The Australian timber supply chain is tackling recycled timber with Forest Wood Products Australia (FWPA) working on two “industry-owned” standards – which could be incorporated into the Building Code of Australia.
The two standards in question, FWPA Standard G01 Recycled Structural Timber and FWPA Standard G02 Recycled Decorative Timber, now open for public comment, focus on the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber used in structural and decorative applications and come after Wood Central reported on FWPA’s involvement in research on the durability of treated timbers.
Wood Central understands that the push to establish “industry standards” will see the FWPA take full ownership over the standards’ intellectual property, thus eliminating the need for FWPA members to purchase standards from external organisations. According to Andrew Leighton, FWPA’s CEO, “(the FWPA) is committed to addressing industry needs concerning the standards development process and is looking forward to this first round of consultation to support our industry effectively.”
The new standards will exist alongside established Australian Standards, “with the FWPA acknowledging that Standards Australia serves the industry well,” according to a media statement. Nonetheless, “the FWPA team continue to contribute to the development of Australian Standards and participate in timber and built environment committees.”
Boris Iskra, FWPA’s Codes and Standards Manager, said that the two draft standards (G01 and G02) are part of FWPA’s goal “to have future industry standards incorporated into the Building Code of Australia and to influence how timber can be utilised in the built environment.”
Wood Central understands that the FWPA’s WoodSolutions program will support work on the new industry standards – which could see a minimum of two industry standards published every year – with the standards processes guided by:
- An expert
- An industry representative panel, in addition to:
- A formal procedural process (established by the FWPA) to formalise the publication process.
To lead the development of the first two standards, the FWPA has appointed Jacqui Bates, Director of Dynamic Impact Group, to work on the G01 and G02: “This landmark project will set new benchmarks for the industry and serve as a valuable resource for all stakeholders,” she said.
About G01 and G02 and their importance for recycled timber.
Both standards will establish clear, consistent requirements to ensure the safety and quality of recycled timber products. “The standards offer a unified framework for grading recycled timber, which can help reduce variability in product quality and foster better communication between suppliers and purchasers,” the FWPA said. Both “offer valuable information for stakeholders in the recycled timber industry, (to) facilitate better communication and understanding of product specifications.”
Wood Central understands that stakeholders can participate in a six-week public comment period starting today, Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, which will run until October 15th, 2024.
The FWPA’s Industry Standards Reference Panel
In line with the FWPA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, a Standards Development Program, the FWPA’s Standard Reference Panel aims to develop enhanced building standards and codes that support the use of wood products. The inaugural members of the panel include:
- Professor Keith Crews (Chair: Advanced Timber Hub, University of Queensland – Academia) 
- Andrew Dunn (TDA-NSW – Industry Associations) 
- Craig Kay (Tilling Timber – Importers) 
- Gavin Matthew (EWPAA – Panels) 
- Tom Rickerby (Wesbeam – LVL, I-joists) 
- Peter Robson (Pentarch – Hardwood) 
- Tim Rossiter (MiTek – Frame & Truss, product users) 
- Dave Belfield (Wespine – Softwood, treated products) 
