Impact Case Studies
Scion publishes cases studies each year that demonstrate the impact of our science and technology development.
2010: Mechanical refining of radiata pine
Close collaboration between Scion and Tasman Pulp and Paper (now Norske Skog Tasman) in the 1980s and 1990s saw the development of a new pressurised mechanical pulping operation that produced superior grades of paper and reduced operational costs by approximately $23 million per annum.
2010: Forest improvements – increasing the value of forestry in New Zealand
The application of Scion’s science in forest management practices, namely; genetic improvements and the production of new high value wood products have increased the value of forestry to New Zealand by $6.2 billion since 1980.
2010: Wood preservation
Scion’s wood preservation research underpins new legislation in New Zealand’s Building Codes, permitting annual savings of at least $12 million and streamlining timber selection for the construction industry.
2009: High visibility safety clothing
A new approach to high visibility safety clothing invented by Scion has played a vital role in reducing the number of “not seen” accidents in the forestry industry and in other high-risk workplaces.
2009: Timber drying and the Dryspec™ System
Scion has played the key role in the development of timber drying in New Zealand and has contributed to the rapid expansion of kiln drying. Timber drying contributes $890 million per annum as value-added GDP and employment of around 11,800 people.
2009: Predicting fire behaviour
Through research into fuels and fire behaviour, Scion has developed a fire behaviour toolkit that can help to reduce the $25 million per annum fire prevention costs. These cost savings are through more effective forecasting and planning.
2008: Te Aroturuki - a model for cross-cultural engagement
Scion has developed a deliberate step-by-step process designed to facilitate effective dialogue between scientists and Māori, so both parties can benefit from sharing their values. This process is being recommended and adopted by the science sector and government agencies.
2008: A-Grader, a timely innovation for New Zealand’s wood processing industry
Scion’s timber assessment tool, the A-Grader has helped the wood processing industry to meet higher standards of product quality assurance to consumers. Over 1.2 million cubic metres of timber is assessed by the A-Grader annually.
2008: Modified zeolite - a novel way to improve the water quality of lakes and other waterways
Zeolite, a volcanic mineral, was modified by Scion scientists. The transformed product acts as a binding agent that attracts phosphorus and other polluting nutrients that run into waterways. By removing excess phosphorus and other nutrients from the water it reduces the conditions that lead to unwanted algal blooms.
2008: Protecting our borders from pitch canker
Scion’s research into rapid identification of the fungal agent causing pine pitch canker had led to the detection of this potentially devastating disease. Had the disease established in New Zealand, the potential economic impact could have been around $0.5 billion.
2007: Wood durability and the leaky home
Scion has played a major role in developing rapid timber treatment testing protocols to secure timber framing market and address the leaky building syndrome. The construction industry and the Government urgently engaged Scion whose 30 years of experience in timber treatment and light timber frame construction were needed to find a solution.
2007: ATLAS forestry software solutions
Software developed at Scion is used in almost every forestry company in New Zealand. In a recent industry review, forestry companies estimated that these software have contributed an extra $80 million to their businesses over the previous five years.
2010: Mechanical refining of radiata pine
Close collaboration between Scion and Tasman Pulp and Paper (now Norske Skog Tasman) in the 1980s and 1990s saw the development of a new pressurised mechanical pulping operation that produced superior grades of paper and reduced operational costs by approximately $23 million per annum.
2010: Forest improvements – increasing the value of forestry in New Zealand
The application of Scion’s science in forest management practices, namely; genetic improvements and the production of new high value wood products have increased the value of forestry to New Zealand by $6.2 billion since 1980.
2010: Wood preservation
Scion’s wood preservation research underpins new legislation in New Zealand’s Building Codes, permitting annual savings of at least $12 million and streamlining timber selection for the construction industry.
2009: High visibility safety clothing
A new approach to high visibility safety clothing invented by Scion has played a vital role in reducing the number of “not seen” accidents in the forestry industry and in other high-risk workplaces.
2009: Timber drying and the Dryspec™ System
Scion has played the key role in the development of timber drying in New Zealand and has contributed to the rapid expansion of kiln drying. Timber drying contributes $890 million per annum as value-added GDP and employment of around 11,800 people.
2009: Predicting fire behaviour
Through research into fuels and fire behaviour, Scion has developed a fire behaviour toolkit that can help to reduce the $25 million per annum fire prevention costs. These cost savings are through more effective forecasting and planning.
2008: Te Aroturuki - a model for cross-cultural engagement
Scion has developed a deliberate step-by-step process designed to facilitate effective dialogue between scientists and Māori, so both parties can benefit from sharing their values. This process is being recommended and adopted by the science sector and government agencies.
2008: A-Grader, a timely innovation for New Zealand’s wood processing industry
Scion’s timber assessment tool, the A-Grader has helped the wood processing industry to meet higher standards of product quality assurance to consumers. Over 1.2 million cubic metres of timber is assessed by the A-Grader annually.
2008: Modified zeolite - a novel way to improve the water quality of lakes and other waterways
Zeolite, a volcanic mineral, was modified by Scion scientists. The transformed product acts as a binding agent that attracts phosphorus and other polluting nutrients that run into waterways. By removing excess phosphorus and other nutrients from the water it reduces the conditions that lead to unwanted algal blooms.
2008: Protecting our borders from pitch canker
Scion’s research into rapid identification of the fungal agent causing pine pitch canker had led to the detection of this potentially devastating disease. Had the disease established in New Zealand, the potential economic impact could have been around $0.5 billion.
2007: Wood durability and the leaky home
Scion has played a major role in developing rapid timber treatment testing protocols to secure timber framing market and address the leaky building syndrome. The construction industry and the Government urgently engaged Scion whose 30 years of experience in timber treatment and light timber frame construction were needed to find a solution.
2007: ATLAS forestry software solutions
Software developed at Scion is used in almost every forestry company in New Zealand. In a recent industry review, forestry companies estimated that these software have contributed an extra $80 million to their businesses over the previous five years.