WoodTECH News is a monthly update of the latest news, research and technologies relevant to sawmilling, wood manufacturing and wood products companies in Australasia. WoodTECH Events is an independent platform to evaluate cutting-edge innovations and developments from around the globe.
New technologies in biofuels, bioenergy and renewable bioproducts for wood processors.
23-24 September 2026, Brisbane, Australia
Residues2Revenues 2026
Latest News & Technologies
07 Sep 2026
Biomass trial produces industrial heat at less than $3/GJ
A biomass trial at JBS Riverina’s Yanco facility in New South Wales has produced thermal energy at a supply cost of less than $3 per gigajoule (GJ), highlighting the potential for biomass to provide a lower-cost alternative to conventional industrial ...
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07 Sep 2026
Beyond Woodchips: Australia’s hardwood plantation industry must innovate
For more than three decades, Australia’s hardwood plantation industry has been built on a simple but largely successful business model: growing world-class plantation fibre for export to Asia’s pulp mills. It has underpinned regional economies, attracted significant investment and established ...
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07 Sep 2026
UBC-developed ‘wood foam’ enters production
Inside a new facility at Main Street and Terminal Avenue, wood fibre is moving through a production line and emerging, transformed, as a block of lightweight “wood foam.” For Dr. Feng Jiang, who first developed the material in his laboratory ...
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07 Sep 2026
Free program to help SMEs advance AI and digital tech ideas in Queensland
The free eight-week online program, delivered by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, helps businesses turn early-stage ideas into actionable R&D plans while building connections with expert facilitators and researchers. Offered through the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, ...
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07 Sep 2026
Canada and Australia are asking similar questions – but arriving at different answers
New Canadian research echoes themes explored by Australia’s System 600 while highlighting different approaches to industrialised housing. When Perkins&Will recently released its research into a modular mass timber housing system for Canada, the immediate takeaway was straightforward: another country is ...
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07 Sep 2026
Enforcement data reveals where forestry needs to lift its game
Strengthening organisational capability, planning, supervision and risk management remains one of the forestry sector’s biggest challenges, according to new enforcement data released by WorkSafe New Zealand. During the 2025/26 business year, WorkSafe conducted 526 assessments across the forestry industry. One ...
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11 Aug 2026
Testing New Zealand’s first heavy electric loader
A Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader is helping PermaPine test what sustainable equipment can really deliver in one of New Zealand’s most demanding timber processing environments. Set on a 100-acre site outside Taupō, PermaPine is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of ...
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11 Aug 2026
Turning forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel
The federal government has announced a $32 million investment to help support a plan to convert forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel. The funding, made through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will be provided to Melbourne based company HAMR ...
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11 Aug 2026
Project update: Connecting forests, mills and buildings
ARC Advance Timber Hub Project “An Open-Data Framework for Forest-to-Building Value Chain Mapping” is addressing a major challenge for Australia’s forest and wood products sector: how to better understand, visualise and coordinate data across the entire value chain – from forest resource ...
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11 Aug 2026
Red Stag’s first-of-a-kind CLT modular production line
The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, opened the Southern Hemisphere’s first off-site production line to use Cross Laminated Timber, CLT, as the structure. The initiative is a collaboration between local industry leader Red Stag, German architecture firm NKBAK and Austria constructor ...
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11 Aug 2026
Engineered wood products & the future skills needed
ForestWorks to Investigate Skills Need in the Manufacturing of Engineered Wood Products. Australia’s forestry and timber sector has always evolved in response to changing markets, technologies and community needs. Today, engineered wood products (EWPs) are emerging as an increasingly important part ...
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11 Aug 2026
Video: Jubilee Sawmill’s co-generation boiler project
OneFortyOne has released a new video providing an overview of the Jubilee Co-Generation Boiler Project, one of the most significant investments in the future of the Jubilee Sawmill and the company’s sustainability journey. The video explains how the project will ...
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11 Aug 2026
Comact acquires Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools
Comact announced last week that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools, a manufacturer and service provider of bandsaws, circular saws, industrial knives, and complete saw shop solutions with operations across New Zealand and Australia. ...
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01 Aug 2026
A novel wood bark-based packaging coating material
In the COCOBIN project, coordinated by the University of Oulu, coating materials are being developed from suberin, a natural compound found for example in birch bark. In plants, suberin acts as a protective layer and prevents the loss of water. Up ...
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07 Jul 2026
CarbonScape to accelerate industrial scale-up of sustainable bio-based graphite materials
CATL and CarbonScape enter a strategic investment and partnership to advance the commercial scale-up and deployment of sustainable bio-based graphite materials for next-generation battery supply chains Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has entered into ...
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07 Jul 2026
Hundreds of wood manufacturers lift their safety game
WorkSafe New Zealand has provided practical safety guidance to hundreds of wood manufacturing businesses, as part of a significant proactive focus on one of the country’s most dangerous sectors. WorkSafe’s health and safety inspectors visited 657 businesses between January and March ...
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07 Jul 2026
FWPA sets future direction for timber durability research
Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) have confirmed the next phase of industry investment in timber durability and performance-in-use research, following consideration of the 2026 Mid-Term Review of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL). The FWPA ...
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07 Jul 2026
WoodTECH 2026 Event Summary
The Innovatek WoodTECH 2026 conference series, held in Rotorua, New Zealand (18–19 June) and Brisbane, Australia (23–24 June), explored the transition towards automated sawmilling and lumber manufacturing technologies for the forest and wood processing sectors. More than 25 international speakers ...
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07 Jul 2026
Wood fuelled boiler installed at Invercargill Prison
Department of Corrections New Zealand has successfully transitioned away from coal heating at Invercargill Prison, replacing its final coal boiler with a modern renewable wood pellet boiler system delivered by Apricus Eco. The installation marks a major milestone in reducing operational carbon ...
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07 Jul 2026
Building finds its balance in groundbreaking earthquake test
A timber building that kept itself centred through major shaking has aced a full‑scale earthquake test with no damage, with more than 60 industry professionals looking on. At the University of Auckland’s Structures Test Hall, engineers have carried out one ...
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07 Jul 2026
Plantations essential for QLD housing & future timber plan
The peak state body for the Queensland forest and timber industry has highlighted the significant role plantations play in supporting housing and construction activity while at the same time supporting local jobs, regional economies and carbon capture and removal. Timber Queensland ...
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07 Jul 2026
Empowering forestry and wood through tech
The Government is backing the New Zealand’s forestry sector’s innovation and sustainable productivity, announced from Agriculture Minister Todd McClay last month. “Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and new production methods and technologies are key to driving ...
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07 Jul 2026
Record-breaking apartment building gets 3D-printed in just 34 days
Europe’s largest 3D-printed apartment building has been completed in France. Containing 12 social housing apartments spread across three floors, the project’s printing process was carried out in just 34 days. ViliaSprint² was created by developer Plurial Novilia, with designer HOBO ...
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07 Jul 2026
Eucalyptus bark could help clean water and air
Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University. Researchers have shown the bark can be converted ...
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02 Jun 2026
Gas transition loan scheme a positive step forward for wood products industry
Large industrial gas users now have a new pathway to transition away from natural gas, following the Government’s launch of the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme. The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) says the initiative offers a ...
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02 Jun 2026
Should New Zealand do more to keep manufacturing jobs here?
The possible closure of two timber mills in Kaitāia has put around 200 jobs at risk and raised concerns about the future of manufacturing in regional New Zealand. Locals fear the loss would ripple through the wider community, affecting families, businesses ...
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02 Jun 2026
AKD investing in innovation and resilience at Tumut mill
Associated Kiln Driers (known as AKD) is committed to modernising its Tumut timber mill in the NSW Snowy Mountains by investing in new technology to improve productivity and maximise timber recovery from smaller diameter sawlogs. As part of a recent AFPA ...
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02 Jun 2026
Industrial waste used to develop non-toxic wood protection
What started as a project developing biofuels for ships, has evolved into an environmentally friendly method for wood preservation. The path to new inventions is rarely straight or predictable, and this has certainly been the case for University of Copenhagen researchers ...
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02 Jun 2026
Project update: Managing moisture during construction and early life stages
The ARC Advance Timber Hub Project “Role of Moisture in the Long-Term Performance of Mass Timber Building Elements” is addressing the issue of how moisture affects the durability, mould risk and long‑term performance of timber building elements under Australian conditions. ...
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02 Jun 2026
FWPA releases new fastener testing standard to strengthen confidence across the timber industry
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a new industry standard designed to strengthen confidence in timber construction by improving how mechanical fasteners and connection systems are tested and characterised across Australia’s timber sector. The new FWPA Standard (T01) ...
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02 Jun 2026
Empowering the next generation of NZ forestry innovators
The 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge is calling on young people across New Zealand’s forestry sector to help shape the future of the industry – one practical idea at a time. Open to students, recent graduates, and early‑career forestry workers with ...
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02 Jun 2026
Sector Innovation & impact on show at Fieldays Forestry Hub
The Fieldays Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays in 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the important role forestry and wood processing play in supporting New Zealand’s economy, environment, and regional communities. Each year, forest growers and sector organisations come ...
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02 Jun 2026
Swisslog installs New Zealand’s first retail AutoStore system for IKEA
Swisslog, a global leader in warehouse automation and intralogistics solutions, has successfully delivered New Zealand’s first retail AutoStore Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) for IKEA at its Sylvia Park store, marking a significant advancement in automated fulfilment capabilities in ...
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05 May 2026
WoodTECH 2026: Moving from AI hype to mill floor reality
With over 40 international technology leaders now confirmed to exhibit, WoodTECH 2026 is set to be one of the largest showcases of wood processing for the Southern Hemisphere. It also highlights a massive regional push toward autonomous, “zero light” manufacturing. The sheer ...
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05 May 2026
Niagara Sawmilling Company’s NZ$115 million expansion
Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd has recently commenced a $115 million expansion of its timber processing operations, marking the most significant growth phase in the company’s 91-year history. The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art sawmill at Niagara’s Kennington site on the ...
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05 May 2026
Australian Forest & wood products industry could reach net zero by 2029
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a comprehensive industry-wide carbon study showing Australia’s forest and wood products industry is well positioned to support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The study outlines credible pathways for the forest and ...
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05 May 2026
Hybrid holds up within forestry trial
For the first time globally, a stand of hybrid P. radiata and P. attenuata pine trees has been milled – allowing scientists to compare its wood qualities against two purebred species. The hybrid stand (a cross of P. radiata and ...
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05 May 2026
Minecraft game launched to grow future forestry workforce
Discover Forestry has launched a new Minecraft-based learning game that lets students grow and manage their own virtual forest, reflecting real New Zealand plantation forestry systems. The game takes players through the full forestry cycle, from establishing a crop, through ...
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05 May 2026
Michigan Tech researchers develop sustainable building material from wood waste
More efficient use of lumber byproducts leads to more sustainable forest management. That’s why Michigan Technological University researchers are developing a biomaterial lighter than steel and just as strong, made from leftover wood waste, that could revolutionize the lumber industry. ...
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05 May 2026
Comact launches new generation Miller Planer
Comact, a global leader in high-performance OEM wood-processing technologies, announces its new generation Miller Planer. Building on decades of proven performance, this redesign introduces targeted improvements to support product quality, operational reliability, and maintenance. Engineered for high-speed production, the new ...
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07 Apr 2026
WoodTECH 2026: Showcasing the next wave of innovation
As the wood processing sector enters a new era of automation and digital integration, the long-running WoodTECH series continues to serve as a key platform for mill innovation and operational improvement. Recognised as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading event for sawmilling and ...
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07 Apr 2026
Wood Energy: NZ’s strategic hedge against global instability
Volatility in global LNG markets and renewed instability across the Middle East are driving sharp increases in international fuel prices and raising real concerns about New Zealand’s future energy costs for business. With LNG spot prices spiking and shipping routes facing ...
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07 Apr 2026
Sawmilling at scale: A different path forward
For many smaller mills, the question is no longer how to grow, but rather, whether they will survive. Rising costs, labor shortages, and unstable supply chains are forcing operators to rethink long-standing production models. In this context, the Sawbox, developed by ...
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07 Apr 2026
Kaitāia timber mills may close with loss of hundreds of jobs
One of Kaitāia’s biggest employers could be shut down with the loss of hundreds of jobs if a buyer can’t be found by the mills’ Japanese owners. Juken New Zealand owns two timber mills in the Far North town, one producing ...
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07 Apr 2026
Building the Future: Minecraft in NZ Forestry
An immersive learning experience. Forestry Minecraft World isn’t just a game, it’s a complete educational tool developed with funding from the WIDE Trust. The resource includes a Forestry Minecraft Guide Book for teachers and a series of modular challenges for students. These ...
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07 Apr 2026
Fenning Timber introduces innovative robotic technology
Fenning Timber is synonymous within the timber Industry, and currently a fifth generation privately owned timber conversion centre located in Victoria’s East Gippsland region. Fenning Timber are producers of quality Kiln Dried Hardwood sourced from Fenning Timbers private plantations, converting ...
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07 Apr 2026
Energy resilience: Australia’s alternative fuel opportunities
Sharp fluctuations in the global oil and gas industry underscore the value of a resilient and diverse energy system. Against this backdrop, low carbon liquid fuels offer practical pathways for hard-to-abate, hydrocarbon dependent sectors like aviation, shipping and heavy industry. Speaking ...
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07 Apr 2026
QLD Govt and CSIRO launch program to grow innovation
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, invites Queensland SMEs to apply for Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program. Delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, Innovate ...
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07 Apr 2026
Hyne Timber embracing robotics
Hyne Timber’s world-class operations at its Tumbarumba sawmill, in southwest NSW, are being driven by innovation and cutting-edge robotics. During a recent AFPA visit to the state-of-the-art sawmill, Hyne’s impressive, fully-automated timber sorting and packing production unit – using sawmill robotics ...
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07 Apr 2026
Visy introduces recyclable Paper Bubble wrap
As part of its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, Visy is launching an Australian-made Paper Bubble wrap. The locally made alternative provides shock-proof cushioning for storing, moving or shipping items. When recycled through Australian kerbside recycle bins, compared to plastic bubble ...
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07 Apr 2026
Forest-based resins challenge fossil materials
Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed new high-performance bio-based resins that can replace conventional oil-based materials in composite products — without compromising strength, cost, or industrial scalability. As composite materials continue to play a critical role in renewable energy, ...
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07 Apr 2026
Hyne-Pine Gin to celebrate 25 years at Tumbarumba
To celebrate 25 years of Hyne Timber Tumbarumba, the Hyne Group is pleased to launch the Hyne-Pine Gin. In partnership with Tumbarumba founded, Ladbroken Distillery, the Radiata Pine needle infused gin was officially launched with taste testing by Hyne’s local customers ...
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03 Mar 2026
Jubilee Sawmill’s renewable energy upgrade – stage one operational
OneFortyOne has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy investment at the Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier, with phase 1 of its co-generation project completed and the new fuel handling system now successfully operational. The fuel handling system was ...
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03 Mar 2026
Wesbeam’s major manufacturing upgrades at Neerabup
Wesbeam have reached an important milestone in our ongoing manufacturing transformation with the successful commissioning of two advanced processing technologies at our state-of-the-art Neerabup manufacturing facility in Western Australia. Delivered with support from the Australian Government’s Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing ...
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03 Mar 2026
The global tungsten supply chain crisis
As global industrial sectors face unprecedented shortages, the 2025 tungsten supply chain crisis highlights a critical vulnerability, caused by extreme production concentration and shifting geopolitical policies. This issue was recently highlighted by Stewart Martin, CEO of Checkmate, who said, “Everyone within our ...
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03 Mar 2026
Updated FPInnovations saw design software tool
Sawmills are pushing the limits of sawing systems to maximize production and recovery while trying to maintain acceptable sawing accuracy and uptime. There are a set of calculations based on bite per tooth, the sawdust carrying capacity of the gullets and ...
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03 Mar 2026
WoodSolutions launches new Condensation Management in Timber Construction guide
Rising energy efficiency standards have significantly increased insulation and airtightness in modern construction, fundamentally changing how moisture moves through buildings. While better-sealed building envelopes improve performance, they also reduce pathways for water vapour to dissipate, leading to a marked rise ...
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03 Mar 2026
The Netherlands’ new housing project showcases LVL modular construction
Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL has played a significant role in the Netherlands’ first large-scale modular construction project, where the load-bearing structure has been built entirely from LVL. The five-storey residential complex in Almere, delivers 103 homes using an industrialised modular ...
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03 Mar 2026
Safetree NZ – It’s time to focus on the soft tissue issue
Soft tissue injuries are quietly becoming one of forestry’s biggest safety problems. New FISC work on ACC data shows that sprains, strains, and similar injuries consistently account for more than half of all ACC forestry claims requiring more than five days off work. ACC defines ...
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03 Mar 2026
Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot launch – towards timber circularity
A groundbreaking pilot project to reuse vineyard trellis posts has been launched in South Australia, marking a significant step towards advancing a circular economy for treated timber. Together with Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and Wine Australia, the National ...
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03 Mar 2026
Timber labelling supported by vast majority of Australians
More than nine out of 10 Australians want improved Country of Origin labelling on timber products, according to a new national survey, conducted by Choice. The Choice survey found nearly all of the 7,200 people surveyed said labelling information would ...
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03 Mar 2026
SA’s $400k investment to boost regional forestry training
The South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) has warmly welcomed the State Government’s commitment of A$400,000 in funding to support the completion of LITA’s new training base, a significant investment in securing the future of skills development and long-term industry ...
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02 Feb 2026
WoodTECH 2026 programmes released and registrations open
The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) have officially unveiled the full programmes for WoodTECH 2026, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier event for sawmilling and wood processing innovation. With the release of two distinct agendas tailored for the New Zealand and Australian ...
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02 Feb 2026
Engineering wood: circular by design, durable to nature
Researchers at the University’s Structural Timber Innovation Laboratory are breaking ground with durability programmes to open new applications for low carbon cross-laminated timber in demanding outdoor environments. The novel product, which is made by stacking layers of thick solid wood ...
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02 Feb 2026
New fully automated panel production facility for Adelaide
The Australian company 5North, a specialist in innovative construction solutions, and KUKA, one of the world’s leading providers of intelligent automation solutions, announce their collaboration. Together, they are building a state-of-the-art, fully automated production facility for 2D panels at the new manufacturing site in ...
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02 Feb 2026
Wood industry encouraged to boost energy efficiency
The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association says the industry needs to seize efficiency opportunities to reduce energy costs and fuel use. “A lot of our sector’s emissions come from energy, as well as a large proportion of ongoing operational costs. ...
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02 Feb 2026
FWPA: Alterations & additions growth trends & forecast
Ongoing challenges in the Australian residential construction sector, particularly rising material and labour costs, supply chain disruptions, and capacity constraints, have shifted household activity away from new builds towards alterations and additions (A&A). Renovating and extending existing homes has become ...
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02 Feb 2026
7 supply chain tech breakthroughs from CES 2026
From AI-driven digital twins to autonomous robots, CES 2026 highlighted practical technologies reshaping how goods are made, moved and delivered. Every January, the global technology sector converges on Las Vegas for CES, billed as the “most powerful tech event in the ...
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02 Feb 2026
Radial Timber installs unique automated radial saw
Radial Timber is a Victorian based company that grows, mills and distributes a range of unique and standard products from durable and sustainable Victorian Hardwoods. Their latest innovative Radial Saw technology is extremely unique and proudly developed in Gippsland Victoria. ...
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02 Feb 2026
Drax launches biomass tracker for supply chain clarity
UK-based Drax has launched its Biomass Tracker, a new digital tool that provides greater visibility into the journey our woody biomass takes through the company’s global supply chain. The interactive tool shows the countries and states where Drax sources its ...
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02 Feb 2026
Feedback open: NZ workplace drug & alcohol practice guide
Safetree wants your help as it prepares the first update to its Drugs and Alcohol Good Practice Guide and Policy for Fitness to Work in over a decade. And we need your feedback by Friday, 13 February, 2026. The current guidance was ...
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02 Feb 2026
Expressions of Interest (EOI) now open for micro-credentials
Employers and workers across the forestry and wood products industry are invited to register interest in nationally aligned, flexible micro-credentials designed to build capability and support progression towards a qualification. This program is funded by the Australian Government under the ...
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02 Feb 2026
Tonsley Technical College showcase mass engineered timber
The opening of the State Government’s Tonsley Technical College marks a major milestone for South Australia’s forest and timber industries, which have proudly grown, manufactured and supplied much of the mass-timber material used in this state-of-the-art educational facility. Purpose-built to ...
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03 Dec 2025
WoodTECH 2026 – Call for Speakers
FIEA has officially launched the Call for Speakers for the highly anticipated WoodTECH 2026 conference series. The 2026 event series, themed “Sawmilling & Wood Processing Innovations: Improving Productivity & Advancing Operations,” will bring industry leaders, technical specialists, and technology innovators together across two ...
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03 Dec 2025
Green Triangle creates high-strength structural bluegum timber
A groundbreaking national research project, backed by the Federal Government, has delivered a major manufacturing breakthrough, unlocking opportunities to create domestic value for hardwood plantation bluegum timber, laying the foundations for a new regional engineered wood products (EWP) market. The Splinters to Structures ...
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03 Dec 2025
Precision & adaptability: Fritch Sawmill’s path to serving niche markets
When Eric Fritch rebuilt his family’s Washington state sawmill after a devastating 1996 fire, he faced a critical decision about the operation’s future. “We don’t have the opportunity of being large,” Eric admits. “Instead, we have to be more creative ...
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03 Dec 2025
Workforce insights programme: employers & workers
FISC recently received a report from Worksafe – Workforce Insights Programme: Employers and Workers. WorkSafe commissioned a series of research reports on workers and employers to help track health and safety performance over time. The employers and workers report examines employer ...
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03 Dec 2025
Yarram sawmill to close
Associated Kiln Driers (AKD), Australia’s largest softwood producer, announced this week the closure of its Yarram sawmill in Gippsland. The decision, which impacts 73 employees, comes amid challenging market conditions and the prolonged slowdown in housing construction across the country. ...
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03 Dec 2025
WPMA navigates economic headwinds
The Wood Processing and Manufacturing Association’s (WPMA) 2024-25 financial year report documents a period of significant economic challenge for the New Zealand sector, balanced by strong advocacy and export growth. The Domestic Challenge The domestic market for timber sales was profoundly ...
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03 Dec 2025
New resources for employers committed to disability inclusion
Building on the insights from the recent “Let’s Level Up” report, All is for All have launched a new suite of practical resources for New Zealand employers committed to disability inclusion. The manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors are among those hit hardest by ...
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03 Dec 2025
FWPA launches new industry research archive
We’re proud to announce the launch of a new digital research archive, bringing together decades of valuable research to make it easier for the forest and wood products sector to access and apply knowledge that drives innovation. The FWPA Industry ...
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03 Dec 2025
Steve Allen to retire: A champion for safety
After more than a decade of service, Steve Allen is preparing to retire from his role as EHSR Manager at OneFortyOne. His journey has been anything but conventional – marked by resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to keeping people ...
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05 Nov 2025
Residues & bioeconomy events delivers new innovation
In October, our Innovatek team delivered our largest and most comprehensive conference of 2025. We combined our long-standing Wood Residues2Revenues Conference with the inaugural Bioeconomy Innovations Conference. Close to 300 delegates were on hand to see the latest innovations and technologies ...
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05 Nov 2025
Boyer Paper Mill to slash carbon emissions by 97%
Tasmania’s Boyer Paper Mill will cut its carbon emissions by 97% after the federal government delivered on a A$24 million election promise to replace the site’s coal-fired boiler. Federal Labor MP Rebecca White said A$14 million had been released last ...
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05 Nov 2025
Accelerating bioenergy in New Zealand
The NZ Government has released its Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan and a Government Statement on Biogas, signalling its strong support for New Zealand’s bioenergy sector. Hon Simon Watts, Minister for Energy, made the announcement this week at the Residues2Revenues 2025 and Bioeconomy Innovations ...
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05 Nov 2025
HewSaw lands new mega projects globally
HewSaw’s latest projects include Japan’s largest mill, the USA’s fastest line, and the largest sawmill investment in Finland. When the name HewSaw is mentioned, two things might come to mind: efficiency and the company’s original R-Series machines, including the HewSaw ...
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05 Nov 2025
Millari Mill reopening creates 110 jobs for Gisborne-Tairawhiti
Everyone loves a comeback story and the puffing smokestack on MacDonald Rd, Matawhero, signals an exciting one for Gisborne. The old Juken Nissho sawmill is back up and running under the new name of Millari Mill after being bought by Australian ...
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05 Nov 2025
WoodSolutions & Timber Insight partner to drive WA innovation
WoodSolutions and Timber Insight have joined forces to deliver a comprehensive program over the next 18 months, aimed at growing timber knowledge and supporting Western Australia’s rapidly expanding housing sector. The initiative will bring industry professionals together through a mix ...
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05 Nov 2025
Beyond biomass – Sawmill & veneer processing solutions
With demand growing for more efficient and automated wood processing systems, Brazilian-based manufacturer Vantec has become a key player in delivering integrated solutions for sawmills and veneer mills worldwide. Known for its robust Brutus and Bronco mobile forest shredders, Vantec ...
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05 Nov 2025
Millions in new research to boost Victoria’s timber innovation
The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Australian Government and Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) of millions of dollars in new research investments that will help accelerate innovation across Victoria’s plantation, wood-fibre and engineered ...
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05 Nov 2025
Timber Queensland welcomes ‘QLD Future Timber Plan’
Timber Queensland, the peak body for the forest and timber industry, has welcomed the release of the landmark Queensland Future Timber Plan, describing it as a balanced and forward-looking strategy that provides long-overdue certainty for the sector and regional communities. ...
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05 Nov 2025
WoodSolutions launches flexible, on-demand CPD platform
WoodSolutions has launched a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) platform, giving building and design professionals flexible, on-demand access to industry-accredited timber education. The platform is designed to help architects, engineers, builders, and other industry practitioners grow their timber knowledge while conveniently ...
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08 Oct 2025
Govt construction pledges boost NZ’s wood industry
After a government pause in building and construction spend, announcements this week on new defence housing, school infrastructure, and hospital facilities provides a glimmer of hope to a flat building industry. The projects include a $600 million spend on homes ...
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08 Oct 2025
Forestry’s A$5b contribution to the Victorian economy
The forestry industry contributes around A$5.2 billion to the Victorian economy and supports more than 25,000 local and regional jobs, according to a new study commissioned by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). The Economic Contribution of the Forestry Industry in Victoria report found ...
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08 Oct 2025
Damaging forest slash should be seen as an energy solution, not a headache to solve
A wasted opportunity is passing New Zealand by. Damaging forest slash should be seen as an energy solution, not a headache to solve. “While slash lays rotting in forests it costs communities in terms of flood damage, but as fuel ...
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08 Oct 2025
Sodra’s Varo sawmill invests in AI-driven scanning technology
Södra’s sawmill in Värö, Sweden, is the first in the industry to adopt a new, enhanced scanning solution that enables strength grading of timber with even greater precision. This investment allows Södra to make better use of each tree and strengthen its ...
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08 Oct 2025
Fighting wild fires in an era of climate change
From California to the Mediterranean, and now even in the far north of Europe, wildfires are increasingly making headlines. The growing vulnerability of regions once considered low-risk underscores the urgent need for action—and the development of innovative firefighting technologies. While wildfires ...
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08 Oct 2025
NZ Govt funding for wood waste research
New Zealand researchers have secured a $300,000 grant to transform construction wood waste into high-value products. The funding was awarded to scientist Ayyoob Arpanaei and his team at Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Scion division, through the NZ–China Strategic Research Alliance Catalyst Fund, supported by the Ministry of Business, ...
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08 Oct 2025
Transforming forestry residues into low carbon liquid fuels
OneFortyOne and HAMR Energy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the supply of sustainable biomass for renewable methanol production in Australia and New Zealand. The MoU marks a significant step forward in the development of ...
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08 Oct 2025
SA welcomes Federal investment into cleaner fuel production
South Australia’s forest industries are poised to lead the charge toward a low-carbon fuel future, welcoming the announcement by the Albanese Government of a A$1.1 billion investment package to accelerate the development of low-carbon liquid fuels. The package will support domestic cleaner ...
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08 Oct 2025
Australian Govt’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy
The Federal Government’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy discussion paper released this week by the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, is being welcomed by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) for the new economic and environmental opportunities it presents ...
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01 Oct 2025
Wellington-born Xframe wins another big Australian bank contract
OpinionAucklandLifeSportPuzzlesSunday Star-Times Regions Wellington-born Xframe wins another big Australian bank contract Roeland van den Bergh August 18, 2025Share Kiwi modular building firm Xframe has won a massive contract to roll-out its unique internal construction system for the Commonwealth Bank in ...
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01 Oct 2025
Techlam completes Woodspan acquisition and Taranakipine supply partnership
Following the initial announcement earlier this year, Techlam is now pleased to confirm the successful acquisition of the Woodspan brand and intellectual property (IP), and the formalisation of a long-term supply partnership with Taranakipine. The deal ensures continuity for Woodspan’s ...
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01 Sep 2025
Forging a new path for forestry safety
New guidance to simplify safety for forestry businesses and workers has been published by WorkSafe New Zealand. Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. The fatality rate is 20 times higher ...
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01 Sep 2025
150 years of Forestry, but an uncertain future
National Forestry Day is usually a time to celebrate the achievements of Australia’s forest and timber industries, with this year marking 150 years since George Goyder mapped out South Australia’s first plantation. But despite this milestone, the industry faces an ...
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01 Sep 2025
Timber industry braces in troubled times
The timber industry is battening down the hatches, as it struggles with low demand, increased running costs, and wars and tariffs overseas. Carter Holt Harvey has announced plans to shut its Eves Valley sawmill near Nelson and consolidate its operations to Kawerau ...
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31 Aug 2025
FIEA Launches 2025 Forest Products Industry Maps for Australia & New Zealand
The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 editions of the Australia and New Zealand Forest Products Industry Maps. These maps have long been a staple resource for the sector—widely displayed in offices across ...
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31 Aug 2025
Residues2Revenues 2025 – Keynote presentation
Following a record turnout of over 200 attendees last year, the programme for the upcoming Residues2Revenues 2025 conference continues to expand. Taking place on 21-22 October 2025 in Rotorua, New Zealand, this event focuses on the latest strategies and innovations ...
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31 Aug 2025
How a family sawmill business built a future
The Bota family’s journey from livestock farming to running a modern woodworking business reflects the transformation of rural Romania over the past three decades. Dan Radu, revistadinlemn.ro In the commune of Sadova, Suceava County, where the majestic Bukovina Mountains rise, ...
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31 Aug 2025
Are you ready for smarter sawmilling?
Over the last few decades, the Australasian sawmill industry has undergone massive changes. Log supply has shifted away from native forests and towards plantations, meaning that now, more than ever, there is an emphasis on maximising the value from every ...
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31 Aug 2025
How a Marlborough sawmill cracked the code on timber’s waste problem
Every year, around 400,000 tonnes of treated timber waste ends up in New Zealand landfills. Much of this is timber treated with copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA). But what if the solution isn’t about managing this waste better, but preventing ...
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31 Aug 2025
Import competition weighs on Australia’s wooden furniture manufacturing
Australia’s wooden furniture and upholstered seat manufacturing sector has faced mixed conditions in recent years, with industry research firm IBISWorld reporting that demand surged during the pandemic but has since been subdued by rising import competition and cost pressures. According ...
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31 Aug 2025
Introducing Comact’s Hybrid Sawline: Speed, flexibility, and innovation for green mills
In the fast-evolving sawmilling industry, efficiency and adaptability are critical for success. Mills must tackle the challenges of achieving higher productivity, reducing costs, and maximising yield — all while managing an increasingly variable and unpredictable log supply. Comact’s Hybrid Sawline ...
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31 Aug 2025
Turning recovery at work into a win for people and productivity
In an industry where physically demanding roles are the norm, injuries can disrupt operations and put pressure on teams. But a South Island timber business has found a way to keep injured workers connected to work and reap the benefits. ...
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04 Aug 2025
Wood processors & manufacturers welcome regulatory relief
The announcement this week, by the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, on reviewing the risks associated with Worker Exposure Standards for wood dust and machine guarding, is welcomed by the Wood Products and Manufacturing Association (WPMA). “The current ...
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04 Aug 2025
Potential breakthrough for Australia’s housing crisis
Modscape were pleased to be featured on Channel 9 News this week, in a segment spotlighting how offsite and modular construction is fast gaining traction across Australia – with access to finance now catching up to the pace of innovation. ...
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04 Aug 2025
FWPA’s transforming challenges into opportunities
Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is continuing its strong commitment to advancing Australia’s forestry industry, announcing a major investment in new research worth $8.75 million. This latest round of funding marks another milestone in FWPA’s mission to deliver impactful, ...
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04 Aug 2025
Low-carbon adhesive made from plastic waste
Cleantech company NILO has reached a significant technical milestone on its journey toward commercialisation. NILO has developed a sprayable adhesive made from plastic waste that significantly reduces the emission of formaldehyde and the carbon footprint of engineered wood products. Rigorous internal ...
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04 Aug 2025
New Hitman Sync App Connects Field Data to Forest Management Systems
Fibre-gen has released a new mobile app to support its HM220i acoustic tool, built for the realities of forestry work. The Sync App allows users to adjust tool settings, assign log data to forest compartments, and continue recording measurements even when offline. When ...
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04 Aug 2025
Comact expands local presence in Australasia
Comact, a leader in OEM high-calibre wood processing equipment, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Lakeland Steel, based in Rotorua, New Zealand. This partnership marks an important step in Comact’s global growth strategy and reinforces its commitment ...
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28 Jul 2025
Manufacturing’s next ‘Henry Ford moment’
When Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line in 1913, manufacturing changed forever. Ford’s innovation paved the way for transformation, and those who embrace the future now will define manufacturing to 2028 and beyond. Technological advancements, consumer demand and global ...
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17 Jul 2025
Residues2Revenues 2025 conference programme released – highlighting a sustainable future
The much-anticipated FIEA programme for Residues2Revenues 2025 has been announced, promising a deep dive into the burgeoning bioenergy sector. The conference, taking place on 21-22 October 2025, in Rotorua, will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore the ...
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30 Jun 2025
FWPA’s latest industry statistics released
Below are the most recent news updates and industry info from FWPA’s Statistics and Economics Program. Housing approvals for March 2025 Housing Approvals for March 2025 are still volatile, but the overall trend is positive. The March 2025 Building Approvals ...
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30 Jun 2025
Empowering the next generation of timber design
A new wave of innovation is sweeping through some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most future-focused academic programmes. From digital fabrication in architecture to industry exposure and creative problem-solving in forestry, students at the University of Auckland and across the country ...
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30 Jun 2025
Turning bark into biopharmaceuticals
Although a casual observer just sees the bark on a tree, a lumber expert might envision the potential for boards inside, thinking of the bark largely as waste. In many cases, bark does turn into waste in the logging industry. ...
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30 Jun 2025
AI detects contaminated construction wood with 91% accuracy
A new AI system that can automatically identify contaminated construction and demolition wood waste has been developed by researchers from Monash University and Charles Darwin University (CDU). Published in Resources, Conservation & Recycling, the study presents the first real-world image dataset ...
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30 Jun 2025
How robots are taking prefabricated housing construction
Behind the three-storey rolling doors of its prototype factory in Delta, a Canadian company is fine-tuning an approach to prefabricated construction that it believes could be key to solving the housing crisis. Intelligent City is using massive industrial robots and ...
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30 Jun 2025
Skill shortages within wood processing will hamper investment and growth
Saw doctors, timber machinists, kiln operators, finger jointers, laminated plant operators and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experts are just some of the specialist roles within the wood processing and manufacturing industry where difficulties in recruiting suitably trained operators is surfacing. These ...
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30 Jun 2025
New Australian national standard for recycled structural timber
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is pleased to announce the release of FWPA Standard G01: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes, the first national guideline designed specifically for the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber for structural ...
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30 Jun 2025
Wooden nails rival metal fasteners in timber construction
Researchers have demonstrated that wooden nail connections, when optimised for factors like nail diameter, sheathing material, and spacing, can significantly enhance the shear performance of timber structures, offering a viable, sustainable alternative to metal fasteners. A recent study published in ...
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29 Jun 2025
Pan Pac: 2025 Sustainability Report
Pan Pac is pleased to release our 2025 Sustainability Report. In addition to highlighting the progress we have made towards the goals established in 2022, the report covers the impact of 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle on our operations and how we have recovered. ...
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29 Jun 2025
NZ Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries – June 2025
This Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) shows a food and fibre sector on the rise after some tough years. Thanks to the sector’s hard work, strong prices for key exports, and a focus on strong relationships with our ...
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02 Jun 2025
Support for industry training trial for critically needed roles
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is proud to support a new two-year saw doctor and wood machinist pilot training trial aimed at boosting these much-needed forestry sector skills for our workforce, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said today. “There ...
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02 Jun 2025
NZ facts & figures now available for 2023/24
The 2023/24 Facts and Figures publication is produced annually by the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), providing the latest data and insights from across New Zealand’s forest growing sector. It includes planted forestry highlights, ownership and forest management information, deforestation trends, export and production statistics, health and safety data and supplementary information such ...
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02 Jun 2025
Creating Custom Pallets
DJ Pallets, based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, operates Wood-Mizer equipment for recycling pallets and manufacturing custom pallets for clients across America. How It All Began “I didn’t enter this business right away,” explains Dan Ullmann, president of DJ Pallets. Dan was ...
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02 Jun 2025
AKD to acquire Highland Pine Products
AKD, a proud Australian forestry and timber processing company is pleased to confirm that it will acquire Pentarch Forestry’s 50% shareholding of Highland Pine Products Pty Ltd (HPP). HPP is currently a 50:50 joint venture business owned by AKD and ...
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02 Jun 2025
Residues2Revenues 2025 – expressions of interest
The Residues2Revenues event is back, and will run on 21-22 October 2025 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Last year saw a record turnout, with over 200 attending from across forest management, harvesting, log cartage, and wood processing & manufacturing operations. Demand ...
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02 Jun 2025
Solutions for small to medium-size log processing in Australasia
Adding a small to medium log line can give Australasian sawmills the edge they need to make the most of their resources, ramp up productivity, and bolster their bottom line. In this day and age, Australasian sawmills need smart solutions ...
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02 Jun 2025
Techlam and Woodspan forge innovative partnership following production challenges
Recent events at Woodspan’s New Plymouth facility have led to a collaboration between two of New Zealand’s leading engineered timber manufacturers. Following a fire that damaged critical CNC machinery at their production site, Woodspan faced a significant operational setback. Techlam ...
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02 Jun 2025
Exoskeleton tech shows promise in protecting forestry workers
First study of its kind identifies the biomechanics of forestry work and workers’ perceptions of this emerging technology. The same exoskeleton principles that protect grasshoppers, crabs and similar creatures could also help protect the 25,000 or so workers in the job ...
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02 Jun 2025
Wood stronger than steel in production
In 2018, Liangbing Hu, a materials scientist at the University of Maryland, devised a way to turn ordinary wood into a material stronger than steel. It seemed like yet another headline-grabbing discovery that wouldn’t make it out of the lab. ...
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02 Jun 2025
Queensland focused on evidence-based plan to build future homes
The peak state body for the forest and timber industry in Queensland is focused on future growth delivered by evidence-based solutions following the positive first meeting of the Timber Supply Chain Ministerial Roundtable. Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said “We ...
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05 May 2025
AI game-changer for timber manufacturing
AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing, thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry. Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of ...
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05 May 2025
Wade Sawmill continues to expand with Gibson sawmill equipment
We recently visited the team at Wade Sawmill to review their ongoing expansion and improvements of their sawmill machinery and equipment plant based just north of Maryborough Queensland. Wade Sawmill manufactures a large range of timber products to cater for ...
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05 May 2025
Iron-fortified lumber could be a greener alternative to steel beams
Although lumber does show promise as a renewable alternative to structural materials such as steel and concrete, it still tends to be a bit weaker than those substances. Scientists have now set about addressing that shortcoming, by strengthening wood with added iron. Led by ...
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05 May 2025
Victorian Wood Fibre Roadmap to 2050 launched
Victoria is strengthening its position as a global leader in sustainable timber, engineered wood, and next-generational biomaterials, capitalising on the demand for low-carbon alternatives to create regional jobs and secure a local supply of construction materials while tackling a changing ...
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05 May 2025
Timber design for construction: Online micro-credential
WoodSolutions and the University of Tasmania have launched a groundbreaking Timber Design for Residential Construction micro-credential, providing professionals with the skills and knowledge to master sustainable timber design in compliance with Australian Standards. This online, self-paced course delivers industry-aligned content covering everything from timber ...
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05 May 2025
World’s largest wooden structure encircles Expo 2025 Osaka
A gridded wooden structure formed using traditional joinery makes up The Grand Ring, which Japanese studio Sou Fujimoto Architects has used to encircle the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. At 61,035 square metres, it is the largest wooden architectural structure in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The ...
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05 May 2025
Wesbeam joins lightweight timber framed construction initiative
Wesbeam is proud to be part of the groundbreaking Future Framing Initiative (FFI), a collaborative program designed to revolutionise the lightweight timber framed construction industry in Australia. Leading companies in Australia’s timber construction sector, including Wesbeam, have united under the ...
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05 May 2025
Safety first: Lessons from a saw accident in the workplace
On 20 December 2021, Ashley Industrial Services Ltd – a family-owned sawmill/manufacturing plant in Oxford – experienced a tragic accident. While operating a trim saw to trim wane from the ends of timber, one of our employees accidentally had his hand ...
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05 May 2025
New committee to shape the future of NZ forestry training
The Forest Owners Association (FOA) and the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) have come together to establish a new joint Training Committee to strengthen how the sector approaches vocational training. The new committee is comprised of eight individuals, with four ...
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04 May 2025
FWPA update: Local sawn softwood sales volume
FWPA has produced a number of charts outlining the latest trends in softwood sales. More recent, and granular data, is available through the FWPA data dashboard. In July 2024, monthly softwood sales were 241,879 m3 up 9.5% on the prior month. ...
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07 Apr 2025
A$14M upgrade delivers Tasmania a world-class sawmill
Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) is proud to announce the official opening of its recently upgraded Southwood sawmill in the Huon Valley, the largest and most advanced Plantation Hardwood timber processor in Australia. Supported by a $5m Federal Government contribution, ...
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07 Apr 2025
New funding for prefabricated & modular housing construction
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s investment announcement of $54 million to support prefabricated and modular home construction. Aussie grown, sustainable timber and wood-fibre are key materials resources for the expanding prefabricated and modular construction industry ...
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07 Apr 2025
Super strong wood through self-densifying
While sustainably-grown wood can be an economical and eco-friendly building material, its relatively low tensile strength limits its potential applications. That could soon change, however, thanks to a new self-densifying technique for creating super-strong wood. Individual wood fibres are made ...
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07 Apr 2025
FWPA – New industry standard to support recycled timber
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is dedicated to driving industry progress, working together with members and key stakeholders to create, publish and support standards that meet the industry’s ever-changing needs. In response to industry demand for clearer, more practical ...
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07 Apr 2025
New Zealand’s first large-scale biomass torrefaction facility
The New Zealand Government welcomes the announcement of a groundbreaking initiative to establish the country’s first large-scale biomass torrefaction facility in the Central North Island. This facility, developed by Carbona, represents a significant step in New Zealand’s transition to a sustainable, ...
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07 Apr 2025
Mass timber office building underway in Christchurch
The installation of 114 mass timber columns, some of which are nearly 8m high, is in full swing at the new generation environmental office build at 211 High Street in Christchurch. The double height columns form the perimeter of the build while the ...
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07 Apr 2025
AFWI: National Open Call for Research is live
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for transformative, industry-focused forestry research are now open until 14 April 2025, as the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) National Open Call for Research launches its second round. This round invites bold ideas with real-world ...
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07 Apr 2025
New AFPA video – what we can’t live without…
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has launched a candid new video that demonstrates the importance of the essential and sustainable products our sector creates, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. “This video, try living without Aussie timber and ...
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07 Apr 2025
NZ industry pushes back on new ACOP
WorkSafe is currently completing a full review of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Safety and Health in Forest Operations. The ACOP, often referred to as the “Bush Bible”, was established in 2012 under the Health and Safety in Employment Act ...
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04 Mar 2025
WoodTECH 2025 – Both venues are selling out!
The WoodTECH 2025 programme is designed to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the wood processing sector. Key topics to discuss include transformational trends and opportunities leading up to 2030 and insights on the paradigm shift needed to grow ...
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04 Mar 2025
Australian timber industry launches landmark future framing initiative
Leading companies in Australia’s timber construction sector have joined forces to launch the Future Framing Initiative (FFI), a groundbreaking collaborative program aimed at revolutionising the lightweight timber framed construction industry. Under the governance of Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and leadership of ...
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04 Mar 2025
Sawdust superpower: Wood waste battery retains 60% capacity after 10,000 cycles
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon derived from Pinus radiata waste. The lithium-ion capacitor features electrodes made from discarded wood particles, offering a sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution. With ...
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04 Mar 2025
AFWI – National open call for research
AFWI’s National Open Call for Research is back, with Expressions of Interest (EOI) opening on Friday, 7 March, for projects that deliver transformative, industry-focused research to support Australia’s forestry and forest products industries. This call encourages innovative ideas that lead to commercial ...
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03 Mar 2025
New report: five buildings which ‘make the case’ for mass timber
A new study led by dRMM in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and the Quality of Life Foundation has highlighted the low-carbon and wellbeing benefits of five mass timber buildings in the UK. The study demonstrates that mass timber buildings ...
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03 Mar 2025
FWPA launches More Houses Sooner report
More Houses Sooner is the first and only in-depth study to project the total dwellings required by 2034 to reach equilibrium and affordability levels. The research indicates Australia needs to deliver approximately 2.48 million new dwellings to keep pace with population ...
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03 Mar 2025
Changes to Toi Ohomai timber machining apprenticeship
A Rotorua tutor’s job has been saved and 48 students can continue their timber machining apprenticeships after changes were made to a proposal to disestablish them. Students doing the New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining (level four) apprenticeship programme at Toi Ohomai’s Waipā Campus ...
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03 Mar 2025
Former sawmill to be transformed into an event space in Cairns
Council has given the green light for the redevelopment of a historic industrial site in Stratford into a new event space. The former Rankin Sawmill site at 72-90 Magazine Street is set to be transformed into a large function area, ...
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05 Feb 2025
WoodTECH 2025 – Early Bird Discounts ENDS 7 February!
The wood industry is at a crossroads. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations, fluctuating timber prices, and a growing demand for sustainable practices are putting pressure on businesses to innovate and adapt. To thrive in this evolving landscape, staying informed about the latest technologies and ...
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05 Feb 2025
Marty Verry op-ed – why must our farmers carry concrete?
Last month’s Economist magazine had two different articles quoting exactly the same figures; ‘7-8 percent of global emissions’. One related to the emissions of the world’s concrete sector, the other, the emissions of the world’s livestock sector. This got me ...
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05 Feb 2025
NZ construction conditions set to improve in 2025
The cost to build a ‘standard’ single storey three bedroom, two-bathroom standalone dwelling* in NZ increased by 0.6% in the three months to December, half the 1.1% growth seen in the third quarter of 2024 and also below the long-term ...
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05 Feb 2025
Safeguarding Australian exports logs – methyl bromide
Australian log exports rely on the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) to control pests and meet the phytosanitary requirements of key markets such as China and India. However, MB was banned internationally for specific uses under the United Nation’s Montreal Protocol ...
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05 Feb 2025
Local timber solution to ease housing crisis in Australia
The rise of increasingly sought after, timber framed lifestyle dwellings is helping to free up housing stock across Australia. In the Fraser Coast, home to Hyne Timber – one of Australia’s oldest and largest softwood manufacturers, their framing is currently being ...
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05 Feb 2025
Australia’s illegal logging laws will change in March
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring illegally logged material is not incorporated into Australian wood products. The arrangements, commencing on 3 March 2025, represent an opportunity for government, industry and end users of wood products to have greater confidence ...
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05 Feb 2025
New prefabrication company to ease NSW housing crisis
An exciting new prefabrication building company based in Central West NSW is helping to address the state’s current housing crisis, while also sourcing local timber and creating local jobs. Green Timber Technology, which has recently been established in partnership with ...
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05 Feb 2025
Timber framing is safe and reliable in bushfire-prone areas
The debate on the “right” materials to use when building homes in bushfire-prone areas often sparks fierce opinions and misguided claims. While some advocate for alternative materials, timber framing remains a viable, safe, reliable and effective option when designed and ...
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04 Dec 2024
WoodTECH 2025 – is back & better than ever!
WoodTECH is returning in March 2025! WoodTECH 2025 is the Australasia’s premier event for wood processing and manufacturers, and has been run by FIEA for over 25 years. The last in-person event, WoodTECH 2019, drew a record attendance. Then COVID hit. WoodTECH ...
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04 Dec 2024
WoodSolutions launches timber framing campaign
WoodSolutions launches updated timber framing campaign with new assets and expanded digital push. The industry’s timber framing campaign is now live on the WoodSolutions website, with updated resources and assets to boost adoption. Managed by Forest & Wood Products Australia’s (FWPA) WoodSolutions program, ...
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04 Dec 2024
Closure of NZ mill highlights the pressures faced in Australia
Closure of New Zealand paper facility highlights the pressures faced by Australia’s wood and paper products manufacturers. Australia’s forestry and forest products sector is warning that locally based manufacturing facilities are close to breaking point with spiralling energy, logistics and ...
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04 Dec 2024
Uniting to modernise Australian housing construction
The timber framing industry is on the cusp of a major update, with a collaborative research project led by the University of Tasmania and Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA). The Lightweight Timber Framing project, funded by Australian Forest and Wood ...
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04 Dec 2024
Reaction to proposed axe of Toi Ohomai forestry courses
The proposal to cut programs from a Rotorua apprenticeship training program has blindsided the forestry and wood manufacture industry. The proposal from Bay of Plenty’s Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology would mean up to twenty job losses, the Tertiary Education Union ...
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04 Dec 2024
Science, technology and innovation in NZ forestry
Letter from NZIF to NZ Prime Minister I write on behalf of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) to express our deep disappointment regarding your recent statement on RNZ suggesting forestry does not embrace science, technology, and innovation (ST&I), while dairy ...
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03 Dec 2024
World first in Warrnambool
A world-first engineered wood product made from locally sourced bluegum timber has been developed in Warrnambool, aiming to address Australia’s structural timber shortage. Created through the “Splinters to Structures” project, this GL18 laminated product could reduce reliance on timber imports while ...
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03 Dec 2024
Launch of the new FWPA Data Dashboard
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is pleased to announce the public launch of the new FWPA Data Dashboard, now accessible for anyone interested via a subscription model. This enhanced platform provides valuable insights and data specifically tailored for the ...
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03 Dec 2024
KSI Sawmills to supply residues to new Riverbend Energy Hub
Greenhill Energy and KSI Sawmills have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support both company’s commitment to sustainability and underpin supply of sustainable biomass at scale to Riverbend Energy Hub. Under the MOU, subject to regulatory approvals KSI Sawmills ...
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03 Dec 2024
Tumbarumba Sawmill extension officially completed
Hyne Timber has officially marked the completion of their new 4700m2 storage facility with a ribbon cutting celebration held at the Tumbarumba Sawmill. The event marked a new era in the protection of timber from the weather, while also reflecting on the devastating ...
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04 Nov 2024
WoodTECH 2025: Reshaping the Sector
The opportunity of a generation? Climate change and the readiness of the New Zealand and Australian wood processing industry to take advantage of a new future? Timber demand was down in 2024, suppressed by receding housing starts in both New ...
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04 Nov 2024
Government action required on NZ electricity market rules
Tony Clifford, Managing Director, Pan Pac Forest Products This past year, several long-standing manufacturing businesses were forced to close, with sustained high electricity prices being a significant part of the decisions for these closures. The impact of such closures on ...
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04 Nov 2024
Australia’s State of the Forest Report released
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has, this week, released Australia’s State of the Forests Report: Synthesis 2023. ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said the five-yearly report covered all areas of Australia’s forests—public and private forests, ...
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04 Nov 2024
OneFortyOne announces renewable power investment
OneFortyOne is proud to announce a significant investment of A$30 million, in a renewable biomass power generation project at our Jubilee Sawmill (Mt Gambier, SA). The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total ...
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04 Nov 2024
Drax launches virtual tour of Mississippi plant
Renewable energy company Drax is excited to announce the launch of its virtual tour of its Mississippi pellet plant. The tour allows visitors to explore the plant’s operations, including the production of a wood pellet. The virtual tour offers a comprehensive ...
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04 Nov 2024
Survey – Better data on NZ wood processors & manufacturers needed
The contribution of the wood processing and manufacturing sector to New Zealand needs to be better understood by government and stakeholders. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is updating a directory of commercial wood processing and manufacturing entities through a short ...
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04 Nov 2024
AFA urges immediate action on PFAS chemicals in furniture
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is calling on furniture manufacturers and suppliers to take urgent action in addressing the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals, following increased media coverage of these “forever chemicals” and their associated risks. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl ...
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04 Nov 2024
His Majesty King Charles III visits mass timber development
The Hyne Group welcomed the news of His Majesty King Charles III, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns’, visited the Homes NSW Cowper Street development, and talk about sustainable housing. The Hyne Group proudly supplied the Cross ...
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24 Oct 2024
WoodTECH 2025 – Call for speakers to reshape the sector
The opportunity of a generation? Climate change and the readiness of the New Zealand and Australian wood processing industry to take advantage of a new future?In the first in-person WoodTECH event series since before COVID-19, WoodTECH 2025 will be run ...
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30 Sep 2024
Introducing the new FWPA Data Dashboard
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is excited to launch the new FWPA Data Dashboard, an essential tool designed to empower Australia’s forest and wood products industry with access to crucial data, insights and forecasts. This innovative platform, available as a complimentary benefit ...
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30 Sep 2024
New AFWI Research Advisory Committee announced
The Chair of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), Mr Bob Gordon, has welcomed the establishment of the new AFWI Research Advisory Committee. The Committee will provide expert advice to the AFWI Board on forest and wood product research and innovation, ...
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30 Sep 2024
How is NZ’s energy crisis impacting the wood industry?
New Zealand’s pulp and paper industry has lost a pulp mill – and could lose another – to an energy crisis that shows little signs of abating. The Winstone Pulp International (WPI) pulp mill on the Central North Island will close ...
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30 Sep 2024
More mills will close – Op-ed
There’s a lever the government’s not pulling to support the wood processing and forestry sector. It’s also a key to reducing emissions, hitting Paris obligations and saving the taxpayer hundreds of millions. Both parts of the broader forestry sector are ...
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30 Sep 2024
Confirmed – Winstone Pulp closing central North Island mills
Hundreds are set to lose their jobs after one of the central North Island’s biggest employers made the call to shut two of its mills. Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton has confirmed Winstone Pulp International will be closing its two central ...
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27 Sep 2024
Student projects enhanced by collaboration with BRANZ
PhD students from the University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry, Parisa Sedighizadeh, Milad Lezgi, and Lili Jia, recently visited the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), with the generous support of WIDE Trust. This visit underscores WIDE Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting postgraduate students whose ...
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27 Sep 2024
Clean tech buffers business from rising energy costs
As high energy costs put the squeeze on many of the country’s businesses, ANZ has highlighted the value of long-term investment in clean energy technology. “Businesses are doing it really tough in the current economic environment and we know for ...
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27 Sep 2024
Wesbeam announces 6-month price hold to support industry
In the face of rising costs across industries, Wesbeam, as Australia’s only LVL manufacturer, is stepping up to support Australian businesses. With the prices of energy, logistics, commercial leases, and materials increasing, many companies are passing these costs onto their customers. ...
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27 Sep 2024
Industry supportive of Resource Management reform
Mandating the processing of resource consents to within 1-year for wood processing facilities and related activities announced by Government last week, as part of the resource management reform proposals, is welcomed by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA). ‘In the ...
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27 Sep 2024
Victoria promoting prefabricated construction industry
The Allan Labor Government is backing Victoria’s prefabricated construction industry, with a new directory making it easier and more accessible for local manufacturers to work on projects across the state. Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, today launched the latest edition of the Victorian ...
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