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 note / 5.11.2024

Test procedure for the uniform evaluation of air purifiers

The corona pandemic has shown just how important it is to protect people in indoor areas against infection through airborne pathogens. Mobile air purifiers can, in principle, contribute to this. Until now, there has been no uniform method for testing their effectiveness. Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have therefore developed a standardised testing method to close this gap.

 

Press release / 23.10.2024

New leadership at the Fraunhofer WKI

On the 1st of October 2024, Prof. Dr. Raoul Klingner assumed the acting director position of the institute. He holds a degree in Wood Science and Technology and an honorary professorship at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technische Universität Braunschweig. He will complement the successful institute with his expertise and experience in strategic research management.  

 

Press release / 10.10.2024

European Wood-based Panel Symposium

The European Wood-based Panel Symposium began yesterday in Hamburg. The Fraunhofer WKI and the European Panel Federation (EPF) are organizing the networking event for the 13th time in cooperation with the International Association for Technical Issues Related to Wood (iVTH). Around 370 participants will discuss current trends and challenges in the wood-based materials industry.

 

Press release / 26.9.2024

Sustainable wind turbines

Wind energy is a key technology in the energy transition. It creates jobs in Germany and reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and global supply chains. Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI are developing innovative production, inspection and recycling processes for wind turbines as well as material solutions based on renewable raw materials. Here you will find a selection of current research and development projects.

Events and Fairs

 

Conference and exhibition

International Wood Construction Conference

December 4 to 6, 2024
Innsbruck, Austria

 

Trade fair

BAU 2025

January 13 to 17, 2025
Munich, Germany

 

Further training

Grading of sawn timber (DIN 4074-1)

February 10, 2025
Braunschweig, Germany

 

Further training

Bonding in wooden construction

February 10 to 14, 2025
Braunschweig, Germany

Wilhelm Klauditz Fellowship

The Wilhelm Klauditz Fellowship is a scholarship in the field of applied wood research and is announced annually. It is aimed to senior-level faculty eligible for sabbatical leave who want to pursue world-class research at the Fraunhofer WKI. 

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