Australia’s Vision for Forest Products Innovation

Citing other countries with world-leading forest industry research institutes that are delivering breakthrough discoveries right now, The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) and the University of Tasmania are calling on the Australian Federal Government to invest $100 million (A$) over the next 4-years, with matching funds coming from the industry to correct Australia’s research shortfall. To that end, both parties announced, today (6-21-21), that they will launch an ambitious vision for forest products innovation, which would position Australia as a leader in sustainable, low-emission industries.

In a policy proposal to be launched by the Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Jonathon Duniam, AFPA and the University have partnered to call for Federal Government support to establish a world-scale forest industries research and development powerhouse — the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NFPI). The industry co-funded NIFPI would be headquartered at the University’s Newnham campus in Launceston and work with research networks around Australia to spearhead the development of clean, green and renewable wood-based products of the future.

AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton said that as the world moves towards a lower emissions future, renewable timber and wood fiber industries were uniquely placed to lead the way in replacing fossil fuel-based products such as plastics, chemicals and carbon-intensive building materials. “Global demand for wood fiber is forecast to triple over the next 30 years as Australia and the world commit to achieving net zero emissions. This will require technology-driven solutions that will open up new opportunities for our renewable forest industries”.