Scion is a Crown Research Institute with a shared vision of developing sustainable biomaterials for future generations.
Formerly known as Forest Research, Scion is focused on applying a deep knowledge of plantation forestry, wood and fibre to the development of new biomaterials from renewable plant resources.
In 2003, the organisation launched a "Biomaterial Futures" strategy in response to a growing global demand for materials that can be used as an alternative to synthetic products. Scion is now focused on creating plant-based biomaterials and new manufacturing processes as a basis for sustaining the consumer markets of the future.
Scion continues to provide research and development services to the forestry sector through Ensis, a collaboration between Scion and Australia's CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products. Ensis has enabled the formation of large expert teams capable of tackling complex problems at a scale that will help the sector to remain globally competitive.
 Download the Scion brochure [1.8 Mb PDF]
Our major research areas
Commercial forestry R&D: Supporting the forestry, wood and fibre industries to improve the value of their products
Biomaterials research: The fundamental science to underpin new biomaterial development is delivered through three interconnected units: Cellwall Biotechnology Centre; Biomaterials Engineering; and the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology.
Sustainable consumer products: A new entity of Scion which aims to create sustainable product solutions for end-users in selected consumer markets.
Other activities
ATLAS Technology - Software development for forestry supply chain management and logistics
COHFE - Centre for Human Factors and Ergonomics
Veritec - Laboratory testing services for soil, foliage, wastewater and wood
Scion at a glance
Registered Name: New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited
Registered Office: 49 Sala Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Business: Delivery of research, technology and service solutions to the forestry sector and manufacturers of biomaterials
Founded: 1947, as part of the New Zealand Forest Service
Current Status: A Crown Research Institute (since 1992)
Chief Executive: Dr Tom Richardson
Marketing and Communications Manager: Mrs Jacky James
Staff: approx. 380
All Scion staff can be contacted by email using the following format: firstname.lastname@scionresearch.com.
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