Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry

forest

Salmi

Our vision

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry as a Baltic bioeconomy excellence centre will promote biorefinery as the backbone of future industry, and wood as a modern, sustainable building material, thus reducing the use of fossil resources and achieving Europe 2050 Zero Emission goals.

Scientific infrastructure

Research activity

The staff of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry represent various scientific disciplines, including, chemistry, biology, materials science. The main scientific directions of the Institute are wood materials, biorefinery, green chemistry, which evolve by combining fundamental and applied research.

The research topics of the Institute mirror the versatility of nature, and find applications in different fields.

Paper and packaging

Cellulose, natural polymers, recycled materials, composites

Building materials

Wood materials, restoration, boards, composites, coatings, isolation materials

Transportation

Bio-ethanol, fuel cells in electric cars, green hydrogen, criogenic isolation for space crafts

Green chemicals

Sugar derivatives, phenols, furans, polymers, catalysts

Health and well-being

Biologically active compounds, antioxidants in food and cosmetics, wood bone implants

Energy

Fuel pellets, electrochemical catalysts

Environment

Sorbents, soil enhancers, plant growth stimulants and plant protection agents

Knowledge

High level science, cooperation with the industry and educational institutions

Laboratories

Koksnes bionoārdīšanās un aizsardzības laboratorija

Laboratory of Wood Degradation and Protection

Biorefinery laboratory

Biorefinery Laboratory

Cellulose Laboratory

Cellulose Laboratory

Cietais kurināmais granulās

Laboratory of Lignin Chemistry

Polimēru laboratorija

Polymer Laboratory

biomasa kolbās

Laboratory of Bioengineering

Our mission

is the development of competitive materials and products from wood and other biomass with scientifically based, environmentally friendly low-waste technologies.

News

Over 120 Applications Submitted for the First “BioPhoT” Research and Innovation Project Call!

Yesterday, on May 8, the application period for the first “BioPhoT” Research and Innovation Project (RIP) call officially closed, with 122 submissions received — a strong testament to the high level of interest and the need for such a platform within Latvia’s science and innovation ecosystem. Researchers and industry representatives from the RIS3 priority areas — biomedicine, medical technologies, pharmacy, photonics, smart materials, and engineering systems — are competing for a share of the €6 million funding pool. The project evaluation will take place in two stages: first, an assessment of...

New Resin Plant in Bolderāja: Building Structure Taking Shape and First Equipment Installed

The development of the new resin production facility in the Bolderāja district of Riga is progressing rapidly. By early May, the structural framework of the two-story building had been completed, and the first production equipment was installed. In this new facility, Latvijas Finieris will partially replace fossil-based raw materials with lignin — a natural wood-derived component. This will reduce the share of fossil inputs in phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are currently used in the production of panel materials, thermal insulation, sandpaper, and many other everyday products. The plant’s...

LSIWC Student Conference and the BISC-E Latvia Final: A Showcase of Young Innovation

What innovations are taking shape in Latvian laboratories? What inspires the next generation of scientists, and why are biomaterials becoming the new gold? Participants sought answers to these questions at the LSIWC Student Conference and the BISC-E 2025 Latvia Final, which brought together bioeconomy enthusiasts and young researchers from across the country — including students from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava,” Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, and the host institution, the Latvian State...

Greenwashing and Research Ethics: How to Identify Truly Sustainable Claims?āk"

Today, Dr. biol. Ulla Milbreta, a researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, took part in the Latvijas Radio 1 program “How to Live Better”, where she emphasized: “If a company promises environmentally friendly packaging but cannot prove the origin of the plastic and lacks EU-recognized certifications – that is greenwashing.” In the conversation, our researcher also discussed the objectivity of scientific studies, how so-called “scientific information” can be manipulated, and why research ethics are a matter of public safety. You can listen to the full discussion on the...

Events

1 October, 2025 - 3 October, 2025

Tallinn, Estonia

23rd Baltic Polymer Symposium (BPS2025)

The Baltic Polymer Symposium is a long-standing tradition that has brought together polymer scientists, engineers, and innovators from the Baltic region and beyond for over two decades. This year’s symposium is organised by the TalTech Wood Valorisation HUB and promises to be an inspiring event focused on the latest research, collaboration, and sustainable innovation in the field of polymers. BPS2025 will offer: Presentations and discussions on polymer chemistry, physics, and engineering A dedicated focus on wood valorisation and bio-based materials Opportunities to connect across academia, research, and industry A friendly and forward-looking space for young researchers and students The beautiful atmosphere of Tallinn in early autumn The scientific committee of Baltic Polymer Symposium 2025 Prof. Andres Krumme (Tallinn University of Technology) Prof. Juozas Vidas Gražulevičius (Kaunas University of Technology) Prof. Ričardas Makuška (Vilnius University) Prof. Remo Merijs-Meri (Riga Technical University) Dr. Jānis Zicāns (Riga Technical University) Dr. Uģis Cabulis (Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry) Dr. Vitali Sõritski (Tallinn University of Technology)

6 May, 2026 - 8 May, 2026

International Conference for Young Scientists BTechPro2026

The first International Conference for Young Scientists on Biorefinery Technologies and Products "BTechPro!" was established in 2022 by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, and so far it has gained a lot of recognition and proven to be a valuable platform for students and early stage researchers to actively present their research topics, attend workshops and plenary lectures, and participate in networking activities. The previous BTechPro! edition gathered almost 100 participants from 14 countries. Information about the conference is available on www.btechpro.lv. The next BTechPro! conference will be held in 2026, and more details will be published soon. The organisers may be contacted by e-mail btechpro@kki.lv (for participants, sponsors, lecturers, partners).