Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has announced the release of FWPA Standard G01: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes, marking a significant milestone as the first national guideline specifically designed for the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber intended for structural applications.
Developed through extensive collaboration with industry, recyclers, engineers, and government, the new standard aims to support the expanded use of wood products in construction and facilitate Australia’s transition to circular construction.
By providing a clear and consistent framework, it ensures the safe and reliable use of structural recycled timber and addresses the unique characteristics of reclaimed materials — including signs of previous use such as bolt holes and notches, as well as variations in appearance and performance due to ageing.
The standard introduces nationally consistent grading criteria tailored to recycled structural timber. It encourages detailed communication between suppliers and purchasers, promotes sample inspections, and establishes a quality assurance framework to build market confidence in recycled products.
Importantly, the grades defined under this standard are unique to recycled timber and are intended to be used independently of existing standards such as AS 2082 and AS 3818 series.
Boris Iskra, National Codes & Standards Manager at FWPA, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “This standard reflects FWPA’s commitment to supporting circularity and environmental responsibility across the timber industry.
“By providing a consistent approach to grading recycled hardwood, we’re giving industry the confidence to produce recycled structural timber and specifiers’ confidence to use this material in structural applications.
“It’s a milestone in the broader effort to unlock the full potential of timber reuse in Australia.”
The launch of G01 follows the earlier introduction of FWPA Standard G02: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded Decorative Products, which provides visual grading guidance for recycled hardwood used in non-structural and decorative applications.
Both standards were developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders and include mandatory and advisory provisions to address the distinct characteristics of recycled timber.
Together, Standards G01 and G02 create a coordinated framework for the responsible reuse of hardwood timber in both structural and aesthetic contexts.
They empower industry participants to make informed decisions that reduce waste, support sustainability, and foster greater confidence in recycled timber products.
Industry leaders have welcomed the release of the new standard. Michael Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy’s Timber, stated: “This standard fills a critical gap for builders and engineers seeking to incorporate recycled hardwood in structural projects.
“It offers the clarity and confidence we need to promote more sustainable building choices.”
The FWPA’s initiative is seen as a foundational step in advancing the circular economy within Australia’s construction sector, setting new benchmarks for quality and sustainability in the use of recycled timber.