Xingang Research Institute --- Driving Innovation in China's Wood-Based Panel Industry

Overview

Established in 2019 under Shandong Xingang Enterprise Group, the Linyi Xingang Wood New Materials Science & Technology Research Institute ("Xingang Research Institute") is a market-oriented R&D institution dedicated to advancing China's wood and wood-based panel industry. With a team of more than 40 researchers and engineers, the Institute conducts R&D across the full upstream–downstream value chain of the wood industry, converts applied research into commercial products, and is building a high-level innovation platform that serves the industry nationwide and connects with partners around the world.

National Recognition & R&D Platforms

• Shandong Provincial New-Type R&D Institution (2022)
• CNAS-accredited testing laboratory — national accreditation for laboratory competence
• Designated by the National Wood and Bamboo Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance as the Professional Laboratory for Bionic Formaldehyde-Free Wood-Based Panels (2023)
• Home to the only "Dual Academician Workstation" in China's forestry engineering sector, led by Academician Li Jian's team
• Postdoctoral Research Workstation approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security
• Jointly founded the Shandong Engineering Research Center for Wood Bionics and Functionalization with Northeast Forestry University (2023)

Research Focus

The Institute concentrates on bionic, formaldehyde-free wood-based panels, bionic high-strength waterproof wood composites, ultra-thin fiberboard technology, and low-carbon green manufacturing in line with China's dual-carbon goals. Its state-of-the-art laboratory conducts rigorous physical and mechanical performance testing of panel products, ensuring that every innovation — from formaldehyde-free adhesive systems to durable, marine-grade boards — reaches the market as a safe, eco-friendly, and high-performance solution for homes worldwide.

Industry–Academia Collaboration & Talent Development

Through close cooperation with Northeast Forestry University, Nanjing Forestry University, the Chinese Academy of Forestry, and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, the Institute operates a proven "government–industry–university–research–application" model. It offers project-based, hands-on training programs, a graduate innovation practice base, and the Xingang Enterprise University, cultivating a new generation of R&D professionals who move seamlessly from laboratory to production line.

Key Achievements

• Undertaken 50+ national, provincial, and municipal research programs, including projects under China's 14th Five-Year Plan key R&D program, Shandong's Carbon Peak & Carbon Neutrality "Green Livable" major science demonstration project, and key projects of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration
• Holds 100+ patents and has contributed to the drafting and revision of 17 national standards and 9 industry standards
• Recently awarded the Shandong Provincial First Prize for Science and Technology Progress for bionic high-strength waterproof wood composite materials (jointly with Northeast Forestry University)
• Launched a series of "bionic" product lines — formaldehyde-free decorative panels, ultra-thin fiberboard, and marine-grade panels — evaluated by authoritative industry organizations as reaching an "internationally leading" level

Looking Ahead

Driven by the dual-carbon transformation of the industry, the Institute will continue to deepen industry–academia collaboration, attract top-tier research talent, and develop and commercialize critical technologies that move the wood industry toward high-end, green, and intelligent manufacturing — serving as the bridge between scientific research and industrial application.