Friday Offcuts – 7 March 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.For the first time, WoodTECH 2025 in Melbourne has sold out! A limited number of tickets still remain for next week's NZ event of the series, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. In Australia, timber is in the spotlight with the Future Framing Initiative, a major effort to modernise design standards and boost industry competitiveness. Meanwhile, illegal logging law reforms took effect on 3 March, and AFWI is seeking industry input on national research funding. Across the Tasman, Interpine shares its experience with OneNZ’s SpaceX Starlink mobile service, enabling foresters to use standard mobile phones in remote areas. NZ trials of the M-Planter highlight the role of human factors in mechanised planting, while WorkSafe NZ urges better inclusion of subcontractors in forestry risk management. Looking ahead, the 2025 Forest Bioeconomy Innovations Conference (20-21 May, Rotorua) will explore sustainable bio-products and high-value forest-based exports. Also in this issue, RMA amendments, autonomous logging trucks, wood- based lithium-ion capacitors, tree sap extending fruit shelf life, the UK’s timber-building push—and China’s ban on U.S. log imports. Could a tariff war be next? Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Australia's landmark future framing initiative
Leading companies in Australia’s timber construction sector have
joined forces to launch the Future Framing Initiative, 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 newly appointed Project Management Committee, chaired by Ian Tyson, the FFI will focus on modernising timber design standards and strengthening the industry’s competitive position. The program addresses critical challenges facing the sector, including outdated timber design standards and increasing competition from steel framing and concrete slab-on-ground alternatives. “The FFI represents a unified response to market demands for simpler, more efficient building solutions,” says Ian Tyson. “Each percentage point of market share represents $27.5 million in annual revenue, making this initiative crucial for our industry’s future growth.” The program encompasses four key components: Research, Extension, Communications, and Technical Capacity Building. Initial efforts will concentrate on updating critical industry standards, particularly AS1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction, which hasn’t seen major revisions in over 25 years. Strong industry support Thirteen leading organisations have already committed to funding the initiative: AKD, Hyne Timber, Dindas Australia, Meyer Timber, MiTek, Multinail, Pentarch Forest Group, Pryda, Stora Enso Australia, Timberlink Australia, Timbertruss, Wesbeam, and Wespine. The program has also secured support from the University of Tasmania through a successful Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) research grant. Further program objectives Another FFI objective will be developing a new FWPA Industry Standard for Lightweight Timber Framing Design & Construction for mid-rise Buildings, aiming for inclusion in the National Construction Code 2028. The initiative will serve various building types, including detached homes, townhouses, schools, aged care facilities, and apartments. The FFI also addresses the critical need for technical expertise in succession planning for the industry. The program, that start in February 2025, will recruit and train new technical representatives to ensure valuable industry knowledge is preserved and passed on to the next generation of industry champions. Source: FWPA Biomaterials: Industry will benefit from Scion fibre expertise
“News of recent paper mill closures and a log export slump may
soon be replaced with more positive news logs and other forest
resources”, says Rotorua-based forest technology specialist, John
Stulen. "Scion has some excellent work streams completely focused on
high value export products from across forest and fibre sector.”
“Industry leaders from across the forestry supply chain are getting behind a new initiative to support new technologies and processes for extracting high value chemicals from logs and other forestry byproducts”, he added. Local scientists at Scion, are strongly represented in key biomaterial research focused on developing new sustainable products. For example a new effort – an international research programme, UPWEARS, aims to develop a sustainable e-textile (electrically-conductive textile) using cork, hemp, flax and paper byproducts, and develop ways to recycle and reuse textile waste. The overall aim is to contribute to a sustainable economy by unlocking the potential of bio-based and hybrid fabrics. Scion joined this in 2024. Another is a key technology startup collaboration between Scion and the New Zealand Product Accelerator. This will see a new forestry biofactory built in Rotorua soon. The new facility will foster developments for making new bioproducts from forest resources to deliver much higher value export products. “We are delighted to announce a new technology event, the 2025 Forest Bioeconomy Innovations Conference, to celebrate this startup”, says Stulen, “It runs on 20-21 May 2025 in Rotorua, New Zealand. “We are bringing international startup leaders together from forest and wood technology innovators. Across Europe their teams are set to supercharge new processes to complement and eventually replace pulp and paper mills to a large degree,” says Stulen. “We are also working closely with Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service, Scion and key industry leaders, to showcase potential bioeconomy export products from New Zealand’s vast forest resources.” On May 20-21 May 2025, hundreds of business innovation and primary industry leaders will gather at this key event. Visit the event website for more details. Source: FIEA  NZ wide mobile coverage: A game changer forestry
Our team have been actively using OneNZ’s SpaceX Starlink
mobile phone text service for a couple of weeks now, and the impact of
nationwide mobile coverage is starting to become evident. Even
in the most remote areas, far from any cell phone tower, our field crew
operations and foresters can now text and communicate using their
standard NZ mobile phones. While we primarily use iPhones within the
company, many Android devices are also supported. As a sector we have relied on radio communications as a key connecting technology and while this is unlikely to go away, as one of the first countries in the world to have access to this SpaceX satellite network messaging from a normal mobile device, the forestry sector can take advantage of having easy communication across our wide forestry estates like never before. Whether on a remote highway, a forest road, or in those spots close to home without cell tower coverage, OneNZ has introduced SMS text messaging coverage via SpaceX Starlink Satellite, directly from your regular mobile smartphone. Feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive, with most being able to send and receive text messages almost instantly. While our teams currently use InReach-type satellite device messaging, this new functionality from SpaceX and OneNZ is in a class of its own—it’s just like using a normal text service. Sure, sometimes the one or two bars of SAT coverage might disappear, but not that often with foresters reporting coverage even while inside the forest under the trees. For those who work or live in remote areas, this will revolutionize the way you plan and carry out work, while staying connected and improving safety. Whether you’re stuck at a locked gate with the wrong key, stranded on a muddy road, blocked by a fallen tree, or need to change tasks due to conditions, you can now easily reach out and update the team. Currently, this service works for SMS texts and does not support more data-driven chat systems like Teams Chat or Messenger. However, moving forward, this will open up new methods of communication and cost efficiency for the sector. It will lead to increased productivity and enable environmental or security monitoring systems through IoT device connectivity. Here at Interpine, it continues our drive to keep our team safe, connected, and provide efficiencies to increase productivity and reduce downtime. We look forward to watching this “space” as this technology quickly evolves and seeing how we can keep “shaping today’s forests with technology of tomorrow” For more information: Mobile coverage like never before with SpaceX and OneNZ. Source: Interpine  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 outcomes, which tackle industry challenges or entrepreneurial opportunities. What’s new? For this round, AFWI is introducing a two-stage process comprising an initial EOI stage and a second stage for invited full proposals. This new process is informed by industry and researcher feedback and will streamline the application process and ensure that proposed projects are high quality and align with industry priorities. About AFWI Funding AFWI supports cross-disciplinary research spanning the full forest and forest products value chain, focusing on creating and adopting new knowledge, products, and services in collaboration with industry. While some research may be fundamental, all projects must have a clear end-user focus and industry backing. AFWI encourages projects that involve Indigenous organisations and stakeholders, incorporating First Nations perspectives and deliver benefits to their communities and enterprises. Projects must demonstrate strong industry collaboration, with matching funding from industry or other sources. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind support is also considered. Co-contributions must at least match AFWI funding and can exceed 50% of the total project cost. Research focus areas include (but are not limited to):
Source: Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI)  Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws are now in effectAmendments to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) are in effect as of 3 March 2025. Also in effect are the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (Rules), which replace the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012.You can download a flowchart below which demonstrates the differences between the due diligence process prior to 3 March 2025 and the new arrangements now in effect. What does this mean for importers and processors? The Rules introduce changes to due diligence requirements. It is up to you to understand your responsibilities as an importer or processor of regulated timber, timber products and/or raw logs. The fundamental steps of your due diligence requirements remain unchanged. This includes a written due diligence system, information gathering, risk assessment, risk mitigation and record keeping. The requirement to respond to a request for information from the department also remains the same. However, there are key changes to some steps:
The new laws also include a future requirement to provide notice to the department before importing or processing regulated timber, timber products or raw logs. This requirement has not come into effect, as it relies on a new IT system that is still being developed. We will update you as this progresses. The Act introduces new powers for the department to undertake certain activities. More >> Source and image credit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest New research uses tree sap to extend shelf life of fresh fruit
University of Queensland studies have used a natural tree sap
gum and light to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables to
combat food waste.The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) research used edible coatings made from gum Arabic or acacia gum enriched with extracts from native Australian plants to stop the growth of spoilage causing microorganisms. The research team also used light and curcumin, a compound extracted from turmeric, to deactivate fungal spores on food. QAAFI’s Dr Maral Seididamyeh said both methods were effective in keeping food fresh for longer. “Using our edible coating, we were able to prevent the growth of spoilage microorganisms in freshly cut capsicum for around 10 days in the fridge,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “This was mostly due to the organic acids and phenolic compounds found in the aqueous extracts of plants like Cape York lilly pilly, boonjee tamarind, and Tasmanian pepper leaves.” The extracts showed promising antimicrobial properties and the sensory analysis also revealed the fruit looked and smelt better. The curcumin-based photosensitisation technique completely deactivated the fungal spores responsible for grey mould in fresh produce. When applied to strawberries, it reduced decay incidence and severity by 20 per cent without compromising the fruit’s colour or firmness.” Dr Seididamyeh said chemical-free methods for preventing food spoilage were in demand. “Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are becoming resistant to synthetic chemicals used to preserve food,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “Consumers are increasingly favouring products made with natural preservatives over synthetic additives.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ data showed 17 per cent of food was lost to spoilage and other issues at retail outlets and in homes. “The research results are promising, but more work is needed, especially since photosensitisation is a relatively new concept in the food industry,” Dr Seididamyeh said. “Photosensitisation is already used in medicine through photodynamic therapy to destroy abnormal cells in treatment for cancer and precancerous conditions. The edible gum coating, embedded with extracts from native Australian foods and leaves, and curcumin are currently quite expensive. To help make this a mainstream solution, further funding will be needed to refine the technology for its integration into commercial packing and processing lines. The research was funded by Hort Innovation, the Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Research Council. More >> Source & image credit: The University of Queensland  UK's timber in construction roadmap 2025
The UK faces some of its biggest challenges yet – climate
change, the housing crisis and driving economic growth. Timber
offers a solution as a renewable, low-carbon resource. It offers immense
potential to reduce emissions, create jobs, and build the homes we need.
We must increase the production and use of sustainable, homegrown timber. Planting more trees is essential as we work to meet our target of increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 14.5% in 2024 to 16.5% by 2050. But it is not enough to only plant trees – we must also make the most of the trees we have. Increasing demand for timber will create green jobs and foster innovation in the forestry and wood processing industries. This works alongside wider efforts, such as the National Wood Strategy for England, to build a resilient, thriving forestry sector. Increasing timber will create green jobs and foster innovation in the forestry and wood processing industries. To solve the housing crisis, we are committed to delivering 1.5 million homes this Parliament. To meet this challenge efficiently and sustainably, we will incorporate timber into the construction sector through innovative modern methods of construction. They will help us create high-quality, affordable homes while driving economic growth. This roadmap also supports our ambitions for a circular economy and a sustainable, low-carbon future. The built environment accounts for 25% of the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing the use of timber, which sequesters carbon, we can significantly reduce these emissions to achieve net-zero by 2050, while simultaneously growing our economy. This aligns with broader initiatives such as zero-waste economy, and decarbonisation of concrete, steel, and cement. Use of timber in construction is not a new idea – archaeological evidence shows we’ve been building with timber for over 10,000 years. Parliament’s Westminster Hall is a fantastic case in point, boasting the largest medieval timber roof in Northern Europe. This document signals the next stage in our use of timber and wood products to meet changing societal priorities. Our vision for timber in construction is clear: a sustainable, integrated industry that meets the needs of the future. Government, industry, and stakeholders must work together, aligning efforts to decarbonise and build efficiently. Hybrid designs, using the best materials, will support sustainability. The steps we take today will create a thriving, green economy. Timber-framed homes, public buildings, and offices will transform the built environment. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how timber helps shape a sustainable future. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important work. More >> Source: GOV.UK Human factors are crucial to adopting mechanised planting
New Zealand’s forestry sector faces challenges in
modernising silvicultural practices due to the need for mechanised
solutions tailored to local terrain. Moreover, adopting
these new technologies requires addressing training, ergonomics,
workload management and decision-making challenges.The planting workstream of Forest Growers Research’s (FGR) Precision Silviculture Programme (PSP) aims to support mechanised planting and extend the planting season by creating production-ready prototypes and tools. Trials of the M-Planter, a mechanised planting machine, were undertaken in the Nelson/Marlborough region across different terrains in 2024. These aimed to assess the operational and human factors involved in transitioning from manual planting to mechanisation, focusing on training, safety, workload and onsite innovation. Scion prepared a report on the trials for the PSP, which highlights the importance of considering human factors when designing innovations in the mechanised planting space. Researchers conducted reflective interviews, a focus group discussion and a site visit to capture the learnings and observations of those involved with the M-Planter trial. The trials captured the relationship between worker and machine, highlighting the importance of human-centric considerations in mechanisation. The report’s findings showed that iterative prototyping allowed real-time problem-solving, minimised downtime and improved machine functionality. While utilising contractor, engineering and operator knowledge ensured “adaptive innovation” as well as improved functionality of the machines being trialled. Click here for full report Source: Forest Growers Research (via Forest Owners Association) Image credit: Forest Growers Research: Brionny Hooper with M-Planter Sawdust superpower: Wood waste batteries
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 abundant biomass resources in the Basque Country in Spain, the team utilised environmentally friendly and inexpensive processes to create high-performance electrodes. Their findings highlight the potential of biomass-based materials in producing efficient, eco-friendly energy storage systems. The UPV/EHU team developed a cost-effective LIC using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, an abundant and sustainable resource in Biscay, Spain. They produced high-performance electrodes using carbon sourced from biomass instead of costly chemicals or energy-intensive procedures. According to researchers, the innovation could pave the way for greener alternatives in high-power energy storage, reducing reliance on conventional materials and enhancing sustainability in the sector. More >> Source: Interesting Engineering Image credit: University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)  Subbies deserve safety at work too
A forestry subcontractor was failed by poor risk management from
the two businesses above him, both of which have been sentenced for
their inaction.39-year-old Misha Tremel was killed while manually felling trees on a small block at Clevedon in June 2022. The qualified tree feller had been brought in by Turoa Logging Limited, which was harvesting 7,800 tonnes of pine on behalf of the forest managers Pulley Contracting Limited. The trees being manually cut by Mr Tremel were windthrown, meaning they had been bent and damaged by wind. WorkSafe and the forestry industry strongly recommend that such trees are harvested using machines. WorkSafe’s investigation found Turoa Logging had not properly reassessed its harvesting plan after nearby trees were cut by machinery and had not ensured safe felling practices were followed. Pulley Contracting did not do enough to identify the ongoing risks to workers and should have been auditing Turoa Logging more thoroughly. “Businesses must manage their risks and cannot contract their way out of responsibility. Contractors on smaller sites like this are owed the same level of care as those in large-scale operations,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West. Mr Tremel was a much-loved husband and father who was originally from Ukraine. His death continues to be a shattering loss for his young family to process. “Businesses must consult, cooperate and coordinate as part of a contracting chain. WorkSafe recommends health and safety is always built into contract management,” says Paul West. Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. Under its new strategy, WorkSafe is turning about 15 percent of its targeted frontline activity to the forestry sector because of the high rate of harm, particularly for Maōri. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action. More >> Source: WorkSafe NZ  NZFOA & NZFFA submission on changes to RMA
A post from Dr Elizabeth Heeg, CEO, NZFOAIt was Rachel Millar and my privilege to speak to the Environment Select Committee about the Forest Owners Association and New Zealand Farm Forestry Association joint submission on the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill. We generally support the bill and efficiencies proposed, including more efficient consents for wood processing and discipline around processing s92 requests. However, we have significant concerns about how the ability to restrict land use for natural hazards might be applied without mapping. Spatial plans create clarity. We are also concerned about limiting public participation in hearings - it's a two way street, and hearings ensure that consenting issues get worked through. The key issue is lack of clarity for how submitters will need to provide evidence, and we propose a middle ground that clarifies the process for the consideration of written evidence, with a discretion for the consent authority to determine whether a hearing is necessary. We'd also prefer that the regard for "non-compliance" issues be dealt with in the stage 3 reforms. As self-described forest nerds, Rachel and I appreciated the committee's questions and interest in our submission. You can read our submission here. And you can eventually watch the appearance on vimeo here. Source & image credit: NZFOA Update to automated platooning on forest roads demo
In collaboration with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions,
FPInnovations successfully completed a three-week demonstration
of Kratos Class 8 automated trucks in leader-follower mode in
Quebec. The purpose of the trial was to assess the ability of
the Kratos leader-follower platoon system to operate in a Canadian
natural resources operating environment, identify its limitations, and
prepare an implementation plan.This demonstration follows the evaluation of Forterra’s Autonomous Platoon Trucks, carried out in the fall of 2023. Details of this evaluation are available on the autonomous transport webpage. The successful completion of these trials marks a significant step forward in FPInnovations’ autonomous transportation initiative. Kratos follower-leader trucks were tested with empty and partially loaded log trailers on different types of forest roads, demonstrating the potential of autonomous technologies in real-life conditions. The event also enabled transport contractors to observe this technology in action, and to gauge its future prospects for the sector. The forestry sector is often cited as one of the most dangerous industries in Canada, not least because of the risks associated with transport over logging roads. In addition to safety issues, the shortage of truck drivers represents a major challenge for the transport industry. Driver shortages have already led to plant shutdowns, and as the situation worsens, these supply chain disruptions could become more frequent. FPInnovations is committed to improving the competitiveness of the Canadian forestry sector by exploring technological solutions that enhance safety, reduce transportation costs and optimize logistics planning. Key results The tests carried out with Kratos in autumn 2024 achieved several key objectives, demonstrating the robustness and adaptability of autonomous systems:
The trials carried out with Forterra in 2023 and Kratos in 2024 have confirmed the potential for the adoption of autonomous transport on Canadian forest roads. They also highlighted the importance of adapting these technologies to specific routes. With this in mind, FPInnovations is working with industry and regulators to set up dedicated corridors for autonomous trucks on selected roads in Canada. FPInnovations plans to continue its efforts to evaluate technologies and develop the corridors and ecosystems required for their deployment in the months ahead. More >> Source: FPInnovations Image credit: Krato Defense & Security China suspends imports of US logs
Chinese customs authorities on Tuesday announced the suspension of US log imports and the suspension of soybean export qualifications to China for three US companies, effective the same day.The General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced on Tuesday a suspension of US log imports according to the country's biological safety law, the entry and exit animal and plant quarantine law and International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, effective from the date of this announcement. The GAC said recent inspections of imported US logs revealed quarantine pests such as bark beetles and longhorn beetles, and the move is to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms and safeguard China's agricultural and forestry production as well as ecological security. More >> Source: Global Times Jobs
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... and one to end the week on... An elderly gentleman
An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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