Timber waste could find export market as barbecue fuel

Waste from the timber industry could provide the impetus for a new export product for Europe, the United States and the Middle East.

The material, mainly jarrah waste, is being used by Nufarm Energy Pty Ltd in Collie to make barbecue fuel for the Australian and overseas markets.

Minister with special responsibility for trade, Gordon Hill, today visited the Collie plant and said the product could find a niche export market.

"Downstream processing of this sort is an excellent example of the WA Advantage in action," he said.

"This product has good export potential and uses material that might otherwise be wasted - which in itself is a benefit."

Mr Hill said Nufarm had found that when carbonised and combined with other natural substances, jarrah produced a smokeless barbecue fuel which burned evenly and provided a steady heat, ideal for cooking.

"Nufarm has done some work on the export potential of Quick Glow briquettes and believes there are worthwhile marketing opportunities in Europe and the US," he said.

"The product is said to be cleaner to use, easier to ignite and reaches cooking temperature faster than other similar fuels."