A SWOT Analysis for Utilizing Second-Use Wood as a Resource for Engineered Wood Products

A SWOT Analysis for Utilizing Second-Use Wood as a Resource for Engineered Wood Products

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/ilg088ese

Authors: Amr S. Allam, Rafaela Orenga Panizza, Azadeh Soofypour, Farzad Jalaei, Arash Hosseini Gourabpasi, Mazdak Nik-Bakht

Citation:

Allam, A.S., Orenga Panizza, R., Soofypour, A., Jalaei, F., Hosseini Gourabpasi, A., and Nik-Bakht, M. (2026). A SWOT Analysis for Utilizing Second-Use Wood as a Resource for Engineered Wood Products. Lean Construction Journal 2026 Special Issue CRC-CSCE pp 301-315 https://doi.org/10.60164/ilg088ese (Submitted 10Jan2026; Accepted 24Sep2026) www.leanconstructionjournal.org

Abstract:

Question: How can the North American lumber and engineered wood product (EWP) industries, specifically oriented strand board (OSB) production, integrate second-use wood to scale circular economy practices?

Purpose: This study is intended to explore opportunities and barriers for the integration of second-use wood into large-scale OSB production to move beyond niche reclaimed wood markets.

Research Method: A three-stage methodology was adopted: 1) business models of North American reclaimed wood manufacturers were analyzed; 2) filings of publicly traded lumber and EWP companies were reviewed; and 3) a SWOT analysis on second-use wood in OSB production was performed.

Findings: The analysis shows that OSB production is a promising avenue for circularity because the process can accommodate second-use wood with minimal modifications. While reclaimed wood currently serves niche markets, OSB is identified as offering the scale needed for significant industrial impact.

Limitations: The study is based on secondary data sources and qualitative analysis; no pilot manufacturing trials or quantitative cost–benefit assessments were conducted.

Implications: The findings indicate that transitioning second-use wood from niche applications to mainstream wood manufacturing requires coordinated improvements in material processing, quality control, and standardization, as well as closer alignment between deconstruction supply chains and industrial manufacturers.

Value for authors: A roadmap is provided for practitioners in the EWP and construction sectors regarding the integration of sustainable resources into large-scale manufacturing with minimal operational changes.

Keywords: Circular economy; Deconstruction; Oriented strand board (OSB), SWOT analysis; Lean construction; Reclaimed wood

Paper type: Full paper