contribute with a machine and land for test runs, while Bracke Forest provides the soil scarification attachment,” says Magnus Bergman, Manager of Technology and Digitalization at SCA Skog. Another reason why remote-controlled soil scarification machines are of interest is that soil scarification operators are exposed to harmful whole-body vibrations to a greater extent than other forestry machine operators. “We could create a better working environment and avoid vibrations if the machines could be remotely controlled from a separate operator station,” emphasizes Magnus. The remote-controlled soil scarification machine is gradually being developed during the spring to be tested on a clearcut on SCA land after the summer. The machine will then be operated by drivers from an operator station near the clearcut area.

As part of Business Finland’s Veturi funding for forest machine manufacturer Ponsse, Sitowise is working with Ponsse to explore the potential of artificial intelligence for smarter planning and optimization of loggings. Source: Timberbiz The aim of the project is to explore the use of AI and remote sensing data, as well as other data sources such as harvester data, to produce intelligent map data and services and to increase our understanding of potential customer needs. The main target groups are organizations involved in logging and timber harvesting. “The project will explore possible ways to produce intelligent map layers to facilitate harvesting planning, such as data describing terrain conditions, harvestability and wood quality,” says Sanna Härkönen, Product Business Lead at Sitowise. Bitcomp Oy (now part of Sitowise Oy) currently has a strong position in the market for services to the Finnish forestry sector. “We have already developed an easily scalable, cloud-based computing platform that we can use for AI-based data production. This will also allow for the convenient distribution of global map data. On top of this technology, we can explore and develop new services and products,” says Härkönen. The aim of the project is to identify and formulate tools that could help facilitate the most important work steps for customers. “The aim is also to explore the potential benefits of such map layers and tools along the entire logging value chain. The tools could, for example, help machinery companies to better optimize the use of their equipment and improve the preservation of environmental and natural values during harvesting,” says Härkönen. The benefits are expected to reach down to the operator level, as intelligent data can reduce the cognitive load on operators and improve the quality of their work. “The project will also look at different optimization methods to help plan harvesting and identify ways to take into account different forest use objectives. It also aims to test smart data in practice with test users, so that solutions can be better tailored to the needs of customers and users,” Härkönen added. Ponsse has existing international networks and activities across a wide range of regions in Europe, North America and South America, which are also the focus of this project. Business Finland awarded Ponsse’s and Epec’s FORWARD’27 program with 10 million Euro in funding in a challenge competition for leading companies. In addition, Business Finland awarded 20 million Euro in funding to the ecosystem companies surrounding the programme. The total budget of the Sitowise project is around 1.2 million Euro and the project will run for two years.  

Scientists at Scion are teaming up with international colleagues from Mexico and the USA to help Pinus radiata under threat within its native range. And, they might just help New Zealand’s native species in the process. Source: Timberbiz As part of the MBIE-funded Tree Root Microbiome program, scientists Steve Wakelin and Sarah Addison are focused on unravelling the connections between microorganisms, trees and environmental change, shedding light on how these relationships impact the health and resilience of our forests. “Like humans, trees have an extensive community of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in and around them,” explains Addison. “And just like us, this microbiome plays a critical role in tree health.” Understanding how these tree-microbiome associations influence tree growth and survival is urgently needed; the world is changing. In many places the climate is changing faster than trees can adapt. Forests are recognised as one of the ecosystems that are most sensitive to climate change impacts, stresses Wakelin. “Trees are immobile and typically live for a very long time. This has implications for exotic and native forests alike. “How can seedlings of native trees, such as kahikatea or kauri that can live for many hundreds of years, continue to grow and be resilient as the climate changes around them?” A catalyst for the research was the desperate need for a system that will help everyone understand the interactions between conifer species and their microbiome, adds Wakelin. “We can’t set up trials today and come back in a hundred years and see how it has gone; the clock has been run down. We need to be smarter and look at what resources we have today to inform us so we can make decisions tomorrow.” The team’s focus for developing a model is Pinus radiata, the most widely planted conifer species worldwide. It is also a fast-growing species with a well-documented genome and established propagation methods. Scientists are visiting pine tree sites around the world to gain insights into conifer microbiome associations to inform conservation strategies and support tree health in diverse environments. Pinus radiata, while thriving in various regions globally, faces extinction threats in its native range near the central coast of California and Mexico. These fragmented native populations, existing for about 15 million years, have endured ice ages, droughts, and environmental shifts. These prolonged changes have facilitated the co-evolution of microbiome associations. The microbiomes found in these endangered populations of Pinus radiata hold crucial insights into how microbiomes can potentially support conifers on a broader scale. It is here that conservation efforts for the native Pinus radiata populations overlap with the need to climate protect conifers globally. As part of the program, Addison and Wakelin teamed up with researchers at Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI), the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, and colleagues at Wright State University (Ohio, USA). Last November the multi-national team took samples on the Islands of Cedros and Guadalupe off the Mexico coast. For some in the group, the focus was understanding the root-microbiome associations and how these can be used to support regeneration efforts to grow populations. For others, knowledge is being combined with information from native Californian populations and samples collected from pine tree sites globally. This allows researchers to build a comprehensive picture of how root-microbiome associations vary with soil, climate, tree genetics and other factors. “These endemic trees in Mexico offer unique environments and untouched genetics,” says Addison. “The Pinus radiata we see growing elsewhere have been domesticated from these island populations. It is likely a combination of movement and successive selection of genetic material has resulted in a loss of many microbiome associations, but these may still be present within the precious populations.” Collaboration between Scion scientists, GECI and CONANP, has been fundamental to gaining access to these restricted populations and creates an important link between New Zealand and Mexico researchers. “It was through old-fashioned ‘two degrees of separation’ that we were able to connect with these researchers. It was really difficult to get to the trees and required a lot of co-ordination, but it was an amazing experience to be a part of. “The landscape was so different to New Zealand’s, with more a desert feel on Cedros Island and much colder and foggier conditions on Guadalupe Island which had very red soil in places due to its volcanic nature.” Back in the laboratory, scientists are now analysing soils and roots surrounding Pinus radiata trees to unravel their microbiome associations. This information is then linked with the environmental conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, to understand patterns of key microorganisms fundamental to radiata’s survival. “Some of the trees we sampled were over 300 years old. Can their key microbes be used to protect our trees around the world? That’s what we ultimately want to find out,” says Wakelin.

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry sponsored six delegates from neighbouring countries to take part in two national plant biosecurity workshops recently. Source: Timberbiz The visit was part of the government’s $2.395 million commitment to Plant Health Australia as included in the Priority Pest and Disease Planning and Response program to enhance the nation’s surveillance and diagnostic capabilities. The delegates, from Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands, joined 150 attendees at the Annual Surveillance Workshop (ASW) and the Annual Diagnostic Workshop (ADW) in Tweed Heads, New South Wales. They also met with the department’s secretary Adam Fennessy PSM to discuss diagnostic laboratories and surveillance activities and undertook field trips in Queensland to look at programs such as the department’s vector monitoring activities. Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith said the department is working to foster collaboration and connectivity across borders and disciplines and thanked the delegates for sharing their experiences and knowledge during their visit. “The plant biosecurity workshops are hugely important in creating relationships, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that positive steps are taken to preserve and safeguard plant biosecurity in both Australia and neighbouring countries. “The workshops are a great opportunity for our near-neighbours to share their experience about plant health surveillance activities, especially around solutions for conducting remote surveillance and approaches to community engagement,” Dr Vivian-Smith said. Dr Vivian-Smith said the department works closely with Timor-Leste and PNG through the International Plant Health Surveillance Program and Timor-Leste Biosecurity Development Program. While the partnership with Solomon Islands is delivered through the Solomons Island Biosecurity Development Program. “Through these programs we can deliver annual plant health surveys and collaborate on a number of other biosecurity capacity development activities such as early warning systems, diagnostic training and border and pathway capacity. “This collaboration helps creates a more robust biosecurity system for the entire region, preserving food security and market access opportunities for our partner countries as well as supporting preparedness against exotic pest threats to Australia’s $81 billion agricultural industry.”  

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its monthly building approvals data for February 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. Source: Timberbiz “The last three months of detached house approvals remain down by 3.3% on the same quarter a year earlier, and 37.9% down from the peak three years ago,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt. “The bounce back in detached house approvals from January disguises the continuing weakness in Australia’s housing market. “Recent leading indicators, such as new home sales, are still struggling to indicate any significant recovery in new home building. This is especially so in NSW and Victoria, where land costs are particularly burdensome for new home buyers. “Demand for new housing has been falling since the RBA started increasing interest rates in May 2022. “Multi-unit approvals also remain weak, down by 20.9% in February to record its weakest month in over a decade. This leaves multi-unit approvals 20.4% down on the same quarter last year and less than half the peak of the apartment boom almost a decade ago. “Higher density housing development is being constrained by labour, material and finance costs and uncertainties, as well as cumbersome planning rules and punitive taxes, especially on foreign investors. “This lack of new work entering the construction pipeline is occurring alongside record inflows of overseas migrants and a pre-existing acute shortage of rental accommodation across the country. “It is possible to build the Australian Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over the next five years, but it would require significant policy reforms which include lowering taxes on home building, easing pressures on construction costs, and decreasing land costs,” concluded Mr Devitt. In seasonally adjusted terms, dwelling approvals in the three months to February increased only in Western Australia, up by 36.6% compared to the previous year. Other jurisdictions saw declines in approvals, led by Victoria (-14.7%), followed by Tasmania (-14.3%), New South Wales (-13.4%), Queensland (-11.7%) and South Australia (-10.6%). In original terms, dwelling approvals declined in the Northern Territory (-45.0%) and the Australian Capital Territory (-32.3%).

Data from the FPA annual report 2022–23 show a continuing strong demand for specialist advice from the FPA about biodiversity, soil, water, geomorphology and cultural heritage, to support the development of forest practices plans on both public and private land. Source: FPA The total number of FPPs certified in the period has increased across all forms of forest practices, including native forest harvesting and reforestation, plantation operations, afforestation on cleared land, quarries and roads. The annual independent auditing and assessment program reported a high level of compliance within the industry. In order to support compliance with the system, the FPA conducted 16 training courses for the forestry sector and non-forestry participants on a range of topics. The trend of clearing forest to non-forest, primarily for agricultural use, continues to remain steady with 2,124 ha of plantations cleared and 476 ha of native forest cleared under a forest practices’ plan in 2022–23. The cumulative decrease in the area of Tasmania’s native forest cleared under FPPs and dam permits between 1996 and June 2022 is 158,670 ha or 4.9% of the estimated 1996 native forest estate. More details are in the FPA annual report 2022–23 at https://fpa.tas.gov.au/news/fpa-annual-report-22-23-tabled-at-parliament

Depending on the measures used and the grades included, 2023 saw Australia’s imports of packaging either stable (-0.2% or <1,000 tonnes) compared with 2022, or down by a more significant 8.6% or 23,000 tonnes. Source: IndustryEdge Why the two figures? It all depends what you measure. The convenient (and to be frank, the traditional) domestic proposition would be that the only materials to be measured are the raw substrates like Kraftliner, Corrugating Medium and Coated Paperboard. If that’s your preference, then in softer markets, Australia’s imports were down 8.6% in 2023, falling to 242.6 kt. The chart below show the declines over the last four years. Australian Imports of Packaging Paper & Paperboard: 2019 – 2023 (tonnes) The table demonstrates that imports of container materials (used mainly in corrugated packaging) grew in 2023, by about 17,000 tonnes. As we examine later in this analysis, much of this has come from Oji in New Zealand. A hefty fall of around 38,000 tonnes for imports of Coated paperboard is a little more perplexing. Again, most comes from New Zealand, but why the steep decline for material used for everything from cereal to alco-pops? We can anticipate that a sector rife with product substitution could be using a different grade or grades of Coated paperboard. A 25% decline is not a particularly likely scenario. Unless… the volumes of pre-converted Cartonboard imports has been rising, more or less at the same pace as the raw paperboard imports have been declining. This is where the data becomes interesting. Over 2023, imports of pre-converted packaging lifted 13.9% or around 21,800 tonnes, to total 178.7 kt. That is a clear record, and it results in the falling volume of raw packaging and industrial grade paperboard imports being replaced by the growing volume of pre-converted imports. Australian Imports of Pre-converted Fibre Packaging: 2019 – 2023 (tonnes) There are market drivers for some of the pre-converted imports – home deliveries anyone? There are also production dynamic drivers and the ever-narrowing information gap across the globe facilitates easier trade with a supplier, than ever before. Regardless, as the index chart below shows us clearly, the import trajectories are opposed to one another, while the total volume of imports is pretty-much stable. Index of Imported Packaging Paper and Converted Packaging Imports: 2019 – 2023 (INDEX) It is also important for us to recognise that imports of converted packaging have been cut, folded and printed from a larger volume of raw paperboard. That is, the 178.7 kt of ‘finished’ imports could be as much as 250 kt of raw paperboard equivalents. The suspicion must be that converted packaging imports are beginning to eat into imports of raw paperboard and perhaps doing so at an accelerating rate. That could have implications for domestic manufacturers, but especially for domestic converters. Since 2019, import prices for the main grades of Packaging and Industrial paper and paperboard have trended up. Even in the ‘sloppy’ year of 2023, when trade and markets were neither strong nor weak, the weighted average price lifted 1.7% to AUDFob1,444/t. That result was achieved mainly however by ‘non-major’ grades. Among the Containerboard (corrugating materials) grades, Kraftliner was the lone grade to experience an average price increase over the year, lifting a modest 1.2%. On the other side of the box business, Coated paper & paperboard or Cartonboard, saw import prices fall 3.7%. Australian Imports of Packaging Paper & Paperboard (Main Grades): 2019 – 2023 (AUDFob/t) On an annualised basis – despite its routine and occasionally large ups and downs – the Australian dollar was relatively stable with the US dollar. That has fed into the stability recorded for the free-on-board (Fob) price, but it is not the sole factor. The Fob price is what the goods are sold for, at the point where they are about to be lifted onto a vessel at the Port of Origin. Shipping costs therefore also play a significant role in the total or ‘landed’ price, measured in terms of costs, insurance and freight (Cif). As the chart and table below demonstrate, on an annualised basis, the weighted average CIF price for landed imports of paper and paperboard used in packaging fell 5.1% or about AUD85/t over 2023. Notably, the differential or the cost of freight specifically fell 40.7% on average across the year, declining from the record AUD268/t in 2022, to a more manageable AUD159/t in 2023. Australian Packaging Paper & Paperboard Import Prices: 2019 – 2023 (AUDFob/t, AUDCif/t & AUD/t) It is important that the patterns of imports change on a country-of-origin basis each year, especially for the cost of freight. If Australia imported solely from Indonesia (for example), freight costs would fall dramatically compared with North America. Perhaps unsurprisingly, over 2023, mainland Chinese manufacturers increased their imports to Australia, seeing a 54% lift in their contribution. However, as the chart and table indicate, New Zealand remains the major contributor, despite its volumes falling 19.0%, but still delivering more than one third of total imports. Australian Packaging Paper and Paperboard Imports by Main Country: 2019 – 2023 (Tonnes) Subscribers to the Pulp & Paper Edge Data & Information Service can sign into the IndustryEdge website and interrogate the data fully, at any time, so we will not provide country-of-origin pricing for each grade, just for each of the countries listed above. The pricing data points to the reality that price matters, even here, where the freight costs have been removed to show the ‘goods alone’ or Fob prices. As an example, a 43% increase in the average price of imports from the USA over the year has resulted in a 33% fall in imports, while a 16.8% fall in price for imports from China delivers a 15.7% increase in import volumes. Australian Packaging Paper & Paperboard Import Prices by Country: 2019 – 2023 (AUDFob/t & %) The ever-growing body of imports of pre-converted packaging appears to be playing alongside declining volumes of raw paperboard imports. That may be a matter of limited interest, but we […]

The reality is that 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 explained. 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. 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. 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, 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 says. 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,” he says.

For more than 20 years, Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Giant Tree Policy has been in place to protect live giant trees in Tasmania’s public production forests. Source: Timberbiz Sustainable Timber Tasmania actively searches for live giant trees in areas of forest planned for harvest. All giant trees identified during these searches of harvest areas are protected and not cut down. As part of a standard review process, Sustainable Timber Tasmania reviewed and updated its Giant Tree Policy in February 2024.  The policy has broadened its definition of giant trees to now include a diameter threshold. The policy defines giant trees as live trees that are ‘wider than 4m in diameter*’. Diameter is measured at breast height (dbh) approximately 1.3m above ground level on uphill side. Giant tree height and volume definitions remain unchanged in Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Giant Tree Policy. As part of its review process, Sustainable Timber Tasmania considered stakeholder feedback.  Under its Giant Tree Policy, Sustainable Timber Tasmania will identify and protect live giant trees by establishing informal reserves in Tasmania’s public production forests View Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Giant Tree Policy here.