LSIWC Researchers Present Birch Bark Valorisation Project at the REGIOSTARS 2026 Final

In October, Jānis Rižikovs, Head of the Biorefinery Laboratory, and Aigars Pāže, Leading Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), presented the project “Research into the Production and Applications of High-Specific-Surface-Area Betulin Particles from Birch Bark” at the REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 final in Brussels. The project aimed to develop a technology for obtaining multifunctional betulin microparticles from birch bark, transforming a wood-processing by-product into a high-value raw material.

Of a record 274 applications, 25 projects were selected as finalists. The LSIWC project was one of five finalists in the “A Green Europe” category.

From Birch Bark to New Industrial Opportunities

The project resulted in the development and patenting of an eco-innovative technology that enables the efficient extraction of multifunctional betulin microparticles from birch bark extractives. The technology opens up opportunities to transform birch bark –  a by-product of birch plywood production that has traditionally been used mainly as fuel –  into a high-value raw material for the food, dietary supplement, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

The project's significance lies not only in the development of a new technology, but also in the opportunity to make more efficient use of local natural resources and create greater added value from them. The project was implemented in close collaboration with the Cesis City Farm “DOKTUS”, combining scientific research with a practical perspective on the technology's potential applications.

From Scientific Ideas to Practical Solutions

Aigars Pāže, Leading Researcher at LSIWC and the project's scientific lead, emphasises that its greatest value lies in translating scientific results into practical solutions and bringing people together to achieve this goal.

“This achievement demonstrates that the value of science begins when a good idea moves beyond the laboratory and becomes useful to society and industry. Birch bark was our starting point, but the real outcome is the knowledge, technology and collaboration that continue to develop even after the project has ended. Recognition as a REGIOSTARS finalist belongs to the entire team, our partners and everyone who helped turn the idea into a practical solution and supported its development,” says Aigars Pāže.

Jānis Rižikovs, Head of LSIWC's Biorefinery Laboratory, highlights that reaching the competition final provides strong motivation to continue developing the technology.

“Our idea's journey from science to industry has become an example at the European level, demonstrating that achievements made in Latvia can inspire others beyond our national borders. Although we did not win first place this time, being among the REGIOSTARS finalists is a strong motivation to take the next step and continue developing this model on a European scale,” says Jānis Rižikovs.

LSIWC thanks everyone who voted for the project “Birch Bark – Latvia’s Green Gold”, followed its progress in the competition and supported Latvia's representatives. We also extend our thanks to the project team and partners for their contributions to the development and advancement of the technology.

Participation in the REGIOSTARS 2026 final is an important recognition of the work accomplished and demonstrates the potential of scientific ideas developed in Latvia to become practical solutions that create added value both in Latvia and across Europe.

Read more about the project: Research into the Production and Applications of High-Specific-Surface-Area Betulin Particles from Birch Bark.

About REGIOSTARS Awards

REGIOSTARS Awards is an annual European Commission competition recognising outstanding projects funded by the European Union, highlighting their contributions to regional development, innovation and improvements in people's quality of life.

More information about the competition and all the 2026 finalists is available on the European Commission's REGIOSTARS Awards website.