Project description and overview:

3RT has developed an innovative patented technology which converts low value wood residue into a new hardwood with the same properties as 100-year-old timber, thereby providing a new sustainable source of quality wood whilst protecting native forests.

At the heart of the 3RT technology is a patented process using a water-based, formaldehyde-free “Nano-glue” that biomimics the structure of a natural tree in just hours. It does not use the traditional resins such as formaldehydes or isocyanates used in todays engineered wood products and our products are therefore 100% safe and recyclable.

The technology revolutionises the approach to timber resource management, competitiveness, and sustainability by:

• Eliminating the need to harvest old growth forest trees.
• Reducing wood processing wastage from plantations and forests by recycling low value wood waste into high value timber products.
• Providing a solution to supply shortages of high-quality hardwood and an alternate to the high carbon footprint of steel and concrete in the building

The technology leverages the latest in nanotechnology, materials science, and robotics. A small-scale prototype manufacturing line has been developed and installed in 3RT’s Adelaide innovation centre.

To respond to accelerating market demand, 3RT is embarking on a production expansion project. This project aims to build and install 3RT’s first large-scale production unit. There are two key objectives for this project; design, build and install a digital production unit, including industry 4.0 technology and develop new additives and material processing requirements for several new product applications.