The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry Well Represented at International Conference in Finland

From June 2 to 4, the 21st International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries (RRB2025) took place in Turku, Finland, bringing together around 300 participants from more than 30 countries. The event was organized by Åbo Akademi University, with the main theme “Moving Beyond Carbon Neutral.”

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) was well represented at the conference, with eight researchers participating and presenting a wide range of studies covering biotechnology, lignocellulosic processing, filtration materials, and bioactive compounds.

Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis, Scientific Director of LSIWC and Head of the Polymer Laboratory, served as a member of the Scientific Committee and chaired the thematic session “Carbon Capture and Utilization.”

Research presentations by LSIWC researchers included:

• Chitosan and suberinic acids coating interaction improves paper hydrophobic properties. Ulla Milbreta, L. Andze, J. Rizikovs, I. Filipova
• Preliminary study of biomass residue leaching from natural fibre-based materials. Kristine Meile, I. Irbe, M. Kampuss, L. Andze
• Heavy metal sorption potential of hemp fiber chitosan filter materials. Laura Andze, U. Milbreta, O. Bikovens, I. Filipova
• Microbial cultivation in polymer vessels: Examples of stirred and static systems for the production of biostimulants and biocontrol agents used in agriculture and forestry. Oskars Grigs, O. Kurpnieks, I. Sutris
• Innovation in forest management and value chain for Latvia's growth: New forest services, products and technologies. Ugis Cabulis, J. Rizikovs, E. Didrihsone, R. Matisons, U. Spulle
• The hydrophilic pine bark extractives as a renewable precursor for synthesis of bio-polyols by ‘green’ oxypropylation method. Matiss Pals, A. Vjalikova, O. Bikoven, L. Jashina, A. Arshanitsa
• Use of various ‘green’ solvents for the isolation of extracts containing biologically active catechol   moieties from the bark of economically utilised trees.  Maris Lauberts, M. Pals, J. Ponomarenko, K. Radovska
• Changes in the composition of forestry waste-water extracts from different tree barks depending on  extraction conditions. Ksenia Radovska, M. Lauberts, M. Pals, J. Ponomarenko

The conference is one of the most important platforms for discussing the use of renewable resources in the bioeconomy, advancements in biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry solutions. It brings together perspectives from academia, industry, and policy, fostering opportunities for international collaboration.