Program Overview
Developing innovative, renewable, bio-based materials that can replace petroleum-based materials in various industries and applications to reduce carbon emissions.
Recent Research
- A UMN Biodegradation Lab is being constructed at NRRI Duluth with funding from the UMN Research and Innovation Office. This University system cutting-edge asset will advance research and evaluation of new bio-based and biodegradable materials with academic and industry partners.
- A lignin-based fertilizer coating material continues development to replace polyurethane-based coatings on slow-release fertilizers, a microplastic pollution problem. This research program was refreshed with input from a fertilizer company partner, leading to an invention disclosure for the new formulation.
- New engagement with BioMADE, a US Department of Defense-funded organization that supports the development of biomanufacturing technologies and products, to develop new bio-based materials.
Featured Research Projects
Related News
National conference and partnerships divert usable materials from landfills.
New materials meet extreme conditions to bring wood innovations into new markets.
Partnership with Natural Resources Research Institute at University of Minnesota Duluth signals commitment to innovation and sustainability and fuels product pipeline.
Partnership with Natural Resources Research Institute at University of Minnesota Duluth signals commitment to innovation and sustainability and fuels product pipeline
Two decades of researching all things wood provides variety for materials scientist
NRRI expands waste diversion efforts into comprehensive program, continues expanded partnership with Better Futures Minnesota.
NRRI tests durability of thermally modified balsam fir and Eastern hemlock to expand market opportunities.
NRRI’s early research and testing help value-added materials take hold and take off.
Chemists patent novel binder material from waste resources for a variety of applications.
Manufacturing association turns to NRRI to test trending wall-mounted cabinets.
Media Coverage
- – Featured Taconite tailings show promise as high friction surface treatment – Mesabi Tribune
- – Testing friction of road material made with taconite tailings with technology called SCRIM – WDIO
- – These Housing Industry Partnerships Pave A Path To Innovation – Forbes
- – UMD research institute 'housing a house' for Two Harbors company – Duluth News Tribune
- – Louisiana-Pacific, NRRI create a new way to partner – Business North
- – NRRI, Louisiana Pacific create onsite showroom/innovation center – Business North
- – Innovation Center Provides New Opportunities For LP Building Solutions – Fox 21 Local News
- – LP Building Solutions Announces Grand Opening of LP Innovation Center – PR Newswire
- – LP Innovation Center inside UMD’s NRRI will focus on the future of building materials – WDIO
- – Heat Treatment: Arbor Wood Hopes to become "the Kleenex of modified wood – Duluthian Magazine (page 20)
- – Duluth's Arbor Wood growing in soft Minnesota timber trade, opening Eveleth plant – Star Tribune
- – Thermally Modified Wood Market is set to Garner Staggering Revenues by 2025- TMR – Inter Press Service News Agency
- – Arbor Wood uses thermal modification for more durable products – Business North