Sustainable Polymer Research: LSIWC Presented Its Latest Research at GCNPM 2026

From 15 to 17 June, researchers from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) presented their latest research at the 12th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Nanotechnologies in Polymeric Materials (GCNPM 2026), held in San Sebastián, Spain.

The conference brought together researchers, scientists, and industry representatives to discuss the latest advances in green chemistry and polymer science. The scientific programme covered a wide range of topics, including bio-based polymers, polymer recycling, environmentally friendly polymerisation methods, and other solutions supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

LSIWC was represented by Uģis Cābulis, Miķelis Kirpļuks, Aiga Ivdre, and Beatrise Stūre-Šķēla, who presented the Institute's latest research in the field of bio-based polymers and other sustainable materials:

  • Miķelis Kirpļuks delivered an oral presentation entitled "Bio-based β-amino polyester vitrimer-like networks with reprocessable thermoset performance", focusing on the development of bio-based β-amino polyester vitrimer-like materials.
  • Uģis Cābulis presented a poster on the Latvian Council of Science project "Smart Active Torsion Rotor Blades with Functionally Graded Foam Core (SmarTARB)" (No. LZP-2023/1-0587), implemented in collaboration with Riga Technical University.
  • Aiga Ivdre presented a poster on the Latvian Council of Science project "Bio-based Composite Development from Fatty Acid-Based Polymer Resin Reinforced with Natural Origin Fibres (TOMPosite)" (No. LZP-2024/1-0071).
  • Beatrise Stūre-Šķēla presented a poster on the project "Chemically Recycled PU Foam Waste as New Building Blocks for New Polymer Development via Michael Addition Reaction (RecPUR)" (No. Izp-2024/1-0277).

The GCNPM conference also holds special significance for LSIWC. The Institute organised the conference when it was held in Riga in 2011 and 2019, reflecting its long-standing contribution to the international green chemistry and polymer science community.