LATVIJAS VALSTS KOKSNES KIMIJAS INSTITUTS

Their core work

Latvia's State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) is a research centre in Riga specializing in wood chemistry, lignocellulosic biomass processing, and bio-based materials. Their core work involves converting forest and agricultural residues into valuable products — lignin-based resins, nanocellulose, bio-adhesives, and insulation materials. They also contribute expertise in material degradation science and preventive conservation monitoring, applying their deep understanding of organic materials to cultural heritage protection. The institute serves as Latvia's key player in circular forest bioeconomy research, bridging fundamental wood chemistry with industrial applications like plywood binders and sustainable packaging.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

LSIWC's early H2020 participation (2015–2018) was broad and exploratory: researcher mobility via EURAXESS, general bioeconomy infrastructure (ERIFORE), and lignocellulosic chemistry fundamentals (US4GREENCHEM). From 2019 onward, their focus sharpened dramatically toward applied bio-based materials — lignin resins, nanocellulose fibres, and sustainable binders for the wood products industry (VIOBOND, CELISE). The shift from foundational research support to industrial-scale biorefinery applications signals a maturing institute moving closer to market-ready technologies.

LSIWC is moving firmly toward industrial biorefinery — expect future work on scaling bio-based adhesives, insulation materials, and lignin valorization for the construction and packaging sectors.

How they like to work

LSIWC has participated exclusively as a partner, never coordinating an H2020 project — they bring deep wood chemistry expertise to consortia led by others. With 130 unique partners across 44 countries, they are remarkably well-connected for an institute of their size, suggesting they are a sought-after specialist rather than a passive participant. Their broad network and consistent participant role make them a reliable, low-friction partner for large European consortia needing materials science expertise.

LSIWC has collaborated with 130 distinct partners across 44 countries — an exceptionally wide network for an institute with only 7 projects, indicating involvement in large, diverse consortia spanning most of Europe and beyond.

What sets them apart

LSIWC occupies a rare niche: deep wood chemistry expertise combined with practical biorefinery know-how, housed in one of the few EU member states with a large forestry sector and competitive biomass supply chain. Their ability to work across the full chain — from raw lignocellulosic feedstock to finished bio-based products like plywood binders and insulation — makes them a one-stop materials partner for forest bioeconomy consortia. For anyone building a project around lignin valorization or cellulose-based alternatives in the Baltic-Nordic region, LSIWC is a natural fit that also brings geographic diversity.

Highlights from their portfolio

• VIOBOND
  Their largest project (EUR 717K) and most industrially focused — upscaling lignin-based resin production for plywood and insulation, running through 2027.
• CollectionCare
  An unexpected cross-sector application: wood degradation expertise applied to cultural heritage conservation using IoT sensors and cloud computing.
• US4GREENCHEM
  Their first major H2020 project (EUR 328K) combining ultrasonic and enzyme treatments for lignocellulosic processing — established their biorefinery credentials.