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 / 18.8.2026

Standing-stored damaged spruce is suitable for the manufacture

Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with partners, have proven that the wood quality of spruce that has been standing-stored for a maximum of two years is still sufficient for the production of large-volume glued wooden components.

 

Press release / 17.6.2026

80 Years of Fraunhofer WKI

On June 17, 2026, approximately 150 guests celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm Klauditz Institute (WKI). At the start of the event, guests from the worlds of politics, research, and business were set in the festive mood with a look back at the 80-year history of Fraunhofer WKI, current research highlights, and visions for the future.  

 

Press release / 3.6.2026

Highly fire-retardant drywalls made from wood

Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with industrial partners, have developed a highly fire-retardant drywall system made from wood with a fire-resistance rating of at least 60 minutes. Featuring a non-combustible plywood panel as cladding, the system fulfils increased fire-protection requirements in buildings.

 

Press release / 21.5.2026

Non-combustible molded components for the insulation of heating systems

In collaboration with industrial partners, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have developed insulation boxes made from a non-combustible foam for heating systems. Heating systems in buildings with heightened fire-protection requirements could be installed, maintained and converted more quickly.

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