Establishing Viable Product and Market Solutions for Hardwood Plantation Thinnings and Small Diameter Logs
Project Description
This project aims to develop opportunities for small diameter log resources in high-value markets. Thinnings from plantation hardwood estates will be prioritised along with residual peeler cores and other small diameter logs. Establishing the suitability of these resources for products such as roundwood construction elements and poles provides opportunities along the forest products supply chain. This includes providing a more supportive environment for further investment in establishing and managing forest resources for timber production. The project will closely link with professionals specialising in industrial design and building architecture to ensure product suitability within a novel construction framework. The project will build upon previous relevant research, but will extend to new resources, innovative product designs and partner with organisations keen to commercialise.
Objectives
Report 1
a) Comparison of wood quality and properties between recycled water irrigated and non-irrigated plantation hardwoods and
b) Evaluation of product options for hardwood thinnings and small logs from hardwood plantations as well as hardwood and softwood peeler cores – based on latest technical, technological and market trends and developments.
Report 2
Evaluation of the suitability of plantation hardwoods (particularly various clones from FCRC/WBW plantations) for Energy Queensland Limited power poles; for LOGGO engineered wood products; architectural/design professional roundwood prototypes in hub project 7.1 and for other applications. This will also include studies on using softwood and hardwood peeler cores for prioritised product opportunities identified in Report 1.
Report 3
Final report on project outcomes and recommendations (including discussion on commercialisation opportunities and market access).
Targeted industry focused outcomes
The research intends to benefit the whole forestry supply chain by supporting market access and commercialisation opportunities for forest round wood.
Targeted industry focused outcomes include:
- New recommended product and market options for forest thinnings, peeler cores and other roundwood – based on the latest technological, product, market development and application.
The research impact will be measured:
- Through significant advancement in the development and commercialisation of new market-ready product options for thinnings, peeler cores and other roundwood
- Via new academic and industry-relevant knowledge on the wood properties and utilisation potential of irrigated plantation hardwood and other forest resources.
Objectives/Deliverables
- Comparison of wood quality and properties between recycled water irrigated and non-irrigated plantation hardwoods.
- Evaluation of product options for hardwood thinnings and small logs from hardwood plantations as well as hardwood and softwood peeler cores – based on latest technical, technological and market trends and developments.
- A range of prototype roundwood products – that will be used to determine and demonstrate commercial suitability.
- Support market access and commercialisation opportunities for roundwood products.
Project Leader/s
Chandan Kumar
Project Leader; Partner Investigator
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Project Investigators
Chandan Kumar
Project Leader; Partner Investigator
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Rob McGavin
Project Leader; Partner Investigator
QLD Department of Primary Industries
Patrick Thornton
Partner Investigator
Loggo Pty Ltd
Peter Blair
Affiliate Investigator
Loggo
Fabiano Ximenes
Theme Leader - Transformative Benefits; Partner Investigator
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Simon Dorries
Partner Investigator
Responsible wood
Kim Baber
Project Leader; Chief Investigator
Bond University
Ben McClatchie
Partner Investigator
Wide Bay Water and Waste – A Directorate of the Fraser Coast Regional Council
Lead Project Partner Organisation
Project Partners
