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PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5063
Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 6708
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Rivonia 2128

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Latest News & Features

South African Forestry Sector Makes Chainsaw Training Safer With Virtual Reality

JOHANNESBURG, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 ‒ In a world first, trainee chainsaw operators will soon be able to use a virtual reality (VR) application to test their theoretical knowledge and hone their skill in a simulated timber plantation.

Developed by Forestry South Africa (FSA), the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M Seta) and industry partners, this solution trains chainsaw operators in a safe, simulated environment before they test their skills in this high-risk activity in timber plantations.

While the number of chainsaw operators employed in large commercial plantations has declined in recent years, the opposite is true in small-scale and community forestry, where suitably trained chainsaw operators need to be equipped with this scarce and critical skill.

Although forestry has used simulators over the past decade, their use in the training of chainsaw operators is an innovative development.

Mobile, cost-effective, learner-adaptable and injury-free

The cost of practical training has risen substantially. The sector sought a solution that would not only provide a cost-effective coaching medium with minimal risk, but a means whereby trainee operators could gain a feel for their equipment before taking their first steps into the field or forest.

Safety concerns have proved to be a limiting factor in the training of chainsaw operators. Other constraints include unwieldy class sizes and a limited number of trees available for practical instruction.

“Besides the obvious benefits that our industry stands to gain from this project, VR is the future of skills development and training. It transports learners into the environment for which they are being trained, promotes interactivity and improves the retention of information through experience,” says FSA business development director Norman Dlamini.

“I am holding the very first chainsaw in the world that has been wired with sensors and can transport a learner into a virtual timber plantation,” says Dlamini in a video developed to promote and demonstrate the application.

The solution is remarkably simple to operate and offers significant value for money. All that is needed is a dedicated computer, a VR headset, a specially adapted chainsaw with sensors and a customised mobile gazebo. The total cost of the hardware to run the app is approximately R35 000, while the software is available free of charge to FSA members.

Project partners

The project has been substantially funded by the FP&M Seta. “It uses fourth industrial revolution technology to improve the quality of instruction. Excited by FSA’s proposal, FP&M Seta contributed to this initiative,” says FP&M Seta CEO Felleng Yende, who too believes that VR is the future of training and skills development.

FSA executive director Michael Peter explains that capacity building and development are vital to the sustainability of the industry and its future growth. “Our membership includes not only the country’s 11 major corporate forestry companies but 1 300 medium-scale plantation owners and around 20 000 small-scale operators. This development will benefit them by enhancing the quality of operator training,” he says.

Some FSA members have already committed to testing the technology at their in-house training departments and will be giving constant feedback to the development team to refine the design of the product prior to commercialisation.

Where to next?

According to Peter, the app will meet the need for better quality and safer training in the industry while standardising the level of training and assessment of trainees across the country.

Initial demonstrations have been well-received by the industry, with a Version 2.0 already in the making. “During consultation with user groups, we identified two important improvements to enhance the next generation of VR chainsaw training aids,” adds Dlamini.

These will incorporate the use of a wireless module to eliminate cables that interfere with the movement of the learner operator as well as VR gloves to improve haptic feedback from the chainsaw during operation. This will add realism to the experience, enabling trainees to sense vibrations and resistance as the chainsaw engages with the virtual tree or timber.

Learning from this development, FSA is investigating other VR-based training applications for similarly hazardous operations. One of these is firefighting. “Fire knows no sectorial borders, so we would seek multi-sector collaboration,” says Dlamini.

VR Application - Goggles
VR Application - Screenshot 001
VR Application - Screenshot 002
VR Application in use

Forestry New infographic for Arbor Month Call for research proposals from South African institutions, brand owners, retailers and interested parties
International-Day-of-Forests
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Happy Unicorn Day 🦄. This day was created to ce Happy Unicorn Day 🦄. This day was created to celebrate these mythical and majestic creatures and help adults remember how much more fun life can be when we let a little magic in sometimes. 

#unicorn #unicornday #origami #thepaperstory #paper
#WorldHealthDay is a time for us to give thanks fo #WorldHealthDay is a time for us to give thanks for our health, while also paying tribute to the millions of health workers around the globe. Thank you for your service.

#thepaperstory #health #hygiene #healthcareworker #healthcare #southafrica
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou

#mayangelou #hope #change #easter #paper
#paper

Photo by @devinlesterstudios
Beverage cartons are recyclable! A special pulping Beverage cartons are recyclable! A special pulping process is used to separate the paper fibres from the plastic and foil layers.

#recycle #recycleyourcartons #juice #milk #recycling #packaging #thepaperstory #paper #paperrecycling 
#renewable #sustainable

Pic by @devinlesterstudios
Weekend plans? We hope it involves lots of downtim Weekend plans? We hope it involves lots of downtime! 💛

#paper #selfcare #thepaperstory #books #booklove #autumn #unplug  #readingtime  #slowdown #escape #southafrica 

Pic @[17841409080079263:@devinlesterstudios]
Captain Infinity takes his energy from sustainably Captain Infinity takes his energy from sustainably grown trees that soak up that extra evil carbon dioxide that is causing global warming. 

Ts&cs Apply. 

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #paperpackaging #sustainablepackaging
Levi’s have chosen paperboard liquid cartons to Levi’s have chosen paperboard liquid cartons to promote their good water journey because they are 100% recyclable in South Africa and 73% renewable. 

👖 You can enjoy a free eco-friendly boxed water in-store and learn about their Water<Less™ wins. 

👖 Available at the following @Levis_southafrica stores from 16 March: Canal Walk; Cavendish; Clearwater; Eastgate; Gateway; Mall of Africa; Menlyn; Sandton; Tyger Valley and the V&A Waterfront. While stocks last. 
 
#worldwaterday💧 #worldwaterday #cartons #recycle #sustainablefashion #sustainablepackaging #paperpackaging #water
Are you worried about wood and paper products caus Are you worried about wood and paper products causing deforestation? Well, be assured that trees in commercial forestry are much like any other crop – specific species are planted, harvested and replanted in sustainable rotation, so that there are always trees at various stages of growth and maturity, ready to harvest for generations to come. The sector is even responsible for maintaining and protecting some of South Africa’s indigenous forests.

#IntlForestDay #intlforestday2021 #renewable #renewability #restoringforests #trees #forestrylife #forests 

Credit: Sappi
This #internationaldayofforests, look up. Whether This #internationaldayofforests, look up. Whether you find yourself in an indigenous forest or a timber plantation, thank these giants for everything they do. They give us oxygen, store carbon and cool our planet. Farmed trees provide us with everyday products. By replanting harvested trees, wood and paper are renewable, enriching our lives, making our jobs easier and our world more sustainable.

#trees #wood #forestry #intlforestday2021 #forestrestoration #renewable #sustainable
Who remembers learning about photosynthesis 🌞 i Who remembers learning about photosynthesis 🌞 in primary school? 

Just like other plants, trees absorb carbon dioxide. The entire wood and wood products cycle stores carbon. While they’re growing, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They’re so efficient at this that about half the dry weight of wood is carbon. And that carbon stays locked up in the wood – even when it’s turned into construction materials, furniture or even paper.

#intlforestday #intlforestday2021 #forests #forestry #carbon #climatechange #sustainability #trees 

Photo credit: Mondi
Did you know that only 70% of forestry-owned land Did you know that only 70% of forestry-owned land is managed for production? 

South African forestry companies leave a large proportion in its natural state, helping to form ecological networks of wetlands, grasslands and indigenous flora throughout the forestry landscape, providing habitat for countless animal, bird and fish species.

It's what makes our sector remarkable. 

Renewable. Recyclable. Remarkable

#IntlForestDay #forestry #forestryexplained #forests #sustainableforestry #paper #thepaperstory

Photo credit: Mondi South Africa
By separating your paper recyclables from your was By separating your paper recyclables from your waste, you can ensure that they get a second life - a cardboard box, an egg box, or even toilet paper. 

#globalrecyclingday #globalrecyclingday2021 #paper #paperrecycling #sustainablity #cardboardbox 

Photo by @devinlesterstudios
Did you know that all of these paper products are Did you know that all of these paper products are recyclable in South Africa? Which of these are you not recycling at the moment? 

#globalrecyclingday #globalrecyclingday2021 #paperrecycling #recycle #paperpackaging #sustainableliving #waste #wastestopswithme
It's Global Recycling Day today, 18 March. Do you It's Global Recycling Day today, 18 March. Do you recycle? If you do, comment with a ♻️, and maybe tag a friend who you think should be recycling. 

If you don't and need help, check out recyclepaper.co.za or drop us a question in the comments section.
Meet our planet-saving Super Carton friends! Learn Meet our planet-saving Super Carton friends! Learn more about Captain Infinity, Dr Renewable and Super Transformer, answer an easy question and stand in line to win one of 10 cash prizes worth R1 000! 
{Link in bio}

Ts&cs Apply. 

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #paper #packaging
Today, in partnership with Fibre Circle, we launch Today, in partnership with Fibre Circle, we launched the Super Cartons campaign to raise awareness that food and beverage cartons are recyclable in South Africa. {Link in bio}

#supercartons #recycleyourcartons #thepaperstory #sustainability #packaging #recyclablepackaging #paper #paperboard #paperrecycling
Here's to women around the world, wherever you are Here's to women around the world, wherever you are and whatever you do. You're awesome. #InternationalWomensDay
It’s official. You’ve inspired us, inspired ot It’s official. You’ve inspired us, inspired others, and shared  positivity with our fellow South Africans. Thank you, your contributions have been truly inspirational!

We have selected a winner. If you entered our #2021PositivityChallenge, check your inbox! You could just be the lucky winner.
Did you feel the chill in the air this morning? Did you feel the chill in the air this morning? 

Well, March 1 typically signifies the start of Autumn in South Africa, and other southern hemisphere countries. Take time to admire and observe the changing colours around you.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Jim Bishop

#autumn
3 days to go! You have three days left to share y 3 days to go!

You have three days left to share your inspiring, positive and action provoking vision board with us. 

Don't forget to follow these steps to be included in our selection process for a winner:
1. Follow us and @epsonsouthafrica.
2. Post a photo of your vision board comprising print and paper items, and tag us and @epsonsouthafrica.
3. Share it to your stories and tag us. 
4. Share your vision board with an accountability partner by tagging them.

T&Cs apply: http://ow.ly/7qkj50DyK5s

#In2021 #Inspired #paper #print #inspiredtoprint #visionboard #goals #colour #getcreative #PaperAndPrint #EpsonPrinter #thepaperstory #PositivityChallenge #2021PositivityChallenge #paper
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