News

At the beginning of November, the international conference ICWSE 2025 – “Wood Science and Engineering in the Third Millennium” – took place in Brașov, Romania, bringing together researchers from more than 20 countries. This year’s programme also included the latest research from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) on sustainable bio-based panel materials for construction implemented by Ramūnas Tupčiauskas , Andris Bērziņš, Mārtiņš Andžs , Rūdolfs Bērziņš and Gunārs Pavlovičs. LSIWC scientist Ramūnas Tupčiauskas presented the paper “Properties of Innovative Bio-Based...

The European Commission has adopted a new Strategic Framework for a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy in the European Union , outlining the main development directions for the materials, chemical and biotechnology sectors up to 2040. The aim of the strategy is to accelerate the transition from fossil-based resources to bio-based solutions, while strengthening Europe’s economic resilience and creating new opportunities for industry. The importance of the bioeconomy in Europe In 2023, the value of the EU bioeconomy reached EUR 2.7 trillion, providing employment for more than 17 million...

The Scientific Director of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and Head of the Polymer Laboratory, Dr. Uģis Cābulis, participated on 25 November in the Boost Pitch Perfect event in Brussels, organised by the Pilots4U by CoPilot initiative. The event brings together pilot plants, start-ups, industry partners and investors, creating opportunities for the development and commercialisation of new bioeconomy technologies. Uģis Cābulis presented the institute’s expertise in a pitch session titled “Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry – your partner in biomass valorization in...

Yesterday, on 24 November, the first conference of the BioPhoT – Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products took place under the title “BioPhoT – Latvia’s Innovation Springboard” . The event brought together representatives of the biomedical and photonics industries, science policy makers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. It introduced the first 40 innovation projects funded by the platform, demonstrated their potential, and fostered dialogue on the importance of cooperation between science and industry. The first 40 BioPhoT-funded research and innovation...

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis have received the prestigious Plastics Industry Awards 2025 in the category “Polyurethane Innovation”, becoming winners in one of the most significant categories of the year. This award, presented in London, is one of the most influential recognitions in the polymer sector in the United Kingdom and Europe, highlighting outstanding achievements in materials science, engineering and innovation. Competition with global leaders In the category Polyurethane Innovation LSIWC competed with two global industry leaders...

In November 2025, the Product Research Laboratory of Latvijas Finieris carried out the hundredth test of a new bio-based adhesive that could become an integral component of plywood production in the future. This milestone marks steady progress towards the company’s goal of developing gentler, natural-origin-based technologies and reducing dependence on fossil raw materials. The development of the lignin adhesive is part of the international VIOBOND project, within which Latvijas Finieris is constructing a new Chemical Products Plant in Riga – a resin production facility that will be unique not...