News

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), in collaboration with AS Latvijas Finieris, has achieved a breakthrough in the wood processing industry that has been sought for decades — the development of an innovative, 100% bio-based adhesive, which for the first time in history has enabled birch plywood to achieve 1st class water resistance (EN 314-2) under industrial conditions. The adhesive is based on a specially formulated mixture of birch bark suberinic acids and ligno-carbohydrates, tailored to meet standard industrial plywood pressing parameters. The Need for a Safer and More...

In June 2025, the International Lignin Institute (ILI), of which the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry is a member, announced a major step forward in the implementation of its pilot programme. A newly published press release highlights four priority application areas that have shown significant progress in lignin utilization: phenolic resins, polyurethanes, dispersants, and rubber compounds. These very same application areas are expected to gain importance in Latvia in the coming years, as a commercial-scale biorefinery is planned in Valmiera, led by Fibenol Latvia, a subsidiary of the...

Researchers from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs and Dr.sc.ing. Aigars Pāže, appeared on the podcast “Koksnes gadsimts” ( The Century of Wood) to discuss how birch bark is becoming the basis for new high value-added products in biotechnology, construction materials, and health-related sectors. The wood biorefining research developed at LSIWC for more than 15 years is rooted in circular bioeconomy principles – maximizing the use of resources and minimizing waste. Using the natural compounds found in birch bark, the institute’s scientists have developed...

Today, food packaging serves not only as a protective barrier but can also pose potential risks. Studies indicate that certain packaging materials may release chemicals, raising concerns about their impact on human health. Key Facts to Know: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): These chemicals are used to make packaging resistant to grease and water. Prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, immune system alterations, and even cancer. ( U.S. Food and Drug Administration - FDA, 2025) Microplastics and Nanoplastics...

To explore sustainable solutions in road construction, a team of Latvian and international partners conducted a comprehensive study “Performance evaluation of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) containing reclaimed asphalt (RA) and biopolymer lignin” on stone mastic asphalt (SMA) incorporating both reclaimed asphalt (RA) and lignin – a biopolymer derived as a by-product of wood processing. The study is published in the Q1-ranked journal Construction and Building Materials and co-authored by Dr. chem. Jevgenija Ponomarenko and Ph.D. Aleksandrs Aršanica. It was carried out as part of the project...

From October 1 to 3, the 23rd Baltic Polymer Symposium (BPS2025) will take place in Tallinn. Since 2001, this symposium has served as a meeting point not only for polymer experts from the Baltic states but also for participants from more than 15 countries worldwide. The symposium program features plenary sessions with world-renowned experts, thematic discussions, and informal networking events. It is a comprehensive and forward-looking scientific forum that fosters new connections and international collaboration. We are proud to announce that our researcher, Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs, has been...