Composites

The Forest Products Laboratory works to conserve and extend our Nation's forest resources. We advance healthy forests and forest-based economies through researching and promoting the efficient, sustainable use of wood.

Forest Products Laboratory - USDA Forest Service shield made from composite wood. As an integral part of the Forest Products Laboratory mission, we improve the long-term sustainability of our Nation's forests by creating valuable composite products from biobased materials. Composites encourage the use of undervalued materials and improve the economics of forest restoration projects because they can be made from a variety of materials:

• fiber,
• particles,
• or flakes from small trees,

especially those from invasive species and overgrown forests at risk of wildfire; post-industrial and post-consumer wood wastes; and other natural biofibers, such as wheat straw, corn straw, and even chicken feathers.