NEWS

Arclin, a leading material science company, has committed to a $500,000 contribution to Louisiana Tech University in support of the new Forest Products Innovation Center. The center is set to become a cornerstone of research and development for sustainable forest product technologies and will play a critical role in Louisiana Tech’s broader education and innovation goals.

The Forest Products Innovation Center will serve as a multidisciplinary hub where students and faculty from forestry, chemical and industrial engineering, sustainable supply chain management, and related fields will collaborate to solve some of the state’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges. The facility will focus on developing innovative solutions for capturing, producing, and utilizing renewable forest resources while strengthening the regional economy through sustainable practices.

Arclin’s donation reinforces their commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and innovation. With a long history of supporting STEM education and sustainability-focused initiatives, Arclin has positioned itself as not just a supplier of mission-critical materials but as a collaborative partner in driving positive change and helping create the next generation of leaders and innovators. The company’s investment in the Forest Products Innovation Center reflects its mission to improve lives through science and technology while ensuring a more sustainable future for the communities it serves. Executives including Matthew Pogue, president of engineered building solutions; Teong Tan, chief research officer; and Katie Hernandez, vice president of strategic initiatives, were instrumental in helping shape the partnership.

Arclin has a track record of responsible manufacturing and sustainable innovation. Two decades ago, Arclin installed a proprietary emissions-reduction system that eliminates over 95% of its facility emissions — an early and ambitious step toward environmental responsibility and accountability. That commitment continues today through strategic investments in new chemistries, environmentally conscious materials, and university-based R&D collaborations that foster discovery and access to opportunity.

“We are proud to be supporting the Forest Products Innovation Center,” said Brad Bolduc, Arclin’s president and chief executive officer. “We see it as an investment in tomorrow’s leaders, who will use the center’s resources to imagine new and innovative ways to create sustainable solutions. We are also excited to support the community and reach a broader audience with STEM education, which is core to Arclin’s values and close to our hearts.”

The new center will support Louisiana’s forestry sector, one of the state’s most vital renewable resource industries. It will also provide hands-on opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world research, equipping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and environmental leaders with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact.

“We are excited to have Arclin partner with us on this important initiative,” said Gary Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. “The Forest Products Innovation Center will be a vital resource for forestry education, research and discovery in support of Louisiana’s multibillion-dollar forest products industry. With chemistry and analytical labs, an engineered wood products lab, and a wood products testing lab, the center will advance innovative applications of wood-related products while enhancing the educational experience for students in our forestry program.”

Arclin’s financial support will also help expand access to STEM education and research, creating inclusive opportunities for underrepresented communities and opening doors for students interested in sustainable technologies and innovation. The company believes that long-term progress is achieved not only through internal development but also by empowering partners, educators, and neighbors to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable world.

The Forest Products Innovation Center is part of Tech’s mission to create stronger connections between academic disciplines, industry partners, and the global community. Through this collaboration, Louisiana Tech and Arclin are taking meaningful steps toward building a smarter, more sustainable future — one rooted in education, innovation, and shared responsibility.

About Arclin
Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, and U.K. and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com.