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 / 18.5.2026

Raoul Klingner Is the New Director of Fraunhofer WKI

Raoul Klingner took over the role as institute director of the Fraunhofer WKI on May 15, 2026. The wood science expert is now in charge of the strategic alignment of the institute on a permanent basis. He has been the acting institute director since October 1, 2024.

 

Press release / 5.5.2026

Sustainable beechwood-fiber insulation materials

Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have proven that beechwood can be utilized as a wood-fiber insulation material in the form of mats or foams. One application example is vertically perforated bricks filled with insulation mats made from beechwood fibers. In addition, the project partners have collaborated to develop a final concept for a pilot plant designed to manufacture insulation materials based on beechwood.

 

Press release / 9.4.2026

Adhesives expertise from the Fraunhofer WKI on stage

On 24 April 2026, the play “K:lebt!” will celebrate its premiere in the Kleines Haus of the Braunschweig State Theatre. The Fraunhofer WKI’s expertise in adhesives served, among other things, as the inspiration for the play, in which adhesive is used as a metaphor for the cohesion of society.

 

Press release / 7.4.2026

Hannover Messe: Wood foam in use

At the 2026 Hannover Messe, we will showcase the layered construction of a door that incorporates wood foam as a structural element. This demonstrates a specific application of wood foam in combination with traditional wood-based materials.

Events and Fairs

 

Exhibition

Fraunhofer WKI in the Science Showcase

March 18-20, 2026
Braunschweig, Germany

 

Trade Fair

Hannover Messe

April 20 to 24, 2026
Hanover, Germany

 

Science in dialogue

Salon der Wissenschaft (Salon of Science)

June 3, 2026
Braunschweig, Germany

 

Conference and exhibition

European Wood-based Panel Symposium

October 14 to 16, 2026
Hamburg, Germany

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

 

Application Center for Wood Fiber Research HOFZET®

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