While domestic sawmilling continues to supply the bulk of Australia’s timber needs, Europe has for centuries been a key part of the supply to this continent. The forestry sector in Australia has been clearly affected by the recent bushfires, and there are increasing concerns about the long term supply implications of these fires. Australia has access to the wide range of global supply options that are constantly providing the Australian market with high-quality wood from sustainably managed forests.
“We have partnered with Australian building material retailers and merchants, frame and truss manufacturers and construction companies for several decades,” says Darrin Wheeler, Sales Director Australia, at the renewable materials company Stora Enso.
“In my 20 years with Stora Enso, I believe we have done this in a very stable and responsibe way and will continue to do so into the future. Our range of sawmills in nine European countries and terminals in all main Australian population centres provide a uniquely strong supply base and great competitive access to serve our key customers across the country.”
Wood from European sustainably managed forests
Stora Enso is one of the world’s largest users of wood and last year delivered 36.3 million cubic metres of wood to its mills.
This equates to approximately 50% more than what is produced domestically in Australia. Back in the 2014-2015 season, Australia’s total harvesting from hardwood and softwood plantations was approximately 23 million cubic metres.
Stora Enso has its base in Europe, a continent of approximately 180 million hectares of forest, corresponding to 45% of the land area. The net annual increment in European forests is over 700 million cubic metres with harvesting consistently at the level of two thirds of the increment, ensuring that the amount of wood available is continuously increasing. European forests are managed following strict forest laws to ensure their future health and productivity while at the same time protecting biodiversity.
This means that the wood arriving into Australia is of high quality and from well-managed forests. “100% of our wood comes from sustainable and fully traceable sources,” says Darrin Wheeler.
“We’re providing the market with the full range of structural timbers and further developing our engineered wood products all graded to Australian standards. We’ve also been supplying mass timber products like CLT to some of the landmark tall timber buildings in Australia. We’re well positioned to continue to provide the Australian market with this renewable raw material.”
