Oregon's forest products industry is diverse and includes a wide range of items. Oregon is a leading producer of softwood lumber, including Douglas-fir, hemlock and western red cedar. The state is also a top producer of plywood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
The Oregon Wood Innovation Center is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for various research and testing needs.
The Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC) is a collaborative initiative by Oregon State University's College of Forestry and the OSU Extension Service. By enhancing the competitiveness of Oregon's wood products industry, OWIC helps sustain jobs and contributes to the state's economy. The forest sector directly employed approximately 62,600 Oregonians in 2023.
OWIC is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for various research and testing needs. This includes facilities for wood fiber characterization, wood preservation, adhesives development and more.
The center provides educational resources and training to help industry professionals stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices. This includes courses on topics like wood drying and composite materials.
The center connects manufacturers with researchers to address industry challenges and develop new products. OWIC has been instrumental in driving several key innovations in the wood products industry. Here are some notable examples:
- It has developed composite panels using residues from western juniper, a species that is often considered a weed. This innovation helps utilize an underused resource and adds value to it.
- The center has conducted extensive testing of adhesives for various wood products. For instance, it helped a Southern Oregon firm improve the strength of adhesives used in laminated pine products, resulting in better performance and cost savings.
- It has explored the use of unconventional materials like gorse, a noxious weed, for creating composite panels. This research aims to find sustainable and innovative uses for materials that are typically considered waste.
- OWIC offers courses such as “How to Dry Lumber for Quality & Profit,” which provide industry professionals with the latest knowledge and techniques to improve their processes and product quality.
- The center is involved in research on nanocomposites for advanced applications like textiles, barrier films, membranes, coatings, and sensors. This cutting-edge research helps push the boundaries of what is possible with wood-based materials
OWIC engages with the public through various outreach activities, promoting awareness of the importance of sustainable forest management and the benefits of wood products. The center's research and innovation efforts support sustainable practices in the forest products industry, helping to ensure the long-term health of Oregon's forests.
Overall, OWIC plays a crucial role in supporting Oregon’s forest products industry by driving innovation, providing valuable resources and promoting sustainable practices.
