Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Building the future with renewable raw materials.
Since 1946.

Sustainability has been the central theme at the Fraunhofer WKI since its foundation in 1946. Founder and eponym Dr. Wilhelm Klauditz Dr. Wilhelm Klauditz sought solutions for the optimal exploitation of raw wood – a commodity which had become scarce as a result of the war - as well as for the technical utilization of waste wood and small-dimensioned wood. He is considered a pioneer of the modern wood-based materials industry. Today, the Fraunhofer WKI utilizes the entire spectrum of renewable raw resources in order to develop sustainable materials, components and chemical products. A particular focus is on the use of plant residues and waste materials.

About us

News

 

Press release / 28.10.2026

EPA Updates Formaldehyde Testing Procedures

On October 22, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the final rule titled “Voluntary Consensus Standards Update; Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products.” It pertains to 40 CFR Part 770 / TSCA Title VI. Experts at Fraunhofer WKI are advising companies on how to implement the new regulation.

 

Press release / 15.10.2026

14th EWBPS 2026: Opportunities and potential for the wood-based materials industry

The 14th European Wood-based Panel Symposium began yesterday in Hamburg. Around 360 participants from Germany and abroad are gathering from October 14 to 16, 2026, in order to discuss current developments, opportunities, and challenges within the wood-based materials industry. 

 

Press release / 13.10.2026

Berlin Science Week presents “LuminousNetworks”

How can works of art made from fungal mycelium change our perceptions of sustainability, conservation, and identity? From November 6 to 8, 2026, the Fraunhofer WKI and the Fraunhofer Network “Science, Art, and Design” will be presenting sculptures from the “LuminousNetworks” project at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, within the framework of Berlin Science Week.

 

Press release / 29.9.2026

Fraunhofer WKI Develops Insulation Panels from Paludi Biomass

How can peatland conservation and climate protection be combined with a sustainable supply of raw materials? Researchers at Fraunhofer WKI have demonstrated that biomass from wet meadows and rewetted peatlands can be processed into high-performance natural-fiber insulation materials.

Events and Fairs

 

Presentation

Science Talk.

September 24, 2026
phaeno Wolfsburg, Germany

 

Conference and exhibition

European Wood-based Panel Symposium

October 14 to 16, 2026
Hamburg, Germany

Conference

30th International
Wood Construction Conference

December 2-4, 2026
Innsbruck, Austria

More information to follow

Trade Fair

JEC 2027

March 2-4, 2027
Paris, France

 

 

More information to follow

Locations

 

Headquarters Braunschweig

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Riedenkamp 3
38108 Braunschweig

Phone +49 531 2155-0
Fax +49 531 2155-334

Email: info@wki.fraunhofer.de

 

Center for Light and Environmentally-Friendly Structures ZELUBA®

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Beethovenstraße 51F
38106 Braunschweig

 

Circular Composite Materials and Textiles

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI
Heisterbergallee 10A
30453 Hanover

Phone +49 511 353248 23

 

Fraunhofer Center Circular Economy for Mobility (CCEM)

c/o Open Hybrid LabFactory e.V.
Hermann-Münch-Str. 2
38440 Wolfsburg