pearls of WoodWisdom [PDF]

sep t e m ber 2015

newsletter Pearls of WoodWisdom Over ten years of real international networking, collaboration and dynamics of differences have created an evolving chain of forest-based pearls of WoodWisdom.

WOODWISDOM-NET+

In this edition:

- Overview of projects in the 4th Call of WoodWisdom-Net - Brief overview of projects selected for funding under the 4th Joint Call - In situ monitoring of wooden structural elements at original scale in Switzerland - A look at Norway’s latest timber innovation - Innovative Forest-based Bioeconomy: proposal for ERA-Net Cofund

In the picture Markku Karjalainen, Development Manager of the National Wood Construction Programme and the Finnish promotor of urban wood construction backing up Ilmari Absetz. (Photo: YLE / Kyösti Vaara)

By Ilmari Absetz WoodWisdom-Net Coordinator WoodWisdom-Net has successfully combined the national and European strategies, priorities and programmes into an evolving chain of up to now four Joint Calls forming the WoodWisdom-Net Programme of 85 million € and 62 projects. The latest pearl in the chain is the WoodWisdom-Net + Joint Call – “Pacing innovation in the forest-based” sector including 23 projects with a total volume of 32 million € covering four thematic research and innovation areas: - Value-added products (10 projects) - Industrial processes (7 projects) - Competitive customer solutions (5 projects) - Sustainable management of forest resources (1 project) However, all proposals indicated that their project is connected to more than just one of the listed areas. These projects and their first year results are presented in this Newsletter and in the 7th WoodWisdom-Net Research Programme Seminar on 14th and 15th September 2015 in Duebendorf – Zurich Switzerland. One concrete example of aiming high

and having similar top priorities in many European countries is the new urban wood construction with several examples in this newsletter: of world´s tallest, Europe’s biggest or most resilient, durable, life-cycle, energy and cost efficient, lean, silent, healthy or aesthetical timber buildings, facades, interiors, bridges or wood-based materials and composites. The other strong activity area is the wood and science-based product and process development of new fuels, chemicals, materials and composites. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy in Finland set up the Strategic Programme for the Forest Sector 20112015 including also the Finnish National Wood Construction Programme for promotion of wood construction in the EU. This is one example of a national strategic programme with similar priorities backing up the European WoodWisdom-Net Programme. The next pearl of WoodWisdom might be created by joining the forces of three Era-Nets and Horizon 2020. Three current forest-related ERANETs ERA-NET+ WoodWisdom-Net+, ERANET FORESTERRA, and ERA-NET SUMFOREST have proposed an ERANET Co-fund Action to HORIZON 2020 Work Programme 2016 – 2017. The

proposed Era-Net Co-fund Action will promote increased innovation and competitiveness of the forest-based sector in Europe, and will support its transformation from investment- and resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive, productive and resource-efficient sector within the growing European bioeconomy. Strategic modernisation of traditional forestry systems and value chains including innovative business concepts and production technologies will be needed to develop the forestry sector and the European bioeconomy, of which it has a very significant share. For example, the forest-based industries in Sweden and Finland have recently invested or announced to invest on large scale bio-refineries and cellulose production, which aims at successfully combining the traditional volume business branches to high value-added innovative cellulose-based emerging branches. Also the research, innovations and investments on engineered wood products, components and composites are emerging.turm The great challenge of creating the biggest and most valuable pearls of WoodWisdom is to take a deep dive from strong research and development towards innovation, implementation and investments. Some of the pearls need to be or become very big and some need to be or become very valuable to train and attract the most talented pearldivers to the companies who have the creativity, courage and connections to turn the forests and biomass into pearls of bioeconomy.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Value added by optimal wood raw material allocation & processing (VARMA) Start: 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,507,345

Project Coordinator: Marika Makkonen VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland [email protected]

Project Partners:

FCBA Technological Institute, [email protected] Fraunhofer-Institue for Factory operation and Automation IFF, [email protected] Finnish Wood Research Ltd, [email protected] Selection Vosges, Kientz Bernard, [email protected] Wildau Institute of Technology, [email protected] James Jones & Sons Ltd., [email protected] Woodilee Consultancy Ltd., [email protected] Holtzindustrie Templin, [email protected] Technische Hochschule Wildau, [email protected] Koskisen, [email protected] Natural Resources Institute Finland, [email protected]

Webpage: www.varma-eu.com Abstract

All processes from forest to end product’s use have to be effective with low environmental burden. VARMA is an international research project aiming at innovative, customer oriented business concepts for the European woodworking industry. Wood raw material form major share of sawmills’ production costs, being in the range of 65-70 %. Thus, even a small change in the raw-material cost or value yield - can give major increase in sawmills’ profitability. The sector needs to be able to react with more efficiency to allow for less waste and more productivity, not just at the mill but through the range. Currently, the cyclical industry is characterized with increasing competition of high quality wood raw material and bulk production. Apart from current harvesting methods, stems should be cut-to-length according to their internal characteristics so that the optimal use of the raw material can be secured. Additionally, more communication between different parties is needed and vast amount of

data should be wisely utilised. In order to support specialization and resource efficient wood value chains, it’s essential to understand better the opportunities of new technology (e.g. x-ray, buking optimization), dynamics and requirements for supply chains and its operations in when networking is more emphasized and novel business opportunities. The project goal is to develop customer driven value chains and wood raw material allocation system by implementing smart bucking for stems. The above figure illustrates the proposed “Wood allocation centre” (WAC) that will be developed for each partner country arising from their own specific needs. The concepts will lean on networking as well as utilisation of information from various sources. The fundamental idea is to deliver the right product to the right customer in a timely manner with the highest possible value added. This will be done by optimizing raw material usage taking into consideration available stands and customer orders. Several scenarios for WAC concepts

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will be presented, taking a stand for value chain performance requirements and service opportunities.

Preliminary achievements

Development to date • X-ray data can be used to predict the quality of logs. • Descriptions of regional wood supply chains in partner countries and documentation on requirements. • The recent focus in bucking optimization model development has been in formal definition of the model. Next steps are to finish optimization model specification and start software implementation. • Case field studies partly done.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Impacts of faster growing forests on raw material properties with consideration of the potential effects of a changing climate on species choice (FASTFORESTS) Start: 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 994,000

Project Coordinator: Conor O’Reilly University College Dublin [email protected]

Project Partners:

Abibois, [email protected] ESB, [email protected] FCBA, [email protected] FVA, [email protected] NUIG, [email protected]

Part of the Sitka spruce stand in NW Ireland used in the Fastforests project. The trees in this picture are mean diameter 18cm, aged 23 years and height of tallest tree 19m.

Webpage: www.fastforests.eu Abstract

The demands placed on forests to provide renewable raw material are increasing as population levels increase. These demands include the production of timber, wood for energy and non-timber forest products such as the supply of feedstock for the biorefinery industry, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water and soil conservation and places for recreation. An expansion of the forest estate to address these demands is unlikely to be an option because there is much pressure to make land available for food production and housing. Therefore the intensification of forest management using faster growing forests is required. However, these forests are negatively perceived in many sectors. Many end-users in construction believe that the quality of timber from these forests is not fit-for-purpose and a considerable proportion of the public are of the view that intensively managed forests damage the environment. The main goal of the project is to explore options for the sustainable intensification of forests. The two species (Sitka spruce and Douglas fir) selected for study are commercially important conifer species in the partner-countries.

Preliminary achievements

Two MSc students have been recruited at University College Dublin and a 30 ha forest area in NW Ireland (Figure 1) has been chosen for field investigations and to provide logs for further investigations. The forest contains stands of different initial spacing, simulating different approaches to sustainable intensification. The measurement plots have been established and initial assessments of stem quality made. The work with modelling Sitka spruce under different climate scenarios has also started. A post-doc has been recruited to the UCD team and will start on the social perceptions study in November. At the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), a PhD student reviewed existing wood quality modelling approaches. These models consider the effects of tree and stand characteristics as well as forest management on the structural timber properties. Discussions with sawmillers about the processing of material for testing has been done and structural testing protocols have been developed. The FCBA has focused time on estimating Douglas fir volumes available for the French sawmills up to the year 2050.

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As this species is valued by end users, sawmillers tend to buy fast-growing standing trees under 40 years with a diameter lower than 50cm to be sawn by an automatic CANTER line. The ESB has focused on writing the synthesis report on existing models for Douglas fir and Sitka spruce. A post-doc researcher has also been recruited to work on the perception surveys and a post-doc researcher has been recruited to support the FVA in their tasks. The FVA have focussed on Douglas fir and the quality in whole value chain – from tree to boards, with measurements on trees including position of whirls and status of all knots, tree height, crown height and diameter measurements along the tree. Grading of logs has continued with grading from outside (EN1927-3 and RVR (German Grading rules)), grading including inner features using CT data and modulus of elasticity (MOE) using laser interferometry. Quality of sawn timber with the grading of virtual boards (CT data) and grading of real boards have been set.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

What We Wood Believe? – Societal perceptions of the forest-based sector and its products towards a sustainable society (W³B) Start: May 2014 Duration: 30 months until October 2016 Total budget: € 738,000

Project Coordinator: Tobias Stern Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH (Wood K plus) [email protected]

Project Partners:

University of Helsinki, [email protected] UNIQUE forestry and land use GmbH, [email protected] University of Ljubljana, [email protected] University of Primorska, [email protected] Verband der Deutschen Werkstoffindustrie e.V, [email protected] Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs, [email protected] Österreichische Bundesforste, [email protected] Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, [email protected] Suomen Sahat – Finnish Sawmillers Association, [email protected] European Network of Forest Entrepreneurs, [email protected] Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rohholzverbraucher e.V., [email protected] Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Waldbesitzerverbände e.V., [email protected]

Webpage: wood-w3b.eu/index.php/en Abstract

Over the last few decades, crucial changes have taken place in the views and demands on forests by society at large with the increase in environmental awareness and at the urge to re-orient societies towards ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ and/or ‘bio-based’ economies. The sector’s actual contribution, however, is dependent on policymakers as well as on European citizens and how they perceive, accepts and promote forest-based products and the activities carried out to produce these products. Innovative and cost-efficient ways for communicating the relevance of the European forest-based sector and its products for a sustainable bio-economy towards stakeholders will be demonstrated. This should achieve a general raise in public awareness of the role of biomass and forest-based products towards a sustainable society.

Preliminary achievements

The need of stakeholder communication is generally emphasized in the reviewed literature both at European level and within case countries. Yet, solutions

on how to communicate and build the image have not been approached, at all. The communication and image building processes, abreast with recognition of specific information are crucial when aiming at providing specific information for different stakeholder groups. Results, based on 7000 observations in the content of forest sector online communication show with some exceptions, a high conformity in communication both across countries and industry segments. The most commonly communicated topic for example was “forests and economy”, particularly within large companies and especially in Finland and Austria. Instead, “added value” was emphasized especially within family businesses and SMEs operating in Slovenia. In comparison, the least emphasized topics in our total sample were “wood based innovations” and “forest ecosystem services”. Reasons may be the timeliness and strong future orientation of both issues. Furthermore, stakeholder expectations about tailored communication were rarely expressed in explicit terms, making the evaluation of the communication

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efficacy and effectiveness difficult. First results of surveys dedicated to explore people’s perception in respect to forests sector communication found that people with higher environmental awareness are more receptive to the sustainability communication in terms of forest management. Even though forest management is positively perceived as a care taker, sustainable wood supply is highly questioned. At the next stakeholder workshop on the 24th of September in Ljubljana, more results are shared and further proceedings concerning the development of narratives are discussed.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

European Hardwoods for the building sector (EU Hardwoods) Start: March 2014 Duration: 27 months Total budget: € 1,049,500

Project Coordinator: Peter Linsenmann Holzforschung Austria [email protected]

Assistant coordinator: Goran Turk University of Ljubljana [email protected]

An edited CT scan of a beech log related to the quality assessment performed in WP1. (Photo: Archiv der Forstlichen Versuchsund Forschungsanstalt Baden-Württemberg).

Project Partners:

MPA Stuttgart (DE), [email protected] FCBA Technological Institute (FR), Frederic.simon.fcba.fr Forstliche Versuchs- und Forschungsanstalt Baden-Württemberg (DE), [email protected] Bundeszentrum für Wald (AT), [email protected] Contemporary Building Design (SI), [email protected] SIMONIN SAS (FR), [email protected] Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs (AT), [email protected] additional support: Tobias Wiegand, Studiengemeinschaft Holzleimbau e.V. (DE), [email protected]

Webpage: www.eu-hardwoods.eu Abstract

EU Hardwoods aims at identifying possible uses of European hardwoods in the building sector for glulam and Cross laminated timber (CLT). Analysing forestry inventory data leads to a substantiated forecast on future stock and by simulating and testing different glulam and CLT build-ups the most promising ones for production are identified.

Preliminary achievements

The first action within EU Hardwoods was to harmonize the forest inventory data in order to be able to analyse standing stock, harvest of hardwood species in the participating countries (DE, FR, AT, SI), and the forecast of future stock. It was clearly shown that the volume of hardwood standing stock is comparable to that of softwood which makes the potential to use hardwood as a source evident. The dominating species differs within the countries,

but the selected species beech, oak, and Sweet chestnut are well suited for the project’s purpose. The fourth species taken into account is ash, although future stock is hard to predict due to the ash dieback disease. Utilizing hardwood in construction products is predominantly connected with mechanical properties. Prior to testing, an extensive literature survey as well as the collection of accessible data existing at the partners’ were performed but did not provide enough data. Therefore, 87 logs comprising the selected hardwood species were graded visually, dynamically and using a CT scanner, and cut to lamellas for tension testing. This data is used to derive optimized sawing patterns. To find the optimal finger-joint/glue combination for hardwood, preliminary testing (rolling shear, tension and compression) necessary for the evaluation has been performed. Finding a suitable adhesive proves to be difficult since clear hardwood

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outperforms the bond’s strength which is highly relevant for finger-joints. As a result, additional delamination tests with different types of adhesives and hardwood species need to be performed. Also, the refinement of the glulam model has started. With the input concerning mechanical properties as well as adhesives, the production of glulam beams for testing can start in winter 2015. Further testing with regard to property distributions and to provide required data for the modelling will be performed according to an agreed test plan.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Cascading Recovered Wood (CaReWood) Start: 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,097,000

Project Coordinator: Klaus Richter Holzforschung München Technische Universität München [email protected]

Project Partners:

Aalto University, [email protected] University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, [email protected] University of Primorska, Andrej Marušic Institute, [email protected] FCBA Technological Institute, [email protected] Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung, [email protected] Groupe ESB École supérieure du bois, [email protected] Papiertechnische Stiftung, [email protected] Abelium d.o.o., research and development, [email protected] RTT Steinert GmbH, [email protected] Schumann-Analytics GmbH, [email protected] Olympus Deutschland GmbH, [email protected] Laser Analytical Systems & Automation GmbH, [email protected] Vanek Tischlerei und Reparatur, [email protected] M SORA d.d., [email protected]

Windows from recycled woods. (Photo: Aleš Ugovšek, M Sora)

Webpage: www.carewood.eu Twitter: @CascadingWood Facebook: facebook.com/woodcascade Abstract

The CaReWood project will introduce an up-grading concept for recovered solid timber as a source of clean and reliable secondary wooden products for the European industry. The objective is to develop and evaluate techniques for converting large dimension recovered wood into new, large dimension solid wood products to complement the solid wood currently used in the furniture, interior fitting and construction sectors.

Preliminary achievements

First findings indicate that challenges in the technological up-grading process especially arise from the heterogeneous shape and dimensions as well as the variable moisture content of recovered wood. To maintain the shape of a recovered piece, sand blasting technology was tested for decontamination. The

results show that it is not an efficient cleaning technology and creates new challenges in waste treatment. The detection of chemical wood preservatives using infrared technology is challenging but possible. Good progress is made developing analytical scanning devices in cooperation with the industry partners. For the up-grading process, various alternatives of the process chain are possible, e. g. differentiating in sorting and decontamination steps. Depending on the chosen alternative, diverse products are manufactured. It is further expected, that the yield and the environmental and economic performance of the up-grading process strongly depend on the chosen scenario. Results from investigating the reverse logistics reveal that the collection and sorting at the beginning of the process is one decisive factor for the efficiency of the entire recovery process.

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Furthermore, the project revealed large differences in waste wood management across the partner countries. High quality and reliable data for LCA and the logistical model is hardly available from the European waste wood sector. In LCA, the methodologies to account for cascading effects are limited and have to be further developed. To demonstrate the potential of cascading recovered solid timber and to raise awareness for the cascading concept, windows made from recovered windows were manufactured and presented to the public.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Enhancing wood durability and physical properties through innovative bio-based sustainable treatments (BioCoPol) Start: April 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 728,505

Project Coordinator: Marion Noël Bern University of Applied Sciences – Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering [email protected]

Project Partners:

Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, [email protected], [email protected] LERMAB Laboratoire d’études et de recherche sur le matériau bois, [email protected], [email protected] CIRAD, [email protected], [email protected] Bern University of Applied Sciences, [email protected], [email protected] Pongauer Jägerzaun, Altenmarkt im Pongau, [email protected] Corbat Holding SA, [email protected]

Webpage: Not available Abstract

The project is dedicated to the development of new bio-based formulations for wood treatment, with focus on several main market applications: railway wood sleepers, facade wooden pieces, outdoor furniture as well as internal structures, to promote the use of indigenous species, like beech and pine, not enough exploited mainly because of their limited durability. The idea is based on the combination of former research projects separately conducted in partners’ labs, which led to promising wood preservation technologies considering the complementary properties of the homo-polymers: i) elasticity and polarity of lactic acid oligomers, ii) biocidal effect of tannins and polyglycerols iii) networking and surface properties improvement of FDCA. Co-polymerization of those compounds is expected to provide excellent properties to wood by benefiting from actual properties of each separated treatment.

Preliminary achievements

Within the first year, many combinations have been assessed in terms of water leaching resistance, dimensional stability improvement and durability. The combination of all bio-based compounds is

Modified wood vs. natural wood against fungal attack. challenging. Besides, if one or more treatments were developed and allowed the improvement of one or more properties, the global increase in performance revealed to be more complex. However, very promising results have been obtained and many variants are still under evalu-

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ation. Two PhD students, two MSc. students and two BSc. students are involved in the project. A project sharepoint has been organized and several oral presentations in international conferences have been made.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

New protection technology to substitute creosote for the protection of railway sleepers, timber bridges, and utility poles (CreoSub) Start: June 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,063,000

Project Coordinator: Ulrich Hundhausen Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology (TRETEKNISK) [email protected]

Project Partners:

Moelven Limtre AS, [email protected] ScanPole AS, [email protected] Rasjonell Elektrisk Nettvirksomhet AS (REN), [email protected] University of Göttingen, [email protected] Koppers Deutschland GmbH (formerly Osmose Deutschland GmbH), [email protected] Fürstenberg-THP GmbH, [email protected] Arch Timber Protection Limited, [email protected]

Sub-contractors: Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (formerly Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute), [email protected] Stora Enso, [email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

Creosote oil is one of the oldest and most effective wood preservatives, mainly used in heavy-duty applications outdoors such as railway sleepers, utility poles, and timber bridges. Due to its toxicity, creosote is highly controversial within the European Commission and its approval for use after 2018 is questionable. From the current perspective, a ban of creosote after 2018 would hit the European wood industry and the users of creosote-treated wood products hard because alternative products are not market-ready yet. Besides its strong biocidal effect, creosote is water-repellent and thereby counteracts crack formation in wood; this dual function makes great demands on substitute products. CreoSub’s overall objective is to develop alternative protection technology that shows a better health and safety profile than creosote. In the course of the project, the efficacies of the new protection systems against wood destroying

fungi are investigated, impregnation processes are optimized, and physical and mechanical properties of wood treated with the systems are examined. The project also includes an environmental assessment of railway sleepers, utility poles, and timber bridges made of wood treated with the new protection systems.

Preliminary achievements

At the search for alternatives to creosote, water repellent agents are of special interest, particularly tall oil that is a by-product of the Kraft process of wood pulp manufacture. In this regard, the performance of tall oil impregnated wood samples, that had been exposed in both in-ground trials and above-ground trials for a decade were analyzed in. The results were presented at the 46th annual meeting of the International Research Group on Wood Protection in May 2015. Laboratory tests to investigate the efficacy against wood destroying fungi will soon give first results. These results will

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be supplemented by field tests, which will be initiated in Norway, Germany, and USA in autumn 2015. First results on the stability of the protection systems against water leaching have been obtained. The University of Göttingen has optimized impregnation processes for some of the new systems; further optimization is in progress. Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology is currently testing glulam treated with the new systems (timber bridge components) for delamination. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration plans to include glulam beams treated with the new systems as edge sleepers in timber bridges. Full-scale testing of all pilot products (utility poles, railway sleepers, bridge components) in real-use conditions is scheduled for 2016.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Mobilisation and utilisation of recycled wood for lignocellulosic bio-refinery processes (ReWoBioRef) Start: July 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,640,000

Project Coordinator: Guido Hora Fraunhofer WKI [email protected]

Project Partners:

Fraunhofer ICT, [email protected] VTT, Finland, [email protected] Brunel University, [email protected] University of Ljubljana, [email protected] Reiling GmbH, [email protected] bvse e.V., [email protected] Wood Industry Cluster WIC, [email protected] Roal Oy, [email protected] St1 Biofuels Oy, [email protected] Enerkem (Canada), [email protected]

Photo: Illustration of grinded, graded, pre extracted recycled wood (left below); raw cellulose fiber fraction (center)and ethanol-waterorganosolv lignin (upper, right).

Webpage: www.rewobioref.eu Abstract

The main objective of ReWobioRef is to explore the techno-economic feasibility, scientific requirements and material specifications to utilize recycled waste wood in lignocellulosic (LC) biorefinery processes as an alternative feedstock source. The secondary aim is to valorize the recycled waste wood components (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin), for more sustainable biobased fuels, chemicals and materials. The ReWoBioRef project addresses only recycled waste wood that has already gone through one utilisation stream and therefore is considered as secondary raw material having reached the end-of-waste criteria according to the EC waste directive.

Preliminary achievements

Recycled waste wood material from eleven different sources in Germany, Slovenia, Finland and the UK has been collected and analysed. The results show that chips of recycled wood A I had higher concentrations of inorganic pollutants than softwood chips, and

also some pieces of non-wood material. Preliminary results on steam explosion and ethanol based organosolv cooking without an acid catalyst showed typical softwood behavior for A I quality recycled wood in respect of hydrolysability, thus being potential future raw material for sugar production. The recycled wood was processable unmilled, and milling pre-treatment was not necessary prior to steam explosion in a batch reactor. A IV recycling wood lots have been tested with favorable results in the Enerkem process that converts mixed organic wastes and residues into a pure synthesis gas (or syngas) which is suitable for the production of biofuels and chemicals using proven, well-established and commercially available catalysts. The economic model described in the literature for a lignocellulosic biorefinery with organosolv-pre-treatment of beech wood chips for the production of lignin has been adapted in this paper to varying ratios of A I recycling wood as alternative feedstock. Mainly because of the high operating costs, the relatively low income

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for the considered output products and lignin revenues around of 600 €/t (2015), the scale effect for the organosolvpretreatment currently classifies it as not economically viable when 100% beech wood chips are used as feedstock. The uncertainty in revenues, especially for the by-products glucose and xylose, is the major reason. However, if A I recycling wood is used, the economics improve significantly since lignin can be produced with profits of between 180 and 270 €/t. These assumptions are based on the data sets used for the referenced model calculation basically by varying the feedstock mix input. The major financial risk factors thus remain with the reference model but are significantly reduced.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Polysaccharide bio-shapes (PShapes) Start: 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,290,166

Project Coordinator: Pedro Fardim Åbo Akademi University, Dept. Of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Fiber and Cellulose Technology [email protected]

Project Partners:

Åbo Akademi University, [email protected]; [email protected] Thuringian Institute of Textile and Plastics Research, [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Friedrich Schiller University Jena, [email protected]; [email protected] University of Maribor, [email protected]; [email protected] University of Graz, [email protected] Stora Enso, [email protected]; [email protected] Suominen Corporation, [email protected] Predilnica Litija, [email protected]

Webpage: www.bioshapes.net Abstract

The goal in PShapes is to unite experts of different institutions and by using the skills and knowledge of these partners to create functional nano- and microsized particles for various value chains, closely listening the needs of our industrial partners. The different approaches available allow tailoring the size of the particles over two orders of magnitude. Two main concepts were adapted for the preparation of nanoparticles from hydrophobic cellulose esters: The emulsification-evaporation process from a lipophilic solution of the polymer and the solvent-displacement processes from a hydrophilic solution. These techniques yield, depending on the conditions, particles of a size 50 nm – 1 µm with narrow, even monomodal, particle size distribution. Alternatively, cellulose and hemicellulose particles can be prepared from polymer solutions by the formation of droplets using spinning atomizer and the subsequent coagulation of the droplets in a non-solvent bath. The particle diameters obtained in this case can be tuned from 50 µm to few millimeters. They have an outstanding porosity, over 90%, and high specific surface area, over 400 m2/g. Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles and beads were successfully applied in the biomedical field, for example in pH sensing in living cells and

PShapes project in a nutshell. controlled delivery of active ingredients. Other suitable application areas are separation science (e.g. chromatographic systems), chelating sorbents, and filter materials. The consortium will cover the whole research and development field starting from the chemical modification of the polymers and chemical and physical design of the particles, ending up in biorefinery and biomedical applications. The synergies that arise will allow establishing a clear structureproperty relationship for the particles with respect to the way of preparation

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and the starting material and allow advances beyond the state-of-the art. Within the consortium, the gained fundamental knowledge will be directly transferred to solve the questions related to consumer-oriented applications. The dynamic collaboration between partners with different expertise and the positive interaction with industrial partners creates excellent opportunities for fast developments and small pilot scale demonstration can be clearly foreseen.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Wood-based aerogels Start: May 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,473,000

Project Coordinator: Maija Tenkanen University of Helsinki, Finland [email protected]

Project Partners:

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria, [email protected] ARMINES, Sophia-Antipolis, France, [email protected] University of Hamburg, Germany, [email protected] University of Maribor, Slovenia, [email protected]

Webpage: blogs.helsinki.fi/aerowood-project

Abstract

Refining of wood to cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin streams possess high potentials for novel bio-based materials. Aerogels are advanced porous materials that have low weight and density, a large surface area, and high mechanical strength. Our ambitious aim in the AEROWOOD project is to develop novel aerogel materials from all wood components with vast and diversified application prospective, especially in the fields of packaging and biomedicine. Aerogels with the tailored porosity, morphology and carefully designed surface properties are ideal to control active components and to introduce active functions, either sensing or barrier properties for intelligent packaging applications and to tackle the stability issues of labile bioactive molecules.

Preliminary achievements

Aerogels have been successfully produced from native or chemically treated cellulose after dissolution in ionic liquid, regeneration and drying. Depending on the starting material, cellulose concentration and dying method, aerogels with different morphology, strength and specific surface are obtained. Hemicellulose

Novel aerogels from spruce galactoglucomannan

aerogels have been produced applying specific enzymatic cross-linking oxidation technique, and further reinforced by nanocellulose (1). Derivatization with cyclic organic carbonates is under development for new crosslinking method and further aerogel production of wood-derived xylans. The obtained

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cellulose and hemicellulose-based aerogels have already shown promising properties in drug delivery and tissue engineering tests possessing good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Wood-based thermal insulation materials (WoTIM) Start: February 2014 Duration: 35 months Total budget: € 1,460,000

Project Coordinator: Petri Jetsu VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. [email protected]

Project Partners:

Innventia AB, [email protected] Institut Technologique FCBA, [email protected] Holmen AB, rauni.seppä[email protected] Soprema SAS, [email protected]

Foam formed wood fibre based insulation materials with varied thicknesses.

Co-funding Companies:

Stora Enso Oyj, [email protected] Ekovilla Oy, [email protected] Neovo Solutions Oy, [email protected] Oy Interenergy Oy, [email protected]

Webpage: wotim.eu Abstract

Fibreglass is the most widely used insulation material worldwide and growing. A steady growth is expected as well in the foamed plastic insulation segment because of their high insulation values. From environmental and sustainability point of view this trend is very worrying, because of fibreglass materials have high embodied energy amount and foamed plastic insulation materials are oil-based. In addition, fiberglass fibres can be harmful when they are inhaled and the used spraying chemicals for foamed polyisocyanurate and polyurethane are hazardous for health before curing has occurred. Cellulose is the oldest building insulation material. In the history of buildings many types of cellulosic materials have been used, including newspaper, cardboard, cotton, straw, sawdust, hemp and corncob. Recently cellulose insulation has again increased in use. Part of the reason for this growth is related to increased interest in green building. Cellulose has lower environmental impact and higher

recycled content compared to mineral and synthetic polymer based materials. In this project superior cellulose based insulation materials are developed. The insulation properties are enhanced by creating air pockets to the cellulose material matrix by foam-like structures. Foam forming technology adapted from other industries will be used for manufacturing high performance cellulosic thermal insulation panels. WoTIM aims to develop cellulose based spray foam material which is as easy to be sprayed in-situ at construction site as polyurethane spray foam.

Preliminary achievements

Thermal conductivity values of the cellulose based panels had a minimum at density levels 40-70 kg/m3. The different pulp types induced fairly small differences in thermal conductivity values. The pulp properties and fibre dimensions affected significantly the air flow resistivity and the mechanical properties of the panels. Compared to the commercial

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cellulose wadding insulation, the foam formed panels had clearly lower thermal conductivity. The best glass wool sample was still somewhat better than the foam formed panels. The main results related to raw material studies will be presented in the 10th Global Insulation Conference and also article will be written based on these results in autumn 2015.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Wood based chemicals, in particular chemical modified hemicellulose, used as functional additives to enhance the material properties of cellulose esters (HEMICELL) Start: April 2016 Duration: 34 months Total budget: € 1,127,500

Project Coordinator: Thomas Wodke Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT [email protected]

Project Partners:

Innventia AB, [email protected] Nova-Institut GmbH, [email protected] Södra, [email protected] FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, [email protected] ARMINES/Mines ParisTech, [email protected] OrganoClick AB, [email protected]

Webpage: www.hemicell-project.com

Abstract

Cellulose esters were among the first developed plastics. With increasing awareness about the benefits of bio-based feedstock and regional added value these materials come in the market focus again. Present disadvantages are the need of plasticizers, the low bio-based content and the high melting point. The main goal of the HEMICELL project is the use of wood-based chemicals, in particular chemically modified hemicellulose, as functional additives to enhance the material properties of cellulose esters, for example impact strength, processibility, or flame retardancy. The use of modified hemicelluloses as additives will open new markets for the co-products of paper mills and contribute to the transformation of paper mills into biorefineries.

Preliminary achievements

A study of pulping process conditions for an optimal extraction of hemicellulose from wood has been conducted. Both, treatment time

and treatment temperature were varied in the experiments. As a result, two different hydrolysates were produced for further chemical modification aiming to increase the compatibility of the wood hydrolysates and hemicellulose fractions with cellulose acetate (CA). Different routes for acetylation of the hemicellulose were tested. The method using DABCO/acetic anhydride was identified as the most promising one. First analytical data suggest that the thermal stability of acetylated hemicellulose is sufficient for its use in CA. However, their melting point lies above the CA processing window. A method for producing and testing small quantities of compounds was successfully developed. Thermal stabilities of hemicelluloses were measured and suitable candidates of modified and unmodified hemicelluloses (xylan) from spruce and birch were selected for the compounding trials. However, the thermal properties of the prepared materials are still insufficient.

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In order to prepare modified xylan with better thermal properties, a study of the relationship between molar mass of xylan and thermal properties is on-going. The development process is framed into a techno-economic and ecological assessment. First data for an accompanying market study have already been collected and the study will be completed within the project duration.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Controlled separation and conversion processes for wood hemicelluloses (COSEPA) Start: March 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,119,000

ERANET Woodwisdom: COSEPA Activities in areas having red line Dissemination of results WP7 Project managing WP6

Project Coordinator: Eeva Jernström Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland [email protected]

Refining process

Hybrid process

Raw material: Alternative wood sources

Combined extraction and separation of hemicelluloses (WP2)

(WP1)

High molar mass hemicelluloses

Conversion of carbohydrates to platform chemicals (WP3)

Oligomers and monomers from hemicelluloses

Conversion of high molar mass hemicelluloses to biobased films (WP4)

Bio-based films Raw material for biofuels Building block chemical s for chemical industry

Process Concept WP5 Collaboration with Industrial partners

Researcher exchange between research partners

Face to face joint project meetings

Project Partners:

Lappeenranta University of Technology (FIN), [email protected], [email protected] Innventia (SWE), [email protected] Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (GER), [email protected] Edinburgh Napier University, Forest Products Research Institute (UK), [email protected] Bedmax (UK), [email protected] Buccleuch Woodlands Ltd (UK), [email protected] Arbuthmott Wood Pellets Ltd (UK), [email protected] James Jones & Sons Ltd (UK), [email protected] BSW Timber Ltd (UK), [email protected] Land Energy Ltd (UK), [email protected] Balcas (UK), [email protected] Xylophane (SWE), [email protected] UPM Oyj (FIN), [email protected] Cursor Oy (FIN), [email protected] ,[email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

Forest industry is going through a major structural change. To mitigate the negative effect of this change, we need to develop resource efficient biorefining concepts for turning wood into high-value products. In this project availability of wood raw material, especially underused wood raw material is evaluated. Furthermore, the purpose is to develop, alternative, techno-economically feasible ways to separate and utilize hemicelluloses.

Preliminary achievements

The quantification of the available hemicelluloses from under used wood parts and hardwood has begun. Results from the UK give an indication that although the raw material is scattered

geographically, the total availability of hemicelluloses (HC) is considerable and the UK industrial partners can act as case studies for testing the commercial viability of the HC extraction. According to their experience, the biggest single barriers of entry of wood-based HC application is lack of cost effective, scalable technology for their extraction and refinement. The study on the effect of exposure time and process conditions on changes of the wood extract from hot water extraction has been started. The aim was to find out, how long time the extract can be treated at high temperature without significant changes in its content, when the recovery and separation of hemicelluloses are both done at high temperature. The main conclusion of this study is that

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no remarkable decomposition of hemicelluloses could be observed at 120 °C, while at 160 °C it was clearly noticeable after more than 3 hours exposure time. The micro-organisms producing 2,3-butanediol from xylose have been screened and most potential ones have been identified. The focus for continuative experiments is on repetition of the experiment with feeding limiting substances, on investigation of the influence of temperature on the cultivation course and on transfer of results to cultivation with xylose as substrate. The chemicalcatalytic conversion of xylose to maleic acid has also been studied. Optimization of reaction conditions and catalysts has started. Also a new reactor system has been built and tested successfully.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Plasticized lignocellulose composites for packaging materials (COMPAC) Start: January 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,250,000

Project Coordinator: Jukka Valkama Cooperative State University Baden Wurttemberg - Karlsruhe/DHBW - Karlsruhe [email protected]

Project Partners:

University of Oulu, [email protected] Mid Sweden University, [email protected] Valmet Corporation (until 31.12.2014 Metso Paper), [email protected] Savon Sellu Oy, [email protected] Metsä Board, [email protected] Pakkauspojat Oy, [email protected] Blatraden AB, [email protected] Domsjö Fabrikerna / Aditya Birla Group, [email protected] Fiber-X AB, [email protected] Andreas Hering Papertec Greiz, [email protected] Klingele Papierwerke GmbH & Co.KG, [email protected] BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH, [email protected] Haarla Oy, [email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

The research work in the project COMPAC target on continuous composite production with a modified paper machine using various environmentally friendly process chemicals.

Preliminary achievements

Plasticization studies with vulcanized fibre treatment under zinc chloride has shown increase in tensile strength more than factor ten with decreasing zero-span or short span strength. Several fibre sources has been already successfully tested under different chemical conditions showing great differences in effectivity of the treatments. Low hemicellulose content fibres have shown to be more suitable for plasticization with reference vulcanization chemicals, whereas green chemical treatments

have been found to be suitable for a wider range of fibres. Promising green chemical plasticization method has been found and the treatment conditions have been optimised. The technological process requirements for the environmental friendly continuous treatment with an integrated chemical circulation are being tested in a pilot scale. The achieved plasticization results for cellulosic materials with traditional vulcanisation methods and using green chemical plasticization with deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids are published after the pilot trials, later in 2015. The plasticization treatment influences the surface of the fibrous material in a few seconds of time as can be seen in the figure where the SEM figures are taken before and after the treatment with green plasticization

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chemicals. Due to the highly increased contact area, a great improvement in the strength properties can be recorded as demonstrated in the summaryfigure. This new plasticized material is also suitable for forming application when aiming to create 3D objects from totally bio-based renewable materials.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Processes for nanocellulose composite manufacturing (PRONANOCELL) Start: January 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,573,911

Project Coordinator: Dr. Göran Flodberg Paper Chemistry & Nanomaterials Business area Material Processes [email protected]

Project Partners:

Innventia AB, [email protected] Elastopoli Oy, [email protected], [email protected] Fraunhofer –ICT, [email protected] Ljungby Komposit AB, [email protected] Volvo Cars AB, [email protected] Stora Enso AB, [email protected] All-Plast Oy, [email protected] A. Schulman GmbH, [email protected]

The photo shows two wrist supports made of nanocellulose or CNF (Cellulose nanofibrils). The left one with CNF/ PP and the right one with CNF/PA 6.

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

In ProNanoCell are three different methods are investigated to produce a polymer composite reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). Also a blend of pulp fibre, CNF and polymer has been investigated. The first method is built on extrusion to produce injection moulding material. The method follows in principle the work done at Kyoto University. In the second process the material is produced in the form of composite sheets, which consists of pulp fibres, CNF and polymer. This procedure is called the Wet web comingling process followed by extrusion. The third method is built on a drying process followed by extrusion and results in material for injection moulding and other techniques. This technique is called the DEVO process (Devolatilization). The main target has been to increase the flexural modulus by 50%.

Preliminary achievements

This goal has been fulfilled for the second and the third method. The first method is still under further development. The first demonstrator has been produced in the form of a wrist support (50% CNF/ 50% polymer) and a coffee cup.

Petter. Her er Mikas kommentar. Kan du sende ny tekst dersom den skal endres MIKA: I commented this in the earlier version already that cannot we use the original abstract instead what is written here now? This piece of text under “Abstract” refers more to preliminary achievements, therefore in my opinion the current text could be part of the text under the Chapter “Preliminary achievements”.

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WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Liquid fuels from lignin by hydrothermal liquefaction and deoxygenation (LIGNOHTL) Start: March 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,106,000

Project Coordinator: Yrjö Solantausta VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland [email protected]

Project Partners:

Thünen Institute, [email protected] IRCELYON, [email protected] Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e. V., [email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

The overall goal of the LIGNOHTL project is to study the potential compatibility of different lignin sources for the production of second generation biofuels, as a concept providing complementary sources of bio-carbon to refineries, and to estimate its technical potential in Europe. The concept is based on the co-processing of crude oil distillates in conventional refineries together with blended bio-liquids obtained from various lignin-based conversion processes. The process includes separate or co-upgrading of pulping black liquor with lignin residues from e.g. bioethanol plants into higher value biofuels and chemicals. This will be achieved by integrating the pulp mill recovery cycle with a hydrothermal liquefaction process. We will identify a complementary route to low cost biofuels to mineral oil refineries based on experimental data generated in this project and other sources. The overall conversion process which will be investigated in this project consists of three steps: hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation and co-processing with a petroleumbased feedstock to a final fuel product. Hydrothermal liquefaction will be used for converting black liquor together with other lignins into an intermediate biocrude. In the second step, the bio-crude will be catalytically hydrotreated to form an upgraded bio-crude with varying

degrees of deoxygenation. In the final step of the process, the upgraded bio-crude will be blended with a petroleum-derived feedstock, and the blend will be further processed using conventional oil refinery process technology. The experimental data generated in this project will be used as an input for techno-economic evaluation of the proposed process concept.

Preliminary achievements

So far, the experimental work in this project has primarily revolved around developing and optimizing the individual key unit processes of the envisioned process concept. Thus, the practical work has been to a large extent focused on

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the first two steps of the overall process chain: hydrothermal conversion of black liquor into an intermediate biocrude and subsequent hydrodeoxygenation of the biocrude. In order to optimize the black liquor conversion process, i.e. to maximize the recovery of energy in the biocrude product, the effect of various process parameters has been investigated. Several promising catalysts have been identified for the subsequent hydrodeoxygenation step. This work has entailed synthesis of various metal and bi-functional catalysts, and their testing using lignin model compounds.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Tunable lignocellulose-based responsive films (TunableFilms) Start: February 2014 Duration: 24 months Total budget: € 745,837

Project Coordinator: Maria Soledad Peresin VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland [email protected]

Project Partners:

Aalto University, Finland, [email protected] Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), Sweden, [email protected] Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU), [email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

The objective of the Tunable Films project is to demonstrate the potential of nanocellulosic and hemicellulose films in relevant packaging purposes and also go beyond the state-of-the-art by exploring the possibilities for completely new materials emerging from the lignocellulosic feedstock. These solutions include novel functional materials such as humidity sensors and smart and bioactive films. The ultimate goal is to construct smart and intelligent packaging solutions, where high oxygen and moisture barrier properties and excellent mechanical performance are combined with antimicrobial feature.

Preliminary achievements

A comprehensive characterization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), hemicelluloses and films thereof was performed (NMR, SEC, AFM, UV-Vis, contact angle and Infra-Red) to understand the relation between their surface properties and physical performance. Moreover,

mechanical, oxygen barrier and light transmission properties of CNF films together with hydroxypropylated hemicellulose derivatives and sorbitol were contrasted to the submicron hierarchy of the films. AFM adhesion mapping was shown to be an efficient tool for investigating the fine structure of films in which the uniform distribution of additives and homogeneous chemical composition were found to be the main factors affecting the physical features of the formed films. In order to confer antimicrobial activity while improving the mechanical properties, the films’ surfaces were functionalized by using a polymer adsorption and/or atomic layer deposition. The challenge lies in overcoming the rather poor wet strength resistance of native CNF films. To this end, several coating methods to embed antimicrobial and functional polymers in the films were investigated. Bioactivity was also demonstrated by conjugating antibodies onto the oxidized films. Ultrathin films of cellulose nanocrystals

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(CNC) were constructed on inorganic solid substrates and their response towards humidity was examined by using surface sensitive tools such as quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and ellipsometric porosimetry (EEP). Quantitative analysis of the results indicated the preference to being soaked by water at the point of hydration as each individual CNC in the film became enveloped by three monolayers of adsorbed water vapor, generating detectable thickness response. These fundamental findings on water/ vapour sensitivity facilitate the exploitation of wood-based materials as water/ vapour barriers and sensor elements.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Innovative lean processes and cooperation models for planning, production and maintenance of urban timber buildings (leanWOOD) Start: June 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,500,000

Project Coordinator: Wolfgang Huß Technische Universität München, Faculty of Architecture [email protected]

Research Partners:

FCBA Institut technologique, [email protected] HSLU Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Engineering and Architecture, [email protected] Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, [email protected] VTT Technical Research Centre, Materials and Construction, Finland, [email protected]

Industrial and SME Partners:

Gumpp & Maier GmbH Germany, [email protected] Timbatec Holzbauingenieure (Schweiz) AG, Switzerland, [email protected] Makiol + Wiederkehr Dipl. Holzbau-Ing. HTL/SISH, Switzerland, [email protected] Lignatur AG, Switzerland, [email protected] Uffer AG, Switzerland, [email protected] Lattkearchitekten, Germany, [email protected] Kämpfen für Architektur AG, Switzerland, [email protected] Rakennusliike Reponen Oy, Finland, [email protected] Finnish Wood Research Oy, Finland, [email protected] Kouvola Innovation Oy, Finland, [email protected] Suomen Kiinteistöliitto ry, Finland, [email protected]

Webpage: www.leanwood.eu Abstract

Modern timber architecture is associated with industrialized production of construction elements that involve a high level of prefabrication. Each planning stage is complex, with off-site prefabrication of building elements, transport and assembling logistics increasing in order to save time during on-site assembly. The traditional way of building, which mainly focuses on on-site production has shaped the framework of organization and legislation for centuries. This process presents a significant barrier for a wider usage of timber within building construction. Specialist knowledge of timber construction and its production facilities is missing in early planning stages because timber manufacturers and/or timber construction engineers’ involvement in projects happens too late within the process. Significant expenses are incurred if a project stage is late and

results in a ‘re-design phase’. This will often cause missed deadlines and eventual cost overrun. Furthermore architects and engineers are depending on consultancy by timber specialists due to the multifarious requirements and different types of timber constructions. Best conditions are given if future building projects are planned right from the start by a team of architects, engineers and timber construction specialists working together. The main goal is to develop new cooperation and process models for prefabricated timber construction. “lean” represents the lean handling of processes and the efficient and effective coordination of all participants. This could be the significant collaboration needed to improve productivity in industrialized timber construction. leanWOOD refers to the basic principles of lean management- a feature of the added-value chain

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applied successfully in several industry sectors since 1980, with the premise here being customer focus, waste reduction and the prevention of rejects. Despite the fact that companies in the production sector have been applying the methods of lean management for a long time, these techniques and values have so far been rarely adopted by the building sector. leanWOOD develops model solutions for the optimized workflow of cooperative planning and implementation processes in timber construction. The goal is to apply the main features of lean management to the complete planning and building process added-value chain. Based on research and analysis of existing built “best- practice“ examples and work methods of other highly developed industrial sectors, for instance ship building and automotive engineering, leanWOOD demonstrates possibilities for optimized processes and goal-orientation.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Tall Timber Facades – Identification of Cost-effective and Resilient Envelopes for Wood Constructions (TallFacades) Start: September 2014 Duration: 30 months Total budget: € 1,800,000

Project Coordinator: Stephan Ott TU München, Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction [email protected]

Project Partners:

TU München, [email protected]; [email protected] Rubner Holzbau GmbH, [email protected] Eternit AG, [email protected] Categorization of risk areas and classes of exposure [Tietze, TUM]. SINTEF Building and Infrastructure, berit.time@ sintef.no; [email protected] NTNU Trondheim, [email protected]; [email protected] and facade detailing, considering Isola AS, [email protected] moisture penetration and accumulation Overhalla Industrier AS, [email protected] as well as possible failure modes and SP Wood Technology, [email protected], [email protected] indirect consequences. (lead NTNU) Moelven Modular buildings AB, [email protected] 2. Derivation of a generalized Martinsons Building Systems, [email protected] procedure for risk assessment of FCBA, [email protected], [email protected] envelope detailing (lead TUM) 3. First mock-up of an exemplary failure mode (focusing on outdoor – indoor Webpage: www.tallfacades.eu climate relation and diffusion) linked to basic data (lead SINTEF) also lead to an image risk for timber 4. Identification of damage scenarios Abstract buildings, if damages will increase in related to human error and construcWith an increasing height of timber future. Therefore ‘semi-probabilistic tion process and preparation of lab buildings the challenge is growing to safety concepts’, similar to those in static testing (lead FCBA) provide moisture safe conditions for the calculations, are necessary to prevent 5. Identification of building related expected lifetime of building envelopes. damage caused by inappropriate reaction risk areas (SP) and related collection Tall buildings are particularly exposed of construction to climate exposure. of detailing together with LCC/ to high wind pressures combined The main objective of the project is to LCA procedure concept (lead SP) with driving rain. Additionally, big facilitate the confident design of durable 6. Moisture failure survey amongst buildings require longer times of and therefore cost-effective design stakeholders in all partner construction in which the structural solutions for tall timber facades by the countries (all Partners) elements are especially exposed to collection of existing knowledge how 7. Dissemination activities have started moisture. Last but not least inspection, to construct moisture-safe buildings through a website, contributions to intermaintenance and repair possibilities (best practice detail catalogue and state national scientific conferences (Forum are limited in high rise structures. of standardization). Best practice is Wood Nordic 2015, WCTE 2016) as well as Compared to fire safety and static maintained by an evaluation of those with national expert and industry groups. demands, the risk of moisture damages solutions e.g. with hygrothermal simulaContacts to researchers in North America today is dramatically underestimated tion. The moisture safe design will be are established, they have already in planning and building processes supported by a risk based tool taking experience in and strongly support a and in quality management. Although into account exposure and vulnerability risk-based approach of moisture safety. statistics of construction damages clearly of facade systems consistently. 8. Coordination keep track on project show the high amount of moisture time table and the mile stones and related failure of the building shell pushes forward the collaboration resulting in the immense economic loss Preliminary achievements and exchange for best results in of e.g. 5% of total annual investment 1. Development of model representathis transdisciplinary project. in new buildings in Norway. This may tion of exposure of exterior walls

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WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Hybrid cross laminated timberplates (HCLTP) Start: March 2014 Duration: 34 months Total budget: € 831,000

Project Coordinator: Boštjan Brank University of Ljubljana, Faculty for Civil and Geodetic Engineering (Slovenia) [email protected]

Project Partners:

CBD Contemporary Building Design d.o.o. (Slovenia), [email protected] MPA University of Stuttgart (Germany), [email protected] Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering, Vienna University of Technology (Austria), [email protected] Stora Enso Wood products GmbH (Austria), [email protected] MINDA Industrieanlagen (Germany), [email protected] Černivšek Jože s.p. (Slovenia), [email protected]

Webpage: www.hcltp.com

Abstract

Cross laminated timber (Xlam or CLT) started its mass production about 15 years ago. Over time it has become one of the most used products in the timber construction industry with its worldwide use growing exponentially. The aim of this project is the development of new types of cross laminated timber plates, so called hybrid crosslam plates, which could be optimised for specific conditions. Namely, the currently produced Xlam plates still have lots of room for improvement that would allow for their more effective and economic use under different conditions. Also the quantity of yearly cut timber in Europe is slowly reaching its maximum. Its price is consequently rising, making conventional Xlam less competitive on the market on one hand and more straining on the forest on the other. Hence new Xlam plates with glued-in timber ribs as well as a related optimal production process are being developed on the ribbed-type plates ensure a rational use of material for bridging larger spans, and on the other hand such plates are optimal for building’s outer walls, allowing for insulation and a façade system to be installed easier and at lower costs. The new production process development is crucial to ensure that the new product’s production costs are kept on the same

A concept of the modified ribbed Xlam plates with an additional concrete layer connected with nailed plates. level as conventional Xlam and therefore ensure a better price performance than the current solutions on the market. In addition a combination of the newly developed ribbed Xlam plates with an additional concrete layer bonded with an affordable connection system will be studied. The aim of such plates is, apart from increasing their load bearing capacity, to enhance their sound insulation properties which often cause problems especially in multi storey and multi apartment buildings.

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Preliminary achievements

Currently the project’s FEM study of the optimal ribbed Xlam plate geometry is coming to the final conclusions by using different modelling approaches which will now also be experimentally verified. Also a separate study of the building physic properties of such plates is giving parallel results. The production line project will be based on the outcomes of both studies satisfying a majority of the most common building cases.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Silent Timber Build for The European Market (Silent Timber Build) Start: August 2015 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,900,000

Project Coordinator: Klas Hagberg SP Wood [email protected] [email protected]

Project Partners:

Lund University, [email protected] Graz University of Technology, Heinz Ferk, [email protected] CSTB, [email protected] FCBA, [email protected] InterAC, [email protected] Fraunhofer, IBP, [email protected] SINTEF, [email protected] Lignum, [email protected] CEI-Bois, [email protected] WSP Environmental, [email protected] SAU, [email protected] AB Fristad Bygg, [email protected] Norgeshus AS, [email protected] Bauer Holzbau GmbH, [email protected]

Safe prediction models will take the wooden industry one step further. The risk exposure will decrease considerably for the developer and the structural components will be optimized already in the design stage.

Webpage: www.silent-timber-build.com

Abstract

The aim of “Silent Timber Build” is to develop calculation models for acoustics and vibrations in wooden constructions. Until today there is a lack of data and knowledge regarding this topic especially when it comes to low frequencies and very low frequencies. It is in this frequency region where the focus should be in order to make sure that the number of tenants annoyed by noise will be reduced to a level corresponding to any other building structure.

Preliminary achievements

So far the project team has defined a way to manage the modelling of basic constructions both regarding airborne sound and impact sound insulation. We have initiated collaboration with adjacent projects, for example the project wood wisdom net project with the acronym, HCLTP. By doing this link between the project it will gain both projects during the progress of the work. The project

manager of HCLTP, Bostjan Brank, was joining our last project meeting and our successful industrial seminar held in Stockholm just in the end of April 2015. At this seminar we had participants from different industries, consultants and research units all over Europe. A guest speaker from Canada was invited (Rebecca Holt at Perkins & Will) in order to build new “bridges” for the future between North America and Europe. The European knowledge within acoustics and vibration can be very helpful for the extensive development of mass timber constructions in North America. The various presentations of the current status presented on the conference are available at www. silent-timber-build.com. The conference also included study visits in some typical four to eight storey timber buildings in Sweden. The visits gave a good idea of what is possible to produce today.

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WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Durable Timber Bridges (DuraTB) Start: January 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 2,120,000

Project Coordinator: Kjell A. Malo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dept. of Structural Engineering, [email protected]

Project Partners:

Moelven Limtre AS, [email protected] Norwegian Public Road Authorities, [email protected] VTT technical research centre of Finland, [email protected] Aalto University, [email protected] SP Technical research Institute of Sweden, [email protected] Lund University, [email protected] Moelven Töreboda AB, [email protected] Martinsons Träbroar AB, [email protected] Limträteknik AB, [email protected] Swedish Road Authorities, [email protected] Finnish Transport Agency, [email protected] Finnish Wood Research OY, [email protected] Versowood OY, [email protected] Late-Rakenteet OY, [email protected] MetsäWood, [email protected] City of Espoo, [email protected] City of Helsinki, [email protected] Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT, [email protected] United States, Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, [email protected]

Webpage: Not available

Abstract

Many new bridges are needed due to altered use and bad conditions beyond repair. Most of these bridges have quite small spans, in the range 10 to 120 m, crossing roads and rivers. Bridges are vital components of the transport infrastructure, and the closing time in case of renovation is critical. Timber bridges are well suited for this span range; they offer quick installation on site and can utilize existing foundation due to low weight. The research project aims to improve the general standing and applicability of wood as a structural material in environmentally friendly bridges. The overall objective of the project is to develop durable timber bridges with a given estimated technical lifetime. The scientific and technological objectives cover; development of a performance

based service life design model for timber bridges, validated computer models for prediction of moisture distribution and moisture traps and new design concepts for durable timber bridges with spans up to 150 m.

Preliminary achievements

The figure visualizes how a performance model for durability is incorporated in the design process for a timber bridge. Single arrow heads indicate onedirectional flow of information, e.g. the material properties of a chosen material influence the safety performance, but the safety performance does not change the material properties. Arrow heads in both ends means that information and influence can move both ways and implies an iterative procedure. The performance criteria are defined

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by a limit state, e.g. representing onset or a certain level of decay, a safety limit, or a comfort criterion. For durability, this approach has the advantage that the exposure can be expressed as a function of global and local climate, component design and surface treatment in a general way, independent of the exposed material. The material resistance is in the same way expressed in terms of response to quantified and standardized conditions. The project run instrumented tests on typical bridge parts, collects data from instrumented bridges and make use of numerical FEM models to evaluate and classify typical details of timber bridge design. The models are in turn used to improve promising design concepts for durable timber bridges.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Competitive wood based interior materials and systems for modern wood construction (Wood2New) Start: March 2014 Duration: 36 months Total budget: € 1,870,700

Project Coordinator: Yrsa Cronhjort Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture [email protected]

Project Partners:

Norsk Treteknisk Institutt, [email protected] Holzforschung Austria, [email protected] Technisches Büro für Chemie – Dr. Karl Dobianer, [email protected] Linköping University, [email protected] Building Research Establishment Ltd, [email protected] AB Gustaf Kähr, [email protected] Moelven Wood AB, [email protected] Mini Prosjekt Norge, [email protected] Finnish Wood Research Oy, [email protected] Willmott Dixon, [email protected] Stora Enso, [email protected] European Confederation of Woodworking Industries, aisbl [email protected] Finnish Log House Industry Association, [email protected] Massiv Lust AS, [email protected]

Webpage: www.wood2new.org Abstract

We spend 90% of our lives inside buildings and this affects our physical and psychological health and comfort. However, the significance of human well-being in constructions, is poorly understood. The effect of indoor environments is enhanced in care and living spaces: the growing demand for healthy buildings could open new opportunities for wood. Sustainable development is also increasing in importance. Hence materials and products with environmentally, socially and economically sound values should have an advantage if they can deliver competitive performance. The aim of Wood2New is to reinforce and improve the competitiveness of wood based interior products and systems based on these values. During the first project year, collaborative action has been taken to advance the goals by:

(1) identifying the European legislative framework for using wood in interiors, (2) conducting research on existing and possible markets for wood based products, (3) exploring end-user perceptions in Europe of wood material by focus group discussions and surveys, (4) monitoring emissions and effects on human health by timber structures in real life conditions, (5) researching heat exchange and moisture behaviour of wood, (6) surveying design parameters for energy efficient wood architecture, (7) demonstrating pleasant floor solutions and absorbing wooden wall elements in student projects.

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Preliminary achievements

During the first project year work has been presented in printed media, at seminars and COST Action meetings and international conferences. The first public seminar was organized in Bergen, Norway on June 23rd. In autumn 2015 we will organize our 4th project meeting directly after the the 8th European Conference on Wood Modification 26-27.10.2015, both hosted by Aalto University. Please follow our website for project updates and publications, and join our discussion on LinkedIn.

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

ETH House of Natural Resources in Zürich The mission of the project “ETH House of Natural Resources” is the development, implementation and in-situ monitoring of innovative structural elements made of wood at original scale, including post-tensioned timber frames and timber-concrete hybrid floors made of beech wood. Further, novel facade elements are implemented and monitored as well. In June 2015 the ETH House of Natural Resources was awarded as one of the winners of the Schweighofer Prize, the Innovation Award for the European Forest-Based Sector. By Thomas Näher, Dipl. Forstwirt TU, Managing Director S-WIN Swiss Wood Innovation Network The project will enhance structural health monitoring. The monitored data will be compared to the “subjective” feedback of the building’s users. The results of the project will provide unmatched knowledge about the behaviour of this innovative timber structure and facade elements, knowledge that cannot be gained with numerical or experimental analysis performed conventionally within a laboratory. The structural elements made of beech could lead to an increased application of the abundantly growing beech as building material. The timber structure will enable the ETH House of Natural Resources of becoming a showcase timber building hosting high-end structural research including online monitoring for students, architects, engineers, investors, authorities and national and international guests. The House of Natural Resources, however, demonstrates that hardwood is a viable option. The material is environmentally friendly because it can store CO2 for long periods of time. The timber frame and composite slabs also use less cement and steel, both of which result in CO2 emissions during production. Researchers are also testing other cutting-edge innovations at the House of Natural Resources, including an adaptive solar façade. The twostorey House of Natural Resources will house the offices of ETH Zurich’s Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology as a living lab.

Office space in the House of Natural Resources (Photo: ETH Zurich)

Finished frame on the first storey (Photo: ETH Zurich)

Andrea Frangi, Professor of Structural Engineering-Timber at ETH Zurich, who developed the novel hardwood frame that was used to construct the House of Natural Resources, believes his hardwood solutions could eventually be used

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to construct multiple-storey buildings. “This is a lighthouse project,” Frangi says. “We invite people to come and look at what we have done with hardwood. You will not find a similar building worldwide.”

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Beyond the world record:

A look at Norway’s latest timber innovation – and how the government intends to keep on building When construction of the world’s tallest timber building is completed in Norway this autumn, the momentous achievement will be a result of team effort. But for financial contributor Innovation Norway, there will be no time to sit back and admire this impressive feat of timber construction. To the Norwegian government, “Treet” is simply the latest building block in an ongoing strategic effort to strengthen the nation’s wood- and timber industry – an industry that may soon play an increasingly important role in the Norwegian economy. Benjamin A. Øveraas Advicer Innovation Norway Tree based Innovation programme Many articles have already been written about Treet—“the Tree”—and many more will doubtlessly be penned upon the building’s completion later this autumn. With its fourteen floors of prefabricated building modules and cross-laminated timber construction from exterior to elevator shaft, Treet is the tallest timber building in the world. Although not yet finished, the apartment block already appears a towering icon of modern, sustainable architecture, standing fifty-one meters tall above its waterfront surroundings in Bergen. By Christmas, the first occupants will be moving into its 62 passive-house apartments, taking in an impressive panoramic view of the famously mountainous city. The contributors to the project’s realization have been many, among them Innovation Norway—the Norwegian government’s development bank and primary instrument for innovation— whose grants went into the project during the development stage. But although honored to put their name on this groundbreaking accomplishment, the governmental organization has no time to bask in the glory of having broken a world record. For the Norwegian government, the completion of Treet is simply the latest milestone in a long-term strategic investment in Norway’s wood- and timber industry. And as Innovation Norway’s name implies, the organization has its sights fixed not on what has already been built, but on what can be built upon it. “From our point of view, the most

important aspect of this project is the knowledge and practical experience gained,” says Krister Moen, head of Innovation Norway’s Wood-based Innovation Programme. According to Moen, Innovation Norway is not primarily concerned with the prestige of world records, but rather how each success might pave the way for further advances. For every lesson learned during Treet’s development and construction, the barrier has been lowered for similar buildings to be erected in the future. “That is why we offer financial contributions to pilot projects like this – because they demonstrate not only what is possible, but also how it can be done. This benefits the entire Norwegian wood- and timber industry.”

New legs to stand on

Why is the Norwegian government actively working to bolster the nation’s wood- and timber industry? The answer is presently unfolding, one newspaper headline after the other: Oil prices on worldwide decline, the age of fossil fuels coming to an end, and the threat these developments pose to the very fundament of present-day Norwegian economy. In the words of Innovation Norway CEO Anita Krohn Traaseth, Norway needs to find new legs to stand on in the post-oil age; new industries in which to excel

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when petroleum can no longer sustain us. Fortunately, despite the challenges it presents, the green shift to a biobased society also heralds a wealth of emerging economic opportunities. With long-standing traditions for processing wood, abundant natural resources and high levels of technical competence, Norway has significant advantages on the international wood and timber scene. “The government’s strategic efforts to strengthen our wood- and timber industry have already been running for fifteen years,” says Moen. He explains that alongside grants for pilot projects, the government has promoted the increased use of wood in other ways— through business development, productand process innovation, and developing university-level education courses. It even coordinates a nationwide network of mobilizers of innovation in wood, whose sole task is to be a driving force for more private and public development projects. Complemented by the Research Council’s targeted funding of R&D activities, a clear picture is painted of Norway’s cohesive strategic approach to wood-based innovation. “For the last few years, our priorities have been centered on developing large wooden constructions like schools, multipurpose halls and student housing blocks as industrial exemplars”, Moen

WoodWisdom-Net

September 2015

Joint Topic Proposal on ERA-NET Cofund

“Innovative Forest-based Bioeconomy“ in collaboration with ERA-NET Plus Action WoodWisdom-Net+ and ERA-NET Actions SUMFOREST and FORESTERRA Martin Greimel Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. Austria

Background

Besides WoodWisdom-Net+ there exist two other ERA-NET Actions that are related to the forestry area: FORESTERRA dedicated to the Mediterranean area, and SUMFOREST which is to tackle the challenges in the implementation of sustainable and multifunctional forestry through enhanced research coordination for policy decisions. Only SUMFOREST has planned future joint calls for research proposals (1. Call will be launched early 2016 and 2. call late 2016/early 2017). Therefore in November 2014 the coordinators - together with some dedicated project partners - prepared a joint document asking the European Commission (EC) to support future calls for research proposals in the forest-related area under Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for

Research and Innovation for the years 2014-2020 (H2020). With the help of the European Technology Platform for the Forest-based Sector (FTP) discussions with several EC services as well as the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) were organised till March 2015. Finally, the working group convinced the EC to establish a follow-up of the three ERA-NETs within the Work Programme (WP) 2016/17 of Societal Challenge 2 (Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy) of H2020 which will be published in autumn 2015.

Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and ERA-NET Cofund Specific Grant Agreements (SGA) The EC has established a new instrument called FPA. This is a formalised agreement between the EC and public national research programme owners and managers to support long-term Joint Actions towards Public-Public Partnerships within the Bioeconomy.

Within the WP 2016/17 of SC 2 there will be a call to establish such an FPA. All organisations (within the EC but also those from international partner countries) that would like to participate in a future ERA-NET Cofund will have to join this FPA as a precondition (access at a later stage to the FPA will be possible through amendments). As soon as the FPA is established the EC will launch invitations to submit proposals for SGAs that will lead to new ERA-NET Cofund actions. In the WP 2016/17 of SC2 the EC has established an indicative list of topics for new ERA-NET Cofunds in 2017.

WP 2017 Indicative Topic for ERANET Cofund: Innovative forestbased bioeconomy The call description is very broad ranging from basic to applied research including close to market research and innovation activities. The scope spans all forest-based value chains from forest vitality and forestry production systems to efficiency in supplying forest-based goods (wood and non-wood) and services.

continues from previous page continues. “These projects contribute to creating a market for large-scale wooden constructions not only in Norway, but also internationally. Such a market represents a big opportunity for the Norwegian wood- and timber industry. There is also an obvious environmental benefit to this type of project, with wood advancing into an architectural realm traditionally dominated by steel and concrete.” Indeed, large multi-floor timber buildings represent a particularly important development within the construction sector. As worldwide demographic patterns point to ever-expanding cities, wood has been designated to take a leading role in limiting their carbon footprints. “In this regard, Treet is especially interesting. Not only does it showcase innovative timber construction, but it does so in an urban setting. Cities are important arenas where we are sure to see many exciting wooden concepts be developed over the coming years.”

The desired effect

Already, headlines are being made by extraordinary new projects promising to eclipse recent achievements. In June, Norwegian real estate investor Arthur Buchardt unveiled plans for a 17-floor timber tower to be built at lake Mjøsa in 2018, surpassing Treet’s record-breaking height. And to a greater degree than before, new projects are initiated and carried out without reliance on state funding. To Innovation Norway, this is a very encouraging omen. “After years of financing pilot projects, we are finally witnessing the desired effect kicking in,” says Moen. “With every project, new heads have been turned and eyes opened to the benefits of timber as a construction material. Now that most of the common uncertainties about timber have been addressed and dispelled, many contractors possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake large-scale projects on their own.” When a market for large-scale wooden structures has been successfully

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established, Innovation Norway`s next priority will be to contribute to strengthening the manufacturing segment of the nation’s timber supply chain. “Treet’s prefabricated modules were delivered by ship from Estonia. Our primary aim moving forward will be to boost our own capacity for transforming raw materials, instead of having to ship them abroad only to reimport them.” On a closing note, Moen admits that Innovation Norway not caring for prestige and world records is not entirely true. “We do of course welcome the publicity surrounding Treet,” he says. “The building itself is colossal evidence of Norway’s intention to be at the forefront of global timber innovation.” This autumn, Innovation Norway is set to publish «40 wooden exemplars» — a celebratory collection of case studies from the governmental wood program’s first fifteen years. The presentation will be available online and as a printed brochure – Watch this space!

sep t e m ber 2015

Partner organisations of WoodWisdom-Net+ Finland

- Tekes - the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation. www.tekes.fi - Academy of Finland (AKA). www.aka.fi - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM). www.mmm.fi

Sweden

- VINNOVA - Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems. www.vinnova.se - Statens Energimyndighet (SWEA). www.swedishenergyagency.se

Norway

- RCN - The Research Council of Norway. www.rcn.no

Germany

- Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR). www.fnr.de

France

- Ministere de l’Agriculture de l’Alimentation de la Peche et de la Ruralité - Direction Générale des Politiques Agricole, Agroalimentaire et des Territoires (MAAF). www.agriculture.gouv.fr - Institut Technologique FCBA. www.fcba.fr - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA). www.inra.fr - Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie (ADEME). www.ademe.fr

Latvia

- Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia (ZM). www.zm.gov.lv - Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS). www.lza.lv

Austria

- Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft (BMLFUW). www.lebensministerium.at

Switzerland

- Eidgenössisches Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF (KTI). www.kti.admin.ch - Federal Department for Environment, Transports, Energy and Communication (BAFU). www.bafu.admin.ch

Slovenia

- Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MIZS). www.mizks.gov.si

United Kingdom

- The Forestry Commissioners (FC). www.forestry.gov.uk

Ireland

- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM-COFORD). www.agriculture.gov.ie

Slovakia

- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic (MPRV SR). www.land.gov.sk

Don’t miss out! For the latest news and events from WoodWisdom-Net, please follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/WoodWisdomNet-4937157 Project website: www.woodwisdom.net

Main activities • The overall objective of the WoodWisdom-Net+ is to support the transformation of the European F-BI and sustainable forest management for increasing resource efficiency and adapting to and mitigating climate change effects. • The aim is to plan a single joint call for proposal for research, development and innovation in the forest sector with a clear financial commitment from the participating national (or regional) research programmes and the EU. • The estimated total funding volume of the joint call is expected to ca. 30 MEUR (share of industry funding 5-10 MEUR). • The main approach in the WW-Net+ is the substitution of non-renewable resources (e.g. materials or fossil fuels), by renewable forest-based solutions to reduce carbon emissions and waste. • Looking to the future, the WW-Net+ will continue to improve the delivery of joint activities and has ambitious goals for funding trans-national research and offering access to the resources of other countries. Project Coordinator Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation Ilmari Absetz P.O. Box 69, FIN-00101 Helsinki, Finland Tel. +358 2950 55837 [email protected] Project Secretariat Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Mika Kallio P.O. Box 30, FI-00023 Government, Helsinki, Finland Tel. +358 50 361 2694 [email protected] Published by the WoodWisdom-Net, September 2015 Newsletter editor Petter Nilsen The Research Council of Norway [email protected] Design: www.alien.no