Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Scaling Reclaimed Lumber Sales & Procurement Through Web and App-Based Technology

EPA Contract Number: 68HERC25C0021
Title: Scaling Reclaimed Lumber Sales & Procurement Through Web and App-Based Technology
Investigators: Tai, Nicole C
Small Business: Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply, SPC
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: December 16, 2024 through June 15, 2025
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2025) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

In 2016, Portland, Oregon became the first municipality to pass a deconstruction ordinance designed to keep building materials, including lumber, out of the waste stream, and circulating in the circular economy. Since this success, the deconstruction movement has grown with over a dozen U.S. municipalities adopting similar policies. Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply (PRLS) aims to tap into this emerging market by providing an online platform for industry players to easily buy and sell reclaimed materials, particularly lumber. Compared to the $253 billion wood products industry in the U.S., the estimated $10.5 billion reclaimed lumber industry has significant untapped potential for growth and market disruption.

The majority of this industry operates through static websites and general online marketplaces, creating a critical opportunity to improve material diversion through innovative digital solutions that integrate inventory management with specialized marketplace functionality.

PRLS developed an online marketplace for reclaimed lumber and building materials, providing buyers with centralized access and sellers with specialized platform visibility. The platform did not achieve anticipated industry growth, prompting this comprehensive research to identify existing barriers and determine reasons for market reluctance to adopt online sales channels. PRLS conducted market research through five integrated methodologies including systematic surveys, structured interviews with industry leaders, in-depth user interviews, comprehensive literature review, and comparative interviews with parallel industry developers. Initial low response rates led to strategic adjustments including an educational webinar and multi-channel outreach, resulting in 300% increased participation and engaging over 50 industry participants.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Research confirmed that the reclaimed lumber and building materials supply chain requires a comprehensive, industry-specific digital solution to address critical gaps in current software ecosystems. Research revealed operators currently juggle multiple disconnected software solutions while competing against easily-purchased new products with streamlined online purchasing, validating the need for an all-in-one solution disrupting fragmented current technologies. The proposed platform will address all of these issues, and create a highly customizable technology for the industry while interconnecting all of the steps in the process of deconstructing material to point of sale and shipping. Because many users are solo entrepreneurs, the software will be designed to help at every stage of lifecycle business, providing an affordable platform and roadmap to scaling their operations.

The platform addresses substantial commercial opportunities with over 1,800 reclaimed lumber companies, reclaimed artisans and manufacturers, and an emerging urban fell market which is expected to reach $89 million. This represents the first comprehensive digital solution designed specifically for reclaimed building materials, creating significant first-mover advantages.

Conclusions:

The technology could provide broader market benefits by including industry standardization frameworks, digital adoption research for specialized sectors, and best practices. The platform represents breakthrough digitization of a traditionally analog industry with scalable applications extending to other circular economy and sustainability sectors.