Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies
Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies
The Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies (CRAFT) connects U.S. pulp, paper, and packaging manufacturers with Department of Energy national laboratory capabilities to improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen domestic manufacturing competitiveness.
Led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in partnership with the National Laboratory of the Rockies, CRAFT brings together scientific expertise, specialized facilities, and industry experience to advance manufacturing research.
Through modeling, testing, and pilot-scale demonstrations, CRAFT helps companies better understand technical performance and reduce the risks associated with adopting new processes and equipment.
What CRAFT Does
CRAFT provides a gateway to research capabilities across national laboratories, universities, and industry partners. Rather than operating as a traditional research consortium, the center develops and connects resources that companies can use to pursue their own technical and commercial priorities.
Manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and downstream customers help identify pressing industry challenges and inform research priorities and future capability development.
During its first three years, CRAFT aims to develop practical research tools, expand pilot-scale testing opportunities, establish a coordinated network of technical experts, and strengthen pathways to commercial application.
Longer-term goals include improving manufacturing energy efficiency by 10%–25% and reducing production costs by up to 17%.
CRAFT is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Office within the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. Additional partners include Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, universities, and industry organizations.
Where We Focus
CRAFT concentrates on four manufacturing technology areas:
Pulping and chemical recovery: Improve fiber yield, process efficiency, and chemical use.
Forming, dewatering, and drying: Reduce energy requirements and improve production performance.
Alternative processes and materials: Explore new fiber-processing methods and forest-based products.
Digital manufacturing: Apply sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital twins to optimize mill operations.
Work with CRAFT
Bring us your manufacturing challenge.
CRAFT welcomes pulp, paper, and packaging manufacturers, equipment suppliers, technology developers, and downstream customers.
Companies can:
Identify technical challenges and help inform research priorities.
Explore available testing facilities and specialized capabilities.
Discuss research partnerships and pathways toward commercial application.
Access to specific capabilities depends on availability and applicable agreements.
