Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is dedicated to driving industry progress, working together with members and key stakeholders to create, publish and support standards that meet the industry’s ever-changing needs.
In response to industry demand for clearer, more practical guidelines, FWPA established a dedicated Standards Development Program led by FWPA’s National Codes & Standards Manager, Boris Iskra. This initiative ensures that industry-owned standards are developed with direct input from those who use them, improving efficiency, alignment with industry needs, and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
At the heart of this collaborative effort is the Industry Standards Reference Panel (SRP), a diverse group of experts representing key industry voices. The SRP provides essential guidance and oversight, ensuring that FWPA’s standards are robust, practical, and beneficial across the supply chain.
Through strategic collaboration and sustained efforts, FWPA has laid a strong foundation and built important momentum for this critical work to advance industry standards.
In line with FWPA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, this initiative aims to develop enhanced building standards and codes that support the increased use of wood products. FWPA is committed to publishing at least two industry-owned standards per year while continuing to contribute to existing Australian Standards and collaborating with national timber and built environment committees.
Launch of FWPA Industry Standard G02 – A Milestone for Recycled Timber
FWPA is proud to announce the launch of FWPA Standard G02 – Recycled Timber: Visually Graded Decorative Products, the first national standard of its kind. This standard provides guidelines for visually grading recycled hardwood timber used in decorative applications, setting a critical framework for assessing and grading these materials.
The result of industry funded research, and developed in collaboration with industry associations, recycled timber stakeholders, and user representatives, G02 has undergone public comment, review and refinement based on practical application as part of the formal consultation process.
“The industry has long sought greater clarity around recycled timber grading to further support the use of recycled timber products in the built environment, and G02 delivers just that. We are excited to see this standard adopted and look forward to launching further industry-led standards that positively impact our industry.” Boris Iskra, National Codes & Standards Manager.
Industry Benefits of FWPA Industry Standard G02
- Quality Assurance – Establishes clear grading requirements for recycled hardwood timber.
- Compliance Verification – Helps manufacturers demonstrate adherence to industry guidelines.
- Guidance for Specifiers – Assists purchasers in making informed decisions.
- Encourages Sustainability – Promotes responsible recycling and resource conservation.
- Industry Standardisation – Creates a unified approach to recycled timber grading.
- Flexibility in Sourcing – Acknowledges the diverse origins of recycled timber.
- Facilitates Communication – Encourages better commercial transactions.
- Future Development – Lays the groundwork for formalisation as an Australian Standard.
To learn more and download the FWPA Standard G02 Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Decorative Purposes click here.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for FWPA’s Standards Development Program
Two additional industry standards are currently in development and will be released soon:
- FWPA Standard G01 – Recycled Timber: Visually Stress-Graded Recycled Timber for Structural Purposes – click here.
- Draft Standard – Design & Installation of Exterior Timber Wall Cladding – click here.
Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA, emphasised the impact of this initiative: “By taking a leadership role in standards development, we’re ensuring that the industry has access to practical, relevant, and high-quality guidelines that enhance both efficiency and sustainability. The launch of G02 is just the beginning.”
With the introduction of G02 and more standards on the way, FWPA is delivering essential tools to help the Australian forest and wood products industry future-proof their operations, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
To learn more about FWPA’s Codes and Standards program click here.
