News

On April 15, a representative of the company “Niedrāji MR,” Kristaps Pete, visited the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. During the visit, he met with our researchers Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs, Dr. sc. ing. Māris Puķe, Dr. sc. ing. Prans Brazdausks un Dr. sc. ing. Juris Grīniņš to discuss opportunities for wood biorefining and its application in the company’s production processes. We are pleased to collaborate with industry representatives to jointly develop innovative, knowledge-based solutions! SIA “Niedrāji MR” is one of the largest forestry companies in the Kurzeme region...

The innovative work of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on developing bone implants from wood has now gained attention beyond Latvia. Following reports by Latvijas Radio and LTV’s “Rīta Panorāma”, the research was featured on Poland’s public broadcaster TVP, in the April 15 edition of “Teleexpress Extra”. The segment highlighted the pioneering efforts of our researchers to transform processed wood into strong, biocompatible material that may one day replace metal in orthopedic implants. Researcher Laura Andže explained how wood is softened and densified under heat to form a...

Did you know that some of the dyes used in your clothes may be harmful to the environment — and often end up in water systems untreated? Synthetic dyes used in the textile, cosmetics, and food industries are among the most critical environmental pollutants. Today, approximately 80% of dye-contaminated wastewater worldwide is discharged without treatment. These compounds are toxic, persistent in the environment, and pose risks to both human health and biodiversity. But there is good news. A recent study conducted by researchers from Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and the...

This morning, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry was featured on LTV’s news program Rīta Panorāma, showcasing its groundbreaking research on developing bone implants from wood. In the segment, our researcher Dr.Chem. Laura Andže explained that the wood cooking process is similar to the method used to extract cellulose. During this treatment, the wood becomes plasticized and soft. The softened wood is then densified using a hot press, resulting in a hard, durable material suitable for medical applications. Researcher Ph.D. Mārtiņš Andžs compared metal and wooden screws: “In a metal...

Did you know that many everyday products—such as plywood, sandpaper, and thermal insulation materials—contain resins produced from fossil-based raw materials and toxic substances like phenol and formaldehyde? These compounds can be emitted from materials used in our homes and workplaces, adversely affecting air quality and human health. The VIOBOND project, coordinated by Latvijas Finieris A/S, offers a sustainable solution: bio-based resins. These resins utilize lignin—a natural, renewable by-product of wood processing. The project’s objective is to develop high-performance bio-based...

Have you ever flown in a helicopter or airplane and felt the entire cabin vibrate during takeoff? Or have you ever stood near a wind turbine and noticed how intense noise and vibrations dominate the surrounding environment? These issues are not just inconveniences—they can significantly reduce the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of transport vehicles and energy systems. The more vibration and noise, the greater the mechanical strain, energy consumption, and operational costs. Latvian scientists are working on a solution! The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, in collaboration with...