FWPA opens public consultation on new industry standards

Friday 6 Sep 2024

 
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is pleased to announce that two of its draft standards are now open for public comment. The standards, FWPA Standard G01 Recycled Structural Timber and FWPA Standard G02 Recycled Decorative Timber, focus on the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber used in structural and decorative applications.

In response to feedback from FWPA members, the organisation will take on a coordination and facilitation role in the creation and revision of industry standards. FWPA emphasises the potential of industry-developed and owned standards for increased efficiencies by addressing members’ concerns and aligning with industry business needs.

FWPA understands the broader benefits and accessibility of industry-owned standards, which can be effectively managed and maintained as intellectual property by the organisation. The work on these standards is also supported by FWPA’s WoodSolutions program.

An expert, industry representative panel and formal procedures have been established by FWPA to formalise the publication process.

FWPA has also appointed Jacqui Bates, Director of Dynamic Impact Group, to lead the development of FWPA’s inaugural Industry Standards. “This landmark project will set new benchmarks for the industry and serve as a valuable resource for all stakeholders,” said Jacqui. “I am eager to contribute to their successful publication later this year.

The aim of these draft standards is to establish clear, consistent requirements to ensure the safety and quality of recycled timber products. By providing manufacturers, suppliers, and users with definitive guidelines, these standards aim to enhance consumer and industry confidence, promote the use of recycled timber, and support environmental sustainability through material reuse.

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. FWPA Standards G01 and G02 offer valuable information for stakeholders in the recycled timber industry and facilitate better communication and understanding of product specifications.

Although these standards have served as interim guidelines for some time, this public comment period marks the formal process of review and publication for FWPA-developed standards. The 6-week public comment period for these two draft standards commences on Tuesday 3 September and closes on 15 October 2024.

This initiative represents the first time FWPA standards will undergo a structured comment and publication process, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to industry ownership and intellectual property. Industry-owned standards also provide cost savings for FWPA members by eliminating the need to purchase standards from external organisations in the future.

These FWPA Standards will exist in addition to established Australian Standards, and FWPA acknowledges that the industry is well-served by Standards Australia. The FWPA team will continue to contribute to the development of Australian Standards and participate in timber and built environment committees.

Click here for more information and to provide feedback on the two draft standards.

Full media release

Source & image credit: FWPA



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