WELCOME TO STIMBR

Our News

Methyl bromide alternative awaiting approval
Despite recent comments to the contrary, there is an alternative to methyl bromide as a biosecurity fumigant for forest products.
It is called ethanedinitrile (EDN). An application for approval was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in July 2017.
Extensive research, including commercial scale tests, has been completed by STIMBR confirming EDN is effective against the three pests most commonly found with forest products exported from New Zealand.
The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Michael Wood approved the Safe Work Instrument for EDN in December 2020.
Once EPA approval is gained, then New Zealand government authorities can work with their counterparts in China and India to gain the necessary permissions for logs and timber products treated with EDN to enter those markets

Our Vision

STIMBR (Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Incorporated) brings together New Zealand industry, government and research organisations and individuals with the aim of:

Providing a united voice in support of initiatives aimed at enhancing market access and biosecurity clearances for goods and products while reducing the release of methyl bromide into the atmosphere.

The group provides an interface between users of methyl bromide, fumigators applying treatments, government departments concerned with reducing the use of ozone depleting substances, researchers seeking alternative treatments and strategies, and other affected parties.

New Zealand's Forest Exports Industry

Forestry is a vital component of New Zealand’s economy, contributing over $4.75 billion per year in export products. The majority of forest exports are required to meet strict phytosanitary requirements to gain market access to the importing country. 

About Methyl Bromide

Methyl bromide is a highly effective fumigant gas that kills insects and other unwanted organisms. New Zealand timber products' exporters must use it to meet the biosecurity requirements of those countries importing their timber. Improperly used it’s a toxic gas that can adversely affect people’s health and the environment.

More detailed information about methyl bromide and its use in New Zealand as a phytosanitary fumigation treatment can be found here:

New Zealand and many other countries have signed up to the United Nation’s Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its accompanying Montreal Protocol that limit methyl bromide’s use. Methyl bromide contributes to damaging the planet’s protective ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol allows it to be used for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes, subject to demonstrable efforts to reduce emissions through containment and recovery.

Currently there are few viable alternative to methyl bromide for fumigation purposes. STIMBR in New Zealand is leading a significant research programme to find alternatives with a likelihood that there will be a number of solutions targeted to specific fumigation processes.

The following photos show export logs being treated.

Our Purpose

  • To act as a forum for the discussion of stakeholder interests and activities.
  • To inform government and the wider public as to the unique needs of New Zealand’s situation with regard to methyl bromide and the need for urgent action in the development of alternatives to methyl bromide, recapture technologies and other matters related to achievement of the aim of the organisation.
  • To seek funding to support our objectives.
  • To commission, coordinate, promote and publish research undertaken on alternatives to methyl bromide, recapture technologies and other initiatives to enhance the achievement of the aim of the organisation.
  • To develop and implement agreed outcomes from research activity into commercial activities used by industry.
  • To allocate and manage funds from subscriptions, levies and other contributions, to priority areas as agreed at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
  • To undertake any other activities which from time to time are seen by STIMBR to be in the interests of the organisation and achievement of our aim.

Our Priorities

  • A promising methyl bromide destruction technology. Additional funding (conditional on successful progress) will allow it to be taken to a pre-commercial stage. This will be a world first if it is successful. 
  • Identified potential alternative fumigant chemicals. Investigations have narrowed down potential alternative chemical fumigants to only two alternatives to methyl bromide and phosphine. One of these is showing promise in trials for use on kiwifruit.
  • A possible 40% reduction of methyl bromide fumigation rates. The efficacy data set, to allow new rates to be negotiated with key markets, is currently being produced. If successful this will positively impact exporters’ bottom lines and New Zealand’s international reputation.
  • Proof of concept for the Joule Heating Technology. Once developed this technology may cost efficiently provide export ready logs. The next stage of development is underway and if successful this technology will be a world first.
  • Methyl bromide recapture. An opportunity to develop a methyl bromide retrieval and re-pressurisation technology has recently been identified. If this can be scaled up to meet operational requirements it would provide a cost efficient use of the currently unaffordable existing methyl bromide recapture technology. Funding is yet to be identified.