A critical analysis of using fibre-managed Eucalyptus globulus for engineered wood products

Abstract

This paper provides an assessment of the suitability of Eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus) plantations originally established for woodchip and pulp production (i.e., fibre‑managed), as a resource for manufacturing engineered wood products (EWPs), particularly laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (GLT), within the Australian and international contexts. It first outlines the current wood products market and the potential role of fibre‑managed E. globulus within it. The discussion then examines methods, opportunities, and technical challenges associated with utilising this resource to meet present and future market demands. The paper finally identifies research priorities required to enable broader and more effective use of E. globulus in EWPs. Evidence from Europe and Australia demonstrates the capacity to produce sawn timber and veneers with high mechanical performance, and to manufacture GLT and LVL from fibre‑managed E. globulus with structural properties comparable to, or exceeding, widely adopted commercial alternatives. For GLT, however, adhesive systems and finger‑jointing techniques require further optimisation, particularly for higher‑density boards. For LVL production, spindleless lathe technology has proven effective for rotary peeling small logs into veneers, with recovery up to six times higher than if the logs were converted into sawn timber products. Recent investigations using 15‑ to 19‑year‑old fibre‑managed E. globulus from Victoria, Australia, proved that high‑grade LVL with high stiffness (characteristic modulus of elasticity up to 20,000 MPa) and high strength (characteristic edge bending strength up to 120 MPa), meeting the requirements for future market demands, can be manufactured. To attract scale investment in GLT and LVL production from fibre‑managed E. globulus, further work on tree selection, processing and manufacturing optimisation, leading to large‑scale commercial trials, and addressing business environment barriers will be needed. Fibre‑managed E. globulus plantations in Australia and internationally represent a strategically important yet underutilised forest resource capable of helping meet rising global demand for structural wood products.