Timber is in the box seat to evolve into one of the only industries that can deliver a fully circular economy solution.
Trees, whether grown in plantations or managed native forests, consume huge amounts of atmospheric CO2. Through photosynthesis, they store this as biogenic (sequestered) carbon (C) while releasing the valuable oxygen (O2) that we breathe. This process is enhanced by active forest management, such as thinning.
Thinning operations remove the smallest and poorest trees, allowing more dominant trees to thrive. This method accelerates tree growth, boosts biodiversity, and enhances resilience to pests, disease, fire, and climate change.
Far from being waste, the trees removed during thinning can be turned into engineered wood products (EWPs) like LVL, CLT, and GLT—these materials have a much lower carbon emission footprint than traditional building alternatives.
Managing forests actively and growing trees better and faster to manufacture high-value structural and appearance timber products that store embodied carbon for the life of that product is only part of the story.
In today’s modern forest and manufacturing process, virtually nothing goes to waste.
Forest offcuts and processing residues from forests and sawmills are used to produce thermal heat and power to manufacture and dry these valuable products.
Innovation is also leading to the creation of new bioproduct industries, as seen with Radial Timber, located in Yarram, Victoria. The company produces biochar and wood vinegar, two byproducts from its Pyrolysis energy plant.
Biochar is a remarkable soil additive that improves the health of degraded soil, increases moisture retention, and continues to store biogenic carbon for thousands of years.
Meanwhile, wood vinegar is a natural plant stimulant. Both of these bio-products create an amazing opportunity to improve soil and plant health while storing carbon at all levels of processing.
Radial Timber has established industrial operations that span from high-value plantations, timber log processing, engineered wood product manufacturing, and high-value waste utilisation, which demonstrates that this is achievable on a commercial scale and can continue sustainably for generations.
Radial Timber’s integrated circular-economy-focussed operation is fully renewable and stores biogenic carbon, which assists in global efforts to tackle climate change. Its carbon footprint is not just net zero but carbon negative.
Australian plantation and native hardwood forests are managed under strict, robust guidelines and are independently certified by Responsible Wood, PEFC or FSC. These certifications protect plants, animals, and their habitats, safeguarding the future of forests.
By supporting locally grown plantations and native timber forest management—along with companies like Radial Timber—Australian consumers not only promote local jobs and communities but also demonstrate that the country can be self-sufficient in its timber needs. This reduces the need to import timber from countries where forest management may not meet Australia’s world-class standards.
