Innovative wood products from hard-to-sell raw wood assortments

Demand for wood is stronger than ever, but the forestry sector still has hard-to-sell raw timber products, such as beech, pine and beetle-infested wood. The project explores ideas for adding value to these materials before using them for energy production. Existing and new ideas were analysed with experts (innovators) and discussed within the industry. Discussions indicated that ideas for the production of materials, such as medium density fibreboard (MDF) or products for the textile and chemical industries, are difficult to implement locally as their development would require a high level of research and funding. With the emphasis placed on feasible ideas, four main ideas were identified and explored: wood gasification; vegetable carbon; charcoal; and blue laminated timber (made from beetle-infested wood and wind-blown timber) / blue wooden façade elements / coloured products. The study showed that the feasibility of ideas must be assessed in the context of the local situation and applicable requirements. Project ideas are deemed financially viable if, for example, inexpensive land and building resources can be provided or if sufficient timber is available in-house.

Procedure

Following a kick-off workshop in August 2020, an industry survey in 2021 and interviews with experts in May 2023, a collection of ideas emerged, from which the project management selected four ideas for further consideration.

Results

These four ideas are: wood-fired power generation, biochar, barbecue charcoal and blue laminated wood / blue cladding wood. Wood-fired power generation plays a significant role in the use of renewable energies and can serve as a supplement to photovoltaics. Biochar is obtained through the pyrolysis of biomass and has the potential to reduce CO₂ levels and increase soil fertility. There is growing interest in alternative, sustainably sourced products for barbecue charcoal. Blue laminated wood / blue cladding wood has a unique appearance and is primarily used in the construction industry in concealed areas.
A business case was derived from these ideas. It focuses on a rough economic assessment of these ideas and highlights the most relevant risk factors for implementation.

Outlook

The study revealed that these ideas contribute to improved use of hard-to-sell wood and can achieve financial benefits provided certain conditions, such as access to raw materials, local conditions and market demand, are favourable. Laminated wood made from beetle-infested wood and wind-blown timber provides an eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing option for sustainable construction. The greater sorting workload creates additional costs, which can be offset through targeted marketing strategies and by highlighting the environmental benefits of using the wood for materials instead of energy.

The local production of charcoal is strongly recommended for environmental reasons. It contributes to cutting transport emissions and provides a sustainable alternative to imported charcoal, which is often linked to environmental pollution. A possible solution for addressing concerns over the efficiency and feasibility of vegetable carbon production and wood gasification may be to view these processes as a combined value chain. Financial benefits can be achieved through optimised process chains.

In summary, the use of hard-to-sell assorted wood in the Emmental and Eastern Bernese Oberland regions for value-creating options – such as the production of blue glued laminated timber made from beetle-infested wood or wind-blown timber, blue wooden façade elements or coloured products, charcoal or vegetable carbon production and wood gasification plants – can generate more revenue than selling it as wood fuel. To improve feasibility and to maximise potential additional revenue, modifications to local conditions, state support and collaboration with local actors are all essential.

The sector is advised to continue exploring these ideas to promote the economic viability and sustainability of the forestry and timber sectors in the concerned regions in the long-term.

Plus d'informations

• Lignum Bern - Wyssacademy

• Video about the project