Meet Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP)
Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) is a household name in Tasmania’s forestry sector, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible sourcing. During a recent visit to NSFP’s Mowbray facility in Tasmania, Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, had the opportunity to explore the company’s operations and discuss their approach to sustainable forestry practices with Brett Stevenson, Group Forestry Resource Manager at NSFP.
Who is Neville Smith Forest Products?
Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) is a leader in the timber industry, with a heritage spanning over 100 years. NSFP is known for producing high-quality hardwood products, all sourced from sustainably harvested regrowth and plantation forests. They were among the first in the timber industry to embrace sustainable forestry practices, achieving (and maintaining) PEFC certification for their chain of custody (as a member of Wood Connect) and sustainable forest management certification commitment to environmentally responsible harvesting.
“Our focus has always been on sustainability and innovation,” says Brett Stevenson. “We believe in using every part of the tree and finding ways to add value to the timber we harvest. This is at the core of what we do and drives us to continually improve.”
NSFP’s products are used across Australia in building, construction, and consumer sectors, known for their durability and exceptional quality. The company’s ethos revolves around respect for the environment, ensuring that every piece of timber is sourced and processed with care.
Sustainably sourced timber – As featured in Tasmanian Timber, showcasing handcrafted from the finest hardwood regrowth Tasmanian Oak by NSFP’s Abelwood Evolution Lining.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is not just a catchphrase at NSFP – it’s a guiding principle. The company sources all its timber from Responsible Wood-certified forests, which ensures that the timber is sustainably harvested, and the forests are managed in a way that promotes regeneration and biodiversity.
“NSFP’s approach to sustainability is truly impressive,” notes Matt. “They take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from how the timber is harvested to how they utilise by-products like sawdust and off-cuts. It’s a zero-waste philosophy that’s setting new standards in the industry.”
One of NSFP’s most innovative initiatives is its pellet processing facility at their Dry Mill in northern Tasmania. This facility converts waste from the milling process into high-value wood pellets for heating and cooking, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This initiative earned NSFP the EPA Sustainability Award for Tasmania in 2020.
“Our wood pellet facility is a testament to our commitment to reducing waste and maximizing the value of our resources,” says Brett. “By converting sawdust and off-cuts into pellets, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also providing a valuable product for consumers.”
Responsible Wood Certification
NSFP holds Responsible Wood certification, which assures that their timber products are sourced from sustainably managed forests. This certification is part of their long-standing commitment to responsible forestry practices, ensuring that their operations meet the highest environmental, social, and economic standards.
“Having Responsible Wood certification is essential to our business,” explains Brett. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and giving our customers confidence in the products they’re buying.”
For Matt, the certification is a clear signal that NSFP is committed to doing the right thing.
“Responsible Wood certification guarantees that NSFP’s products are sourced sustainably. It shows that they’re leading the way in responsible forestry practices, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Quality and Innovation
NSFP is recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation. The company continuously invests in research and development, finding new ways to enhance the value of their timber products. Their TimberBuild brand, for example, transforms timber shorts, traditionally a by-product of the milling process, into functional and beautiful timber panels used across Australia.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate and add value to our timber,” Brett explains. “Our TimberBuild panels are a great example of how we turn what would have been waste into a high-quality product. It’s about making the most of our resources and ensuring that nothing goes to waste.”
NSFP’s ability to combine quality with sustainability has made them a leader in the industry, providing products that not only meet the highest standards but also help protect the environment.
The Importance of Certification
Certification is increasingly important in today’s environmentally conscious marketplace. For NSFP, their Responsible Wood certifications are a key part of their business strategy, ensuring that their products meet the growing demand for sustainable materials.
“Certification is critical for us,” says Brett. “It gives us credibility in the marketplace and ensures that our customers can trust that the products they’re using are sustainably sourced.”
Visiting certified sustainable managed forests – Matt de Jongh with Brett Stevenon
Matt adds, “As sustainability becomes more central to building and construction projects, having certified products is becoming a competitive advantage. NSFP’s certification under Responsible Wood means they’re well-positioned to meet this growing demand.”
Strengthening Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of NSFP’s success. The company works closely with local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that their forestry operations are not only sustainable but also socially responsible.
“Collaboration is key to what we do,” says Brett. “We work with a range of stakeholders to ensure that our operations benefit everyone involved, from the local communities to the environment.”
For Matt, this collaborative approach is a shining example of how the forestry industry can work together to achieve shared sustainability goals.
“NSFP’s partnerships with local communities and other stakeholders are a model for how the industry can work together to create positive outcomes for people and the planet.”
The Role of Responsible Wood Certification
Responsible Wood plays a crucial role in NSFP’s forestry operations, providing a framework for sustainable forestry practices and ensuring that their products meet the highest environmental standards.
“Responsible Wood certification gives us the confidence to say that we’re doing the right thing,” says Brett. “It provides a clear set of guidelines that help us manage our forests responsibly and ensure that our products are sustainable.”
Matt de Jongh with Brett Stevenon – visiting NSFP
Matt emphasised, “Responsible Wood is about more than just certification—it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability in the forestry industry. Companies like NSFP are leading the way, showing that responsible forestry is not only possible but also profitable.”
Interested in Certification?
For businesses looking to follow in NSFP’s footsteps, certification under Responsible Wood or PEFC offers a pathway to demonstrate commitment to sustainability. With consumer demand for certified products on the rise, certification can provide a competitive edge in the marketplace.
“If you’re thinking about certification, my advice is to go for it,” says Brett. “It’s a rigorous process, but the benefits are worth it. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it also opens up new opportunities for your business.”
As Matt reflects on his visit to NSFP, he sums up his visit,
“Neville Smith Forest Products is a shining example of how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. Their commitment to responsible forestry practices, combined with their dedication to quality, sets them apart in the industry. It’s inspiring to see a company so focused on doing the right thing, both for their customers and for the environment.”
NSFP’s journey showcases the future of sustainable forestry—one where environmental stewardship, innovation, and collaboration come together to create lasting value.
