Forest Products Industry

The Gottstein Trust has two positions open for experienced forest and forest products industry members to join its Board of Trustees. The Trust is the national educational trust of Australia’s forest and forest products industry. Source: Timberbiz The purpose of the Trust is to create opportunities for people to acquire knowledge that will promote the interests of the Australian industries that grow and use sustainably managed forest resources. Through its annual granting of Scholarships, Fellowship and Skills Development grants, the Trust provides financial assistance for individuals across the forest and forest products industry. The aim of the Trust is to support individuals to gain knowledge and skills as well as developing domestic and international networks in ways that also advance our industry. The Trust also runs its well-established Wood Science and Forest Science courses. The Gottstein Trust is governed and administered by up to eight trustees, operating in a voluntary capacity, who have significant experience in the Australian forest and forest products industry. The Trust is seeking expressions of interests from experienced forest and forest products industry members to join its Board of Trustees. Some or all of the following skills would be well regarded: A capacity to promote and champion the Trust and its endeavours. Experience in governance. An awareness of industry research needs and emerging issues. Education or training experience. Fundraising, legal or communications expertise. Further information about the Trust can be accessed at www.gottsteintrust.org The Trust Deed is available under the ‘About Us’ section of the website. For further information about this position, please contact Suzette Weeding, Chair of the Gottstein Trust on 0439384736. If you would like to contribute to the important work that the Gottstein Trust undertakes forward Expressions of Interest consisting of a brief letter and CV to team@gottsteintrust.org The closing date is 20 May 2024.

Impress Communications has announced a tree-free paper made with 25% cotton and 75% bamboo. You read it right, this stock eliminates the need for trees to make paper. Source: Timberbiz The company says that the future of sustainable paper production is bamboo. Tree-free is FSC Certified, recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, and made using hydro-energy. Impress says that the quality of the paper is good and it provides a ‘ground-breaking’ solution with high quality fibres that provide a soft and smooth finish that is whiter and holds colour better than previous paper materials. Tree-Free is 18pt double uncoated cardstock, perfect for die-cutting, foiling, and embossing.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has unveiled the H216 a new two-roller head added to its 200 Series line-up. Built for hardwood, the H216 is strong enough to handle the toughest tree forms with accuracy and efficiency. Source: Timberbiz Its simple design with excellent feed power, delimbing, and large cut capacity provide productive tree harvesting. “The H216 is specially designed for hardwood,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “This head not only provides our customers reliable performance in hardwood but is equally capable of handling softwood, debarking and everything in between.” Weighing in at 1495 kg, this 200 Series head features a two-roller design ideal for hardwood harvesting, late or final thinnings. Floating roller arms allow for superior and easy tree horizontal movement and easy log transport through the head. High performance single or multi-speed options keep timber moving quickly. The H216 features the efficient SuperCut 100S saw unit with improved auto tensioning and easier servicing. With large sawing capacity, this head can cut logs up to 750mm in diameter, while an optional top saw tackles heavy branching. The delimb arms provide excellent delimbing power across all diameter ranges, while drive wheel options offer maximum traction for crooked wood. The H216 harvester head utilizes the TimberRite H-16 control system for optimum head performance, productivity and measuring accuracy. The H216 is built to tackle the toughest, crooked timber to the straightest post wood and everything in between. While also naturally capable in softwood, debarking or multi-tree handling, this head is designed for efficiency and agility in thinning and harvesting applications with quick cycle times. A heavy-duty main chassis saw box, as well as tilt frame and guarding, provide added protection and reliability. Maintenance is simplified through one position daily servicing and easy open/close hinges on the valve cover. The Waratah H216 is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America.

Ponsse has won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 for its Opti 5G Information System. Source: Timberbiz Since 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been an internationally recognised indication of excellent design and one of the world’s most prestigious design awards. The jury paid particular attention to the functionality and usability of the PONSSE Opti 5G information system. The user interface makes the forest machine operator’s work easier and produces other harvesting information, including operator working hours, production, machine operation and fuel consumption. “The Opti 5G system is designed to be easy to use to reduce the cognitive load of the forest machine operator and improve productivity. The user interface was completely rethought in our project to meet the users’ needs in the forest industry of today and the future. Design based on a user study and the large-scale testing of results are key factors behind the development of Opti 5G,” Juha Inberg, Chief Technology and R&D Officer at Ponsse said. “This award is for everyone who has participated in the software development of the 5G system.  Software development is almost always the result of the efforts of a large group of people. Software is at the core of modern forest machines to facilitate the use of the machine and make their operation more efficient. The user experience also plays an important role in improving efficiency, coping and comfort. Development at Ponsse focuses on understanding user needs.” A total of 10,800 products and projects from 72 different countries were sent to the 2024 competition for evaluation. This year’s iF jury consisted of 132 high-profile design specialists from 23 countries. “During the project, we addressed the needs of forest machine operators, machine owners, maintenance services and sawmills,” said UX Manager Panu Johansson. The award winners were celebrated at the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT 2024 event at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin in Germany on Monday 29 April 2024.

Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries and Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh took the stage at the Impact X Sydney Summit on 22-23 April, Australia’s premier gathering for climate and nature advocates. The summit, known for its call to action on urgent climate measures, presents an unparalleled opportunity to underscore the critical importance of certified sustainable forest management in combating climate change. Source: Timberbiz “It’s imperative that we amplify the message of certified sustainable forestry practices. Construction accounts for approximately 30% of global carbon emissions and sustainably grown timber products are the best short-term opportunity available at scale to reduce emissions in the construction sector.  Our attendance at Impact X reflects our unwavering commitment to driving positive environmental change,” Mr Dorries said. Mr de Jongh echoed these sentiments, emphasising the pivotal role of responsible supply chains in achieving sustainability goals. “At Responsible Wood, we recognise the interconnectedness of our actions with global environmental health. By promoting responsible sourcing and forest management, we contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come,” he said. The Impact X Sydney Summit’s focus on short-term action aligns perfectly with Responsible Wood’s mission. “We’re not just talking about lofty goals; we’re implementing tangible strategies for change,” Mr Dorries said. “This summit provides a platform for collaboration and innovation, essential components in our fight against climate change.” At the heart of Responsible Wood’s message lies the importance of collaboration. “We cannot achieve sustainability in isolation,” Mr Dorries said. “It requires a collective effort from governments, industries, and communities worldwide. Impact X offers a forum for forging alliances and sharing best practices.” Reflecting on the significance of their participation, Mr de Jongh said the their presence at Impact X underscored Responsible Wood’s leadership in sustainable forestry by engaging with stakeholders at such a prominent event. “We aim to leave a lasting impression,” Mr Dorries said. “Our goal is to ignite a spark of environmental consciousness and encourage others to join us in our mission for a greener, more sustainable future.” In conclusion, Responsible Wood’s presence at the Impact X Sydney Summit exemplifies their steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.  

50 Years & Growing – Pan Pac Vol II 1993-2023 has been a few years in the making as the book was put on hold during the cyclone but the company has now published the second instalment in Pan Pac’s history. Source: Timberbiz 50 Years & Growing charts the company’s growth since 1993, along with the personalities, challenges and innovative solutions along the way. Pan Pac’s Pulp business has been supplying mechanical pulp (TMP) to the Oji Group for nearly 50 years, almost since Pan Pac was founded. In the forestry sector, Pan Pac is the largest forestry grower in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand owning around 35,000ha of forest, managing around 1.5 million tonnes of wood and exporting 400,000 tonnes of logs to China and other countries. In terms of lumber, Pan Pac is New Zealand’s largest producer of appearance grade lumber and exports its products to the US, China and other countries for use in windows, doors, mouldings and solid-wood furniture. You can download the book here.

WoodSolutions has launched a new EPD Database providing a carbon accounting roadmap for the building industry. Source: Timberbiz There is considerable discussion among governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, sustainability rating systems, and professionals within the industry regarding the emergence of ‘zero-carbon’ initiatives. These initiatives carry significant implications for the building and construction sector. Conversations are emerging surrounding various aspects such as material selection, the impact of embodied emissions, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) associated with both building materials and construction processes throughout the entire lifespan of structures. This entails a thorough examination of the carbon footprint at each stage of the building process, ranging from material extraction to eventual demolition and disposal. Addressing these inquiries necessitates comprehensive data on manufacturing emissions associated with building products and much of the world already uses this approach. In response, WoodSolutions has partnered with Thinkstep-ANZ to develop an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Database. This database consolidates pertinent information drawn from all publicly available EPDs for timber building products used in the Australian market, encompassing structural (both treated and untreated), aesthetic, and landscaping components manufactured in Australia and overseas. This hugely valuable database includes industry average EPD data as well as product specific data from individual publicly available company EPDs. It includes values for the fossil fuel emissions (GWP fossil) used in the production phase (Modules A1-A3), the biogenic carbon storage value (GWP biogenic) recognising the carbon sequestered in the wood, and a GWP-total value – which is these two values added together. This GWP-total value includes the biogenic carbon in forests as well as the fossil carbon emissions included in forestry practices, haulage, processing, kiln drying, planing, and packaging. This database is a major benefit for embodied emission data users in the building and construction industry, as all the embodied emission information for the major timber building products, used in the Australian market and that have EPDs, is now in one place and easily accessible. Industry professionals can now access detailed information on the environmental impact of key timber products and have more accurate knowledge to feed into their decision-making process. The database covers more than ninety products including structural timber products, internal appearance products, landscape products, and more. “This new resource from WoodSolutions is a huge win for the industry as it delivers crucial, consistent, and accurate data for timber and building products in use across the market,” said Kevin Peachey, Head of WoodSolutions. “This EPD database gives the building and construction industry the ability to calculate carbon emissions more holistically during the first three stages of the building process to help achieve sustainability ratings for projects.” The data base can be downloaded at https://mailchi.mp/woodsolutions/ws-epd-database

As the use of engineered wood products (EWP) continues to rise across Australia, so does concern over the impacts of non-conforming and incorrectly branded timber products being imported into the country. Source: Timberbiz The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) has released a report that details the significant risks posed by use of non-conforming EWP, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), in residential, multi-residential and commercial building applications. The ‘Non-Conforming Timber Products Update 2024’ report calls for builders, retailers, and consumers to be wary, ask questions, and use due diligence on product claims, citing possible safety risks, poor product performance and potential reputational damage as negative outcomes for using non-conforming EWP. The only manufacturer of conforming LVL in Australia is Wesbeam in Western Australia. EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer Gavin Matthew commented that while the majority of industry and the market was doing the right thing, a concerning amount of timber products that do not meet the requirements set out in standards and the National Construction Code was still entering the Australian supply chain. “It is widely acknowledged that imported timber products are necessary for a significant number of building applications and to meet market demand, yet we are consistently finding that some products do not conform or meet Australian standards or demonstrate the required evidence of suitability,” said Mr Matthew. “Products that are incorrectly labelled or not fit-for-purpose are entering the supply chain, which is concerning as non-conforming products represent significant safety risks for builders, consumers, and the industry as a whole.” In releasing this report, the EWPAA urges builders, consumers, and other supply-chain stakeholders to commit to using only conforming and fit-for-purpose products. This includes remaining vigilant, asking the right questions, and undertaking due diligence on product claims, branding and product information. You can download the report from the EWPAA website www.ewp.asn.au

The Hyne Group is expanding its pallet manufacturing arm following the acquisition of Rodpak in Melbourne by though the acquisition of Express Pallets and Crates (Express), based at Narangba near Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz Express has been in operation for some 35 years, under the ownership and leadership of Geoff Walton. Mr Walton will retain ownership of the Pro-Pine sawmilling operation, which will remain an important supplier of timber to the Express business. The acquisition by Hyne only involves the assets and trading business of Express Pallets & Crates. Express has a very broad and extensive client base, with significant long-term relationships across a range of market segments. This is compatible with the long-term partnership approach under which Hyne operates, and together with the skills and input from Hyne’s major Scottish shareholder, James Jones & Sons Ltd, Express Pallets & Crates has a great opportunity to continue to be a major supplier of pallets and crates to the Queensland market. Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon said it was pleasing to be able to continue to expand the Pallet Division by acquiring excellent quality businesses with their own legacies and strong market positions. “Being part of the Hyne Group and the broader James Jones & Sons global business, only enhances Express Pallets capability and credentials as a business partner to their many clients,” he said. “As was the case with the recent acquisition of Rodpak, it will be business as usual for the Express brand, staff, suppliers and customers, but with the strong backing and support of the Hyne Group. “The existing general manager, Tim Hoatson, will continue to lead the business, and together with the rest of the management team and indeed all the Express staff, we look forward to all their future contributions, and welcome them into the Hyne Group,” Mr Bindon said. Mr Walton said the sale of his company to a fellow long-standing Queensland family business was a pleasing outcome after many years of growing and expanding the business: “With the national and global position that the broader Hyne Group now has, this presents really good opportunities for all my team members, customers and suppliers, and I am confident the business will continue to succeed,” he said. The acquisition of Express Pallets & Crates will be completed on 1 July 2024 subject to all completion precedents being met.

Recent claims by activists, media, industry advocates and politicians about the existence or emergence of ‘forest wars’ is completely misleading and disrespectful, according to a veteran forester and conservationist, Rob de Fégely. Source: Latrobe Valley Express Mr de Fégely, a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), said the definition of ‘War’ is a state of armed conflict between countries or groups of people. “In the 50 years I have been studying and working in Australian forestry, there has never been any armed conflict in Australia’s forests!” he said. Mr de Fégely is a registered forestry professional, a director of Margules Groome Consulting P/L, chair of Sustainable Timber Tasmania and a director of Forestry Corporation of NSW. He emphasised that his comments are his personal comments and do not reflect the opinion of any of the entities he works for. Mr de Fégely said to describe a contentious debate and/or protest as warfare was not only misleading but an insult to people in the Ukraine, Middle East and any other parts of the world where communities are intimidated or threatened by armed force and conflict. “It is also a massive insult to our returned service personnel both past and present who have endured the horrors of real global conflicts and we will never know what they have endured and suffered as a result of their bravery,” he said. “However, I am in awe of how many carried their experiences stoically and bravely to make great contributions to build our wonderful economy and community on their return from active service. We owe them a lot.” Mr de Fégely said sadly, claims of ‘forest wars’ are designed to heighten outrage in caring but often uniformed communities. “It is an abuse of our language! Debate over how we use our natural resources to meet the twin demands of conservation and consumption for eight billion living people on our planet is important, but it needs to be respectful of the range of opinions and knowledge,” he said. “Everyone on Earth deserves three meals per day, to be well-clothed and housed, which means we need to produce food, clothing and housing materials somewhere on our planet. Avoiding impact is impossible.” Mr de Fégely said the challenge, particularly with wood production, is to develop a natural system with minimal inputs that has multiple benefits including conservation, recreation and production. “Australia’s trained foresters work hard to achieve this. Everyone loves wood, which is the perfect renewable as we can grow, harvest and regrow it in perpetuity and unlike wind turbines and solar panels, it does not require any mining of critical minerals to fulfil its functions,” he said. “Despite being the sixth most forested country in the world, Australia cannot supply its own demand for wood, so we rely on wood imports from forests overseas where harvesting standards are often far lower than ours.” Mr de Fégely said as we honour our returned service personnel this Anzac Day and reflect on the armed conflicts past and present, “I am tempted to say ‘Shame on you’, but I will simply say, ‘Show more respect!’