NXTGENWOOD is an Irish research program and network for delivery of next generation wood products and increased economic return for Irish wood products.


5

Partner Irish universities

3

SFI research centres

12 +

supporting industry partners


The NXTGENWOOD multisectoral research programme funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will address innovation in structural timbers, green adhesives and resins for bonded wood products such as plywood and MDF, extraction and synthesis of valuable biomaterials and biochemicals, and the development of wood-based composites and biopolymers.

Green Chemistry

In the green chemistry work package, NXTGENWOOD researchers are developing environmentally friendly coatings and resins which may be suitable for applications in construction, solid wood and particle-based products. This leads to the potential for replacement of harmful chemicals with environmentally friendly alternatives.

Biorefining

In the biorefining work package, researchers are extracting and purifying platform chemicals from wood and wood waste. This will lead to the potential for realising valuable chemicals and future medicines based on cascading principles.

Impact

In the impact work package, NXTGENWOOD researchers are addressing additional wood research and development funding opportunities via national, EU and industry partnerships, with a view to growing the Irish wood research, development and innovation ecosystem over time.

Health

In the health work package researchers will investigate the potential of hardwoods for applications such as animal gut health/prebiotics.

Advanced Sustainable Materials

In the advanced sustainable materials work package researchers are investigating the potential of forest derived lignin and cellulose for energy scavenging and battery applications.

Sustainability

In the sustainability work package, researchers apply Life Cycle Assessment [LCA] methodologies to activity in other work packages.


Partner Universities