Timber Trader UK - Issue 32

32

SUMMER 2026 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2517–26X (PRINT)

WEINIG / FLEMING HOMES  26 CNC processing drives timber frame production gains - how Essetre’s Techno Saw is helping Fleming Homes improve precision, throughput and off-site capability ELECTRIC TIMBER HAULAGE  32

MARKET REPORT  48

Can battery-electric HGVs carry the weight of timber transport?

Europe’s forests are growing - but supply is entering a tougher era

The largest and most diverse timber range in the world 130,000 m3 of timber in stock 140 different timber species

Worldwide delivery

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TTUK 05 Industry News A range of news and views from across the timber industry.

Appointments, investments and policy moves shaping the months ahead.

Contents

05

26

28

32

40

41

48

50

Editor: Vincent Bolton

Registered address:

 vincent.bolton@radar-media.co.uk

Timber Media Ltd,

 01743 290001

Suites A & B Hermes House, Oxon

 www.timbermedia.co.uk

Business Park, Shrewsbury SY3 5HJ

Follow Timber Media:

Company registered in England and

 @Timber_Media

Wales. Company Number 14537283

26 Cover Story: Michael Weinig / Fleming Homes Essetre Techno Saw drives production gains for Fleming Homes how CNC processing is helping improve precision, throughput and off-site timber frame capability.

28 Case Study: Mon Timber Cladding switch keeps Starbucks project moving - how Mon Timber helped replace an unavailable Siberian larch specification with Canadian larch for a new Greenock store. A practical example of supply-chain response, in-house machining and specification flexibility.

32 Feature: Electric timber haulage Can electric HGVs carry the weight of timber transport? What the Net Zero Timhaul project reveals about payload, range, charging and forestry logistics.

40 Feature: Danzer UK / Thermory Thermowood moves into sharper focus for exterior timber - a closer look at Thermory’s thermally modified cladding and decking range.

41 Case Study: Duffield Timber Thermo-Ayous brings natural warmth to south London housing - a visually led case study in FSC-certified cladding, shadow gap detailing and natural weathering.

42 Professional Woodworking Expo 2026 Professional Woodworking Expo returns to the NEC Birmingham from 23-25 June 2026, bringing together machinery, tooling, software and live demonstrations.

48 Market Report: Forest Europe Europe’s forests are growing - but timber supply is entering a more demanding era. What the latest Forest Europe report means for long-term supply.

50 Report: Wood protection engineering Wood protection, treatment and specification remain central to timber’s long-term performance. We look at the evidence and decisions behind durable timber use.

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TTUK

Industry News

New alliance launched to give wood occupations a stronger voice working to raise the profile of training, professionalism and career opportunities across the sector.

“WOMA is the unified voice that represents the interests of the wood occupations,” added James Filus, IOC Director. “Through the IOC and NAS, WOMA has a unique vertical through the wood occupations, from education to employment, and beyond. Our ambition is to ensure the wood occupations are seen as professional, aspirational careers, respected by all.”

At the Members’ Day, outgoing IOC President Geoff Rhodes described the creation of WOMA as an important step for a sector that has often struggled with fragmentation.

“This is a significant step within our sector where there is so much The Wood Occupations and Materials Alliance (WOMA) has been

fragmentation and where cooperative stronger voices of many will carry

launched in London, bringing the Institute of Carpenters and

more weight.”

National Association of Shopfitters together behind a shared public

“WOMA has the scope to grow and expand in the years ahead –

voice for carpentry, joinery and shopfitting.

watch this space!”

A new alliance has been formed to champion the UK’s wood

Rhodes said WOMA would operate as an umbrella body above the

occupations, with the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) and National

IOC and NAS, with the potential to bring in other aligned organisations

Association of Shopfitters (NAS) signing a declaration of intent at

over time. He also positioned the new body as complementary to the

Carpenters’ Hall in the City of London.

Confederation of Timber Industries, noting that WOMA would focus more specifically on the related carpentry, joinery and shopfitting sectors.

The Wood Occupations and Materials Alliance (WOMA) was launched on 22 April during the joint Members’ Day of the IOC and

Trustees are set to be appointed and a logo has already been

NAS. It is intended to act as a publicly facing voice for individuals and

created. WOMA will now help streamline and manage joint strategic

businesses across the sector, while allowing both existing organisations

activities between the IOC and NAS, built around the shared values of

to retain their independence.

Promote, Support and Develop.

For a sector seeking to attract the next generation while protecting

The move comes at a significant moment for the trades WOMA has been created to represent. Carpentry, joinery and shopfitting

hard-won craft knowledge, the launch represents a practical attempt to

remain central to construction, fit-out and manufacturing, but concerns

turn shared concerns into a stronger, more coordinated voice. 

continue around skills, recruitment and the loss of knowledge as For more info visit  www.instituteofcarpenters.com

experienced craftspeople retire. The IOC and NAS have both been

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TTUK

Industry News

Stora Enso sawmill at Varkaus, Finland. Image © Stora Enso

Stora Enso wood products sales rise as Junnikkala acquisition boosts 2025 results Stora Enso’s wood products division delivered stronger sales in 2025,

environment remains far from straightforward. Higher raw material

helped by the acquisition of Junnikkala, higher sales prices across

costs, subdued construction activity and volatility in end markets

sawn timber and building solutions, and firmer by-products sales.

continue to shape decision-making across the supply chain.

Stora Enso’s wood products division increased annual sales to

The group has also been reviewing parts of its European footprint.

€1.817bn in 2025, up from €1.522bn the previous year, as the business

In 2025, Stora Enso initiated a strategic review of its Central European

benefited from the integration of Junnikkala and improved pricing

sawmills and building solutions operations, with the stated aim of

across key product areas.

sharpening its business focus and ensuring operations remain aligned

Adjusted EBITDA for the division reached €43m, while the

with long-term value creation goals.

operating result remained in loss at -€16m. However, this represented

Across the wider Stora Enso group, annual sales reached €9.326bn,

a significant improvement on 2024, when the division recorded an

compared with €9.049bn in 2024. Pre-tax profit was €783m, reversing

operating loss of -€73m. Wood product deliveries totalled 4,256,000m³.

the previous year’s pre-tax loss of -€118m.

The figures point to a better year for the division, albeit one still

Looking ahead, Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso,

shaped by difficult market conditions. Stora Enso said raw material

said trading conditions were expected to remain challenging.

costs increased during the year, reflecting the wider pressures still

“As we enter 2026, we expect market conditions to remain subdued

facing the sector.

and volatile, shaped by ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical

The company described construction demand as stabilising, but

uncertainty,” he said.

from a weak base. “The construction market stabilised at a low level,

“We will continue to execute our strategy and drive proactive,

with a slight increase in demand,” it said.

systematic, and determined work across the whole Group.”

Production was also adjusted to match those conditions. “Production

Timber businesses watching demand signals across Europe will

curtailments were implemented to align with market conditions.”

recognise the pattern: signs of improvement remain cautious, cost-

Across the timber and wood products market, the results underline

sensitive and closely tied to construction activity. 

the uneven nature of the recovery. Better sales and a reduced For more info visit  www.storaenso.com

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TTUK

Industry News

The Rettenmeier headquarters in Wilburgstetten, Germany Image © Rettenmeier

Rettenmeier strengthens UK presence with new subsidiary and warehouse network European sawmilling group Rettenmeier has established a

The investment comes after a period of significant production

UK subsidiary, with a Birmingham head office and Warrington

expansion across the wider Rettenmeier Group. In recent years, the

warehouse facility forming the base for further growth in the

business has increased capacity substantially, including the acquisition

British market.

of the Plößberg sawmill in Germany from the insolvent Ziegler Group.

Rettenmeier, one of Europe’s largest sawmilling groups, has

The Plößberg site has an annual sawn and planed timber capacity of

launched a dedicated UK subsidiary as it looks to expand its presence,

1,305,000m³. Rettenmeier is also developing a new site in Inčukalns, Latvia.

improve service levels and build closer customer relationships across

Those investments have broadened the company’s product

the country.

portfolio, particularly in categories where demand remains strong in the

The newly formed Rettenmeier UK Ltd will be headquartered in

UK. Rettenmeier manufactures solid wood products for construction,

Birmingham and will coordinate the group’s UK activity, including sales

gardening and industrial applications, including DIY products, sawn

operations, customer service and logistics. A new warehouse facility in

timber, planed timber, construction timber and garden timber.

Warrington has also been established to support faster delivery times

“The UK is a key growth market for us, with consistent demand for

and improve supply reliability for customers nationwide.

sustainable wood solutions,” said Dr Stephan Lang, CEO of Rettenmeier

For the German-headquartered business, the move represents

Holding AG.

a significant step in its long-term international growth strategy.

“By expanding our production capacities and strengthening

Rettenmeier has served the UK market in recent years through direct

strategic partnerships, we have created the basis for further growth.

deliveries from Germany, with a particularly close relationship with B&Q

With Rettenmeier UK Ltd, we are now establishing a dedicated strong

owner Kingfisher. The company told TTJ it was “proud to have B&Q as

enterprise that will enable us to serve our customers in the United

a strong partner, and we are expanding our collaboration with them in

Kingdom even more directly and efficiently.”

this context”.

Rettenmeier Holding AG is headquartered in Wilburgstetten,

The new local structure is intended to provide a stronger platform

Germany, and employs around 2,200 people across eight strategic

for growth in the UK, while allowing Rettenmeier to serve existing and

locations in Germany, Latvia and Slovakia. The group supplies customers

new customers more directly. As part of the expansion, the company

in more than 90 international markets. 

plans to strengthen its UK team further, with additional roles expected For more info visit  www.rettenmeier.com

in sales, logistics and operations.  Timber Trader UK

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TTUK

Industry News

Howdens opens 16 new depots as network passes 850 locations The new Howdens openings include this Howdens Expo location in Watford. Image © Howdens

Howdens has expanded its depot network with 16 new openings since December 2025, creating 85 new jobs and increasing local trade access across the UK and Ireland.

For the trade, the move adds further local availability across

The latest openings span locations across England, Scotland,

Howdens’ core categories, with the company emphasising the

Wales and Northern Ireland, including West Drayton, Wynyard,

importance of having its full range available from stock.

Esher, Cheetham Hill, Meir Park, Kirkham, Swindon East, Banchory,

“It has been fantastic to open the doors to our new depots and to

Bailliestonn, Boughton, Alcester, Brislington, Blackburn, Neath,

welcome so many trade customers from local areas,” said Austin Cooke,

Ballynahinch, Cinderford and West Maidstone.

Managing Director Trade at Howdens. “We are well set and ready to

The expansion takes Howdens’ network to more than 850 depots

support them with their jobs all over the UK and Ireland with our full

across the UK and Ireland, reinforcing its local depot model and widening

range being available from stock.”

access to stock for builders, joiners, installers and other trade customers.

With more than 850 depots now operating across the UK and Ireland, the latest round of openings underlines Howdens’ continued investment in

Stock held locally

its physical depot network at a time when speed, local access and reliable stock availability remain key service priorities for trade customers. 

The newly opened depots carry stock in depot, including more than 100 kitchen and fitted bedroom collections, alongside joinery, doors,

For more info visit  www.howdens.com

flooring and other product lines.

SAVE THE DATE 07 OCTOBER 2026 NCC, Birmingham

Enter the Supply Chain Partner category The timber supply chain is long and complex and includes a vast range of businesses making the sector run smoothly. This includes those taking material from the forest to primary processors, merchants, key product manufacturers and suppliers to end users.

Entries can be an individual, small business or group supplier that have worked on a specific project or a multiple site scheme, large and small-scale, both in footprint, scope and budget. The winner will have shown clear understanding of the timber supply chain and the need for collaborative networks, logistical planning, quality control, managing risk, choice of appropriate products, building successful working partnerships, and using digital tools to deliver a sustainable streamlined project.

ENTRY PLATFORM NOW OPEN! Enter the Supply Chain Partner category here:

ENTRY DEADLINE: 10 JULY 2026 WWW.STRUCTURALTIMBERAWARDS.CO.UK

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TTUK

Industry News

Deanta’s new Ely facility will include dedicated R&D space for fire research, acoustic testing and hardware cycle testing

Deanta opens £15m Ely facility to support next phase of growth Deanta UK has formally opened its new £15m flagship facility in Cambridgeshire, marking a significant investment in the company’s next phase of growth.

The new site at Lancaster Way, Ely, sits alongside Deanta’s existing premises and effectively brings the business together under one roof.

Design, research and development, operations and distribution will now be based around the expanded site, while the existing building has been repurposed to accommodate manufacturing operations previously located at Pymoor, near Ely. For a business supplying doors, associated joinery, hardware and

Deanta UK officially opens its new £15m flagship facility in Ely

specialist doorsets to builders’ merchants and door shops across the UK, the move is as much about integration as it is about scale. By consolidating its operations, Deanta is aiming to improve efficiency, strengthen

development and will be built progressively over the next three years.

collaboration across teams and create room for further expansion.

The centre will include three specialist areas: fire research, acoustic

The facility was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony led

testing and research, and hardware cycle testing and design. Each

by Charlotte Cane, MP for the local constituency.

will be led by technical experts, reflecting the growing importance of

“The building is really a testament to the commitment and hard

tested performance, compliance and product assurance in the doorset

work of all our staff over the years,” said Mike O’Toole, Managing

and joinery supply chain.

Director of Deanta UK.

The site will also include a customer showroom and training facility,

“We’re investing in our business and our workforce – adding in a

giving clients the opportunity to view product developments first-hand.

gym and leisure facilities to reward our staff and giving us the room we

The space will support staff training as well as training programmes for

need to continue to grow, service and add value to our customers.”

Deanta and Precision customers across the UK.

The investment is also expected to provide a boost to local

With manufacturing, R&D, distribution, training and customer

employment. Deanta says the new facility will create 150 skilled roles

engagement now centred around the Ely site, Deanta has given itself

over the next three years, spanning manufacturing, logistics, sales,

a stronger platform to support product development and respond to

technical and support functions.

rising expectations around tested, performance-led joinery products. 

Research and development will form a central part of the enlarged For more info visit  www.deantawood.co.uk

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TTUK

Industry News

MEDITE SMARTPLY calls for joined-up action on timber skills

Offsite construction utilising SMARTPLY OSB sheathing. Image © MEDITE SMARTPLY

MEDITE SMARTPLY has warned that the

attracting new entrants, the availability of

carpenters and joiners to strengthen the link

UK construction skills crisis will not be

apprenticeships, local training pathways and

between education and employment.

solved by recruitment campaigns alone,

the long-term viability of the workforce.

arguing that the timber sector needs deeper

The survey points to a growing disconnect

It has also taken the approach beyond the UK. In the Netherlands, MEDITE

collaboration, better training routes and

between policy ambition and on-the-ground

SMARTPLY has partnered with vocational

earlier exposure to modern wood-based

capability. Demand for timber systems may

school SintLucas on practical design projects

technologies.

be rising, but delivery still depends on having

using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, helping

enough people with the right practical and

students understand sustainability, material

technical skills.

performance and design through hands-on

The call comes as the Construction Industry Training Board estimates that construction will need to recruit 239,300

“While demand for timber systems

work with wood-based panels.

additional workers between 2025 and 2029 -

continues to rise - driven by housing targets

the equivalent of almost 48,000 extra people

and demand for low-carbon housing - the

education through a €250,000 donation to

every year.

pool of skilled workers able to deliver these

TU Dublin, helping establish the new Design

systems is shrinking,” said Roly Ward, MEDITE

+ Construct centre. The facility will focus on

SMARTPLY Head of Business Development.

collaborative learning across architecture,

The Ireland-based manufacturer, which operates an OSB mill in Waterford and an

The company is also supporting higher

MDF plant in Clonmel, says ambitious housing

“An ageing workforce, coupled with

targets, the transition to low-carbon buildings

lingering misconceptions about careers in

emphasis on off-site and modular construction

and the increasing use of modern methods

construction and manufacturing, is making it

and near-zero energy buildings.

of construction all point towards a sector in

increasingly difficult to bridge that gap.”

MEDITE SMARTPLY is urging

transformation.

Last year, MEDITE SMARTPLY partnered

engineering and construction, with an

“Building the next generation is about more than filling vacancies,” added Ward.

manufacturers, educators, industry bodies and

“It’s about creating a workforce ready to

with the Structural Timber Association to

policymakers to work more closely together.

deliver sustainable, high-quality buildings at

examine the pressures facing the UK timber

The company is already involved in the Institute

scale - and ensuring that timber, and the people

sector. The findings showed that 73% of

of Carpenters’ Timber Industry College Hub

behind it, are central to that future.” 

UK respondents were experiencing skilled

programme, which brings together students,

labour shortages, with concerns raised over

educators, industry leaders and aspiring

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TTUK

Industry News

German sawmills call for action on beetle-damaged spruce

Germany’s sawmilling sector is pushing for a

Storage Options for Spruce Damaged Timber.

large volumes of damaged timber become

national plan to expand storage capacity for

The collaborative research project, run

available at once.

beetle-damaged spruce, as research shows

through Germany’s Agency for Renewable

The guidance also makes clear that

that properly handled timber can remain

Resources, examined how damaged spruce

storage is not a simple fix. Occupational

usable for longer than many in the market

can still be retained as a usable raw material

safety, potential quality losses, logistics,

may assume.

when handled correctly.

monitoring and control all need to be

Germany’s timber industry is once

Its new guidance, Handling Spruce

managed carefully if damaged timber is to

again grappling with one of the most visible

Damaged Timber, is aimed at forest

consequences of climate stress in European

owners, forestry companies and wood-

forests: large volumes of spruce damaged by

processing businesses, offering practical

are only part of the answer. Julia Möbus,

bark beetle.

remain a commercially useful resource.

For DeSH, the technical recommendations

recommendations on how to manage damaged

Managing Director of DeSH, said: “Science has

The German Sawmill and Timber Industry

timber before quality loss becomes too severe.

shown the way - now it’s up to policymakers.”

Association, DeSH, has called for urgent action

One of the key findings is that severely

“We need to expand storage capacities

to expand storage capacity for damaged

damaged trees, known as deadwood stands,

nationwide. The federal government,

spruce across the country, following the

can remain in the forest for a limited period

states, and municipalities must work

publication of new recommendations on how

depending on weather conditions. However,

together and develop a joint action plan

salvaged material should be stored and used.

the clock is ticking. After roughly two years,

for disaster management.”

The issue is far from marginal. Research

processing options for sawmills and timber

The central challenge is how to make

highlighted by DeSH shows that hundreds

businesses become sharply reduced as

effective use of large volumes of damaged

of thousands of hectares of German spruce

quality deteriorates and production

timber before value is lost. For Germany’s

forest have been affected by the spruce bark

disruption increases.

sawmilling sector, storage capacity is now

beetle, creating serious financial pressure

That makes storage a critical part of

directly tied to wood quality, processing

for forest owners, processors and the wider

the response. The methods set out in the

efficiency and the ability to turn a forest

timber supply chain.

guidance are intended to help stagger

health crisis into usable material rather than

harvesting, marketing and processing,

wasted resource. 

At the centre of the latest guidance is the NUKAFI project, formally titled Investigations

preserving wood quality over a longer period

into the Material Utilization Potential and

and reducing pressure on the market when

 Timber Trader UK

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TTUK

Industry News

Institute of Carpenters sets out future skills agenda The Institute of Carpenters has briefed its Royal Patron on leadership succession, skills development and new initiatives aimed at strengthening the UK wood occupations sector.

Geoff Rhodes, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, and Richard Galbraith. Image © Institute of Carpenters

The current and future leadership of the Institute of Carpenters has met HRH The Duchess of Gloucester as the organisation looks to its next phase of activity.

The meeting saw IoC President Geoff Rhodes formally introduce Richard

Earlier this year, the institute established The Duchess of Gloucester

Galbraith as President Designate ahead of his official start on 22 April.

Award for the advancement of skills within the timber industry. The annual award will recognise organisations and individuals making an

Skills, mentoring and sector development

outstanding and measurable contribution to tackling skills needs in the timber sector.

The Duchess was updated on the IoC’s strategic work, including the

The IoC’s international activity was also highlighted, including

changing UK craft skills landscape and the successful conclusion of its

collaborations through TCE and new connections in Berlin and France.

Mentoring Champions programme.

“The Duchess expressed her strong support for our mission,

New initiatives discussed included the WoodWork programme and the Wood Occupations and Materials Alliance, described by the institute

marking a positive and secure step forward for the IOC and our

as a new venture for the sector.

members,” said IoC President Geoff Rhodes.

The IoC represents professionals working with wood, including

The meeting also covered the potential for a Royal Charter, the

carpenters, joiners, furniture makers and shopfitters. 

forthcoming 50th anniversary of the Merlane Trophy in 2027, and the upcoming IoC-NAS AGM and Members Day, which remains a key event

For more info visit  www.instituteofcarpenters.com

for the professional community.

25

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Industry News

Accoya selected for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden benches

All images © Accsys

Accoya wood has been chosen for the seating within the new

The choice of material reflects the wider aims of the garden, which

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden at Regent’s Park, where

is being designed around a balance of public accessibility, longevity and

durability, low maintenance and long-term outdoor performance

sustainability. For a prominent public memorial in one of London’s best-

are central to the design.

known parks, the specification places emphasis not only on appearance,

Accsys has confirmed that Accoya wood will be used for the

but on how the seating will age and perform over decades of use.

benches within the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden at London’s

Karn Sandilands, Director at Millimetre, said, “For a memorial

Regent’s Park, a £5 million project honouring the life of Her Majesty

like this, longevity is essential, it’s about creating something that will

Queen Elizabeth II and her deep personal appreciation of the outdoors.

endure as a lasting tribute to HM the Queen’s life and legacy. Accoya

The scheme will include a central circular bench and six linear

allows us to make design choices with confidence, knowing the material

benches, providing seating for up to 75 people. Accoya has been

will perform over the long term while retaining a timeless, natural

specified for the seating due to its stability, resistance to decay and

quality that feels entirely appropriate to the setting.”

ability to perform in exposed outdoor environments with limited

Accoya is already used across a range of landscaping and public

maintenance.

realm applications, where timber must combine visual quality with

With a proven above-ground lifespan of 50 years, the material is

predictable performance. In this case, the material’s low-maintenance

intended to support the long-term character of the memorial, where

credentials are particularly important, helping ensure the benches can

the benches will need to withstand heavy public use and changing

remain in use and continue to weather gracefully.

weather conditions while retaining their appearance over time.

Laura Keily, Head of Marketing at Accsys, added, “It’s an honour for

The memorial garden has been designed by Millimetre, the designer

Accoya to be part of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden. We’re seeing

and manufacturer working closely with HTA Design and The Royal Parks

good traction for Accoya in landscaping applications, its performance in

to develop, manufacture and install the seating. Millimetre has previous

busy public spaces makes it particularly well suited to environments where

experience with Accoya, having crafted Accoya seating for the Strand in

quality, comfort and durability must be maintained year after year.” 

London, and is also working on Accoya structures for the Parkinson’s UK For more info visit  www.accsysplc.com

garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

14

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Industry News

Postsaver achieves code approval Ground-line timber protection specialist Postsaver has secured approval under both the International Residential Code® (IRC) and International Building Code® (IBC), providing further recognition of the long-term performance of its timber post protection system.

The approvals confirm that Postsaver products meet recognised international construction standards for use in structural timber applications, giving additional assurance to specifiers, engineers and contractors working across residential and commercial projects.

Designed to tackle one of the most common causes of premature timber failure, Postsaver protects posts at the critical ground-line zone, the point at which moisture, oxygen and fungal activity combine to accelerate decay. The dual-layer barrier system incorporates a tough heat-shrunk outer layer and a meltable thermoplastic lining, helping to significantly extend the service life of timber posts in decking, fencing, landscaping and agricultural applications.

applications where hidden ground-line decay has historically resulted in

With sustainability and whole-life performance continuing to

costly maintenance and premature replacement.

influence material selection, durability remains a key consideration for

Postsaver products are manufactured in the UK and are widely used

specifiers. Postsaver says its products can help extend the lifespan of

across fencing, landscaping and outdoor timber construction sectors,

UC4-treated timber posts for decades and are backed by warranties of

with the company continuing to invest in product testing, technical

up to 40 years.

certification and specification support. 

The company believes the approvals will further strengthen For more info visit  www.postsaver.com

confidence in timber as a durable structural material, particularly in

 Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

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Industry News

Recovered fibre could reshape MDF’s carbon story All images © MDF Recovery

New Life Cycle Analysis suggests MDF made with recovered fibres

The LCA compares MDF board made from 100% virgin fibres

from MDF Recovery’s process can reduce manufacturing carbon

with boards containing 20%, 30% and 60% recovered wood fibre. All

impact, with further gains possible through renewable energy and

recovered fibre used in the assessment is assumed to come from the

higher recycled content.

MDFR process. The analysis uses the EU Commission’s Environmental

Recycled MDF fibre could play a meaningful role in lowering the

Footprint impact assessment method, assessing the full cradle-to-gate

environmental impact of board production, according to new Life Cycle

environmental profile across EF 3.1 impact categories.

Analysis carried out for MDF Recovery.

According to the report, substituting virgin fibres with recovered

The study, conducted by Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd

fibres reduces the environmental impact of MDF board across the

with funding support from Innovate UK, examined the environmental

vast majority of the studied categories. The benefits are not limited

performance of MDF made using recovered wood fibre from the MDF

to carbon. The study also identifies advantages in climate change,

Recovery process. Its headline finding is that using 30% recycled fibre

photochemical ozone formation, land use and fossil fuel resource use

content can deliver a direct 12% reduction in the carbon footprint of

impact categories.

the board manufacturing process when compared with MDF made

“Recovered fibres produced by the MDFR process and subsequently

entirely from virgin fibres.

dried to the level required for MDF board manufacture use less energy

That is a significant result for a sector under increasing pressure

in their production than virgin wood fibres,” concludes the study.

to demonstrate measurable progress on resource efficiency, carbon

“Therefore, using recovered fibres sourced from the MDFR process to

reduction and circularity. MDF is widely used across furniture, interiors,

replace conventional virgin wood fibres in the production of MDF boards

joinery and construction-related applications, but end-of-life panel

is attractive from the perspective of climate change, photochemical ozone

waste has long presented a challenge. A viable route for recovering

formation, land use, and fossil fuel resource use impact categories.

fibre and feeding it back into new board production would therefore be

“It is therefore recommended to maximise the quantity of recovered

of obvious interest to manufacturers, merchants and specifiers.

fibres produced from the MDFR process within future MDF production.”

Further gains may also be possible. The report forecasts that additional carbon footprint reductions could be achieved if renewable or biomass-based energy sources are used in the process, or if higher levels of recycled fibre are incorporated into board production.

The impact categories used in the LCA differ from those typically shown in an Environmental Product Declaration, and further work is planned to revise the analysis. This will include more robust consideration of biomass and end-of-life wood products as energy sources, the biogenic nature of the material, and renewable electricity use.

The report suggests that taking these factors into account could deliver further reductions of 30-50% in kgCO2 equivalent, pointing to a potentially important pathway for lower-impact MDF manufacturing.  For more info visit  www.mdfrecovery.co.uk

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Timber Media Products & Services Directory Timber Media Products and Services Directory provides the industry with a comprehensive listing of top suppliers and manufacturers operating in the timber sector, all in one place on the www.timbermedia.co.uk website.

A listing provides a highly effective, cost-efficient way to promote your products and services online, alongside the industry’s top brands. Generating inbound leads and enquiries, as well as backlinks through to your own website!

Over 3,750 unique web visits per month

Over 50 product / service categories

Only £600 per annum

For more information, email julie.williams@radar-media.co.uk or call 01743 290 042 www.timbermedia.co.uk

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TTUK

Industry News

Tilhill trials automated planting machine to support woodland creation

All images © Tilhill

Tilhill Forestry has successfully trialled an automated tree planting

That matters because successful woodland creation depends on far

machine as the sector looks for practical ways to increase woodland

more than simply getting trees into the ground. Seedling quality, site

creation, improve delivery capacity and support planting teams at scale.

preparation, drainage, terrain and soil conditions all influence long-

The forestry sector is under growing pressure to deliver more new

term performance. Tilhill is assessing the system across a range of UK

woodland, driven by climate targets, biodiversity recovery, timber

forestry site types to understand where mechanised planting can work

security and the need for more sustainable land use. Meeting that

most effectively, and where established manual methods remain the

demand is not simply a matter of ambition. It requires enough people,

better option.

the right equipment and reliable establishment standards across a wide

Harry Stevens, Forestry Director at Tilhill Forestry, said: “Innovation

range of site conditions.

like this is a critical part of the future of UK forestry. As the demand

Tilhill Forestry, part of BSW Group, is now exploring whether

for woodland creation grows, the sector needs practical solutions

mechanised planting can play a greater role in that mix. The company

that strengthen delivery resilience while maintaining the highest

has trialled the PlantMax automated planting system, developed by

establishment standards. We’re excited to explore how these tools can

Swedish company Plantma Forestry, to assess how it could support

help our fantastic planting teams continue their excellent work, while

woodland creation and restocking programmes in the UK.

improving outcomes in hard-to-reach areas and enhancing safety.”

The emphasis is on support rather than replacement. Tilhill says

The investment reflects a wider push to improve delivery resilience

automated planting is being evaluated as a complementary approach

across the full forestry lifecycle, from harvesting through to restocking and

to manual, labour-intensive planting, adding extra flexibility where

long-term woodland management. With BSW Group support, Tilhill says it

ground conditions allow. The trial sits within the company’s wider

will continue to explore how new technologies can strengthen sustainable

forestry operation, which spans tree nurseries, woodland management,

forestry outcomes for landowners, investors and rural communities.

harvesting and restocking.

Further trials will continue over the coming seasons, with Tilhill

Early results are promising. According to Tilhill, the PlantMax system

working alongside partners to validate planting quality, operational

has demonstrated an ability to plant consistently across a number of

fit and the role automation could play in supporting the UK’s

different sites at commercially viable rates. The machine brings together

woodland ambitions. 

several establishment functions, including ground scarification support For more info visit  www.tilhill.com

and automated planting arms with adjustable compaction.  Timber Trader UK

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TTUK

Industry News

Record forestry sales mask cooling land values The UK commercial forestry market recorded more than £250m in

Cairnhill Wood, Aberdeenshire – 6ha of land for commercial softwood use, recently on offer for £70,000. Image © John Clegg & Co

Average sale prices reached 102% of guide, but 30% of transactions

plantation sales during 2025, but new analysis suggests headline

were completed below guide price.

figures are masking a slower and more selective market.

“Excluded from these figures are also woods that remain for sale

Forestry and woodland specialist John Clegg & Co’s latest annual

or have been quietly withdrawn from the market,” added Mr Hart.

Forest Market Review points to a market that remained active in value

“Our sense is that a 10% drop in average plantation values is a truer

terms, but softened when measured against prices, sales speed and

reflection of the market.”

buyer confidence.

John Clegg & Co points to several factors behind the shift, including

The report shows that 11,300 stocked or plantable hectares were

a flat timber market, higher interest rates, uncertainty around import

sold during 2025, more than double the area recorded in 2024. Total

and export tariffs, and changes to inheritance tax rules. Timber returns

selling price reached £261m, setting a new high for the market.

remain well below the immediate post-COVID peak, while restocking

However, according to Simon Hart, Head of Forestry in Scotland at

and maintenance costs have continued rising faster than inflation.

John Clegg & Co, the headline figure needs careful reading.

Site quality and location are now playing a sharper role in valuations.

“At first glance, the market in 2025 looks to have been incredibly

Mr Hart said productive forestry on poorer sites, distant from markets,

strong,” he said.

is becoming more challenging economically, with even relatively mature

“A total of 11,300 stocked or plantable hectares were sold which is

spruce woods struggling to achieve £10,000 per hectare. By contrast,

more than double the area sold in 2024, with a cumulative selling price

well-located woods close to markets are still attracting strong interest,

of £261m – a new high.

with some mature spruce properties selling above £40,000 per hectare.

“However, more than half of this was accounted for by three large

Looking ahead, realistic pricing is expected to remain critical.

sales - the Griffin sales (Lots 1 and 2) and the Caledonian and Irish

“If the price is too high in this current market, then it is hard to

Portfolio, which were so large they mask the underlying trends.”

persuade potential investors to even inspect the property.”

Those underlying trends suggest a more cautious plantation

While many forestry owners may have the financial flexibility to

market. More forests sold within the £10,000 to £20,000 per hectare

wait, John Clegg & Co concludes that the market is likely to remain

bracket than has been seen for some time, while only 45% of sales

cautious until improved domestic timber prices feed through into

completed within six months of launch. Around a third of sales

plantation values. 

took more than a year, the weakest performance on that measure For more info visit  www.johnclegg.co.uk

for a decade.  Timber Trader UK

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Industry News

Europe’s woodworking sector calls for timberled housing push Europe’s woodworking industries are urging the European Commission to put timber construction at the heart of its response to the bloc’s housing crisis.

The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the forthcoming Affordable Housing Act, calling for a structural shift

regulatory and standardisation barriers still holding back wider adoption.

towards industrialised timber construction.

Its recommendations include more efficient permitting and

The Brussels-based body argues that Europe’s housing challenge is,

regulatory procedures, harmonised and modernised building

above all, a supply problem. In its submission, CEI-Bois says increasing the

codes, updated construction product standards, and science-based

number of homes available must remain the central pillar of EU action,

sustainability assessment methods.

while also supporting sustainability and industrial competitiveness.

CEI-Bois also argues that renewability should be recognised as

That gives timber construction a clear role in the debate. Rather

equally important as recyclability within EU circular economy policy.

than being treated as a niche environmental preference, wood-based

That distinction matters for wood-based industries, where renewable

building systems are being presented as a practical route to faster,

raw material use, long-term carbon storage and high-value applications

better and lower-carbon housing delivery.

in buildings all form part of the sustainability case.

“Timber-based construction can support the rapid expansion of

With housing delivery, climate targets and industrial

affordable and quality housing while contributing to the EU’s climate

competitiveness now increasingly connected, the CEI-Bois submission

objectives,” CEI-Bois said.

adds to the pressure for European policymakers to give timber

The organisation is also calling for policy detail to match the

construction a more central role in future housing policy. 

ambition. In its response, CEI-Bois highlights the need for clearer EU For more info visit  www.cei-bois.org

guidance and stronger regulatory frameworks to help remove financial,

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Industry News

LUMIN to demonstrate the ‘future of forests’ at Carrefour International du Bois LUMIN produces its Tropical Replacement Panels from plantation-grown Eucalyptus grandis

LUMIN’s tropical plywood in use. Image © LUMIN

The Uruguayan timberlands and forest products company will exhibit

consistent performance, verified environmental credentials and full

at the leading international timber industry event for the first time.

supply chain traceability.

LUMIN will make its debut at Carrefour International du Bois 2026,

Visitors to the stand will also gain insight into the company’s

taking place from 2–4 June in Nantes, France, where it will present

ongoing expansion, including the development of its third industrial

its vision for the “future of forests” and the role of plantation-based

mill in Melo, which will significantly increase production capacity and

plywood in global supply chains.

support long-term global supply.

The Uruguayan business will use the event to showcase how its

John Guerin, Managing Director (Sales) – Europe at LUMIN, said:

forestry and manufacturing model delivers sustainable, traceable and

“Global plywood supply is undergoing a fundamental shift. Increasing

scalable plywood supply to international markets.

regulatory pressure and the need for verifiable environmental

As one of the timber sector’s most established global events,

performance are accelerating the transition away from traditional

Carrefour International du Bois provides a platform for LUMIN

tropical hardwoods.

to connect with partners across construction, distribution and

“At LUMIN, we have spent decades developing a plantation-based

manufacturing, while highlighting a model that responds directly to

model that delivers both sustainability and industrial reliability at scale.

tightening environmental regulation and growing demand for low-

Carrefour International du Bois provides an important opportunity

carbon materials.

to demonstrate how eucalyptus plywood can meet the structural,

LUMIN’s presence comes at a significant moment for the business,

environmental and traceability requirements of modern construction

marking 20 years since its first exports to Europe and building on more

and manufacturing markets.

than 30 years of plantation forestry development in Uruguay. The

“Our approach is built on long-term thinking – from how we

company manages its own sustainably cultivated timberlands, enabling

establish and manage our forests through to how we manufacture and

full control of supply from seedling to finished product.

supply globally – which is the true ‘future of forests’.”

At the exhibition, LUMIN will present its full suite of plywood

Attendees are invited to visit LUMIN at stand H2 – D13 to explore

solutions, including its Tropical Replacement Panel (TRP) range,

its products and connect with the team. 

developed as an alternative to traditional tropical hardwood plywood.

For more info visit  www.lumin.com  www.timbershow.com

Produced from plantation-grown Eucalyptus grandis, the panels offer  Timber Trader UK

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Industry News

Calders & Grandidge joins WPA as treated timber focus sharpens Calders & Grandidge has joined the Wood Protection Association, strengthening its links with the wider industrial wood preservation sector.

Boston-based Calders & Grandidge has become the latest member of the Wood Protection Association (WPA), bringing one of the UK’s longest-established pressure-treated wood manufacturers into the organisation’s membership.

The Lincolnshire business has more than 125 years of experience and supplies utility poles for the power and communications sectors, railway sleepers and high-performance fencing products. It is also

Calders & Grandidge utility pole. Image © Calders & Grandidge

well known across infrastructure, equine and agricultural markets, where durability, consistency and dependable supply remain central to product performance.

WPA Chairman Steve Young said: “Calders & Grandidge is a well-

Calders & Grandidge has held a Royal Warrant since 1986 for the

respected business with a strong reputation for producing high-quality

supply of preservative pre-treated fencing to the Royal Stud and His

treated wood products. We look forward to working with them to

Majesty The King’s Sandringham Estate. Now part of the Rundvirke Group,

promote correctly treated materials and highlight the benefits of wood

the company’s strategy remains focused on durable, high-specification

as a sustainable, low-environmental-impact construction solution.”

fencing components and gates manufactured from pressure-impregnated

The move comes as correct treatment, evidence-based specification

softwood, alongside extended-service-life utility poles and railway sleepers.

and longer service life remain important themes across the timber

C&G Business Director John Secker said: “Becoming a member of the

supply chain. 

WPA reinforces our commitment to technical excellence and supports For more info visit  www.caldersandgrandidge.com

the wider advancement and integrity of industrial wood preservation.”

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Industry News

BSW Timber Solutions sets science-based emissions targets

Image © BSW Timber Solutions

BSW Timber Solutions has committed to

emissions from owned or controlled sources,

reducing its greenhouse gas emissions

while Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from

through the Science Based Targets initiative,

purchased energy.

setting near-term reduction targets across

aligned with the latest climate research.

Bruce McKay, Managing Director of BSW Timber Solutions, said: “As a timber business, with

The business has also committed to

nature at the heart of what we do, we recognise

reducing absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas

the critical importance of science-based climate

emissions by 25% over the same timeframe.

action. We are proud to align our decarbonisation

up to the Science Based Targets initiative

Scope 3 emissions are typically the most

strategy with the SBTi framework and are

(SBTi), marking a further step in the company’s

complex to address, covering wider value chain

committed to tackling greenhouse gas emissions

work to reduce emissions and strengthen its

impacts such as transport, purchased goods

to achieve our targets.”

sustainability commitments.

and services, and downstream activities.

BSW Timber Solutions said it will publish

Alongside these emissions targets,

an annual SBTi Progress Report, setting out

of the UK’s leading timber processors, has

BSW Timber Solutions has committed to

the actions being taken and progress made

had a series of near-term emissions reduction

maintaining no deforestation across its

towards meeting the targets.

targets validated through the SBTi process. The

primary deforestation-linked commodities.

The company noted that its Scope 1 and 2

framework is internationally recognised and

The company said the targets underline its

targets currently include energy and industrial

provides companies with a route to set climate

dedication to meaningful climate action and to

emissions only. Forest, Land and Agriculture

targets aligned with current climate science.

supporting positive change across the industry.

(FLAG) emissions have been excluded at this

Under the approved targets, BSW Timber

The SBTi provides standards, tools and

stage, with BSW Timber Solutions stating these

Solutions Limited has committed to reducing

guidance for businesses setting near-term

will be included once a pathway for timber and

absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas

and net-zero targets. Its validation process is

wood fibre becomes available. 

emissions by 61.37% by 2030, using 2021 as

intended to give confidence that corporate

the base year. Scope 1 emissions cover direct

climate targets are credible, measurable and

Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030.

BSW Timber Solutions has formally signed

The company, part of BSW Group and one

 Timber Trader UK

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Industry News

IMA Schelling UK focuses on practical shopfloor solutions at PWE

IMA Schelling UK will exhibit at the Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) at the NEC, Birmingham from 23–25 June 2026, presenting a focused range of solutions for small and medium-sized woodworking businesses across the UK and Ireland (Stand X).

Best known for its panel-processing machinery, handling systems and wider production solutions, the company is using this year’s event to highlight equipment that addresses some of the day-to-day pressures faced by smaller manufacturers.

“Waste handling, safe panel lifting and flexible investment options are all areas where we can deliver immediate value,” explains Markus Freuis, Managing Director of IMA Schelling UK. On the stand, visitors will see two compact UNTHA wood-waste shredders designed to help manufacturers manage offcuts, reduce disposal costs and free up valuable floor space. The stand will also

Recognising that upfront investment can be a barrier, IMA Schelling

feature an Elephant vacuum lifter that enables safer, more efficient

UK will also highlight a new finance option covering selected UNTHA

single-operator handling of heavy or bulky panels, reducing manual

shredders, Elephant lifters and pre-owned machinery. Agreements can

handling and improving workflow.

be arranged quickly, helping businesses spread the cost while delivering

Alongside this, IMA Schelling’s wider solutions will be shown

immediate improvements on the shop floor.

digitally on the stand, including Modesta extraction systems for

The IMA Schelling UK team will be on hand throughout the show to

woodworking and other applications.

share practical insight, recommend suitable solutions and help visitors

“Solutions like UNTHA shredders and Elephant lifters work

get more from their production, with finance options available to

alongside existing machinery,” Markus adds. “They help manufacturers

support investment where needed. 

improve handling, minimise waste and make better use of space For more info visit  www.imaschelling.co.uk

without significant changes to their setup.”  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

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Cover Story

Michael Weinig

Essetre Techno Saw drives production gains for Fleming Homes

Essetre’s Techno Saw CNC is enabling UK timber frame manufacturer Fleming Homes to raise production efficiency, precision and off-site capability as pressure continues to grow across the sector to deliver high-quality timber systems at scale.

M

anufacturers across the UK are under increasing

For Fleming Homes, the machine’s integration with digital design

pressure to deliver precision-engineered products

software was a major advantage, enabling components to be cut

quickly and at scale without compromising on quality.

directly from digital models with exceptional accuracy. This not only improves consistency but also reduces manual handling, minimises

For Fleming Homes, a long-established manufacturer

waste and shortens production times.

of bespoke timber frame homes, investing in advanced CNC technology

The Techno Saw is particularly suited to smaller cross-section timber

has become a key part of meeting that challenge.

elements such as trusses and frame components, but its versatility also

Founded in 1986, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality timber frame homes for self-builders and

allows Fleming Homes to manufacture more complex architectural

developers throughout the UK. Today, under the leadership of Managing

features and ancillary timber products with ease.

Director Sarah Mathieson and Operations Director Hayden Martin, the

The investment aligns with the company’s expansion into its new

business continues to focus on simplifying the self-build process through

manufacturing facility, Platform 1, where Fleming Homes has increased

innovation, precision manufacturing and increased off-site construction.

its off-site capabilities with enhanced prefabricated systems, including

That commitment recently led Fleming Homes to invest in the

closed panels with factory-installed insulation, airtight membranes and service voids for plumbing and electrical installations.

Essetre Techno Saw CNC, supplied in the UK through Michael Weinig

Roof cassettes are also produced off-site, allowing vaulted ceilings to

(UK) Ltd, part of the globally recognised WEINIG Group.

be manufactured in a controlled factory environment. By moving more

Designed specifically for modern timber construction applications, the Essetre Techno Saw delivers the speed, flexibility and precision

construction stages into the factory, the company can reduce on-site

required for the efficient production of timber frame elements, roof

labour, improve build consistency and shorten project lead times.

Sarah Mathieson explains: “This investment is making self-building

cassettes and engineered structural components. Its ability to process multiple workpieces simultaneously, combined with an 8-position tool

far more straightforward. By completing more of the work in the

magazine for sawing and routing operations such as holes, grooves and

factory, we can reduce complexity onsite, shorten build programmes

rebates, gives manufacturers a highly versatile solution for modern

and improve quality control throughout the process. The Essetre

production environments.

Techno Saw has significantly increased our production efficiency and

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Summer 2026

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Cover Story

Michael Weinig

This level of support reflects the strength of the partnership between Weinig UK and Essetre, combining advanced Italian CNC engineering with a dedicated UK-wide service network. For timber manufacturers looking to scale production, this partnership offers access to a range of solutions tailored to modern timber construction.

Alongside the Techno Saw, the Essetre range includes options to suit a variety of manufacturing requirements and budgets. The Techno Fast is built for fast, accurate chainsaw cutting in structural timber applications, while the compact Essetre Techno Saw XS offers a practical and cost-effective solution for manufacturers looking to introduce automated all-angle crosscutting and increase production efficiency within a smaller footprint.

All machines are designed to improve productivity, reduce waste and provide the precision required to support timber frame manufacture, roof truss production, glulam processing and other offsite construction applications.

Now fully operational, Fleming Homes’ Techno Saw is helping the

allows us to prefabricate more structural detail, which ultimately

business increase throughput, improve repeatability and expand its

benefits our customers.”

off-site manufacturing capabilities, all while maintaining the company’s

For Operations Director Hayden Martin, the decision to invest in the

reputation for quality and attention to detail.

Techno Saw was based on performance and long-term production gains.

“We selected the machine that best matched our manufacturing

The Weinig–Essetre partnership is playing an important role in

needs. The precision, speed and flexibility of the Techno Saw allows

advancing off-site construction in the UK, equipping manufacturers

us to improve efficiency while maintaining the quality standards our

with high-performance technology and dependable support to meet

customers expect. It gives us the confidence to deliver increasingly

growing demand for faster, more efficient building solutions. 

sophisticated designs while keeping production streamlined.”

For further information on the Essetre range in the UK, contact

The investment was supported by Weinig UK’s technical and after-sales team, including in-depth sales guidance from National Sales

Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd on 01235 557600 or email

Manager Damon Harris.

 sales.uk@weinig.com

TECHNO SAW FLEXIBLE. USER-FRIENDLY. COMPACT. THE IDEAL JOINERY MACHINE FOR PROCESSING SMALL WORKPIECES

The Techno Saw joinery machine is the perfect solution for processing workpieces with smaller cross-sections. It is particularly suitable for the precise production of truss and frame elements as well as for projects such as carports, playground equipment and garden sheds. Discover the joinery machine that will revolutionize your woodworking and make it more efficient!

READY TO MAXIMISE YOUR MARGINS? Call WEINIG UK on 01235 557600 or email sales.uk@weinig.com

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Case Study

Mon Timber, Starbucks

Cladding switch keeps Starbucks project moving When the original Siberian larch specification for a new Starbucks in Greenock became unavailable, Mon Timber helped keep the project on track with a Canadian larch alternative, supported by in-house machining, coating and supply-chain coordination.

C

ommercial projects do not always fail because of design intent. More often, the pressure comes when a specification meets the reality of supply. That was the challenge facing Trojan Construction Management on

a new Starbucks location on Cartsdyke Avenue, Greenock, where the exterior timber cladding package had originally been specified in Siberian larch.

Following the import ban on goods from Russia, that material was no longer available. The project team still needed a durable, visually suitable timber that could satisfy the design brief, meet Starbucks’ requirements and avoid delay on site. Mon Timber responded by recommending Canadian larch as an alternative, with the proposed switch approved by both Trojan and Starbucks.

Finding a workable alternative Machined and coated in-house

More than 2,000 linear metres of Canadian larch were ordered for the project. The material was selected for its strength, durability

Mon Timber worked with sister company Duchy Timber to

and appearance, offering a warm natural finish suitable for a branded

machine the larch to match the required cladding design. Once

commercial environment while providing the weather resistance

machined, the timber was coated to provide a durable and visually

needed for external cladding in Scotland’s challenging conditions.

consistent finish, helping the material sit comfortably within the wider

The choice also reflected the practical reality of timber supply.

Starbucks design language.

With the original specification no longer viable, the replacement had

The job also demonstrated the benefit of supply-chain links within

to be technically appropriate, available in sufficient volume and

the wider Premier Forest Products group. By drawing on group capability

capable of being processed to the required profile and finish without

for machining, coating and material supply, Mon Timber was able to

disrupting programme.

provide a coordinated solution rather than simply supplying boards.

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Case Study

Richard Wadley, Hardwood & Specialties Manager at Mon Timber,

Mon Timber, Starbucks

Management, added: “Mon Timber’s quick response in sourcing an

said: “The Starbucks project was a great opportunity to showcase our

alternative to Siberian larch was crucial. The Canadian larch met all of

ability to deliver top-quality materials, even when supply challenges

Starbucks’ requirements, and we were able to complete the project on

arise. The Canadian larch we provided ensured the project could

schedule. The cladding looks fantastic, and both Starbucks and Trojan

continue smoothly, meeting all the client’s expectations.”

are delighted with the results.”

As a case study, the project is a useful reminder that timber supply

Supply chain value

is not just about availability. At its best, it is about finding the right material, processing it correctly and keeping the job moving when

The finished building makes clear why the material choice mattered.

conditions change. 

The timber cladding gives the Greenock store warmth and texture, softening the commercial form while providing a robust external

For more info visit  www.montimber.co.uk

envelope suited to the setting.

Geraint Thomas, Procurement Manager at Trojan Construction

I s y o u r ex t r a c ti o n s y s t em co m p l i an t ?

Employers who provide dust or fume extraction equipment in order to ensure employees are not exposed to substances hazardous to health, are legally obliged to examine and test the equipment in order to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH Regulations.

Call Extractly today to book your LEV Test

01924 520462 or email: info@extractly.co.uk

Employers must ensure that all Local Extraction Ventilation (LEV) equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in proper working order, and in good repair. Thorough testing should be carried out at least once every 14 months and, in some industries, far more frequently.

Extractly 200x100mm.qxp_Layout 1 14/05/2020 13:16 Page 1

The HSE enforces the COSHH regulations and makes sure that all LEV Testing is carried out by competent engineers.

Extractly’s LEV Test engineers are qualified to BOHS P601 level as a minimum.

.co.uk

The Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection

LEV… extractly as it should be

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Feature

Combilift

Material Handling Solutions for Modern Timber Construction Despite ongoing challenges in the wider construction sector, timber construction remains resilient, driven by renovation, sustainability targets, and the continued growth of industrial prefabrication. Efficient material handling, storage, and logistics within factories and yards have become a key success factor.

C

Components such as trusses, beams, and timber frame

With an 8-tonne lift capacity, it is ideal for handling structural

panels can vary in size, shape, and weight. They are

timber, sawn wood packs, panels, and engineered wood products in

typically challenging to handle due to their bulkiness,

both indoor and outdoor environments where space is limited.

heaviness, and lengths that can exceed 14 meters.

Handling the largest and heaviest loads

These high-value components need to move seamlessly throughout various areas, from raw material reception in the yard to

For even larger components and oversized structural modules,

final dispatch station.

Combilift’s Straddle Carrier delivers secure, stable handling and lifting

Material handling specialist Combilift addresses these challenges with

with direct trailer loading, removing unnecessary double handling and

its wide range of purpose-built, space-saving material handling solutions.

reducing reliance on cranes. Its compact design allows exceptional manoeuvrability in confined spaces, facilitating loads to be stacked

Multidirectional forklifts for handling long loads

closely together, as it only requires space for its wheels. The Combi-SC’s three-wheel design and small footprint also minimise ground pressure,

The multidirectional C-Series forklift is specifically designed to handle long loads. Its versatility allows it to work as a regular counterbalance but,

which, in turn, eliminates the need for reinforced flooring and lowers

at the flick of a switch, transform into a sideloader capable of navigating in

maintenance costs.

much narrower aisles and doorways while transporting long, heavy loads,

Beyond Manufacturing: Warehouse Design Expertise

keeping them low to the ground and resting on the integrated platform. The sideways capability eliminates the need for overhead carrying while navigating

Combilift goes beyond designing and manufacturing specialised

narrow aisles and tight spaces, significantly reducing the risk of injury, product

material handling equipment. A core element of the company’s

damage, and collision, and, in turn, enhancing safety and space efficiency.

philosophy is maximising space utilisation. The company also offers a

One of the latest additions to the expanding electric range is the

free, in-depth warehouse and yard layout design service, demonstrating

multidirectional Combi-CB70E. It has a 7-tonne lifting capacity and is the

how a customer’s facilities can be reconfigured according to the

most compact counterbalance truck in its category. Its small footprint

capabilities of its equipment, which ensures enhanced efficiency, safety,

and lateral movement capability enable seamless operation in confined

and optimised space usage.

spaces and narrow aisles - ideal for handling long and bulky timber

Making simple adjustments, such as narrowing aisles or increasing

loads and beams with precision and ease.

racking heights to better utilise vertical space, can deliver substantial gains. In many cases, storage capacity can increase by up to 50%,

Electric sideloaders for long-distance transport

enabling companies to expand output without the cost and disruption of new building extensions or relocations.

The Combi FSE 8000 is the newest addition to the company’s four-

By combining space efficiency, operational flexibility, and durability,

wheel electric sideloader range, delivering the power and performance needed for demanding, long-distance operations - while supporting

the material handling solutions from Combilift offer a highly cost-

cleaner, more energy-efficient material handling. This fully electric model

effective solution for handling the heaviest and longest timber

further strengthens the commitment of Combilift to sustainability,

elements with safety and precision. 

reinforcing its focus on developing high-performance, energy-efficient For more info visit  www.combilift.com

solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern material handling.  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

English Woodlands Timber, Storing timber tips

Storage, Airflow and Detailing: Protecting Timber on Site

Good timber can be undermined by poor handling. Drawing on practical guidance from English Woodlands Timber, Timber Trader looks at how storage, airflow, fixings and detailing can protect timber value after delivery.

T

Design out splash and standing water

imber performance does not begin and end at the point of supply. A board, beam or cladding pack may

Storage is only part of the issue. Once timber is installed, ground-

leave the yard in good condition, correctly specified

level splashback can quickly become a weak point. Rain bouncing from

and fit for purpose, but what happens next can make a

paving or soil can soak the bottom of cladding, posts or other exposed

significant difference to how it looks, moves and performs.

elements, increasing the risk of premature decay.

Unlike many construction materials, timber continues to respond

Simple detailing can make a considerable difference. Keeping

to its surroundings. Rain, humidity, poor stacking and direct ground

the lowest timber elements clear of the ground, using stone bases or

contact can all affect its appearance and condition. In a wetter and less

padstones where appropriate, and designing vulnerable sections so

predictable climate, the basics of storage and handling are not just

they can be repaired or replaced all support longer service life.

good practice - they are part of protecting the value of the product.

The same principle applies across sills, ledges, cappings and cladding. Surfaces should shed water rather than hold it, while

Keep it clear of the ground

ventilation gaps behind cladding help moisture escape.

One of the simplest mistakes is also one of the most damaging:

Plan for natural movement and staining

leaving timber directly on the ground. Moisture can travel upwards from damp surfaces, increasing the risk of staining, fungal growth and

Some timber behaviours are natural rather than signs of failure.

deterioration at points of contact.

Oak, for example, will leach tannins when exposed to rain, often

Raising packs on sacrificial timbers, bearers or suitable offcuts helps

leaving tea-coloured staining on surfaces below. That process should be

keep material clear of puddles and damp ground. Even support is also

planned for, particularly where paving or landscaping is being finished

important, particularly for long lengths, where poor stacking can allow

beneath oak elements.

boards or beams to sag before they are used.

Fixings also matter. Austenitic stainless steel, particularly 316 grade, is generally the reliable choice where timber, moisture and tannins meet,

Airflow matters

reducing the risk of black staining, corrosion and weakened connections.

Good handling will not turn the wrong product into the right one.

Covering timber may feel like the safest option, but tightly sealed stacks can trap moisture and create the very conditions that lead to

But it can prevent good timber being compromised before it has had the

mould and decay. Timber needs protection, but it also needs ventilation.

chance to perform. For merchants, suppliers and contractors, clear advice

Thin spacers between layers allow air to move through the stack, while

on storage, sequencing and detailing can reduce waste, avoid disputes and help customers get the best from the material they have specified. 

breathable covers or netting can protect against weather without sealing moisture in. Where possible, exposed ends and good circulation help

For more info visit  www.englishwoodlandstimber.co.uk

timber dry more evenly, reducing the risk of distortion or surface problems.  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Scottish Forestry, eHGV report

Can electric HGVs carry the weight of timber transport?

As the Net Zero Timhaul project moves deeper into real-world operation, electric timber haulage is beginning to look less like a theory and more like a serious option - but forestry’s toughest transport demands still expose the limits of today’s charging infrastructure.

T

imber transport is not an easy place to start an electric

with both drivers and fleet managers reporting positive experiences.

vehicle revolution. Loads are heavy, routes can be

Year two performance was also described as consistent, with no

remote, working patterns are often dictated by forests,

material deviations in efficiency, availability or service delivery under

ports, mills and weather, and diesel has long provided

normal operating demand. That is important. Early-stage demonstrators

the flexibility hauliers need to keep timber moving.

often prove that technology can move, but not always that it can settle into working routines. Net Zero Timhaul suggests electric trucks can do

That is precisely why the Net Zero Timhaul project matters. Funded

both, at least in the right duty cycles.

by Scottish Forestry through the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme, the demonstrator was set up to test whether battery-electric HGVs

Energy efficiency across the two vehicles averaged between 0.53

could work in real timber freight operations, rather than in idealised

and 0.55km/kWh, including the contribution from regenerative braking.

road haulage conditions.

That translated into an operating range of around 182km, or 113 miles, on a full battery. This is not diesel-equivalent flexibility, but it is enough

The project brought together Scottish Forestry, Creel Maritime,

to make predictable return-to-base operations viable.

James Jones & Sons, Scotlog and Volvo Trucks. Two Volvo FH Electric

As Neil Stoddart of Creel Maritime puts it in the report: “Now that

vehicles were deployed in 2023, each matched to a different timber haulage application. James Jones & Sons has been operating a

we have verified field data showing it works in baseline conditions,

40-tonne, five-battery tractor unit with a flatbed trailer, shunting sawn

electrification of forest logistics is no longer purely theoretical.”

timber products from the Stevenscroft sawmill near Lockerbie to the Hangingshaws Distribution Centre at Johnstonebridge. Scotlog has been operating a 44-tonne, six-battery rigid unit with a fixed drag trailer and specialist timber body, moving roundwood from Inverness Harbour to West Fraser and other local mills in the Highlands.

The result is one of the most useful sources of practical evidence yet on what electrification could mean for timber haulage.

From proof of concept to operational evidence The 2025 Net Zero Timhaul Progress Report shows that, by October 2025, the project was around 65% through its programme. By that point, the two electric HGVs had completed 132,309km, or 82,213 miles, avoiding 165 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. The report states that the trucks are saving just over 1kg CO2e per mile per lorry,  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

The reality of timber haulage

Scottish Forestry, eHGV report

and more sensitive to electricity tariffs, charging access and duty cycle.

Low-cost depot charging is essential. Public charging, where available, is

The harder question is where the baseline stops and full forestry

likely to be more expensive and less predictable.

haulage begins. Much of the trial has operated on a return-to-base

Grant support is therefore not a side issue. The UK Plug-in Truck

model, largely because public charging infrastructure for HGVs is still not sufficiently developed. That limits what can be tested. Long-

Grant can reduce the cost of electric trucks by up to £120,000, while the

distance motorway work, public charging costs and more variable

wider Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme is

destination routes remain harder to assess.

intended to support vehicles and charging infrastructure across the UK.

Forestry also places demands on vehicles that many forms of

Charging is the critical path

haulage do not. Trucks are often working at or close to maximum gross weight. Routes can include rural roads, forest tracks, steep gradients

The report is clear that infrastructure will determine how quickly

and remote collection points. Delays and weather can affect energy use.

electrification can move beyond predictable depot-based routes.

Winter conditions reduced range in the trial by around 15%, partly due to

Shared depot charging, bus depot access, semi-private fleet charging

battery chemistry and increased auxiliary loads such as heating, although

and remote battery storage systems are all identified as potential

the report notes that diesel vehicles also suffer seasonal efficiency losses.

routes forward.

Payload is another constraint. Because 44 tonnes is the UK

That point is particularly relevant to forestry. Commercial forests

legal maximum gross vehicle weight, the additional weight of

are often located away from motorway corridors and established EV

battery systems can reduce usable payload. The report identifies a

infrastructure. In some cases, temporary or mobile charging at forest

15% reduction in payload to accommodate battery weight in one

sites could be needed simply to give operators enough resilience to

comparison, with the issue becoming even more significant if a

complete shifts safely and productively.

hydraulic timber crane is mounted.

The project’s proposed next phase would explore more remote

This matters because timber haulage is not moving parcels or low-

routes, public and partner charging, and performance across a wider

density consumer goods. In many cases, payload is the business model.

range of real forestry conditions. That feels like the right next step.

The question is no longer whether electric timber trucks can work. It

The commercial equation

is where they work best, what support they need, and how quickly the wider system can catch up.

The economics remain finely balanced. The report compares a diesel Volvo FH with an electric equivalent and highlights the scale

Electric HGVs will not solve every timber transport challenge

of the capital cost challenge: around £144,000 for the diesel vehicle

overnight. Diesel’s flexibility, existing infrastructure and embedded

compared with £333,000 for the electric HGV before support.

cost model remain difficult to displace. Yet Net Zero Timhaul shows that battery-electric haulage is now a credible part of the answer,

Lower running costs help close that gap. The report’s modelling

particularly for regional, repeatable, return-to-base movements.

puts maintenance at £0.11 per mile for the electric HGV against

The weight of timber transport is heavy in every sense -

£0.19 per mile for diesel, while the cost per mile comparison is £1.04 for electric against £2.50 for diesel, based on the assumptions used.

operationally, commercially and environmentally. Electric HGVs are

However, total cost of ownership parity is not reached until year five

beginning to carry some of it. The next test is whether infrastructure,

under current conditions.

investment and supply chain coordination can help them carry more. 

That is the commercial crux. Electric timber haulage can be cheaper For more info visit  www.forestry.gov.scot

to run, but it is still more expensive to buy, more dependent on grants,  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

GenetiQ

The Cost of Small Inefficiencies

Why ‘good enough’ business systems quietly hold you back

I

t’s entirely possible to run a good business on a system

down. If it doesn’t, it shows up in small delays and starts to shape how

that ‘does the job’. Many timber traders do.

your customer experiences your business.

It works. The team knows it. And day to day, it gets

Out on the road

you through. But there are usually a few niggles -

things that take a bit longer than they should, workarounds you’ve

You see it here as well. Planning deliveries across spreadsheets,

developed, or situations where you rely on someone knowing how

managing multiple vehicles, trying to keep track of what’s gone out

to do certain things. Individually, you can live with them. Over time,

and what hasn’t - it can quickly become hard to stay on top of. Changes

they tend to add up.

happen. Orders move. Drivers call in. And without a clear view, it turns into a lot of back-and-forth just to keep things running. It’s all

When the system doesn’t quite fit

manageable - but noticeably easier when everything is connected and visible in one place.

That’s where the gaps start to show in how you actually work.

Most systems will cover the basics. What tends to separate them is

Seeing the numbers

how naturally they handle the detail - the industry specifics - things like working across different units of measure, tracking timber by pack or

You have loads of data - it’s just not easy to find what you’re looking

batch, or managing processed and treated timber alongside standard

for or get it in a format you can use. Spreadsheets, reports, different

lines. If those aren’t handled cleanly, they tend to create small bits of

versions of the same numbers. By the time you find what you need, it’s

friction across your day.

already out of date. That slows decisions down more than it should and makes it harder to trust what you’re looking at.

Stock confidence Best solution?

Stock is often where inefficiencies are felt most, day to day.

“We never really know what we’ve got” is something we hear a lot.

There isn’t a single ‘best’ system for every timber trader. But the

Not because people aren’t doing their jobs - but because no one’s

better ones tend to handle industry detail well, reduce day-to-day

completely sure what the system is telling them.

friction, and give you confidence in the numbers you’re working from.

So it shows up in small ways. “Hang on, let me check.” Walking the

And that’s usually what separates something that simply works…

yard. Double-checking before committing.

from something that really helps.

And that’s where it starts to have an impact - on how quickly you

If things feel harder than they should - or your team has adapted

can respond and the confidence you have in your answers.

around your system - it’s worth asking why.

At the trade counter

business software built for timber businesses, GenetiQ Cloud. 

Then see what you’re missing with the latest browser-based You see it straight away when a customer is standing in front of you.

Speed matters, but so does accuracy. Pricing, availability, alternatives - it

Find out more at  www.genetiqsoftware.com

all needs to come together quickly, without slowing the conversation

GenetiQ, previously Intact.

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Feature

Vincent Timber

Timber cladding trends point to performance, finishing and supply resilience

As refurbishment demand, modified timber and factory-finished systems continue to shape specification, recent insight from Vincent Timber highlights how the UK cladding market is becoming more performance-led and commercially pragmatic.

T

imber cladding is no longer being specified on

want confidence that the material will continue to perform. That has

appearance alone. Across education, residential and

strengthened interest in cladding products with documented durability,

commercial projects, the market is moving towards

clear warranties and proven stability in exposed applications.

products that can offer durability, stable supply,

That performance-led shift is visible in the products now carrying

clearer warranties and a predictable finish once installed.

demand. Accoya remains prominent where dimensional stability, sustainability credentials and a long above-ground warranty are valued,

That shift is reflected in recent market commentary from Vincent Timber, which points to continued demand for modified timber, preservative-treated redwood, factory-finished systems and naturally weathering cladding products. The result is a market where service life, compliance and whole-life value are becoming central to the specification conversation.

Education has emerged as a particularly active sector, with timber facade systems being specified across school and public building projects. Examples cited by Vincent Timber include Harwell Science and Innovation Campus using VTX Redwood, Orsett Heath Academy featuring Thermo Ayous, and The Swan School incorporating homegrown larch.

Refurbishment keeps momentum moving Alongside new-build activity, refurbishment is becoming an important driver of demand. As homeowners and developers upgrade existing buildings rather than relocate or rebuild, external timber products are being used to refresh facades, improve kerb appeal and support longer-term asset value.

This is particularly relevant in a market where installation and labour costs remain high. Once a facade system is installed, clients  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Vincent Timber

particularly on higher-end residential and commercial schemes. VTX

timber can give clients a more controlled appearance from day one,

preservative-treated European Redwood is also finding a place across

with options including pre-weathered finishes and coloured coatings

housing, education and commercial facades, offering a more cost-

backed by warranty support.

competitive option with durability warranty support and Euroclass B

However, natural weathering remains a major part of the market.

compatibility where required.

Unfinished timber cladding continues to dominate overall demand, particularly where clients want the material to weather gradually to a

Modified timber gains ground

silver-grey finish and age with the building.

Modified and thermally treated timbers are moving further into

Western Red Cedar shingles also remain popular, particularly for

the UK cladding market. Thermally modified Radiata Pine and Thermo

projects seeking a distinctive natural finish across roofing and cladding.

Ayous are both cited as areas of increased demand, offering improved

One example is The Gingerbread House by Architect Laura Dewe

dimensional stability and durability, with service lives exceeding 30

Mathews, which uses Canadian Western Red Cedar shingles for their

years.

natural weathering characteristics and classic appearance.

The reason is practical. Vincent Timber’s market commentary notes

Outlook for 2026

that installation and labour costs now make up such a large proportion of facade work that the material installed needs to last and continue

Looking ahead, the outlook for timber cladding remains positive,

performing year after year.

although the wider timber market has not been without disruption.

That point is increasingly shaping buying behaviour. A lower-cost

The past year has also underlined the importance of supply chain

cladding board is not necessarily the best-value option if movement,

resilience, with supplier failures forcing established businesses to adapt

maintenance or premature replacement erodes the saving. Modified

quickly and rethink how they maintain continuity for customers.

timber gives specifiers another route to durable external timber

Despite those challenges, demand is expected to remain aligned

without relying only on traditional high-durability species.

around sustainability, longevity and low maintenance. Refurbishment

European larch has also become an important substitute for

activity is likely to continue supporting the market, while new-build

Siberian larch in the UK market, offering a more readily available option

housing and public-sector work should maintain demand for compliant,

for ventilated facade systems. While not a like-for-like answer in every

high-performance timber facade systems.

situation, it has become one of the more practical alternatives for

The direction of travel is clear enough. Cladding choices are now

projects seeking a familiar larch aesthetic from a more available supply

being judged not just on species and appearance, but on stability,

route.

treatment, coating performance, warranty support and supply confidence. In a market still dealing with cost pressure and supplier

Factory finishing and natural weathering

disruption, the products best placed to hold demand are those that combine a strong visual offer with credible long-term performance. `

Factory-finished cladding is also drawing interest, particularly where colour consistency, reduced site labour and coating warranties are

Find out more at  www.vincenttimber.co.uk

valued. Systems such as Sivalbp and Cape Cod show how pre-finished  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

James Latham / Bradfords Building Supplies

Specialist timber without the stock risk As merchant customers ask for broader timber and panel ranges, Bradfords Building Supplies’ work with James Latham points to a wider shift in how specialist products are being supplied across the trade.

T

he builders’ merchant model has always depended on

more technical or higher-specification materials. Pricing and availability

getting the basics right: the right product, in the right

could be difficult to track consistently. Branch staff were not always in

place, at the right time, at a price that makes sense.

the strongest position to respond confidently when enquiries moved

But as timber and panel specifications become more

beyond routine lines.

varied, that simple formula is becoming harder to deliver.

At the same time, holding specialist products locally carries risk.

For many merchants, the challenge is no longer just whether

Slower-moving stock can absorb capital, take up valuable space and

they can supply core commodity lines efficiently. Increasingly, branch

create uncertainty around turnover. For merchants operating across

teams are being asked about decorative MDF, birch plywood, specialist

multiple branches, duplicating that exposure across the network can

cladding, hardwoods and technical panel products that sit outside

become expensive very quickly. The stock may be needed, but not

everyday stock profiles. Architects and contractors are specifying in

necessarily often enough to justify sitting in the yard.

Bradfords’ response was to move towards a more consolidated model,

more detail. Customers expect answers faster. And branches are left with a familiar commercial dilemma: how do you offer a wider specialist

using James Latham’s centrally held range as an extension of its own offer.

range without tying up large amounts of capital in slow-moving stock?

Rather than asking every branch to carry deeper specialist inventory, the business could access a wider range of timber and panel products through

That question sits behind Bradfords Building Supplies’ decision to

a distributor already structured around breadth of stock.

revise part of its specialist timber and panel supply model through a closer partnership with James Latham.

Access over ownership A changing merchant market

The principle is straightforward, but commercially important: access can sometimes matter more than ownership. Branches do not

Bradfords had been working with a broad spread of suppliers across different categories. The arrangement functioned, but it brought

need to hold every line locally if they can draw on reliable stock, clear

familiar problems. Product knowledge was uneven, particularly around

information and delivery schedules that match customer demand.

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Feature

James Latham / Bradfords Building Supplies This is where the revised model becomes more than a procurement exercise. By combining access to stock with stronger product knowledge, Bradfords aimed to improve the quality of customer conversations as well as the breadth of what it could supply. In a competitive merchant market, that kind of confidence can be a differentiator.

A practical shift in supply The results appear to have been positive.

Andrew Jones, Merchant Sector Manager at James Latham, has described Bradfords as the distributor’s “biggest success story”, noting significant growth over the past two to three years. Paul Crook, Timber Development Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “Access to James Latham’s product range has

That distinction is becoming increasingly relevant in a market where product range expectations are rising, but merchants remain under

significantly strengthened our ability to meet customer requirements,

pressure to control working capital. Specialist timber and panels are

especially for specialist and hard-to-source products.”

Bradfords has also reported strong growth in decorative MDF, birch

useful lines to be able to offer, but they can be difficult lines to hold speculatively. The Bradfords model reflects a more flexible approach,

plywood and Buffalo phenolic-faced board, underlining the value of

where availability, technical support and logistics carry as much weight

having more specialist material available without forcing every branch

as branch-level stock depth.

to hold deep local stock. Operationally, the business has reduced

A key part of the change was reducing reliance on branch-led

reliance on holding specialist stock at branch level while maintaining

stockholding. Instead of committing capital to slower-moving specialist

service levels and improving the consistency of customer interactions

products, branches began placing smaller, more regular orders

where technical specification is involved.

aligned with actual demand. James Latham’s inventory effectively

What it means for merchants

became part of the wider supply proposition, supporting enquiries for sheet materials, hardwoods, cladding and other products that might

The wider significance lies in what this says about the merchant

otherwise have been difficult to service consistently.

sector. Traditional stock-led models still have their place, especially for fast-moving core lines. But as product demand becomes more

Delivery and product knowledge

fragmented, and as customers expect broader access without longer waits, merchants may need more nuanced supply arrangements.

Delivery capability underpinned the model. James Latham promotes 24/5 depot operations and rapid deliveries as part of its merchant offer,

That does not mean outsourcing expertise or becoming passive

and that structure supports smaller, more frequent ordering rather than

order-takers. Quite the opposite. The model only works when branch

larger speculative buys. In practical terms, this gives branches a way to

staff understand the products, when suppliers can provide credible

respond to customer requirements without overloading their own yards

technical support, and when delivery is predictable enough to give

with products that may not turn quickly enough.

customers confidence.

Specialist timber demand is unlikely to become simpler. If anything,

The shift was not only about logistics. Bradfords also introduced branch-level training to improve familiarity with specialist timber and

the combination of tighter specifications, sustainability expectations,

panel products. That matters because range expansion only works if

design-led projects and more varied panel applications points in the

branch teams can talk about the products with confidence. Customers

other direction. Merchants that can widen their effective offer

asking about decorative MDF, birch plywood or phenolic-faced boards

without weakening stock discipline will be better placed to capture

are often looking for more than a price and lead time. They need

that demand.

Bradfords’ work with James Latham is one example of how that

reassurance around suitability, application and availability.

balance can be struck. It is not a radical reinvention of merchanting, but it is a practical adjustment to the way the market now behaves: fewer assumptions about what must sit in branch, more emphasis on responsive supply, and greater value placed on the knowledge needed to sell specialist products properly.

In a sector where availability, margin and expertise all matter, that may prove to be the real lesson. The strongest specialist offer is not always the one with the most stock on the ground. Sometimes, it is the one with the best route to the right product - and the confidence to know when and how to use it. ` For more info visit  www.lathamtimber.co.uk  www.bradfords.co.uk

 Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Danzer UK, Thermory

Image © Danzer UK

Thermowood moves into sharper focus for exterior timber As demand grows for durable, stable and lower-chemical exterior timber, Danzer UK is bringing Thermory’s thermally modified cladding and decking range to the UK market.

E

xterior timber specification has always involved trade-

Decking follows a similar logic, with Thermo Ash, Thermo Pine

offs. Appearance, durability, movement, maintenance,

and Thermo Spruce available for outdoor applications. Danzer’s

price and availability all have to be balanced,

material highlights the combination of durability, stability and ease of

particularly in exposed applications such as cladding

installation, with Thermory decking designed for long-lasting use in

and decking where poor performance is highly visible.

exposed environments.

Thermally modified timber has been gaining ground because

Installation detailing is also part of the proposition. Hidden fixing

it speaks directly to that problem. Rather than relying on chemical

systems are available to support a cleaner finish, while end-matching

preservative treatment, the process uses heat and steam to alter

can be specified on most profiles. That detail matters commercially as

the structure of the wood, improving its resistance to moisture,

much as aesthetically, helping reduce measuring and cutting time while

weathering, pests and mould while increasing dimensional stability.

improving the finished appearance.

Danzer UK is positioning Thermory as a premium answer to that

The sustainability argument is equally important, but it should

growing demand, with the company stating that it is the UK’s only

not be overstated into vague marketing language. The key point is

provider of Thermory decking and cladding. The range is built around

that Thermory uses certified timber and a modification process based

real timber, modified for long-term outdoor use, rather than synthetic

on heat and steam. That gives merchants, contractors and specifiers

alternatives or tropical hardwood substitutes.

another route into durable exterior timber where chemical-free

The principle is straightforward. Carefully selected, certified timber

modification is preferred, without moving away from real wood.

is exposed to high temperatures in a controlled process, changing the

Thermory will not replace every treated timber product, and nor

behaviour of the material throughout the board. The result is exterior

should it be presented that way. Its value is more specific: a stable, visually

timber designed to cope with harsher conditions while retaining the

strong, trade-ready option for cladding and decking where durability,

warmth, grain and character that make wood attractive in the first place.

appearance and responsible sourcing all need to work together.

For cladding applications, Thermory offers a range of thermally

With exterior timber under growing scrutiny from clients, designers

modified species including Thermo Red Oak, Thermo Pine and Thermo

and end users, products such as Thermory show how modified timber

Spruce. Each brings a different visual character, from the richer tones

is moving beyond niche specification. The category is becoming better

of modified hardwood to the familiar grain and texture of softwood.

understood, better supported and increasingly relevant to the UK

The cladding offer is supported by a choice of profiles, patterns and

timber trade. `

surfaces, giving specifiers and installers room to match the product to Find out more at  www.danzer.co.uk

the building rather than forcing one standard look across every project.  Timber Trader UK

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Case Study

Duffield Timber, Thermo-Ayous cladding

Duffield Timber supplied FSC-certified Thermo-Ayous shadow gap cladding for the Silvercrow housing development in south London. All images © Duffield Timber

Thermo-Ayous brings natural warmth to south London housing Duffield Timber’s FSC-certified Thermo-Ayous cladding has helped create a calm, contemporary exterior for a south London housing development, using clean shadow gap detailing and a material palette designed to weather naturally over time.

G

ood cladding projects often succeed because the material

and performance are increasingly judged together, that traceability

is allowed to do its job quietly. On this south London

strengthens the material story.

housing development for family-run property developer

The project is a good example of where thermally modified

Silvercrow, Duffield Timber’s Thermo-Ayous gives the

hardwood can sit within the cladding market. It offers the visual appeal

buildings a refined but natural exterior, combining vertical rhythm,

and natural warmth designers often want from timber, while giving

warm colour and a close relationship with the surrounding trees.

merchants, specifiers and installers a product with improved stability

The product supplied was FSC-certified Thermo-Ayous, a thermally

and a clear exterior application.

modified African hardwood valued for its clear grade appearance and rich

Most importantly, it shows the value of restraint. With carefully

brown tone after heat treatment. Ayous starts out pale, but the modification

selected profiles, consistent detailing and a timber that is intended

process gives it a warmer, more consistent colour while improving durability

to age rather than stay frozen in place, the finished scheme feels

and dimensional stability. For external cladding, those qualities matter. The

contemporary without being sterile. The images say much of the rest. `

timber needs to perform, but it also has to hold the architectural line.

For more info visit  www.duffieldtimber.com

Here, that line is deliberately crisp. Two Duffield Timber shadow gap profiles were used on the project: DTC15 vertical shadow gap secret nail and DTC47 double vertical shadow gap secret nail. The result is a clean contemporary elevation, with narrow vertical boards and recessed shadow lines giving the facades depth without overcomplicating the detail.

The setting does much of the work. Surrounded by mature trees, the buildings sit within shifting light and shade, with the cladding picking up changes in tone across the day. Rather than fighting the natural surroundings, the Thermo-Ayous has been specified to settle into them. Over time, the timber will slowly silver off, allowing the exterior to weather into a softer, more muted finish.

Sustainability was also part of the specification. The timber carries FSC chain of custody certification, confirming that it comes

The vertical shadow gap profile gives the Thermo-Ayous cladding a crisp contemporary finish while allowing the natural character of the timber to remain visible

from responsibly managed forests and has been checked through the supply chain. In a market where timber appearance, provenance  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Professional Woodworking Expo

Professional woodworking Expo 2026 set to bring the industry together Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) 2026 is set to become one of the UK’s leading events for the woodworking and joinery sector, bringing together manufacturers, joiners, installers, machinists, furniture makers and suppliers for three days of innovation, networking and practical learning.

E

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 23-25

•

June 2026, the exhibition will showcase the latest

How the new European Construction Products Regulation will affect windows, doors and building hardware

machinery, tooling, software, finishes, materials and

•

manufacturing solutions, while giving visitors the

From workshop to system: how joinery manufacturers are scaling without more labour

opportunity to discover new technologies and hear directly from

•

LED-curing for timber

industry experts. Organisers expect more than 6,000 visitors and

•

Giving London’s trees a second life

over 200 exhibiting brands across the three-day event.

A major development for 2026 is the co-location with

Confirmed speakers and contributors include Matthew Burns from

InstallerSHOW and Painting & Decorating Show, creating a larger

the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), Kevin Underwood

multi-trade destination that reflects the increasingly connected nature

from the British Woodworking Federation, Neil Newbrook from Mirka

of modern construction and fit-out projects. The combined format

UK Ltd and Fiona Fang from Oslek Coatings Limited.

is expected to encourage collaboration across trades and attract

According to organisers, the seminar programme has been

professionals from throughout the wider built environment sector.

developed to provide practical takeaways that businesses can implement to improve productivity, compliance and operational

Insights and Innovation on the PWE Mainstage

efficiency. Sessions will also address wider challenges including sustainability, labour shortages and changing legislation.

The PWE Mainstage will deliver a seminar programme designed for joiners, carpenters and woodworking professionals looking to stay ahead of

Live Demonstrations Across the Demo Zone

industry developments. Organisers say the programme will combine expertled seminars, live discussions and practical advice focused on improving

One of the biggest attractions at PWE 2026 will be the return of the

efficiency, adopting new technologies and increasing profitability.

Demo Zone, where visitors can see woodworking machinery, tooling

Sessions will cover both technical and commercial topics affecting

and manufacturing systems operating live on the show floor.

the sector, ranging from advanced joinery techniques and material

The Demo Zone will be divided into four dedicated areas,

innovation to compliance updates and business growth strategies.

each focusing on a different aspect of woodworking and joinery manufacturing.

Highlights from the 2026 agenda include: •

Applying AI in joinery: from enquiry to workshop floor

•

The hidden ventilation risks in modern joinery and fit-out

•

UK timber regulations explained  Timber Trader UK

Machinery Showcase The Machinery Showcase will focus on high-performance timber processing and automated production systems. A headline

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Feature

Professional Woodworking Expo

and emerging industry talent. Third-year construction and joinery students will take part in a live roof build demonstration alongside experienced professionals.

The feature has been designed to highlight the importance of hands-on training while giving visitors the opportunity to engage with the next generation of woodworking professionals.

Innovation Station Designed as a hub for discovery and problem-solving, the feature will connect visitors with suppliers offering solutions aimed at improving efficiency, product quality and workplace safety.

Leading Exhibitors Confirmed Alongside the live demonstrations and seminar programme, visitors will have the opportunity to meet many of the sector’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. demonstration will feature the LMC Leadermac Smartmac 523 paired

Exhibitors already confirmed for the 2026 event include IMA

with a Doucet handling system, showing how integrated manufacturing

Schelling, Festool, Nederman, Doucet and Leitz, with additional brands

solutions can improve speed, accuracy and workflow efficiency.

continuing to join the line-up.

The exhibition floor will feature innovations in timber processing,

Hosted in partnership with Advanced Machinery Services, the area will demonstrate how automation and modern machinery can help

joinery production, tooling, finishing systems and digital manufacturing

manufacturers increase output while maintaining quality standards.

technologies, allowing attendees to compare products and speak directly with suppliers about their operational requirements.

Window Manufacturing Zone A Key Event for the Industry

The Window Manufacturing Zone will explore the future of timber window production through live joinery demonstrations. Featuring

With live demonstrations, expert-led content, major exhibitors and

machinery from Vertongen and Martin alongside tooling from Leitz, the

thousands of professionals under one roof, Professional Woodworking

feature is being delivered in collaboration with The Joinery Network

Expo 2026 is shaping up to be a major event for the woodworking and

and Markfield Woodworking Machinery.

joinery manufacturing sector.

Visitors will see modern manufacturing techniques in action while

Combining innovation, education and hands-on experiences, the show

learning more about efficient workflows, precision engineering and

will provide visitors with an opportunity to discover new technologies,

innovations shaping timber frame window production.

strengthen industry connections and explore the future of woodworking in the UK. `

Carpentry Skills Hub

Get your free tickets to the event  https://forms.reg.buzz/

Hosted by Fix Radio’s Carpentry Show presenter Robin Clevett,

professional-woodworking-expo-2026/radarmedia

this section of the Demo Zone will focus on skills development  Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Carrefour International du Bois

Carrefour International du Bois 2026: At the Crossroads of Trade and Transformation As global timber markets face slower demand and ongoing uncertainty, the Carrefour International du Bois (CIB), held from June 2–4, 2026 in Nantes, France, positions itself as both a key trading platform and a reliable indicator of market direction.

W

ith over 600 exhibitors and visitors from over 100

challenges—from trade dynamics to industrial transformation and

countries, the event remains one of Europe’s leading

resource management. These sessions provide valuable insight for

business hubs for timber products. From sawn timber

professionals looking to anticipate market shifts and refine their strategies.

and parquet to panels and engineered solutions, it

In parallel, dedicated features such as the “Biosourced Space” will

offers international buyers direct access to a broad supply—making

showcase practical applications of timber and bio-based materials

it a place not just to explore, but to secure business.

through live demonstrations and full-scale mock-ups, highlighting how innovation is translating into real-world solutions.

A market under pressure, but resilient and shifting towards higher value Global conditions remain challenging. Weaker demand in China and uncertainty around US trade policies continue to impact volumes and pricing. Product standardisation and increased drying capacity are becoming essential for companies aiming to meet international requirements and remain competitive. Beyond short-term pressures, the industry is moving up the value chain. Secondary processing, engineered wood, and industrialised construction are gaining momentum, driven by demand for consistent, ready-to-use solutions— particularly in low-carbon construction.

Labour and productivity challenges Recruitment remains a structural issue, with tens of thousands of roles to be filled in France in the coming years. Shortages in technical positions are directly affecting production capacity. In response, companies are investing in automation, digital tools, and

Bringing together business opportunities and market intelligence,

off-site construction methods to improve productivity and maintain

CIB 2026 offers timber trade professionals a clear opportunity to align

competitiveness in international markets. At CIB, dedicated showcases

with market realities—and act on them.

will highlight recruitment solutions, training initiatives, and programmes

With multiple daily direct flights from the UK and high-speed

supporting emerging talent with various features throughout the show.

trains from Paris in just 2 and a half hours, accessing Nantes—and the market—has never been easier. `

A business platform, insight hub and market barometer

Secure your place now and register for a free badge via

More than a trade show, CIB also offers a structured conference

 www.timbershow.com

programme running across the three days, addressing key market  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

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CARREFOUR

2|3|4

JUNE 2026

NANTES FRANCE AT THE HEART OF THE TRADE

FOLLOW US

@carrefourdubois #cib2026

TIMBERSHOW.COM

Organised by:

With the support of:

 Timber Trader UK

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Feature

Lumin

Plantation to panel: inside Lumin’s plywood supply chain As timber buyers face growing pressure on traceability, compliance and sustainability, Lumin’s Uruguayan plywood operation shows how closely forest management, manufacturing and product evidence now need to be connected.

P

Plywood is one of the timber trade’s great workhorse

pruning and selective thinning are used to regulate growth and improve

products. It sits behind hoardings, formwork, transport

the production of knot-free wood. Final harvest is at 15 years for

floors, furniture, joinery and packaging, often doing

eucalyptus and 21 years for pine.

the heavy lifting without much attention. Yet the

The point for timber buyers is simple: panel quality is being

questions being asked of panel products are becoming more

influenced long before the first veneer is peeled.

demanding, from fibre origin and supply reliability to sustainability

From log to veneer

evidence and in-use performance.

LUMIN’s answer begins a long way before the panel reaches a

At harvest, logs are cut, processed and stored before being

merchant’s yard. Its plywood is produced from plantation-grown pine

assessed for plywood production. Logs that meet LUMIN’s

and eucalyptus in Uruguay, within a supply chain that runs from forest

expectations are peeled into veneers, while residual material from

management and nursery production through to veneer peeling, panel

the peeling process is chipped and shredded for use as solid fuel for

manufacture and export. For the UK timber trade, the relevance lies in

power generation.

how clearly that model reflects a panel market increasingly shaped by

Efficient use of the log is central to the production story.

provenance, process control and documented performance.

LUMIN processes around 500,000 tonnes of wood a year and uses virtually 100% of each log, with residuals converted into fuel for

Growing the resource

conditioning and drying. In panel products, sustainability is not only about certification at the forest boundary; it is also about yield, waste

LUMIN’s commercial plantation story began in 1997, when the

streams, energy use and intelligent resource use.

business, formerly operating as Weyerhaeuser, established eucalyptus

LUMIN’s Uruply plywood mill is located outside Tacuarembó in

and pine plantations in Uruguay. Today, the company manages plantations across northern and eastern Uruguay, with its operations

north-central Uruguay. With a biomass energy plant and seedling

carried out under a Forest Management Plan.

nursery on site, the operation brings forestry, raw material preparation and manufacturing closer together than is often visible

One of the more distinctive parts of LUMIN’s model is its clonal

in the finished panel.

nursery, designed to produce more than three million seedlings annually. Its clonal improvement programme selects plants suited to

The product offer

local growing conditions and industrial requirements, with the resulting trees intended to provide wood and veneer of consistent quality.

Made from eucalyptus and pine, LUMIN plywood serves a broad

Once established, the plantations are actively managed.

range of uses, from construction and carpentry to transport, packaging

Commercial thinning takes place at around 11 or 12 years, while  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

and furniture. The company offers standard and proprietary grades

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Feature

Lumin

in 12mm, 15mm and 18mm thicknesses. The grade range includes TRP, BCX, CCX PTS and CDX. That gives buyers a choice between higher appearance grades and more utility-led products for general construction or industrial use. TRP, with a clear “B” eucalyptus face, is described as a substitute for tropical plywood in most applications. Its face veneers are more than 3mm thick, compared with less than 0.5mm for many tropical plywood faces.

The application range is wide, covering site fencing and hoarding, floors, walls and roofs, concrete shuttering, formwork, transport floors, packaging, joinery and furniture.

Compliance and confidence For UK and European buyers, product evidence is as important as product description. LUMIN states that its panels meet CE2+ requirements and comply with standards including EN 636-2 for structural use in humid conditions and EN 314-2 Bonding Class 3. Its literature also references Formaldehyde Class E1, CARB Exempt status, PEFC certification and Chain of Custody, EUTR compliance and ISPM 15 export requirements. UK buyers will still need to consider their own due diligence obligations when placing timber products on the market.

Practical handling still matters. LUMIN recommends acclimatising panels before use, storing them clean, dry, off the floor and under cover where possible, and sealing exposed faces, edges, cuts and holes to reduce moisture penetration. Poor handling and inappropriate exposure can undermine even a well-made panel, so the supply story has to extend into storage, specification and correct use.

A supply chain story, not just a product story

Plywood may remain one of the trade’s most familiar materials, but the way it is sourced and scrutinised is changing. From plantation

LUMIN is most interesting here not simply as another plywood brand, but as a window into the supply-chain expectations now

to panel, the strongest suppliers will be those able to show not only

surrounding panel products. Merchants, manufacturers and specifiers

what they make, but how confidently the chain behind it can stand up

are looking for material that is consistent, documented, legally sourced

to scrutiny. `

and commercially available, while customers increasingly expect Find out more at  www.lumin.com/english

sustainability claims to have substance behind them.  Timber Trader UK

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Market Report

Forest Europe report

Europe’s forests are growing but timber supply is entering a more demanding era Europe’s forest resource continues to expand, but slower growing stock growth, rising harvest levels and mounting climate pressure are changing the assumptions behind longterm timber supply.

E

Harvesting remains below growth

urope’s forests remain one of

gains recorded across all regions.

the continent’s great natural

In 2025, forests covered 232.3 million

and economic assets. They

hectares, up from 230.1 million hectares in

forests remains strong. Roundwood

cover more than 232 million

The productive function of Europe’s

2020. The expansion reflects afforestation,

production has reached around 626 million

hectares across the FOREST EUROPE

natural regeneration and the gradual

m³ per year, with Sweden, Finland, Germany,

countries, accounting for around 35%

conversion of land into forest over

France and Poland together accounting for

of total land area. Total growing stock is

several decades.

half of total European production.

estimated at 38.3 billion m³, with almost

Growing stock has also increased

Harvesting has risen significantly over

four-fifths located in forests available for

substantially. Since 1990, Europe’s forests

the long term. The report states that forest

wood supply.

have added nearly 11.9 billion m³ of growing

harvesting increased by 47% between 1990

On the face of it, that is a reassuring

stock, reaching 38.3 billion m³ in 2025. That

and 2020, from approximately 425 million

picture. Forest area is still increasing. Biomass

matters directly to the timber supply chain

m³ to more than 625 million m³. At the

is still rising. Harvesting remains below overall

because growing stock is one of the key

same time, fellings remain below net annual

forest growth. Europe continues to be a major

indicators of long-term wood availability.

increment, with around 81% of annual

producer of roundwood and a net exporter of primary wood and paper products.

However, the pace of increase has slowed sharply. Over the past 35 years, growing stock

growth utilised.

That balance is important. It means

But the latest State of Europe’s Forests

rose by almost 1.3% per year on average.

Europe’s forests are still being harvested

2025 report also makes clear that the underlying

In the last five years, that rate dropped

within the limits of overall growth at pan-

picture is becoming more complex. The question

to around 0.3% annually. The report links

European level. But the margin matters.

for the timber sector is not simply whether

this slowdown to several factors, including

Higher utilisation rates may be perfectly

Europe has forests. It clearly does. The more

reduced forest area expansion, changing

sustainable, particularly in well-managed

pressing issue is how resilient, available and

age structures, higher utilisation rates and

forests, yet they leave less room for disruption

commercially usable that forest resource will be

increasing forest damage.

when storms, pests, fire or drought affect

as climate, policy and market demands intensify.

A larger resource, but slower growth Europe’s forest area has expanded by more than 23 million hectares since 1990, with  Timber Trader UK

This is not a signal of immediate shortage.

regional supply.

Europe’s forest resource is still growing. But it

The report also notes that increased

does suggest that the comfortable long-term

cuttings can be linked to salvage logging

assumption of steadily increasing supply

and the need to regenerate mature stands

needs to be treated with more care.

in certain regions. In market terms, that can

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Market Report

Forest Europe report

mean sudden shifts in availability, grade mix,

parts of Europe, linked to disturbances, ageing

protect soil and water, and contribute to rural

quality and price, rather than a smooth flow of

forests, climate stress and harvest levels.

economies.

A changing forest mix

they do create trade-offs. More protected forest

planned production.

Those roles are not always in conflict, but

Climate pressure moves into the supply chain

composition. Around 43% are predominantly

but can reduce the area available for wood

Europe’s forests are also changing in

may support biodiversity and ecosystem services,

Climate change is presented as one

coniferous, 40% predominantly broadleaved

supply. Higher demand for wood in construction

of the most significant emerging risks to

and 17% mixed. The share of broadleaved

supports decarbonisation, but competes with

Europe’s forests. Droughts, storms, wildfires,

forest has increased over the past

biomass, packaging, panel products and paper.

heatwaves, pests and diseases are already

five years, while around 70% of forest area

Carbon policy can encourage longer rotations or

affecting forest health and productivity, with

now contains two or more tree species.

greater standing biomass, while the timber sector

impacts varying sharply between regions.

From an ecological perspective, that trend

requires reliable, usable flows of material.

That is why the report’s findings matter to

In southern Europe, wildfire risk is a

can support resilience. More diverse forests

dominant concern. In central regions, storms

may be better able to withstand pests, disease

merchants, importers, sawmillers, processors

and insect outbreaks are major damaging

and climate stress. From a timber supply

and manufacturers. The headline story is

agents. Drought and heat stress are

perspective, it raises longer-term questions

positive, but not simple. Europe’s forests are

increasingly important across several areas,

about species availability, processing capacity

expanding, growing stock remains high and

often combining with pests or disease to

and future product markets.

harvesting continues below growth. Yet the

create more severe compound impacts.

The report also notes that broadleaved

operating environment around that resource is becoming less predictable.

For timber businesses, these are not

growing stock has increased faster than

abstract environmental issues. Disturbance

coniferous growing stock over the past 35

can increase salvage volumes in the short

years. That does not immediately change the

Future timber supply will depend not only

term, but damage future growing stock,

requirements of markets heavily dependent

on how much forest Europe has, but how

reduce timber quality, alter harvesting

on softwood, but it is a signal worth

well that forest is managed, how resilient it

schedules and create logistical pressure. A

watching. If the forest resource evolves, the

becomes, and how intelligently policymakers

bark beetle outbreak or windthrow event

downstream industry may eventually need to

balance climate, biodiversity, production and

may temporarily flood a market with material,

adapt with it.

market needs.

More demands on the same resource

challenge is making sure the resource remains

Europe is not short of forest. The

while also weakening future planned supply.

The carbon picture tells a similar story.

Europe’s forests remain a significant carbon

The practical takeaway is clear enough.

Perhaps the strongest message from the

healthy, accessible and fit for the demands now being placed on it. `

sink, with forest biomass absorbing an average

report is that forests are being asked to do

of around 106 million tonnes of CO₂ per year

more at once. They are expected to provide

between 2010 and 2025. Yet the report also

timber and fibre, store carbon, support

For more information, read the full report

points to signs of a weakening sink function in

biodiversity, deliver renewable energy,

at  www.foresteurope.org

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Feature

WPA

Wood protection starts with the process

Image © Wood Protection Association

The WPA is reminding the timber trade that effective treatment depends on more than preservative chemistry, with plant design, process control and traceability all critical to reliable performance.

F

or treatment to perform as

line with recognised best practice, including

intended, the process has to be

penetration, retention and process control

the right chemistry in the right way,” he says.

right: appropriate plant design,

requirements associated with BS 8417 and the

“Accurate dosing control is essential to avoid

accurate controls, correct

WPA Code of Practice.

overconsumption of preservatives, protect

conditioning and clear documentation from

Joe Watson, Director at Timber Treatment

“Correct wood treatment is about applying

the environment and ensure a commercially

batch to batch. Without that foundation,

Solutions, says: “As an equipment supplier,

sustainable product. It is equally important that

even the right formulation can fall short.

our role is to make it as easy as possible for

the process itself can be operated correctly for

As WPA Chairman Steve Young puts it:

timber treaters to get the process right every

every batch, time and time again.”

“In any discussion about the performance

single time. Correct treatment is more than

That traceability is increasingly important

of pre-treated wood, preservative efficacy

just durability performance, it’s also about

as customers, regulators and specifiers look

is often the only topic of conversation. The

safety, environmental responsibility and

for stronger evidence behind treated timber

reality is far more complex - well documented

preserving confidence in wood as a long-term,

claims, including compliance with Best

factory production controls are essential - and

sustainable construction material.”

Available Techniques and Industrial Emissions

pre-conditioning, preservative impregnation

Recent projects include a purpose-built

or wood modification plant and equipment

copper oil treatment system for SNCF railways

Current activity includes a new treatment

manufacturers have a vital role to play as

in France and a high-capacity pressure plant

plant for railway sleepers in the USA, designed

a wood protection formulation is only as

for Impregna in Sweden.

for energy efficiency, process stability and full

effective as the plant designed to use it.”

The company has also continued to develop incising equipment for species such

Engineering reliable treatment UK-based Timber Treatment Solutions

as spruce, particularly where timber is being treated for ground contact applications.

traceability through WTT’s proprietary SCADA system.

That shifts the discussion around wood protection away from a narrow focus on formulation and towards the system behind it.

(TTS) designs, manufactures, installs and upgrades high- and low-pressure timber

BREF requirements where relevant.

Control, traceability and confidence

Plant design, dosing accuracy, incising, traceability and documentation all shape whether treated

impregnation plants, controls and associated

Danish specialist Wood Treatment

equipment for sawmills, treaters, merchants

Technologies (WTT) brings the same focus

timber performs as specified. As durability,

and infrastructure suppliers, covering

to treatment plants, process solutions and

sustainability and compliance expectations rise,

waterborne preservatives, oil-based products,

services, with Managing Director Jakob

the quality of the treatment process is becoming

creosote and heat treatment.

Jakobsen emphasising process control,

central to confidence in the finished product. 

For TTS, the challenge is to help customers treat timber consistently and in  Timber Trader UK

documentation, health and safety, and environmental performance.

Summer 2026

50

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Whatever your LEV demands

Extractly

Dust & Fume Filtration

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When it comes to dust and fume extraction, Extractly delivers the complete package...

Energy-Saving Technology

From the wide choice of filter types and technologies available, we source the most appropriate and cost-efficient system to meet your requirements and, from initial consultation and design, all the way through to installation and commissioning, we will be with you at every stage of the process.

The wealth of practical experience within the company, together with an extensive range of proven products, allows Extractly to offer extraction systems which are individually tailored to customers’ specific needs.

Whether you need a small mobile extractor, or a high-capacity modular filter unit, an energy-efficient shredder or briquette press, or perhaps a modern spray booth or enclosure… from simply adapting ductwork to suit a new machine installation, to commissioning a complete waste-to-energy system, Extractly’s experienced engineers deliver the optimum solution.

Control Panel Engineering

Service, Maintenance & LEV Testing

Extractly is the Master UK Distributor and Installer of the Ecogate® energy-saving system, and an Authorised Dealer and Installer of Nordfab Quick-Fit® ductwork

.co.uk LEV... extractly as it should be  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

51

Spray Booths, Enclosures and Curing Ovens

Extractly Limited has achieved SafeContractor www.timbermedia.co.uk Accreditation

Extractly Ltd info@extractly.co.uk  @Timber_Media 01924 520462

LET’S MANUFACTURE WORLD CLASS MACHINES. PERFECTION BEGINS WITH THE RIGHT DOOR Efficient. Precise. Flexible. With IMA Schelling‘s state-of-the-art manufacturing solutions, you can take your door production to the next level.

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Door manufacturing at the highest level – with IMA Schelling.

imaschelling.co.uk  Timber Trader UK

Summer 2026

52

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