The Austrian Wood Initiative supports innovative projects along the wood value chain within the framework of the Forest Fund. In this article you will find a selection of current projects relevant to the bioeconomy. Under the respective links you can network directly with the participating organisations.
TimberLoop
From the building industry, for the building industry – basics for the recyclability of wood
The TimberLoop project pursues solution concepts for the high-quality reuse of wood from previous use in the sense of the bioeconomy and the circular economy. The (solid) wood structures are to be preserved and made usable for wood (construction) products in the future. This requires overcoming technical and legal challenges. The solutions must make economic and ecological sense. With the development and utilisation of this raw material pool, quality-assured products and processes based on circular wood should contribute to resource and climate protection.
Main funding applicant: Holzforschung Austria
TimberBioC
Critical evaluation of the effect of biogenic carbon in wood products on climate change using dynamic models
The TimberBioC project aims to develop dynamic models at forest and product level for the description and quantification of CO2 storage in wood building products. In view of potential recycling, a holistic sustainability assessment is to be made possible on the basis of a comprehensive system. In various scenarios up to 2150, the CO2 sink of timber is to be quantified, taking into account individual input parameters. The knowledge gained will subsequently be incorporated into sustainability assessments.
Main funding applicant: IBO – Österreichisches Institut für Bauen und Ökologie GmbH
3DP Biowalls
Additive manufacturing of recyclable wall systems from renewable raw materials
The 3DP Biowalls project aims to produce a mixture suitable for additive manufacturing from starch and the by-products lignosulfonate and wood chips, as well as by adding water. The printed mixture is completely biodegradable and recyclable. The aim is to optimise the properties by adding additives depending on the intended application. In addition to small-format test specimens, entire components are also being investigated with regard to their mechanical and physical properties. The entire production process is to be automated as far as possible. It is planned to test the system in combination with a stationary and also a mobile industrial robot. In this way, construction site production and prefabrication will be simulated and tested.
Main funding applicant: Universität für Bodenkultur – Institut für Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau
Sink.Carbon
Wood-hybrid construction as a carbon sink through innovative reusable and recyclable building elements
The SINK.CARBON research project aims to keep wood-hybrid construction elements in the material cycle for as long as possible, thus creating a real CO2 sink and significantly reducing the burden on the climate. This is realised through innovative concepts for the reuse and recycling of the wood-hybrid construction elements. The research project creates technological foundations for new ways of thinking and concepts for the use of materials in wood-hybrid construction. Technological issues, such as the simple loosening of joints and the preparation by means of shredding and reassembly, are being researched on a laboratory scale. These research activities are accompanied by an ecological evaluation of the construction system. In order to identify measures to promote the innovative construction system, current political framework conditions will be surveyed and necessary recommendations for action derived.
Main funding applicant: Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH
Waldstoff
Raising awareness: Local wood as a climate-friendly raw material for textiles
Globally, textile production is considered one of the most environmentally and climate-damaging economic sectors. About one third of the microplastic input can be attributed to textiles, and textile production consumes and pollutes an extremely large amount of water. In order to raise the awareness of the population and companies along the entire value chain, the advantages of wood as a renewable raw material for textile use are being processed, visualised and communicated in an easily understandable way in the course of the “Forest Material” project. This will be done both digitally and within the framework of publications and events. The aim is to demonstrate the sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful fossil-based fibres and the potential of the material use of wood from domestic production.
Main funding applicant: Common Affairs GmbH
eLABoration WOOD
Educational laboratory
The eLABoration WOOD project can be regarded as an educational laboratory. The objectives and innovative content are the nationwide development, implementation and dissemination of digital and haptic teaching and learning materials that are as consistent as possible in order to promote the contemporary and innovative use of wood for technical and general educational institutions. In this way, topics such as climate-friendly forests, sustainability, wood-based bioeconomy, resource efficiency, wood products and climate protection are to be brought into connection with “WALD & HOLZ” for teachers and learners. Another goal is to support the qualified training of skilled workers (from apprentice to master craftsman) with teaching and learning materials that are appropriate for the target group in a contemporary form, thereby increasing the attractiveness and quality of the training.
Main funding applicant: FH Salzburg