Oak Ridge National Laboratory launches CRAFT research centre for paper and packaging

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has launched the Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies (CRAFT), a national research centre to modernise the US pulp, paper and packaging industry. The centre is backed by the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office and brings together ORNL, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, universities and industry partners to pilot new manufacturing technologies.

Why this mattersA government-backed route to pilot new pulping, drying and AI-driven manufacturing technologies could lower costs and accelerate commercialisation for US paper and packaging producers.

• CRAFT is led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with funding support from the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office.
• Partners include the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.
• The centre will focus on pulping methods, chemical recovery, water removal, drying and digital manufacturing.
• CRAFT will use AI, computer modelling, automation and data analysis to help mills cut downtime and operating costs.
• The centre will pilot-test new technologies with industry partners before commercial-scale investment.
• Daniel Coughlin, a senior ORNL research and development staff member, is CRAFT's executive director.

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