Cross Laminated Timbers—CLTs—are eco-friendly structural components similar in construction to plywood. CLT building technology uses low-grade timber and wood scraps tightly laminated together at 90-degree angles and fused with non-toxic glues to make structural components for building. Europeans have built nearly 3,000 structures using the technology which makes concrete and steel unnecessary even in large structures.
Ashville-based Sustainable Cross Laminated Technologies Group plans to manufacture and import CLTs at a new plant in Montana and another in the Southeast.
Supercharged Plywood
US Gets Eco-Friendly European ‘Cross Laminated Timbers'
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Construction - The trend of eco-friendly construction is an opportunity for businesses to explore sustainable building materials and methods.
2. Cross Laminated Timbers (clts) - The adoption of cross laminated timbers (CLTs) as a structural component presents an opportunity for companies to innovate in the timber industry and offer alternative building solutions.
3. Non-toxic Glues - The use of non-toxic glues in construction materials is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to develop eco-friendly adhesives that meet industry standards.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can leverage the trend of eco-friendly construction by incorporating sustainable materials like cross laminated timbers (CLTs) in their projects.
2. Timber Manufacturing - Timber manufacturing companies have an opportunity to adopt and produce cross laminated timbers (CLTs) as a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials.
3. Adhesive Manufacturing - The adhesive manufacturing industry can respond to the trend of non-toxic glues in construction by developing innovative, eco-friendly adhesive solutions for cross laminated timbers (CLTs) and other building materials.