Science and Industry Hand in Hand: LSIWC Visits Ošukalns Ltd. in Jēkabpils

To strengthen practical cooperation between science and industry, representatives of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) visited Ošukalns Ltd. in Jēkabpils – one of the leading wood processing companies in Latvia. The aim of the visit was to identify potential areas of collaboration and outline future research and development directions.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to gain detailed insight into the company’s full production cycle – from primary wood processing to advanced thermal wood modification technologies (Jartek) and finished products. The experience demonstrated how modern manufacturing integrates high-precision technologies to ensure efficient and sustainable use of wood resources.

Why is this collaboration important?

LSIWC research in the fields of bioeconomy, biomass fractionation, and by-product valorization closely aligns with the vision of Ošukalns Ltd. for sustainable and efficient production. Several strategic directions for future cooperation were identified during the discussions:

• Higher-value use of production by-products – exploring how industrial side streams can be transformed into products with greater added value through modern biorefinery approaches.
• Innovations in thermal modification technologies – improving process efficiency and developing new solutions for enhancing wood properties.
• Joint research and innovation projects – aligning with Latvia’s RIS3 strategy (“Smart Energy and Mobility”) and the objectives of the European Green Deal, creating opportunities for attracting future innovation funding.

“Meetings in an active industrial environment always provide a completely different perspective and help research ideas connect more quickly with real industry needs,” says Māris Puķe, Leading Researcher at LSIWC.

LSIWC thanks the Ošukalns team for their time, hospitality, and valuable discussions.

Photo: LSIWC representatives Juris Grīniņš, Guntis Sosins and Māris Puķe together with Ošukalns representative Aigars Nitišs at the company’s production site near the thermal wood modification chambers.