A groundbreaking national research project, backed by the Federal Government, has delivered a major manufacturing breakthrough, unlocking opportunities to create domestic value for hardwood plantation bluegum timber, laying the foundations for a new regional engineered wood products (EWP) market.
The Splinters to Structures project, a three-year-long research and commercialisation initiative supported by the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program, delivered in partnership with the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has resulted in the delivery of a major feasibility toward building new manufacturing capability in the Green Triangle region.
The project successfully delivered a high-strength Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) from plantation-grown blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) – achieving Australian-standard certification at GL18 and GL21 levels and above – strength ratings comparable to steel. The study also showcased the viability of utilising bluegum exclusively, or a bluegum and softwood (Pinus Radiata) resource, in a hybrid Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) product, also for structural use.
“This is a breakthrough moment for the Green Triangle’s forest industries, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation. These new plantation-based prototypes are not only strong and sustainable, but they also provide a new domestic supply chain pathway, delivering new regional industry opportunities,” GTFIH chair Cam MacDonald said.
“With the closure of native hardwood harvesting in several states, the ability to produce certified, high-strength engineered timber from local plantation resources is essential for Australia’s construction needs.”
The multi-phase project involved converting over 180 plantation logs, grown in the Green Triangle, into engineered product prototypes. Extensive testing confirmed blue gum sawn boards and peeled veneers exhibited exceptional structural performance, with high stiffness and load-bearing capacity ideal for use in internal framing, floor systems, and prefabricated applications.
Key research outcomes included:
- Australian-first certification of GL18+ GLT from 100% plantation grown bluegum hardwood.
- Commercial viability proven with GLT real-world installations in homes and commercial buildings nationwide.
- Demonstrating the capability to produce a bluegum or hybrid LVL EWP reducing reliance on imported high strength timber products.
- Foundation laid for a new regional manufacturing industry, with a Victorian Government–backed feasibility study to support a pathway for establishment of a Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub in the Glenelg Shire.
Australia currently imports more than half of its LVL and high-grade GLT requirements. The Splinters to Structures program not only demonstrated local capability but also proved the potential to build export-ready products for international markets like Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton said the project was a powerful example of what’s possible when government and industry come together to invest in applied research, “delivering real-world impact”.
“By aligning national priorities with industry need, the project delivered not just a technical breakthrough, but a scalable pathway to strengthen Australia’s engineered wood manufacturing capability and support the transition to more sustainable construction materials produced locally in the Green Triangle, Mr Leighton said.”
The Splinters to Structures research was delivered by IndustryEdge, supported by project partners WTIBeams, Whiteheads Timber Sales, Australian Bluegum Plantations, OneFortyOne, Timber Training Creswick and the Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries Salisbury Research Facility.