Forest product innovation research

Focus areas

Our forest product innovation research addresses key industry challenges, including:

• developing reliable wood products and efficient wood processing technologies as demands on forest resources change globally
• continually improving wood processing technologies to use early rotation, small diameter stems to increase the productive gains from harvests in plantations and native forests.

Research projects

We focus on the following targeted product innovation research projects.

Better wood recovery, processing and performance

Our research in non-destructive wood properties analysis has provided the Australian structural softwood processing industry with an early screening system for grading timber before drying.

We've found that controlled vacuum kiln drying, coupled with predictive modelling, reduces conventional hardwood drying times significantly.

We are modelling the natural durability of plantation hardwood to determine realistic life cycle spans for wood products in service.

Engineered and high-value wood products

Processing technology research has produced much higher veneer recoveries from small-diameter hardwood stems and developed high-performance, engineered wood products.

Assessments of grade quality and mechanical properties are promising for a range of early-rotation hardwood products.

Innovative product designs

We developed a new, engineered flooring product from coconut stems and appropriate standards for processing and grading cocowood.

Designed to address Australia's critical shortage of timber power poles, we developed and patented an innovative hybrid steel-and-wood pole.

Case studies

• Enhancing wood durability: Our timber research team supports the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life with expertise in natural durability chemistry and preservative technologies.
• Collaborating with the ARC Advance Timber Hub: Our wood science and performance testing experts help develop new processing systems and improve the durability of wood products.
• Applying virtual log technology: Innovative virtual log models predict wood quality in standing southern pine, improving harvest strategies and downstream processing.