Timber Trader UK Magazine Issue 10 Autumn 2020

10

AUTUMN 2020 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2517–26X (PRINT)

COMBILIFT  26 Improving handling and storage procedures across the timber sector WOOD PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY  12

DUE DILIGENCE  20

Gordon Ewbank on how to use treated wood to tackle climate change

Making sure the timber supply chain secures reliability and legality from 1 Jan 2021

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TIMBER TRADER UK  ISSUE 10 CONTENTS

02

12

News........................................................................................02 The latest news and views from across the industry.

16

20

24

30

Treated Wood and Tackling Climate Change...........12 Wood Protection Association chief executive Gordon Ewbank, explains why making the most of wood to tackle climate change goes ‘hand in glove’ with wood protection technology.

Make Sure It’s 4..................................................................16 A new campaign is promoting the accurate description of treated wood to increase the public’s and merchants knowledge on the important differences between each Use Class.

26

Supply Chain Safety Measures.......................................20 As talks surrounding the Brexit trade deal continue it is worth remembering that things will change at the start of 2021 and the timber supply chain must look to continue to secure legality and due diligence.

Risking it All.........................................................................24 It is now an imperative for those within the timber supply chain to take a closer look at the sources of the forest products that they buy.

FSC explain more.

32

Cover Story – Combilift...................................................26

34

Some of the first customers to recognise the benefits of Combilift were from the timber industry, and since 1998 the relationship between the Irish manufacturer of handling solutions and this sector has continued to strengthen.

Fencing Tips and Traits...................................................30 TRADA shares an extract from its 2019 Wood Information Sheet on timber fencing and how to approach a wide range of domestic and commercial fencing applications.

Optimising Timber Storage............................................32

Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon

Registered address:

Harry Watts, Commercial Director at SEC Storage, outlines some of the warehousing challenges for those who import, store and distribute timber-related products.

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows,

 01925 270093

Merseyside WA12 9QA

Wood CO2ts less Branches Out.......................................34

 artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

Company registered in England and

Follow Timber Media:

Wales. Company Number 10839173.

 @Timber_Media

VAT registration number 271 5498 81.

Artwork: Pete Awad

The Wood CO2ts less campaign was launched in summer 2020. Sarah Virgo, campaign manager at Wood for Good, explains what the next phase will focus on.

The Perfect Partner for the Timber Industry Manage your timber materials more safely, using less space and in less time with Combilift’s materials handling solutions.

combilift.com Timber Trader UK magazine 185 x 62 Liz.indd 1

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Time for Timber campaign highlights net zero With the threat of missing critical environmental targets a very real

Scott Cato, architect and Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, Lynne

danger in the post Covid-19 economy, the Time for Timber campaign

Sullivan, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Homes, Oliver

has launched a new drive that directly targets the financial and

Novakovic and Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and

insurance sectors – one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the path

Finance Association, Simon Howard.

of sustainable development.

Andrew Orriss from the Time for Timber campaign commented:

With ambitious targets set for the UK to reach net zero by 2050, combined with an increasingly urbanised population, there is an urgent need to change how we build high density and single-family housing. The obvious solution is using renewable, sustainable and environmentally positive materials such as timber but, historically, the insurance industry has been unwilling to support such initiatives.

Misconceptions around timber’s suitability as a major project construction material have meant that this versatile solution is considered a risk by many insurers and finance houses. This basic misunderstanding of the facts could be jeopardising the future of the economy and the environment.

Bringing together leading voices from around the construction

“We are at a crossroads in the UK and on a global basis: we need to act

industry, the Time for Timber campaign has been founded with the

now if we are going to meet our environmental obligations and timber

express intention of challenging these misconceptions within the

is the primary building material that will help us do this. As well as being

financial and insurance sectors. The campaign launched with a major

sustainable, replenishable and easily re cycled, the adoption of timber

advertising campaign at Bank underground station, in the heart of

within offsite construction and MMC techniques would have a profound

London’s financial district. The bold move will see the hard-hitting

effect on the wider construction market and a demonstrable reduction

campaign message dominating the advertising space within the

in the carbon footprint of projects.

station, in a bid to kick-start engagement with this important issue. A

“This is in harmony with the Government’s agenda of Building Back

programme of webinars with financial sector media partners and a new

Better, with its emphasis on green initiatives, which clearly recognises that

whitepaper will follow, to begin strengthening the dialogue between

there is a need to create jobs to avoid a financial downturn. But we should

the timber construction industry, insurers and investors.

be creating those jobs to ensure the green transition happens as quickly

Underpinning the communication campaign is a groundswell of support that is building throughout the industry, which is showcased

as possible, to propel us towards net zero carbon – as well as protecting communities from future environmental and economic hazards.”

in a new Time for Timber documentary. The film features compelling More at  www.timefortimber.org

interviews with figures such as: British Green Party economist, Molly

Marking systems for SAWMILLS and PALLET MANUFACTURERS

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Norbord ready to help builders’ merchants sector through challenging times “It’s obvious, and well-documented, that

moved forward, as has the industry, and

the nature of lockdown, furlough, safe

the building world is a really positive

distance protocol and new remote ways

place to be. Due to the lockdown, and

of working have meant that all companies

subsequent limitations on travel and staff

must adapt and operate new practices in

levels, customers have not been on site or

order to succeed in today’s new world,”

available for physical meetings. Yet we are

says Sanjit Dosanjh, Norbord’s National

talking more.

Sales Manager for UK & Ireland. “But

“Norbord’s base of merchants has

what exactly does this mean for Norbord

reacted and we are working in tandem very

as a supplier to the merchant and building

well. We keep in touch with Zoom or Teams

industry?

meetings – we are communicating much

“In essence, we are very talkative and

more, with more people in one place, and in

communicative, speed of response-driven,

much less time which is good for everyone.

efficient and “modern” in communications,

Merchants and suppliers alike now seem

as have our customers. In turn, our

easier to access and results are quicker to

customer base is reaping the reaping the

realise. As the customers now order on

rewards of changing the way we work

a click-and-collect basis in the main, their

together. Of course, nothing is the same

online presence is crucial. In turn, we are

as a face-to-face meeting, but we are

supporting our customers with online sales

all adapting to the new norm across the

and product training and, if a conversation

building industry – and everywhere.

is needed, our team is ready.”

“It has been challenging at times for More at  www.norbord.co.uk

all of us as any change is; but we have

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Port responds to fears of 7,000 trucks delayed at Dover

Peel Ports, the major UK port and terminals operator, has said its Port

goods are delayed waiting for border checks incurs greater costs to

of Liverpool facility is ideally placed to contribute to the ‘Team UK

businesses and stops the flow of vital goods such as food and medicines

Approach’ needed to overcome major Brexit delays at Dover, following

– an issue which has been brought sharply into focus by the Covid-19

a stark warning from cabinet minister Michael Gove in September.

pandemic.

In his letter to haulage associations, Mr Gove warned that 7,000

“The Port of Liverpool is uniquely positioned to offer this proximity

trucks could be queuing for up to two days in Kent due to delays caused

to market, which allows goods to reach their end destination more

by Brexit, impacting ‘category one’ goods such as food, medicine and

reliably and with less reliance on increasingly scarce truck drivers.

hospital equipment. Peel Ports group commercial director Stephen

This is a need which has never been more critical considering the

Carr said: “We have long argued the UK is too reliant on a few key pinch

changes in demand patterns we’ve seen this year, with added pressure

points in the South-East and today’s announcements demonstrates the

of anticipated queues at Dover and long onward journeys from the

risks to UK businesses of this strategy.

South to the North of the country. A port’s proximity to markets has

“We have been preparing rigorously for many months and have

other indirect benefits, not only acting as a strategic gateway, but as a

invested heavily at our Liverpool, Heysham and Sheerness ports to

facilitator of supply chain activity and as a catalyst for reducing carbon

ensure they have the capacity to accommodate cargo switch routes and

emissions of a journey.

modes. All three ports have already taken steps to improve resilience

“Whether it’s full processing, product finalisation or implementation

ahead of Brexit, with increased throughput capacity for HGV trailers,

of storage solutions, being close-by means a port can fulfil a wide range

containers and storage to support smooth operations by RORO ferries

of logistics activities, as well as minimises the risk of disruption as a result

and other shipping services.”

of transport congestion. It additionally offers environmental benefits

The Dover Straits now accounts for roughly three-quarters of all RORO trade with the continent – whereas prior to the signing of the

given shipping’s relatively low carbon emissions when measured on a per tonne KM basis.

Maastricht treaty it was less than half – despite the fact much of the UK’s warehousing is situated in the Midlands and North of Britain.

The Port of Liverpool has seen in recent weeks new ferry routes

“All businesses will be impacted by the changes Brexit will bring, but the preparations undertaken by UK’s ports industry will relieve pressure on traditional routes, increase capacity and introduce new trade routes.

commence with Spain and Portugal with CLdN in addition to more

The Port of Liverpool is an obvious, sustainable port of choice for those

capacity being added to existing services. “Potential delays and hold-

looking to avoid costly delays and future proof their supply chains.”

ups post-Brexit underline the advantage of using ports closest to the More at  www.peelports.com

origin or destination of goods,” added Stephen Carr. “Every minute that

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

LIGNIA® set to be distributed in Australasia LIGNIA Wood Company, the award-winning modified timber business based in Barry, Wales has signed a distribution agreement with Australian timber experts Hurford Wholesale, who will be distributing LIGNIA products to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Hurfords was established in 1932 and is a leading Australian third-generation family business dedicated to the native hardwood timber industry. With its HQ (pictured) in Stapylton in Queensland, it covers the entire supply chain from the management and harvesting of forest resources, processing, manufacturing, sales and distribution of wood products in Australia and around the world. LIGNIA Wood Company produces modified timber at its base in Barry. It uses real softwood from responsibly sourced FSC® certified plantations which is then modified through a unique process. This gives LIGNIA the beauty, performance and appearance of popular hardwoods.

Neil Ryan, CEO of LIGNIA Wood Company said: “LIGNIA continues to go from strength to strength across the globe and we are now

alongside the fact it is produced with sustainability in mind is a source of pride for our business. We look forward to a long relationship with LIGNIA.”

delighted to welcome Hurfords as a world-class distributor and partner

LIGNIA is manufactured from a fast-growing FSC® certified

of LIGNIA for Australasia. Hurfords has a track record of success going

softwood modified to become LIGNIA, a timber with excellent

back nearly 90 years and an expertise that will help us take LIGNIA into

durability, stability and physical properties, making it suitable as a

a bright future, especially as they are close to the end users and can

substitute for tropical hardwoods. The timber is designed to be ‘wood

therefore provide solutions for specific projects.”

made for life’ with greatly improved performance against decay and rot

Ryan Chipperfield, group marketing manager of Hurfords added: “We

in ‘above ground’ applications with a 50-year warranty.

are excited to welcome LIGNIA to our growing range and offering for our More at  www.lignia.com

customer base. Adding a product with many new features and benefits

Advertise with Timber Media’s Products & Services

For more information call Terry Hanlon on 01925 270093 or email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

SO Modular moves closer to energy self-sufficiency

SO Modular, the Neath-based specialist in timber frame

wood every year to build more than 1,000 timber frame homes. This

construction, has unveiled a new biomass boiler at its headquarters,

amount is set to increase exponentially as the business grows rapidly and

the result of a significant investment which moves it closer to

demand for timber frame solutions soars.

becoming completely self-sufficient in terms of its energy and

In 2019, SO Modular invested some £6.5m in acquiring and

production process. The cutting-edge waste wood biomass boiler

regenerating a large part of the iconic industrial site in Neath. Since its

was installed by energy specialist Novalux Energy. It is fuelled

investment, it has capacity to make more than 3,500 homes a year. As

by timber offcuts and wood shavings, a natural by-product of the

such, it is seeking new sources of timber in Wales.

production process and will re-use 90% of the fuel into usable heat.

The 2MW waste wood boiler works by burning the fuel at high

Charlotte Hale, Director of SO Modular, said: “We are embracing sustainability in all aspects of what we do and the biomass boiler is just

temperatures to produce heat, or thermal energy. This thermal energy

the first of several initiatives we have planned, including solar panels. We

is transferred to a heat exchanger which provides you with heat for

believe this will be a fantastic case study for the benefits of the circular

space or processes. Excess heat from the boiler is diverted to an Organic

economy.

Rankine Cycle (ORC) which converts the heat into power through a twin screw expander.

“Our aim is to sustainably redefine the buildings we construct and restore our new facility to its former glory but in an innovative and eco-

One of the most important aspects of the boiler to SO Modular

friendly way; we want it to be a landmark of the town again, which the

is that the technology utilises carbon filters to filter out impurities in

community can be proud of, while also benefiting the local supply chain

its emissions to ensure they are not harmful to the local environment.

and keeping jobs and money in the region.”

The installation means that the company is now recycling a very high

Joseph Allcott, Managing Director of Novalux Energy, added:

percentage of its waste material, converting it into heat and energy. The

“Renewable energy systems can fit a variety of applications and in the

site is now almost self-sufficient in its energy needs during production

case of SO Modular, the 2MW waste wood boiler and 100kW ORC works

and even has surplus at some points in time, which it sells to the grid.

to utilise waste product as a fuel. This is a great example of a renewable

All of SO Modular’s timber is sourced locally. The majority comes

system offsetting fossil fuels and benefitting from the Renewable Heat

from its doorstep in the Neath Valley, milled by Pontrilas Sawmills, just

Incentive.”

over an hour away in Hereford. Founded in 1947, Pontrilas is one of the More at  www.somodular.co.uk

largest independent sawmills in the UK. SO Modular now uses enough

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With a Euroclass B flame retardance rating, SMARTPLY MAX FR B offers reliable assurance to specifiers, of its ability to suppress fire growth in the critical early stages of development, making it an appropriate consideration for timber frame and offsite construction projects, especially during the construction phase. Smart, consistent and strong, with even greater fire retardance, ‘B’ sure to do the right thing with SMARTPLY MAX FR B.

To find out how we are setting new standards in offsite construction, go to www.mdfosb.com/smartply

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Introducing SMARTPLY MAX FR B MEDITE SMARTPLY has now launched SMARTPLY MAX FR B, the brand new Euroclass B OSB3, a market innovation bringing increased safety and reliability to an industry contingent on safety and predictability.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B is the first Euroclass B board—the maximum Euroclass rating for a timber panel—manufactured in the UK and Ireland to feature wood flakes treated with flame retardant solution before pressing. This ensures its flame retardance is integral and maintains its structural integrity, unlike many post-treated alternatives, making it the safer choice for use within timber frame construction, or projects that will require a large amount of timber product.

“We are extremely excited to introduce SMARTPLY MAX FR B to the marketplace, expanding our already extensive SMARTPLY OSB range,” comments Richard Allen, Sales Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY. “In SMARTPLY MAX FR B, customers can expect all the fantastic benefits of a SMARTPLY OSB board, with the addition of ZeroIgnition® solution, a

Richard Allen. “This has been one of our main motivations in developing

water based and environmentally friendly flame retardant which is added

SMARTPLY MAX FR B.”

during panel production.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B also complies with the performance

“This is a solution that has potential in a huge range of applications

requirements in the Structural Timber Association’s FR BUILD “Design

and industries, encompassing many modern methods of construction

guide to separating distances during construction” for timber frame

such as offsite and timber frame construction, light gauge steel and

buildings above 600m² total floor area.

modular construction systems, as well as temporary structures. Whatever

SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD can be used in a timber frame building

the sector, all customers can rest assured that this board’s flame

when mitigation measures are required due to the distance from

retardance will hold to Euroclass B standard, even when cut to size, which

neighbouring buildings. There are wall and floor systems outlined within

makes it different to other FR boards out there.”

the guide which give points towards the overall building, this satisfies any

Manufactured using advanced resin technology that results in a high performance, no added formaldehyde panel, SMARTPLY MAX FR B

mitigation that may be required. Please refer to the STA guide for more information.

can help specifying architects, contractors and fabricators contribute to

Finally, SMARTPLY MAX FR B meets with the requirements of

the creation of safer, healthier environments. This includes not only the

European Standards EN 300 and EN 13986, while also complying with

built environments actively created but the natural environments left

the European reaction to fire class B-s2,d0 and Bfl-s1. Boards can be

behind: SMARTPLY MAX FR B is sustainably produced using timber from

manufactured in largescale formats of up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long,

sustainably managed Irish forests.

making it ideal for offsite manufacturing, alongside traditional building.

“At MEDITE SMARTPLY, we want to support a safer, wider future for timber buildings, that will enable the wider construction industry to work

More at  www.mdfosb.com/en/smartply/

more sustainably and more efficiently, truly building for the future,” adds

products/smartply-max-fr-b

Fast Growth 50 award for Premier Forest Group Premier Forest Group, one of the UK’s

passed the critical £100m mark, and Premier

turnover was a goal of ours for a number of

fastest growing timber groups, has been

Forest Group is one of them.

years and to be recognised for passing this

recognised with a special award at this year’s Fast Growth 50 event in Cardiff.

Terry Edgell (pictured), CEO and co-founder of Premier Forest Group, said: “To pass £100m

significant milestone is very rewarding. To be on the stage with household brands like

The Fast Growth 50 is in its 20th year of

Admiral and GoCompare was a real honour and

celebrating the fastest growing firms in

showed us just how far Premier Forest Group

Wales. The awards, established by Professor

has come.”

Dylan Jones-Evans in 1999 use sales as

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans said: “When

the main indicator, looking at a business’

I first established Fast Growth 50 it was to

percentage increase in turnover over three

celebrate companies like Premier Forest

accounting periods.

Group who prove that you can set up, run, and

This year, the awards acknowledged

grow hugely successful businesses right here

‘super growth’ firms for the first time. These

in Wales. What Premier Forest has achieved

are companies whose turnover has surpassed

is testament to a lot of hard work and a

£100m since they first appeared on the

successful business strategy.”

list. Only ten firms that have made the Fast More at  www.premierforest.co.uk

Growth 50 list in the past twenty years have

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Timber and panel import volumes ‘back on track’ for 2020 A recent Timber Trade Federation (TTF) report

Imports for panel products have

reveals total import volumes for main timber

increased during June and July, with OSB and

and panel products were approximately

MDF leading the way. OSB imports in July

1% below July 2019 levels, with 866,000m3

2020 were 46,000m3, a 48% increase from

arriving in the UK. The 1% difference in

the volumes seen in June 2020, and 8,000m3

volumes between the two months (July 2020

more than July 2019 (38,000m3). MDF imports

and July 2019) was the lowest percentage

for June and July are almost double May’s

reduction in volume since April 2019.

imports (27,000m3), reaching 57,000m3 in June

These volumes were higher than the

and 52,000m3 in July 2020.

TTF originally predicted and raise the TTF’s

David Hopkins, TTF CEO, said: “These

forecast for total timber imports to the UK in

figures are a good signal of a strengthening

2020 to around 8.4 million m3 (approx. 19%

market. They will go some way to helping

lower than 2019). Imports across all major

rebuild stocks and meet rising demand for

individual product categories, softwood,

timber products. The huge surge we’ve seen

hardwood, and panel products, have been

in DIY projects along with increased global

on the rise. For the first time in 2020,

demand has been unprecedented and caused

softwood import volumes exceeded 2019

spikes and longer lead times across certain

levels as 580,000m3 were imported in July

product categories. This rise in imports should

2020 compared to 514,000m3 in July 2019.

start to help ease that pressure, especially if the

Hardwood imports increased to 40,000m3 in

trend continues over the coming months.”

July 2020, which while still 5,000m3 below More at  www.ttf.co.uk

July 2019 figures, represents a 54% increase over June 2020.

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Timber Trader UK Magazine

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

UK Government urged to put tree planting targets into legislation In its response to the England Tree Strategy

can deliver environmental, economic and

consultation, forestry and wood trade body

social value to lead a green recovery from

not either/or options – creating jobs and

Confor says tree planting targets should

Covid-19.

economic growth can go hand in hand with

be enshrined in legislation to display a

Its response says: “The consultation

“The benefits of forestry and wood are

tackling the climate and nature emergencies

clear commitment to meeting them and

presents an excellent opportunity to produce

and providing beautiful places for people

could be done with an amendment to the

a strategy for our economy, environment and

to enjoy the natural world. Seizing this

Environment Bill.

society at a time when policy interventions

opportunity can set the UK on a path to a

delivering multiple benefits must be

net-zero economy by 2050, and a long-term

and approval processes for planting, similar

prioritised. As the UK plots a way forward

sustainable rural future.

to the Mackinnon Review in Scotland, which

beyond the pandemic, our forests and woods

kick-started a tree planting surge north of

have a vital role in delivering a Green Recovery

is not just about tree planting, but about

the border. In its wide-ranging consultation

– as well as a crucial part to play in meeting

better management of the forests we have,

response, Confor – which represents 1,500

longer-term targets, including the UK’s

and greater wood use. The three must be

forestry and wood-using businesses – said:

ambition to be Net Zero by 2050 to tackle the

approached together in a joined-up way: that’s

“The Tree Strategy needs to be joined

climate emergency.”

how we will see multiple benefits delivered.

Confor also wants a review of application

up, from the forest to the end product,

Caroline Ayre, Confor’s National Manager

“We are very clear in our response – this

However, planting trees is the starting-point

supporting three main and very closely linked

for England, said: “The England Tree Strategy

and targets are just numbers on a page, when

objectives, which bring together the entire

represents an excellent opportunity to ‘turn the

it is about trees in the ground. That’s why

forestry and wood supply chain: plant more

dial’ and really puts forests and wood at the heart

we think enshrining the targets in legislation

trees, manage more of our existing woodland

of our environmental and economic future. We

is a great first step for the UK Government

and use more home-grown wood.”

have seen a very positive approach from Lord

to show its commitment, combined with an

Goldsmith since he became Minister and will

external review of the approvals process.”

Confor urges the Government to understand the importance of forests to

continue working closely and constructively with

people during lockdown and how the industry

him to deliver this exciting agenda.

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

HSE Dust-free insulation could help prevent lung disease HSE Dust-free insulation could help prevent lung disease says Actis,

HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Sarah Jardine, said: “Around

as HSE launches respiratory risk campaign. Building workers are

a hundred times as many workers die from diseases caused or made

around a hundred times more likely to die from a disease caused

worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents.

or exacerbated by their workplace than through a construction

We want businesses and their workers to avoid creating dust by

accident. That’s the shocking news the Health and Safety Executive

working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right mask

is sharing during a month-long campaign to raise awareness of lung

and clothing.”

diseases caused by workplace dust.

More at  www.insulation-actis.com

The Dustbuster campaign will see HSE officials checking up on construction firms across the country to help protect workers from the dangers of dust caused by certain materials and working practices.

NOW HIRING

Using power tools, sweeping and working with products such as gypsum and wood are among activities which can be extremely harmful, without protection, say HSE experts. The initiative is aimed at helping businesses find ways to minimise dust production.

Insulation specialist Actis says one change which could help is to switch from using traditional, solid insulation products which create dust when cut to those which generate no irritants or dust whatsoever.

Indeed, users of Actis’ flexible honeycomb insulation Hybris and

BRANCH MANAGERS

insulating vapour control and breather membranes H Control Hybrid, Boost R Hybrid and Boost R Hybrid Roof say their cleanliness and complete absence of dust is precisely one of the reasons they use them.

Tony Byron-Cooper, site manager at PCR Projects’ recently completed 43-home development in Kent says he will be using Actis products on all his future developments. “Most importantly, health and

TIMBER & BUILDERS MERCHANTS

safety wise for our installers, it is light, easy to handle and there’s no dust to contend with,” he said.

Derek Dawson, MD at timber frame specialist Scandia-Hus said: “The

UK WIDE

Hybrid range doesn’t produce irritant and messy dust when installing.”

Canterbury builder Simon Day added: “There are no fibres and no dust is created when you cut it, which means I didn’t need a respiratory mask

Contact Specialist Consultant, Fiona Hamilton for more information on opportunities in your region

or any special clothes.”

Avoiding dust has health as well as cleanliness implications, which is one of the reasons so many customers choose Actis. The fact that there’s no need for specialist PPE or masks and it only requires a saw or a hand operated cutter to trim it are some of the reasons builders return to Actis again and again. The HSE campaign, which launched in

Tel. 01234 826450 Email. fiona.hamilton@srsuk.com web. www.srsuk.com

October focuses on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease and looks at the measures businesses can take to protect their workers’ lungs from certain materials.

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FEATURE  TREATED TIMBER

Treated wood and tackling climate change The Wood Protection Association (WPA) believes that making the most of wood to tackle climate change goes ‘hand in glove’ with making the most of wood protection technology. WPA Chief Executive Gordon Ewbank explains why.

T

here is an urgent need for government to get to grips with

The most effective way to use treated wood in a CO2 reduction

setting out a plan on how its zero carbon commitment can

strategy is use it in place of ‘carbon intensive’ materials. The European

be achieved. Wood’s sustainability, carbon storage ability,

confederation of woodworking industries, CEI-Bois, has calculated that

low-embodied energy production and sheer versatility

the substitution of one cubic metre of concrete with the same volume

make it a standout choice as a construction and landscaping material. The

of treated wood will save CO2 emissions to atmosphere by 1.1 tonnes.

ability to enhance its durability and performance using wood protection

If this saving is added to the 0.9 tonne of CO2 already locked into the

technologies adds significantly to its versatility and efficiency.

wood, then by substituting treated wood for a man-made material will

The climate change crisis and depletion of fossil fuels and the raw

prevent the emission of 2 tonnes of CO2.

materials for man-made materials like steel, plastic and concrete is

The International Institute for Environment & Development

re-focusing government strategy on circular ‘bio-economic’ principles

calculated that it would take just a 10% increase in the number of

using renewable biological resources. Wood is part of this circular bio-

houses in Europe whose main structural components are wood

economy. Unlike man-made materials which are produced from finite

to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to around 25% of the global

raw material sources (once gone they’re gone for good), timber can be

reductions prescribed in the Kyoto Protocol which came into force in

harvested indefinitely under sustainable forest management schemes.

2005. Clearly, the climate crisis has moved on since then but the point

The more wood is used the more trees are planted. The benefits to the

about the contribution that wood and long-lasting treated wood can

environment are substantial.

play is still relevant to the binding commitment made by UK under the

A growing tree absorbs the gas most associated with climate change,

Paris agreement.

carbon dioxide (CO2) and stores it as carbon within its mass while releasing life-

A recent study by BRE Centre for Sustainable Products further

giving oxygen into the atmosphere. When the tree is harvested and converted

underlines the value of treated wood in tackling climate change. The study

into a wood product the carbon remains locked in the product for its service

found that a terrace made from preservative impregnated softwood had a

life. By extending the service life of wood with a preservative or wood

global warming potential 200% lower than a terrace made from concrete

modification process that carbon is stored for a significantly longer time.

slabs and 700% lower than composite plastic decking.

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

ADVERTORIAL  MEDITE SMARTPLY

MEDITE SMARTPLY is a finalist at the Wood Protection Association Awards

M

EDITE SMARTPLY was shortlisted in the Project of

see what has been achieved with our products and we look forward

the Year category at the annual Wood Protection

to contributing to ever more fantastic projects in the future.”

Association (WPA) Awards.

Now in its sixth year, the WPA Awards is a popular event,

The recent acoustic panel fit-out project at

the Stephen Perse Foundation School in Cambridge, UK has

celebrating the amazing achievements in wood protection technology and how it is a vital part of the timber industry.

been nominated for its use of MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF to

The WPA is a not-for-profit trade association that looks to

create acoustic panels for the new, state-of-the-art sports hall.

champion the use of timber as a building material by acting as a

Approximately 530 MEDITE PREMIER FR panels were installed and

technical and advisory body to construction professionals, and

were especially chosen for fire performance, acoustic performance,

by promoting and developing the technology that enhances the

and sustainability.

performance and value of sustainable softwood products.

“We were delighted to be nominated in the Project of the Year category at this year’s awards,” says Richard Allen, Sales Director at

The event was originally scheduled for April earlier this year but was pushed back as a result of the pandemic.

MEDITE SMARTPLY. “MEDITE PREMIER FR Euroclass B & C are developed specifically for use where a Euroclass B or a Euroclass C flame retardant board

The winners were announced live via a virtual ceremony that took place on Thursday 15th October 2020.

is required under building regulations. As this project was located at More at  www.thewpa.org.uk/wpa-2020-awards-conference

a school, fire safety is vitally important. We are extremely proud to

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FEATURE  TREATED TIMBER

BRE has several publications dealing with how different design and

Strategic opportunities for treated wood

material choices impact the environment such as the influential ‘Green

Preservative pre-treatment and modified wood technologies make

Guide to Specification’ and ‘BREEAM’ the world’s leading sustainability

it possible to use lower cost, low durability softwoods in a wide range of

assessment method for infrastructure and buildings. These key

construction applications that would otherwise not be possible. The use

documents share some key conclusions about treated wood. The first

of wood protection technology to deliver products with a predictable

is that wood protection processes are so insignificant a factor overall as

service life justifies the use of wood in the face of competition from less

to not alter a functional unit’s environmental impact rating regardless

sustainable man-made materials.

of whether it is treated or not. The second is that the use of chemically treated softwood in both structural and non-structural elements does not undermine the very strong environmental case for using wood in construction. In true circular bio-economic principles, when treated wood products have fulfilled their design service life they can be recovered, recycled into other applications or used in a biofuel plant to generate heat and power.

Weather extremes favour treated wood A warmer, wetter and more extreme climate for the UK is now inevitable according to Defra’s Climate Projections. An increase in temperature and rainfall will heighten the potential for fungal decay and insect attack in components made from un-treated softwoods of low natural durability. Roofing timbers exposed to wetting from leaks are particularly vulnerable. Almost every stick of softwood currently used in roof construction today is untreated. When it costs just £40 to pre-treat the wood in a typical house, the continued use of unprotected wood seems increasingly unwise.

Until now, wood protection processes have been largely viewed as

The Climate Change Act 2008 demands that public and statutory

optional insurance against the risk of wood decay or insect attack. But

organisations take action to adapt to the more extreme weather

as the government’s zero carbon strategy begins to gather traction

patterns predicted by Defra. The British Standards Institution (BSi)

and British Standards take account of climate change predictions,

has identified thirteen potential climate change impacts on standards

pre-treated wood is likely to become a standard requirement for

that need to be addressed if a building is to have a long and useful life.

many timber construction applications. Influencing the Government

These impacts will increasingly feed through to materials standards

to include the greater use of wood is now a key priority for the timber

in the construction sector. The good news for wood is that for all

industry and WPA is committed to ensuring the benefits of wood

end-use applications its durability can be raised using wood protection

protection technology and treated wood are part and parcel of the UK’s

technology. This will help to deliver climate change objectives and

CO2 reduction strategy.

eliminate the cost and environmental impact of remedial treatment, More at  www.thewpa.org.uk

early disposal or replacement part way through a structure’s service life.

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FEATURE  TREATED TIMBER

Make sure it’s 4

Alongside the WPA and the TDCA, the TTF has launched a new campaign to promote the accurate description of treated wood to increase the public’s and merchants knowledge on the important differences and purposes between each Use Class.

Image © Wood Protection Association

C

urrently, meaningless generic expressions such as

A survey on behalf of the WPA and the TTF found that knowledge

‘green treated’ are still prevalent in the timber supply

amongst merchants of what Use Class 4 timber treatment does and why

chain. This vague description of preservative treated

it’s important to the supplies they sell to their customers found 97% of

wood inevitably increases the chance of failure in

those surveyed did not know that a specific class of timber treatment

service and ultimately loss of customer confidence. It is a mistake to

exists for timbers used in ground contact. Only 3% recognised that a

assume that all pressure treated wood is the same. While one piece

UC4 timber treatment is needed for this application.

of treated wood may look very much like any other, BS 8417 requires

“While it has been a difficult year for all of us, with experienced

that the loading and penetration of preservative impregnated into

staff at merchants’ perhaps being on furlough, it is essential that

the wood is tailored to the desired end use. Applications for treated

anyone selling timber for use in a ground-contact application knows

wood are therefore grouped into ‘Use Classes’. The challenge is how

that the timber must be treated to Use Class 4 under the up-coming

best to simplify this message while not losing technical accuracy.

revised regulations,” says David Hopkins, TTF CEO. “This applies not only

Merchants are being urged to urgently uplift staff knowledge about

to sleepers and fence posts but to any material solid for use underneath

treated timber, particularly the up-coming regulatory change to Use

timber decking. Even if it is sitting on a membrane on the ground it is

Class 4 (UC4) timber treatments for any material that will be used on

still ‘in ground contact’ so must have received a UC4 treatment before

the ground or in ground contact, such as decking bearers. The Timber

being sold for this purpose. Educating all your staff gives merchants an

Trade Federation (TTF) is co-operating across the supply chain with the

opportunity to maximise sales and minimise risks.”

Wood Protection Association (WPA) and the Timber Decking & Cladding

A range of promotional materials has been developed by the WPA

Association (TDCA) to make sure that the same message gets out

for all three trade bodies’ members to use in promoting the campaign.

throughout the timber supply sector.

The most important, for a merchant’s perspective, is a poster, the

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FEATURE  TREATED TIMBER

Image © Wood Protection Association

The poster is an opportunity to engage customers in conversation and to demonstrate the value of your knowledge. You can also rest assured that you are selling a fit-for-purpose product which will minimise any future source of complaints.

Joists or carcassing material is often recommended for decking supports but this material is only treated to UC2 or UC3 for internal use within a house: its treatment is not suitable for use on the ground outside. “Timber Trade Federation members are aware of the change to UC4 timber treatment and are able to sell UC4 material to customers,” added David Hopkins. “Merchants need to ask their timber suppliers directly for UC4 treated timber, and ask for confirmation on the order, so as the campaign slogan says, Make Sure It’s 4.” artwork for which is available to merchants to print locally, at either A2 or A3 size. This can be used both to refresh merchant staff knowledge

The ‘WPA/TTF Buyers Guide to preservative treated wood’ first

on timber treatments and also to inform customers on which treatment

published last year, has been a simple but valuable tool to specifiers

type is best for their end use. “The poster is an opportunity to engage

and users of treated wood alike. As part of the supply chain

customers in conversation and to demonstrate the value of your

educational campaign, TTF has now updated the Guide for 2020.

knowledge,” says Gordon Ewbank, chief executive of the WPA. “You can also rest assured that you are selling a fit-for-purpose product which

You can find it and a range of other merchant resources at

will minimise any future source of complaints.”

 www.ttf.co.uk/make-sure-its-use-class-4-campaign

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FEATURE  DUE DILIGENCE

Supply chain safety measures As talks surrounding the Brexit trade deal continue it is worth remembering that things will change at the start of 2021. The timber supply chain must look to continue to secure legality in supply chains and employ suitable ‘due diligence’.

F

rom 1 Jan 2021, all UK businesses importing timber from

Timber Regulation. Users of the tool will be provided with the essentials

the EU/EEA and outside will be classified as Operators

of due diligence and gain knowledge of:

and are required to carry out due diligence under the UK’s timber legislation, and vice versa under the well-

• Common high-risk factors to avoid

understood EU Timber Regulation.

• What/ how to report due diligence actions and outcomes

The latest advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO is when importing legally harvested timber, you’ll need to carry

• Country case studies (e.g. China) + factory checklist • Useful contacts and references.

out due diligence and use a due diligence checklist to make sure you gather information on the timber – its species, quantity, supplier, country of harvest

This tool has been developed by TTF with support from the

and how it complies with relevant laws, assess the risk of timber being illegal

Soil Association as part of a FCDO-funded project. This tool will be

by applying the legal criteria and mitigate any identified risk, by getting more

continuously reviewed and updated. “With this free, interactive tool,

information or taking further actions to confirm the timber is legal.

timber firms in the UK are gaining a fantastic new resource to undertake

If the timber has a Convention on International Trade in Endangered

and report due diligence,” said David Hopkins, TTF CEO.

Species (CITES) import permit, the UK will recognise it as ‘legally

“This is particularly important for those firms which may find themselves

harvested’ and you will not need to carry out due diligence on this timber.

facing an expanded set of obligations as we shift from EU Timber

You’ll still need to carry out due diligence to confirm the timber is legally

Regulation to UK Timber Regulation.

harvested if you’re:

“As the UK exits the EU Single Market, businesses importing into the UK from the European Economic Area will need to carry out due diligence

• A business importing from non-EU or EEA countries

confirming that the timber product placed on the UK market has been

• A UK producer placing timber on the market for the first time • Carrying out internal UK trade.

To help its members and industry as a whole, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has launched a due diligence toolkit to help companies importing and exporting timber and timber products better understand, conduct

As UK companies prepare for conducting due diligence for timber products imported from the EU mainland, this toolkit is aimed to also help new Operators to get on board and ensure that they have the minimum tools to deliver the requirements.

and report due diligence under the EU/UK

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FEATURE  DUE DILIGENCE

need to actively look into the sources of their timber to make their own assessments and show that they have done so.

“There is a misconception that due diligence equates to paperwork such as permits,” says TTF sustainability manager Xiao Ma. “While it is true, compared with non-tangible information, such as industry insight and supplier engagement activities, paperwork is the most presentable type of input and output, but it is not the full package of due diligence.

“Paperwork, whether permits or customs slips, are much easier to be passed around, understood by, and presented as evidence. However, it is only when supported by checks and follow up actions to which round out the reasoning by a firm that a product represents a ‘negligible’ risk conclusion, paperwork can be deemed as evidence of due diligence.

“This can be a challenge for many SMEs who often do not have the capacity of time, human capital, or technical expertise and may rely on paperwork as the ultimate evidence legally harvested to meet the UK Timber Regulations. This will be a

of their actions. To make this work, companies required to exercise due

change for many members, with Europe still supplying the majority of all

diligence will also need the support from industry stakeholders including

UK timber imports. It will be important all our members ensure they have

independent NGOs and forest monitors. This is not only about exchange

a due diligence system in place to identify areas of potential risk where

of information on risks but to support the ‘translation’ of risks into

illegal timber may enter the supply chain.

actionable and sustainable mitigation measures on the ground.

“These due diligence changes will not be onerous for members

“The toolkit serves as a guidance for conducting due diligence and aims

embracing our world leading Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) system,

to encourage companies examine their own existing procedure to ensure

and with this tool, members will find the process of understanding,

key criteria, risk factors, stakeholder information, and mitigation actions are

conducting, and reporting under RPP to be simpler, and more

not being missed during their process. It also aspires to encourage better

straightforward. All TTF members are subject to our mandatory RPP,

reporting of companies on the full range of their input and actions taken,

which helps ensure that purchasers buying from TTF members receive

beyond just paperwork. As UK companies prepare for conducting due

timber that you can trust.”

diligence for timber products imported from the EU mainland, this toolkit

Legislation to tackle illegal logging under the EU Timber Regulation has been in place since 2013 and will continue through the UK Timber

is aimed to also help new Operators to get on board and ensure that they have the minimum tools to deliver the requirements.”

Regulation. One of the ultimate objectives of these timber regulations is More at  www.ttf.co.uk/members/due-diligence-toolkit

to ensure companies take responsibility for their own actions. Business

 EUROPEAN PRESSURES MEPs recently called on the European Commission to put forward

party participation requirements. Penalties should be introduced

rules to stop ‘EU-driven global deforestation’ through mandatory due

for companies that place products on the EU market derived from

diligence for companies placing products on the EU market, saying:

commodities that endanger forests and ecosystems. All operators on

“Currently, there is no EU legislation prohibiting products that

the EU market must ensure that their products can be traced to be

contribute to the destruction of forests

able to identify their origin and ensure the

from being placed on the European market

rules are enforced.

and consumers do not know whether or

MEPs state that such an EU legal

not the products they buy contribute to

framework should also be extended to

deforestation.” The Environment, Public

include high-carbon stock and biodiversity-

Health and Food Safety Committee

rich ecosystems other than forests, such as

adopted a report in October calling on

marine and coastal ecosystems, wetlands,

the Commission to present an EU legal

peatlands or savannahs, to avoid pressure

framework to halt and reverse EU-driven

being shifted onto these landscapes. The

global deforestation.

Commission should also provide binding

MEPs say that voluntary initiatives,

definitions of what constitutes deforestation

third-party certification and labels have so

and forest degradation. This underlined

far failed to halt deforestation worldwide.

how EU trade and investment policy should

They have called for a new EU legal

include binding and enforceable sustainable

framework based on mandatory due

development chapters that fully respect

diligence, reporting, disclosure and third

international commitments.

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FEATURE  DUE DILIGENCE

Risking it all

Many precious ecosystems are neither designated as protected areas nor overseen by reputable certification. Has the time come for those at the other end of the supply chain to take a closer look at the sources of the forest products that they buy? FSC explain more.

Image © FSC Italy

W

hen Joni Mitchell penned Big Yellow Taxi in 1970,

reducing inequality within and among countries, and that legal systems

would she have imagined that the world would

develop and implement these laws in ways that are democratic, free of

seemingly have learnt so little in the 50 years that

corruption and in line with principles of human rights and social justice.

followed? Sadly, as David Attenborough’s Netflix

Those in the timber industry are likely already familiar with the

‘witness statement’ testifies, it would seem we still don’t know what

existing EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), now enshrined in UK law as

we’ve got til it’s gone. But Attenborough offers us cause for hope –

the United Kingdom Timber Regulation (UKTR). The consultation

we still have a chance.

acknowledges the existing legal requirements for timber and timber

A huge part of that chance is forests. The UK consumes significant amounts of seven commodities associated with deforestation: beef and

products but highlights that no such overarching requirements currently apply to commodities such as palm oil.

leather, cocoa, palm oil, pulp and paper, timber, rubber and soya. Earlier

FSC UK’s response suggests that the proposed legislation follow

this year DEFRA consulted on whether a new law, designed to prevent

a similar approach to the UK’s Timber and Timber Products (Placing

forests and other important natural areas from being converted illegally

on the Market) Regulations, which are applicable regardless of size of

to agricultural land, should be introduced.

business but place a greater onus on the first placer on the market. We

The consultation was designed to inform the Government’s response

have also highlighted that the role that credible, voluntary certification

to the mandatory due diligence recommended by the Global Resource

schemes can play within any Due Diligence System should be

Initiative. The Initiative, an independent taskforce, was established in

recognised. Companies already working to address these issues through

2019 to consider actions the UK could take to make international supply

existing mechanisms, such as credible voluntary certification, should

chains greener. The intent of the legislation, say DEFRA, is to ensure that

be rewarded by ensuring that compliance and reporting requirements

forest risk commodities are produced legally and sustainably.

for new legislative requirements and existing mechanisms are

This is an important goal, and one which would help maintain

complementary.

the UK’s leadership in realising the UN Sustainable Development

If forests, and by extension humans, are to survive on this planet,

Goals, as well as the commitment made by the UK and other political

we need to ensure that those commodities that pose the greatest risk

leaders participating in the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity

are responsibly sourced – this legislation could be a step in the right

in September 2020, to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. However,

direction. Timber may be the most obvious commodity affecting forests

the policy’s sole focus is on: “compliance with laws relating to the

but requiring UK importers to examine a wider gamut may discourage

protection of forests from being converted to agricultural land.” The

deforestation and conversion of forest land for other agricultural

document does not explain how sustainability or other legality issues,

commodities. What remains to be seen in this case is whether we simply

including biodiversity protection, human rights and social welfare will

accept proof of legality, and the many differing scenarios this may reflect,

be addressed by the proposed legislation, beyond the requirement to

or take a more ambitious and arguably far more effective approach, by

comply with laws relating the conversion of forests.

defining for ourselves, as the UK, how we ensure sustainability.

For this approach to promote sustainability, as defined by the internationally agreed UN Sustainable Development Goals, it requires

Find out more about the consultation and read FSC UK’s full

that laws be in line with sustainability principles, including SDG 10 on

response at  https://bit.ly/378PiBm

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FOR TIMBER THAT KEEPS OUR FORESTS STRONG, ® CHOOSE FSC Our forests give us many things, including a huge variety of timber and timber products.

FSC helps look after forests and the people and wildlife who call them home. So you can use timber, panels and other forest products while keeping our forests full of life. www.fsc-uk.org

FSC®F000231

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COVER STORY  COMBILIFT

Combilift and timber – a perfect combination Some of the first customers to recognise the benefits of Combilift’s initial product – the C4000 multi-directional forklift – were from the timber industry, and since 1998 the relationship between the Irish manufacturer of handling solutions and this sector has continued to strengthen.

A

ccording to Combilift’s CEO and co-founder Martin

maximum safety for the operator and other people nearby. This can be

McVicar, over 40% of the company’s sales are to

turned to the left or right of the truck, allowing the operator to remain

timber importers, merchants, constructors and related

in the safest possible position when working in narrow aisles – at the side

businesses, making it one of the most important

rather than at the rear, reducing the risk of the operator being crushed or

industries that relies on Combilift products for safe, space saving and

trapped between the truck and racking.

productive materials handling.

The ethos behind all of these innovative products, designed and

Whatever size of operation – large national outlets or smaller

manufactured in Monaghan, Ireland and exported to over 85 countries, is

individual traders, Combilift’s engineering and technology can make a

the ability to “do more with less” as Martin McVicar puts it. The majority of

real difference. Improvements to handling and storage procedures lead

Combilifts can replace a combination of other types of machines, making

to further advantages such as cost savings, higher levels of productivity

them versatile, multi-tasking machines. This saves on capital expenditure,

and efficiency, and enhanced health and safety.

lowers fleet running costs and maintenance overheads as well as reducing

Having started with the original C4000 truck, more models of the

the carbon footprint. The ability to work in confined spaces and narrower

C-series followed and these are now available with lift capacities from

aisles than conventional trucks also enables best use of that very valuable

2.5t to 25t. Combilift became acknowledged as the leading global

commodity – space – and can avoid the need for hiring costly additional

supplier of long load handling solutions, but its current range goes far

storage or relocation if businesses grow.

beyond this. Its Aisle Master articulated forklifts are designed for narrow aisle operation and handle pallets as well as other loads, as do the CombiCB multidirectional counterbalance design forklifts.

Straddle carriers and mobile gantries cope with extreme oversized loads or containers and last year Combilift introduced its Combi-CSS Container Slip-Sheet, which can complete a full container load cycle in under 6 minutes – a cost-effective solution that is faster and safer when handling rough sawn timber, flat-packed furniture or panel products for example.

For the last few years Combilift has also extended its range of pedestrian operated trucks which are seen as a safer alternative to rideon forklifts when circumstances allow. These naturally operate at slower speeds than ride-on forklifts, and operators have a heightened awareness of their immediate environment as well as good all-round visibility of the load and the forks. Combilift’s pedestrian trucks all feature its unique, patented multi-position tiller arm, which was designed to ensure

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COVER STORY  COMBILIFT

Combilift’s sideloader range is also a popular choice for the timber sector.

Following the introduction of the 3-wheel multi-directional sideloaders 15 years ago, the 4-wheel, two directional model now gives an extra element of choice for customers.

One long-term user of Combilift’s products is Lawsons Timber, which saw the potential of the C4000 model not long after its launch on the market. Around 35 C-Series trucks are now in operation at its 17 sites in and around London, and their ability to replace a combination of counterbalance and sideloader models is a major benefit when handling long products in tight spaces.

Group Transport Manager David Harvey explains: “Most of our branches are in built up areas such as Camden, Acton and Wandsworth, where expansion of sites is nigh on impossible – due to cost issues or the density of surrounding buildings. We can only ‘go up not out’ with our storage, so packing as much stock into any given area is crucial. Being

be precise. This makes a huge difference when dealing with the four to

able to configure aisles widths according to the depth of the Combilifts

seven artics a day that we typically load or unload. Quick stock location

and going up to racking heights of 7.5m means we can optimise space

enables us to adhere to just-in-time delivery schedules. A knock-on

and cope with growth.”

bonus is that we now only need 30 minutes for the monthly stocktake

Lawsons is also capitalising on Combilift’s expansion of its electric

compared to around two and a half hours previously.”

range. Most recent additions are two C4000Es at the Merton branch

Combilift’s sideloader range is also a popular choice for the timber

and numerous STEs (stand on models) at Whetstone and Camden.

sector. Following the introduction of the 3-wheel multi-directional

“We are keen to keep emissions as low as we can for the good of

sideloaders 15 years ago, the 4-wheel, two directional model now gives

the environment,” adds David Harvey. “Also to keep noise levels to a

an extra element of choice for customers. It is also engineered to be very

minimum for our neighbours in residential areas. These electric models

suitable for prolonged long distance travel at high speeds, eliminating any

tick the boxes on both counts. Electric power is definitely the way

concern of overheating that can be an issue in other sideloader brands.

forward for us and our drivers also like the quiet operation they offer.”

For Cumbria-based RH Wilson (Lakes) Ltd, space saving was also an

Merritt and Fryers in Skipton was one of the first companies to take delivery of this model, which replaced an old sideloader that had been in

issue, but a major priority for Ann and Rodney Dalton when they took

service for around twenty years. The versatility of the 5t capacity truck

over the business was to improve overall efficiency and stock location

enables it to be used in the relatively narrow confines between racking

procedures. The company specialises in grading timber for specific end

in the warehouse, in the sales yard as well as in the large timber import

use, whether it be redwood and hardwood for joineries making doors

area. Its tight tuning circle – “very impressive for its size,” says driver

and windows, or whitewood for pallet and packaging manufacturers.

Howard Baker – and is of great benefit for precise manoeuvring with long

Packs of products were previously block stacked and moved around with

loads around customers’ parked cars and other obstacles.

2-directional sideloaders or counterbalance trucks.

Much of the sideloader’s time is spent in the timber import section, which

“We did a detailed study of how long it was taking us to retrieve a

it accesses easily in spite of a very steep gradient from the main site. This is

specific pack and were alarmed at the figures,” says Rodney. “We were

where joists which can measure 600 x 600 x 13.8m are stored. Offloading,

spending a substantial amount of time a day moving packs around and

loading and moving these extreme loads requires a robust and powerful

needed at least two employees to do this so it really added up in terms

truck, and the single hydrostatic drive motor coupled with a JCB differential

of hours and manpower. My first thought was out with free stacking, in

axle ensures optimum performance. Howard Baker says: “The tilting carriage

with as much racking as possible and then find a manoeuvrable forklift

makes it very easy to get the forks under the packs and the full glazing on the

capable of working in tight spaces.”

front of the cab enables you to look directly down onto the load, and I also like

Since the latest C4000 has been on site the results have been

the fact that you can tilt the steering column when getting in and out.”

impressive according to Rodney: “The time saving has been enormous More at  www.combilift.com

– we are down to five minutes per pack – or four minutes 23 seconds to

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  TIMBER TRANSPORTATION

Road to rail options

The road network is the most important means of timber transport in the UK with over 90% of all timber delivered to processing plants by lorry – but a recent trial in the Scottish Highlands may be part of a change to use more rail and help reduce transport carbon emissions.

T

he volume of timber produced each year from UK

Scottish cabinet secretary for Transport, Infrastructure &

forests is forecast to rise from the current 11.5 million

Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “We have worked closely with

cubic metres to 13 million cubic metres by 2030.

the timber and rail freight industry to explore opportunities for modal

Developing a safe and efficient timber transport

shift. The trial will help to demonstrate that the movement of timber

system is therefore essential to the continued success of the forest

in Scotland by rail is possible as well as efficient and it will provide

industry. As the latest updated 2020 edition of the Timber Transport

confidence to both the timber and rail freight industries, to develop

Forum’s Code of Practice states: “Timber transport contributes a

permanent and sustainable solutions to meet market needs. This type

substantial part of our industry’s raw material costs and carbon

of collaboration can support a sustainable green economic recovery

emissions and has a major influence on the sector’s overall

from the current health crisis. It is good news for the timber and rail

competitiveness.

freight industry, for the Scottish economy and for the environment.”

“Road haulage will remain the dominant form of timber transport. Even for rail, waterway and marine modes of transport, the first leg of the journey out of the forest will normally need to be by lorry. In recent years we have removed many of the barriers to timber transport but continued investment in infrastructure and other improvements will be required.”

As a part of that investment and need for improvements – and to try and start a move away from the reliance on road transport

Timber haulage is central to the forestry lifecycle and it is now hugely important to pursue opportunities to reduce the environmental damage it can create

– 6,000 tonnes of timber were recently transported by rail in a six-week trial in the Highlands, taking around 250 lorries totalling 55,000 lorry miles away from Scotland’s roads. The Scottish Government allocated £195,000 to Victa Railfreight to carry out the trial

Neil Sime, Victa Railfreight’s Managing Director said: “Victa is

through the Scottish Strategic Rail Freight Fund and was the first time

delighted that the Scottish Government has provided substantial

timber had been moved by rail in Scotland for more than 10 years.

funding so that we could bring together rail freight and timber industry

Timber from forestry in Caithness was loaded at Georgemas

partners to enable this collaborative trial of moving timber by rail to

Junction near Halkirk and taken to Inverness, where long term plans

happen. We hope that it will lead to further movements of timber by

could see logs unloaded at a new siding at Dalcross near Inverness

rail across Scotland, providing greener solutions and reducing damage

Airport and taken to the nearby Norbord factory, to provide the raw

to sensitive rural roads.”

material for a wide range of panel products including OSB. Operated

The trains operated from Georgemas to the Inverness Millburn

by Victa Railfreight, partners included Transport Scotland, Network

Yard for onward delivery to Norbord at Dalcross and James Jones at

Rail, Hitrans and Scottish Forestry. The project took heavy duty timber

Mosstodloch. The trial was due to finish by the end of September and

lorries of the A99 and A9.

once it has been assessed, the findings will help shape future policies

Timber Trader UK Magazine

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  TIMBER TRANSPORTATION

in how timber is transported to market. Timber has been supplied from Munro Harvesting and Kelpie Woodlands with Georgemas Energy and Logistics Park providing access to the terminal.

Jamie Farquhar, national manager for Scotland for forestry at Confor, said: “This is most welcome news, particularly as rail may be the only way to get some otherwise landlocked timber to market. Confor has worked hard for many years with the Timber Transport Forum to minimise the carbon footprint and impact of timber transport on rural communities – and rail can provide another effective option to do this, and to supply timber to our wood processing industry.”

Timber haulage is central to the forestry lifecycle and it is now hugely important to pursue opportunities to reduce the environmental damage it can create. Anne

delighted to have worked closely with our rail freight industry partners

MacKenzie, senior route freight manager for Network Rail Scotland,

in supporting this co-operative venture.”

added: “We are confident that this trial will demonstrate that rail is a More at  www.transport.gov.scot

viable and environmentally sustainable way to transport timber and are

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FEATURE  FENCING & PANELS

Fencing tips and traits Timber has proved to be a particularly suitable material for a wide range of domestic and commercial fencing applications throughout the UK. Here, TRADA shares an extract from its 2019 Wood Information Sheet on timber fencing.

E

asily worked and readily available in a variety of types,

and is prone to splits (shakes), cracks (checks), knots, twisting, bowing,

shapes and sizes, timber can last longer and perform

bending etc. When machine sawn, it can also exhibit saw marks, rough

better than many alternative materials – either in its

edges (with some splintering) and minor dimensional discrepancies.

natural form or with wood preservative treatment.

Timber fencing is diverse in its use and style, and performance

However, timber has several general characteristics that contribute to its suitability as a material for fencing (Table 1):

requirements can vary considerably. Examples include:

Specifying a fence • Domestic – garden fencing, boundary fencing

There are several considerations worth taking when constructing a

• Boundary and perimeter – barriers against intruders, protecting

new or replacing an existing fence, including resistance to the elements,

hazardous areas (such as electricity pylons, power plants),

desired service life and ease of maintenance. In particular, specification

agricultural fencing for containment of livestock

may require a fence incorporating timber to comply with the relevant

• Noise barriers – motorway/road fencing, railway fencing

part(s) of BS 1722. Road noise barriers are subject to even more stringent

• Health and safety – hill top/cliff edge fencing, playground fencing.

requirements laid down by the Department of Transport.

Fencing accounts for a significant proportion of the UK’s annual softwood

Table 1: Characteristics of timber contributing to its suitability for fencing applications

consumption – approximately 14% in 2016.

British softwoods are frequently specified,

Versatility

It is an easily workable material, available in a range of sizes and lengths, readily formed into a range of product shapes and sizes.

mainly lower strength species such as pine and spruce. Often these are faster grown than imported species from northern Europe.

Strength

Hardwood species are also used – namely oak and sweet chestnut, with 30,000 green tonnes

Sustainability

Appropriate species selection, with additional protection where necessary, can withstand structural damage caused by, for example, animals or wind load.

A renewable material, timber is available in a wide variety of sustainably sourced certified species.

of UK material being used in 2016.

Timber is a natural product that does not benefit from exact dimensional or compositional consistency. It expands and

Together with the appropriate timber species selection, and relevant Durability

preservative treatment for the use and desired service life, timber can outlast and out-perform many other alternatives.

contracts due to changing climactic conditions

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  FENCING & PANELS

Design considerations Take into account the use of the fence along with the desired appearance to determine what type of fencing to choose. Types include: • Post and rail fences • Palisade, picket and pale fences • Close boarded fences • Panel fences • Lattice and trellis • Acoustic fences.

Size, Strength & Colour It is important to know the overall height, length and spacings of the fence, so that the supplier can provide the correct individual components of the structure. Guidance to the dimensions of certain components can be found in BS 1722.

BS 1722 refers to four distinct timber quality selection methods

details the requirements for timber in each fence type. Where a certain colour, style or character is required, thought should be given to the

depending on the type of fence. For commercial use, it is advisable for

appearance of the timber. This will have some impact on the timber

a structural engineer to assess the structure and the possible loads that

species that is selected.

it may experience. Apart from knots, other limiting characteristics given in BS 1722 include wane, slope of grain, checks, and splits, resin and

TRADA’s Wood Information Sheet (WIS) Timber fencing, 2019

bark pockets, pin worm and distortion. Defects such as rot, active insect

includes advice on applications, design considerations, specification,

attack and Lyctus damage are specifically excluded. BS 1722 gives

durability and preservation, erection and workmanship, inspection

some generous allowances for features and they are often technically

and maintenance.

compliant with the standard. However, it is important that specifiers To access the full WIS visit  www.trada.co.uk

and timber suppliers refer to the correct part of the standard that

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  WAREHOUSING

Optimising timber storage through smart design

It’s been a whirlwind of a year and one that has thrown up a variety of challenges to all industry sectors. As Harry Watts, Commercial Director, SEC Storage, explains – not least to those who import, store and distribute timber-related products.

W

ith the Brexit trade deadline looming and the pandemic

We analyse every minute detail of goods coming in and going out,

hitting across the globe, there have been many issues

including the weight of each stock keeping unit (SKU) to ensure both

needing to be assessed and addressed to both ride out

the location and storage method are the most appropriate. Recently we

the storm in the short term, as well as ensure stability

provided a customer with designs for specialist loads with oversized racking

and growth potential for the longer term.

taking their larger products, and these were optimised through the analysis.

Much of the short and long term future rests on the ability to

Additionally, we ran the SKU data through our aperture optimisation

hold more stock and ensure a reliable supply chain. Given the recent

software, which concluded that the client was able to compress all oversized

challenges, many timber and building merchants have been forced to use

products into one aisle, resulting in only one wide aisle with an extra deep

the situation to assess their existing storage system for capacity as well as

rack being required in the entire warehouse, thus reducing costs.

product requirements in the form of inventory management.

When optimising the space available our designs combine efficient

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) recently published a report

storage capacity with the right products to ensure all customer items

highlighting that import levels have risen (albeit down on 2019 figures)

are stored in the most appropriate area of the building using the most

which shows a positive step in returning to normal trade between the

efficient storage products such as racking and shelving. Each design must

UK and the key timber supply chains predominantly in Europe. Part of

also take into consideration the product type, as timber and panels all

the rise in imports has been the increase in DIY projects brought about

require good solid weight-bearers to ensure you minimise the timber’s

by homeworking, the furlough scheme and more than decent spring and

natural movement, and problems like bowing, cupping and twisting.

summer weather here in the UK.

One of the most common forms of timber product storage – and one

This positive rise in timber requirements then leads merchants and

we frequently use for timber merchant customers – is cantilever racking.

distributors to assess their own product range, where the demand lays,

This robust and versatile product has a multitude of benefits suited to

how those products will come through the supply chain, and ultimately,

the timber sector, being equally efficient for storing products inside

how they will be stored in the most efficient and safe way, given that

a warehouse or outside on a timber yard with an integrated cover for

wood products are ‘living’ entities that require the right environment to

product protection.

ensure quality is maintained.

With space in the UK at an all-time premium, optimising the available

So how do you arrive at the optimum storage solution? For many

footprint within a facility, both inside and outside is an obvious priority.

years now we believe that to be truly efficient, it’s all about data. At SEC,

Through careful data analysis and reconfiguration of a storage solution,

we leverage our customers’ product and operational data through our

the resulting designs can enable the business not only to benefit from

bespoke, in-depth analytics and simulation software tools, which allows

improved storage capacity and efficiency, but also to remain in the facility

us to demonstrate the benefits of our proposed design for innovative

for substantially longer than previously thought.

and modern warehouse storage solutions, utilising the most appropriate More at  www.sec-online.co.uk/storage

products for all-round operational efficiency.

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 @Timber_Media

BESPOKE STORAGE SYSTEMS DESIGN | MANUFACTURE | INSTALLATION

Timber Trader UK Magazine 2020 www.timbermedia.co.uk  @Timber_Media 33 sales@wickens.co.uk │ Autumn WWW.WICKENS.CO.UK │ +44 (0)1905 456780

FEATURE  WOOD FOR GOOD

Wood CO2ts less branches out The Wood CO2ts less campaign was launched in summer 2020 and to date has been a great success. Sarah Virgo, campaign manager at Wood for Good, explains what the next phase of the campaign will focus on.

The campaign aims to promote timber, but also to educate on timber’s positive role in combatting climate change as a low carbon, renewable building material. Thanks to the support of the timber industry bodies we can share a wealth of knowledge, from the basic through to the technical. Resources are available in every medium possible to suit everyone and their learning styles.

Resources include six timber facts that tells the whole story of timber used in construction. The facts embrace every stage of the timber journey and are backed up with evidence, including links to key policy documents and reports that support the use of timber to reduce carbon emissions.

The resources are not just for the wider construction industry, they are also available to those working in the timber sector, from forestry through to construction. As an industry, it is our responsibility to fully understand how timber contributes to a low carbon future and to keep up to date with the wider issues.

What can the timber industry do?

Sign up to the Wood for Good newsletter for insights into key

T

he timber industry has been very supportive and many

topics, interviews with industry experts and best practice examples of

companies are keen to share that they are backing the

projects using timber. On the Wood CO2ts less page there is a wealth

campaign. The campaign is also targeting the wider

of information available via our supporters including reports, technical

construction industry, aiming to reach architecture and

information, case studies and links to CPD and training.

construction professionals and policymakers. In addition to coverage

Show your support for the Wood CO2ts less campaign. Share

in target media outlets, the campaign is being shared across Twitter

the campaign with others via your website, social media and other

and LinkedIn, enabling the message to be shared further.

marketing and PR activity. The key facts, infographics and videos can be made available for you to use. Get in touch with me and we can discuss

What’s next?

how you can support the campaign.

The next phase of the campaign will focus on the key topics within the

Share the Wood CO2ts less campaign with your supply chain. Let

climate change conversation and will highlight how using wood in the design

them know that you are serious about combatting climate change and

and construction of buildings can have a positive impact. The topics are:

that by using your timber products, they too play their part in making the built environment a more sustainable place.

• Achieving UK net carbon goals

Do you have something to share that supports the Wood CO2ts

• Timber’s contribution to sustainable construction

less message? Let us know about your projects championing timber.

• The forestry story

We welcome new case studies that can be used to educate the wider

• Green recovery.

construction industry on different timber applications and the technical data captured that evidence timber’s sustainability credentials.

Each of these areas creates both challenges and opportunities

Have a conversation with your colleagues. Are you doing everything

for built environment professionals. The Wood CO2ts less campaign

you can to work as sustainably as possible? Are you communicating

will evidence how timber can help and will signpost construction

the benefits of the way you work to your customers and prospective

professionals to further technical information and support. Campaign

customers? Timber needs to be at the forefront of the climate

activity will include features and opinion pieces in publications and

challenge conversation, and we ask you to be a part of it too.

online media outlets consumed by the target audiences. Social media More at  www.woodforgood.com/co2

will continue to play a significant role in maintaining the conversation.

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 @Timber_Media

If you care about something, you have to protect it Preservation & fire retardant treatments for timber

Protection from the elements

Your partner in timber protection Call 01777 709855, email info@ptgtreatments.co.uk or visit www.ptgtreatments.co.uk

Timber Trader UK Magazine Autumn 2020 www.timbermedia.co.uk ď‚™ @Timber_Media 35

Building in wet weather? Use CaberShieldPlus and you can “fit and forget” says Cartwood UK. Sussex, and, as is all too common in the UK, the construction company was challenged with the usual rainstorms. “We had experienced extreme rainfall over the whole floor but we were really pleased it has dried without any signs of failure”, commented Peter.

So impressed was Cartwood that CaberShieldPlus will be used on all future developments and refurbishments. “We will not be using another product due to its effectiveness. Just fit and forget it!” said Peter.

CaberShieldPlus is a P5 flooring protected on both sides with a tough, waterproof coating. It is BBA approved for 60 days’ exposure to the weather when used with CaberFix D4 adhesive.

When Horsham-based construction, renovation and oak framing company Cartwood UK was ordering materials for its latest project, merchant D W Nye Ltd of Kingsfold, Horsham suggested trying Norbord’s CaberShieldPlus.

Peter Woodley, co-owner of Cartwood, certainly wasn’t disappointed with the results! “It is the first time we have used a fully waterproof system like this on our developments. We were impressed with the versatility of the product and how easy it is to use. It handles well and there are no fussy storage requirements for the sheets pre-fitting. It cut nicely with a circular saw and fitted together without issue using CaberFix D4 adhesive”, said Peter.

Samples of CaberShieldPlus and Norbord’s other construction panels, can be ordered on the website, www.norbord.co.uk. Head to the new housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all Norbord products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk.

For further information on Cartwood visit www.cartwood.uk

Cartwood used CaberShieldPlus over the entire first floor level at a property development in West

SICK Casts Wide with Versatile AS30 Array Sensor

SICK has developed a versatile, high-precision array sensor, the AS30, that is easily adapted to a multitude of machine guidance and process control tasks in manufacturing and logistics.

With a repeatability of up to 0.03mm and a wide 50mm 2D light band, the SICK AS30 delivers industry-leading performance for classic array sensing tasks such as edge guidance or conveyor control. It also detects object positions, widths, diameters, gaps and centre lines with ease. With a choice of proximity or reflector modes, the SICK AS30 can even be used to reliably detect shiny, opaque or transparent materials.

The SICK AS30 is therefore ideal, for example, for diverse duties in the timber and furniture industries, for example, edge guidance in wide belt sanding machines.

The AS30’s versatility is underpinned with plug-and-play configuration via the on-sensor full-colour TFT display or using SICK’s SOPAS engineering tool. The step-by-step wizard makes it quick and easy to select from the available sensor settings and to teach-in edges or contrast zones in just a few clicks. Easy alignment using a visible light spot,

Timber Trader UK Magazine

along with the ability to adjust the sensitivity, aid quick and accurate set up for robust process control.

The AS30 is IO-Link enabled and its digital switching outputs and external inputs can be logically linked to configure a wide variety of machine integrations, as well as facilitating condition monitoring and predictive maintenance through smart diagnostics tools.

“The new AS30 really is the best of all worlds for array sensing in a completely new design from SICK,” explains David Hannaby, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Presence Detection. “It offers the prospect not only to achieve higher-than-ever process reliability and stability, but also to reduce the number of sensor types you need to keep in your inventory, whether you are a machine builder or an end-user.

“With no fine positioning necessary due to the AS30’s wide light band, the sensor is straightforward to set up and to adjust in-situ. With IO-Link on-board, it also offers all the application integration and diagnostics capabilities you would expect from a SICK smart sensor.”

versions. With a repeatability of 0.03mm, the Prime variant can be set up with a 30mm field of view at 25mm scanning distance, or 50mm field of view at 100mm scanning distance.

The AS30 Core offers an economical option where more straightforward proximity sensing is all that is required. The Core version still achieves 0.2mm repeatability and a 45mm field of view at 100mm scanning distance. All sensors feature an easy-mounting fixture and flexible pin connector options.

For more information about the SICK AS30 Array Sensor please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. www.sick.co.uk

The SICK AS30 Prime offers full-colour TFT display, four operating modes and a choice of proximity and reflector

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Our unrivaled product choice, intelligent logistics and the ability to provide solutions to the most challenging requests shows that like Chris, we at Timber Connection take our service commitments very seriously.

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