In his presentation, Professor Kasal raised awareness that the use of renewable resources for materials production does not automatically mean that the whole process is sustainable or that the products are recyclable. Based on this observation, he spoke about global challenges with regard to the life cycle assessment of the production and use of building materials made from natural lignocellulosic resources.

The background of the Fraunhofer WKI

Sustainability through the utilization of renewable raw materials has formed the focus at the Fraunhofer WKI for 75 years. The institute, with locations in Braunschweig, Hanover, and Wolfsburg, specializes in process engineering, natural-fiber composites, binders and coatings, wood and emission protection, quality assurance of wood products, material and product testing, recycling procedures and the utilization of organic building materials and wood in construction. Virtually all the procedures and materials resulting from the research activities are applied industrially.