International Partner Search

Innovation & Technology Request

A Dutch company is looking for biobased alternatives to wood for the construction of their so called “Tiny Houses”.

Country of Origin: Netherlands
Reference Number: TRNL20211115001
Publication Date: 15 November 2021

Summary

A Dutch carpentry factory is looking for alternatives for wood for the construction of so called “Tiny Houses”, such as alternative biobased materials, technologies or other circular sustainable ideas. This because of the scarcity of wood at the moment. Companies, academics or inventors are sought to provide alternative materials, solutions or technologies via a technical cooperation agreement or a license agreement.
This technology request is part of an innovation challenge.

Description

A Dutch carpentry factory is a specialist in the field of so called “Tiny Houses”. With their extensive experience, they are happy to respond to the needs of questions in the market. The company hopes to present at the next Floriade Expo in 2022 their circular “Tiny Houses” project. 



Wood is the basic construction material for these “Tiny Houses”. However, the scarcity of the wood starts to become a problem.

For instance, the current sharp rise in the prices of wood and wood products. This has everything to do with the increased demand and uncertain supply. 

Trade association Koninklijke Vereniging Van Nederlandse Houtondernemingen (VVNH) sees and foresees unprecedented market developments. The entire commodity market is currently unstable. The timber market is also affected more than average by this. The developments make it more difficult and threaten to limit the supply and drive up prices. It is not only a Dutch problem, but a global problem that is partly caused by COVID-19. The demand for biobased building materials, of which wood is by far the most important, is increasing worldwide. This increased demand and logistical problems caused by corona have led to the current situation. As a result, deliveries stagnate and prices rise.



It is for this reason that the company wants to investigate the alternative for wood for the construction of these “Tiny Houses” and is now looking for a sustainable solution such as alternative biobased materials, technologies or other ideas. Because of the current wood machines and tools the alternative has to have the structure and or characteristics of wood.

Besides the shortage of wood and other raw (building) materials, the company hopes to make the transition towards a circular economy and subsequently develop a positive business case.



The company is looking for technical and creative partners experienced in the field of biobased construction materials, sustainable alternatives for wood but also creative thinking and product development.



The basic question is: “how can the company obtain a biobased alternative to wood for the construction of their “Tiny Houses”.



The company aims for a technical cooperation agreement or a license agreement. When serving the purpose also other agreements can be envisioned. 



IMPORTANT NOTE: This technology request is part of an innovation challenge and is published on an open innovation platform from the 8th of November. Closing date will be the 13th of December.

If an organization does express interest in collaboration with this company, it will be guided through this open innovation platform and be introduced to the company’s experts. Mind that posts on this platform are not confidential. Next step is that the company will select the SMEs with whom they would like to cooperate in the development of the solution.

Expertise sought

The requested solution can be a straight forward biobased alternative for wood, a circular technique or method. But can also be a more creative and out of the box approach, such as mix of technologies and ideas.

In the first instance, expertise is sought in the field of:

•	Biobased materials for construction 

•	Carpentry

•	Biobased knowledge

•	Creative thinking 

•	Product development

But also other expertise can be considered when fits the purpose.

Stage Of Development

Available for demonstration

Requested partner

The organization is looking for technical partners, SMEs, inventors and academia for the development of a biobased alternative to wood for the construction of so called “Tiny Houses”.



The following role can be envisioned:

Working on one or more  products made of bio-based alternative of wood which can possibly be used by the company and (important) will fit on the current machines and tools for woodworking.

For example partners who have knowledge of biobased material which can be used for skeleton parts, doors, frames, but also fastening materials such as dowels. These must be materials that can be processed by the joinery.



Furthermore to jointly enter a creative process focused on: “What innovative ideas are there and which partners do we need to have to achieve this goal?”



The company is offering:

•	Facilitated test environment

•	Possible demo and exposure at the Floriade Expo 2022

•	Probability of a follow-up order, scaling up or lasting cooperation

•	Interesting network of cooperation partners and municipalities, which can also be used to spread your concept further if it is demonstrably effective.