News

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...

Dr.chem Laura Andže, leading researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and Doctor of Chemistry, is working on an innovative project in collaboration with Rīga Stradiņš University – the development of bone implants made from wood. Traditionally, titanium is used for such purposes; however, metal implants can cause discomfort for patients and may even contribute to repeated fractures. In our institute’s laboratory, a wood densification process is performed using a glycerol bath – a method that significantly enhances the material’s mechanical properties. The densified birch wood...

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, in collaboration with Riga Technical University, is implementing the research project TOMPosite (“Bio-Based Composite Development from the Fatty Acid-Based Polymer Resin Reinforced with Natural Origin Fibres”, project No. lzp-2024/1-0071). The project is dedicated to the development of high-performance composite materials from renewable resources. By utilizing tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) – a side stream from pulp production – and Meldrum’s acid derived from renewable sources, we are developing thermoset polymer resins with a high proportion of...