The Timber Circularity Project, led by the University of the Sunshine Coast’s National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, is dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies for the repurposing and recycling of preservative-treated timber and engineered wood products (EWPs). This initiative directly addresses the complexities associated with their disposal, transforming potential waste into valuable resources.
By converting challenges into opportunities, the national Timber Circularity Project aims to demonstrate how circular economy solutions for end-of-life timber products can play a pivotal role in Australia’s circular bioeconomy.
Commenced in 2023, the Timber Circularity Project is a three-year endeavour supported and funded by leading industry stakeholders, including: Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Wine Australia, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), Frame & Truss Manufacturing Association (FTMA), Koppers Performance Chemicals, Hexion, and Azelis.
This extensive collaboration underscores a collective commitment to advancing timber management practices and enhancing resource utilisation across sectors.
Why Is It Important?
- Reducing Landfill Waste: Provides sustainable end-of-life solutions for treated timber, minimising landfill contributions.
- Advancing Australia’s Circular Economy Goals: Supports national efforts to repurpose valuable materials.
- Enhancing Industry Sustainability: Aids sectors such as viticulture and forestry in managing resources responsibly.
- Delivering Economic & Environmental Benefits: Lowers disposal costs and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable industry.
In our efforts to lead the industry’s transition to the circular economy, FWPA has invested in this program to secure viable uses for end-of-life timber products, assisting members to grow their businesses and increase productivity and utilisation along the value chain.
Introducing the Timber Circularity Resource Map
A key outcome of the project is the Timber Circularity Resource Map, an advanced geospatial tool designed to optimise timber repurposing and find circular solutions for treated timber and EWP waste and offcuts. The map provides insights into:
- The locations, types, and volumes of unused timber resources available.
- Strategies and solutions for integrating these materials into a circular economy framework.
By utilising this tool, industries can improve resource recovery efforts, reduce waste management costs, and contribute to Australia’s 2030 circular economy objectives.
Register for the Timber Circularity Online Map Launch
Industry professionals are encouraged to explore the Timber Circularity Resource Map by attending the online launch webinar:
- Date: Thursday, February 27th
- Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM AEST (2:00 – 3:00 PM AEDT)
- Location: Online (via Microsoft Teams) – Register Here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Webinar Agenda:
- Overview of the Timber Circularity Project
- Detailed insights into the map’s capabilities and dataset
- Case study analysis illustrating its applications
- Interactive Q&A session
Strengthening Sustainable Practices Through Collaboration
The Timber Circularity Project exemplifies the power of collaborative research and industry partnerships.
Through such collaborative research initiatives, Australia’s Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), FWPA and Wine Australia demonstrate their commitment to working together to address climate change challenges and advancing sustainable practices, ensuring the long-term viability of Australia’s primary production sectors and aligning with broader efforts to transition towards a circular economy by 2030.
The project aligns with the Federal Agriculture Minister’s priorities on climate adaptation and resource management, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to responsible material use.
The project contributes to this priority by promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impacts, thereby supporting the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural and forestry industries.
