Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Provaris raises a million dollars for R&D

Green hydrogen company Provaris Energy announced firm commitments to raise $1.0 million (before costs) via a share placement on Wednesday. According to the company, it involves about 52.6 million new fully-paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.019 each. The proceeds will go towards advancing the development pathway for compressed hydrogen storage and transport solutions and CO2 market expansion. The latter was described as “accelerating the development of large-scale LCO2 carrier concepts and related storage solutions, alongside the Yinson funded FEED program for offshore storage and injection.” Yinson is a Malaysian-headquartered owner and operator of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels worldwide. Managing Director and CEO, Martin Carolan, said, “With Yinson funding our FEED program and now the additional support of new and existing investors, we are in a strong position to accelerate and deliver on technical programs while actively pursuing new commercial opportunities in hydrogen and CO2 shipping.”

Australian emissions declined in year to March 2025

Australia “is tracking well to meet its 2030 climate pollution target”, according to the federal government, which released new emissions data on Monday showing emissions fell by 1.4 per cent or 6.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the year to March 2025. 440.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were recorded in that period, which was 28 per cent below the 2005 baseline level by which Australia’s 2030 Paris Agreement target is calculated. “Renewable energy generation continues to drive emissions in the energy sector,” according to the update and now represents over 40 per cent of all energy produced in the last financial year. Transport emissions have continued to rise post-COVID, “as the use of road diesel and domestic aviation fuel reached record levels.”

Melbourne prepares for 14th World Chambers Congress

Melbourne expects to host 1,000 delegates from 100 countries for the 14th World Chambers Congress (14WCC). It's the first time the city will host the event – co-organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and supported by the state government. According to a statement from the VCCI, the event is themed “Business, chambers, government: Partners for prosperity” and will feature more than 80 globally renowned speakers across three days of plenary sessions, panels and discussions. Ticket and other information is available here.

Furniture market research updated

The market size of the Wooden Furniture and Upholstered Seat Manufacturing industry in Australia was $4.5 billion in 2025, according to updated figures from IBISWorld. It expanded at a CAGR of 1.0 per cent between 2020 and 2025. The two leading companies are Schiavello and Greenlit Brands, in a sector including 4,161 businesses. The level of competition is described as “high and steady”, and the market is expected to grow over the next five years. “Moderate industry revenue growth will be underpinned by discretionary income growth” according to the report, which adds that “[d]iscretionary income is crucial to industry revenue as wooden furniture and upholstered furniture are non-essential purchases”.

Federal government claims progress on offshore wind

The federal government said on Wednesday that it is taking the next steps in establishing an offshore wind industry, with the offer of three preliminary feasibility licences in Western Australia's Bunbury Zone. In the southern area of the zone, Westward Wind and Bunbury Offshore Wind South have resolved an overlap between their projects. They join a third project, also owned by Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm project, in the northern area of the zone that is currently in consultation for a preliminary feasibility license. The three proposed offshore wind projects off the coast of Bunbury could generate a total of 2.5 gigawatts, enough to power around 1.7 million homes in Western Australia, according to energy minister Chris Bowen. They would also create a claimed 1,500 workers during construction and another 600 in ongoing jobs.

Feedback sought on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines are currently being updated, with digital technology and artificial intelligence currently transforming medicine manufacturing, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has said. In a statement on its website this week, the regulatory authority said a public consultation is underway on proposed revisions to the Guide to GMP for Medicinal Products, and feedback is invited from stakeholder organisations. Key updates to the guide include Revised Chapter 4: Documentation, Revised Annex 11: Computerised Systems, and New Annex 22: Artificial intelligence. The consultation closes on October 7. More information is available here.

Eco Detection gains new Strategic Advisor

Water quality monitoring company Eco Detection has announced Daniel Lambert as a new hire, joining as lead Strategic Advisor. Lambert's experience in the water sector has included working with major water utilities including Melbourne Water, Sydney Water, SA Water, Urban Utilities and Unitywater and as Arup’s Australasia Water Business Leader. His CV also includes recognition on the King’s Birthday Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia. ‘I am excited about the opportunity to join Eco Detection because they provide a game changing solution – rapid and accurate in-field measurement of critical nutrients and other elements in water.,” Lambert said in an update on Wednesday. “Continuous in-field water analysis is essential for effective water and catchment management as our cities grow.” Eco Detection is a previous Top 10 Gold award winner in this title’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign.

Picture: credit Provaris Energy