News

What do you do with used cooking oil? Pour it down the sink? Store it in a jar? What if we told you it could become a bio-based plastics that replaces traditional plastics? In our new project, TReResin, we are exploring ways to convert used cooking oil into highly crosslinked β-amino polymer resins, which can serve as thermally recyclable building blocks. In other words, we’re developing vitrimers from biogenic waste. What Are Vitrimers and Why Is This Revolutionary? Traditional plastics are either thermosetting (practically impossible to break down or recycle) or thermoplastic (recyclable but...

Today, the annual in-person seminar of Latvijas Finieris for the company’s senior executives took place at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC). After the seminar, LSIWC scientists took on the role of tour guides, introducing Latvijas Finieris partners to the institute’s laboratories and the Pilot-Scale Hangar, where our researchers conduct innovative studies and develop new products. LSIWC and Latvijas Finieris closely collaborate on several research projects, including the international consortium project VIOBOND, which aims to develop more environmentally friendly synthetic...

On Friday, February 28, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) will hold the award ceremony for the winners of the Science Achievement Competition. Among the 12 most outstanding scientific studies of 2024 in Latvia, a special place is held by the work of the Polymer Laboratory at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, led by Academician Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis. The President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Ivars Kalviņš, stated: “We are pleased to observe that the range of candidates participating in the LAS-organized competition for the best scientific achievements in Latvia is...

From February 21 to 23, the Eco-Schools Winter Forum will bring together experts in education, sustainability, and environmental protection to share experiences and address pressing issues related to sustainable living. Among the participants will be Ulla Milbreta, a researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and a member of Zero Waste Latvija. She will lead a discussion on the topic: “Beauty Comes at a Price – How Dangerous Are the Clothes We Wear Daily?” Are we aware of how our clothing affects the environment and our health? What hidden chemicals are present in our wardrobe...

Are you a bachelor, master or early-stage PhD student passionate about bioeconomy and eager to make a positive impact? Form a team of 3-6 members and join the BISC-E 2025 competition! Why Participate? → Drive Innovation: Contribute to a sustainable future by developing eco-friendly products or technologies. → Enhance Skills: Attend online seminars focused on preparing your innovation description, guided by experts. → Expand Networks: Connect with industry professionals in Latvia and across Europe. → Gain Experience: Hone your presentation skills with training and support, especially if...

We are pleased to announce that Selina Ramm, a doctoral candidate from the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Lemgo, Germany), has joined our team to conduct research in bioprocess monitoring. Selina’s research focuses on developing soft-sensing systems to determine key parameters in yeast management and cell cultivation, aiming to enhance process efficiency and product quality. At our institute, Selina will collaborate with Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Grigs, the leading researcher of the Bioengineering Laboratory. Dr. Grīgs specializes in the cultivation processes of microorganisms...