The Global Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Industry: A Systematic Review and a Sectoral Survey of Its Main Developers

Abstract

Recently, both authors led a comprehensive review to discuss cross-laminated timber (CLT) as an engineered wood product, addressing the information and discussion on this building input in terms of the main details, materials, production forms, performances, codes, sustainability, applications, and perspectives for residential uses. The current scenario of CLT developers was raised in that previous paper as one of the missing factors in the available literature, and was the reason why this gap became the main goal of the present study. A global perspective was driven to provide information and discussion to every possible stakeholder. A systematic review on this sector was carried out, through the Web of Science and Scopus databases, to collect information and confirm this gap, using a representative method. CLT manufacturers were identified by their own websites, using a blended strategy formed by the systematic review results combined with the search for these companies using the Google search engine. Nearly a hundred CLT developers were identified and analyzed, in a representative sampling process. Results demonstrated that the CLT industry has manufacturing plants on the five habitable continents, which evinced a global commercial interest in this timber forest product. Despite the global presence of this mass timber product, most producers are concentrated in the northern hemisphere, despite being willing to serve international markets.

Views of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Manufacturer Representatives around the World on CLT Practices and Its Future Outlook

“…Manufacturers acknowledged the environmental benefits of CLT but also revealed a limited understanding and expertise when it comes to its practical implementations. This knowledge gap among manufacturers regarding CLT is further underscored by the research conducted by De Araujo and Christoforo [86], who reported that many CLT manufacturers are predominantly concentrated in North America and Europe. Despite their presence in these regions, there is a notable discrepancy in their advocacy for the environmental advantages of CLT.…”

“…The interview questions were meticulously crafted through a comprehensive approach, drawing upon a synthesis of similar studies such as [86], an exhaustive exploration of the CLT industry, insights gleaned from additional research endeavors focused on wood construction, invaluable advice from industry experts, and in-depth discussions with authors possessing a profound understanding of both the current landscape of the wood construction market and the intricate nuances of the wood research field. This multifaceted methodology ensured that the interview questions were not only informed by the existing literature and empirical evidence but also enriched by the nuanced perspectives and expertise of key stakeholders in the CLT industry and the broader realm of wood-related research.…”

“…Among the prominent research on the CLT industry, De Araujo and Christoforo [86] conducted a systematic literature analysis and a sectoral investigation of its major players. It was reported that the number of CLT manufacturers in North America and Europe is limited, and these manufacturers have been found to inadequately promote the environmental advantages of CLT.…”

Insights from Finnish Experts on the Construction Practices and Future Prospects of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

“…The formulation of interview questions involved a thorough and systematic approach, incorporating elements from various sources. This included integrating findings from analogous studies, e.g., [56], conducting a comprehensive investigation into the CLT industry, extracting insights from additional research efforts centered on wood construction, seeking valuable input from industry experts, and engaging in extensive discussions with authors who possess a deep understanding of both the present state of the wood construction market and the intricate details of wood-related research. This diverse methodology guaranteed that the interview queries were not solely based on pre-existing literature and empirical data but were also enhanced by the nuanced viewpoints and expertise of significant stakeholders in both the CLT industry and the broader domain of woodrelated research.…”

“…Key findings included (a) a predominant emphasis on insufficient knowledge and experience among construction professionals; (b) a clear recognition of the necessity for heightened expertise and training in the domain of CLT; and (c) the acknowledgment of CLT as a favorable choice in endeavors aimed at addressing climate change. De Araujo and Christoforo [56] executed a literature review and a sectoral inquiry of its main actors. They found that (1) there are a few CLT manufacturers limited to North America and Europe; (2) these producers do not adequately promote the ecological advantages of CLT and focus only on their local market.…”