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 / 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.

 

Press release / 3.9.2026

“Fungi in a New Light”: Dr. Christ at the PHAENO SCIENCE TALK

On Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the PHAENO SCIENCE TALK in the Wissenschaftstheater (science theater) at phaeno in Wolfsburg, Dr. Henrik-Alexander Christ from the Fraunhofer WKI will be providing insights into his current research. Admission is free. The focus will thereby be on the “LuminousNetworks” project. Furthermore, the scientist will also be demonstrating how fungal mycelium can be utilized to create sustainable materials.

 

Press release / 1.9.2026

A Sustainable Flame Retardant Derived From Corn Steep Liquor

Halogenated flame retardants raise environmental concerns and are consid-ered harmful to human health. Fraunhofer researchers are focusing on sus-tainable phosphorus-based raw materials derived from corn steep liquor. The phytic acid it contains is an excellent natural flame retardant for bio-materials.

 

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.

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