Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research
Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

Two research highlights from the Fraunhofer WKI will be on display in the “Schaufenster Bioökonomie” (Bioeconomy Showcase): thermal-insulation bricks filled with beech-wood fibers and a formaldehyde-free bio-adhesive for the production of wood-based materials. This offers the construction industry economically attractive opportunities to meet legal requirements and increasing customer demands in terms of sustainability and health protection.

Complex wood-bioplastic components from the molding machine and ceiling system module for the renovation of old buildings based on wood foam: The Fraunhofer WKI will be presenting solutions for lightweight construction using renewable raw materials.

From raw materials to recycling: At the Hannover Messe the Fraunhofer WKI will be presenting new application possibilities for renewable raw materials at the Fraunhofer joint stand. The examples range from a wooden crash barrier for road traffic through to sustainable concrete construction materials made from residual materials. They demonstrate the potential of renewable raw materials for the circular economy.

In collaboration with industrial partners, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have developed a vehicle underbody made from natural fibers and recycled plastics. The component fulfills the stringent technical requirements in the underbody area and could replace conventional lightweight vehicle underbodies in the future. This could increase the proportion of renewable raw materials in the automotive industry.

Within the framework of the federal ministry of agriculture’s call for funding applications “Recycling-friendly utilization of wood”, the Fraunhofer WKI is involved in five of the six research projects. The focus of the projects is aimed at the development of cross-sector solutions for the resource-efficient use of wood, the circular economy and climate protection.

For the company Modvion AB in Gothenburg, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI accompanied the bonding of the first wooden tower for commercial wind turbines on the construction site and advised the company on complex bonding processes. The so-called "Wind of Change Tower" of the energy provider Varberg Energi AB was inaugurated on 4 March 2024.

Dr. Tobias Robert, scientist at the Fraunhofer WKI, talks about adhesives made from renewable raw materials in the science podcast series „Forsch!“ which is organized by ForschungRegion Braunschweig and the Braunschweiger Zeitung.

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